Buffy dropped a box of Cheerios into the cart and moved along to the next aisle. Spike pushed the cart after his her and crossed the cereal off the list.

What's next? Buffy asked while studying the shelves of canned soups.

Uh, we have everything cept milk, love. Spike glanced over the list on last time to make sure they hadn't forgot anything. Yeah, just milk.

Buffy chose a few cans of chicken noodle soup for Dawn before directing Spike and the cart to the dairy aisle. On the way to the checkout counter she decided to pass down the untouched aisles to make sure they had not forgotten to put things on the list. Absently adding missed items such ass dish soap and shampoo to their cart, as well as Dawn's popsicles, Buffy began to feel somewhat nauseous. Spike noticed her paling in the face and eyes her worriedly as they turned down the snack aisle.

Are you feeling all right, pet? Spike spotted a bag of his favorites munchies and tossed it into the cart.

The wave of nausea passed and Buffy blinked before responding, Yeah I'm fine. Probably just hungry. A box of her favorite cookies caught her eye and she tossed them in along side Spike's bag of favorites.

Spike let it go but continued to watch his slayer with concern. Color was slow to return to her cheeks but had fully returned, nonetheless, by the time they finally wheeled their heavy food laden cart into the checkout.

The cashier, a stout woman with shoulder length brown hair and eyes that seemed to stare right through a person, eyed the couple curiously as they piled the large amounts of Band-Aids, gauze, medical tape, large white bandages and sterilizing ointments onto the conveyer belt.

Buffy noticed the woman staring and quickly explained, Small home business. You can never be too careful. We have a strong safety plan.

Ignoring the excuse, the woman continued to ring up the products while still eyeing the couple with grave curiosity. Buffy shrugged it off and finished unloading the cart while Spike searched for his wallet. Piling the last of the fresh fruit onto the conveyer belt Buffy sighed and watched as the bag boys did their job almost lifelessly. After a few moments the cart was loaded with the packaged groceries, the lady was paid, and Spike and Buffy made their hasty retreat from the staring woman.

Once they safely set foot into the parking lot, buffy felt another wave of nausea creep over her and she took a hasty breath in an attempt to quell her newly upset stomach. Spike noticed immediately and questioned her again.

Are you sure you're all right, love? You look really pale. Spike stopped the cart next to their new SUV and looked over Buffy.

Yeah I'm fine. Might be a touch of the flu. If Dawn has it there's no doubt all of us will get it eventually. Buffy smiled in reassurance and turned the key in the lock opening the back door to begin placing the grocery bags for the trip home.

Spike winced within himself as he watched his girl lift the bags into the vehicle. It killed him to have to watch her do what he should be doing, but his body had not quite mended enough to lift the heavy packages. He felt useless and a burden to her. Soon, however, he would have that fixed.

Placing the last of the bags, Buffy shut the door and moved around to the driver's side of the vehicle while Spike returned the cart to it's proper place in the lot. Buffy searched her key ring for the proper key to open the door when another wave of nausea came over her causing her to drop the keys and try to catch her breath. Coming up behind her, Spike saw Buffy tense and drop the keys. Bending over to pick them up, he frowned.

You're not well, Buffy. Lets get you home and into bed. I'll drive.

Not feeling in any mood to argue, Buffy found her way around the vehicle, hopped into the passenger seat, and put on her seat belt while Spike started up the vehicle. Twisting around to watch for vehicles behind him, Spike glanced at Buffy. She was really pale again, this time more so than the last. Buffy leaned back and rested her head against the seat while Spike backed out of the parking lot and made their way home.

Don't forget to stop at Blockbuster. I promised Dawnie we'd have a movie night tonight. Buffy spoke with her eyes closed.

Right. Can't forget the li'l bit. Turning on his blinker Spike pulled right and into the video store's parking lot. Buffy made a move to unbuckle her seat belt but Spike quickly interrupted her efforts. Let me go in, Buffy, you look terrible. I'll only be a minute.

Buffy sighed but she agreed. Okay, but remember she is a sixteen year old girl who has seen more monsters in her lifetime to permanently damage her mind. No horror flicks. Buffy spoke firmly but with a touch of amusement in her voice.

No spook flicks, got it. Spike moved to leave the vehicle but stopped short by Buffy's arm grasping his.

No sex either, Buffy drawled.

Spike chuckled, I'll stick to the Disney section, I promise.

Buffy laughed lightly and let him go along with a quick reminder to pick up popcorn as she had completely forgotten to grab some at the grocery store. Nodding, Spike ducked out of the vehicle and made his way inside the video rental outlet.

Inside, Spike wove his way smoothly through the people and found the family section. He would much rather watch an action movie any day but understood Buffy's concern for her sister. It was a small price to pay for spending time with the girls he treasured most in his world. It also made him feel closer to the Scoobies as a whole. He now understood the bond between the friends and their watcher. They were more than a bunch of kids out slaying the nasties, they were a family.

Stopping in front of the back wall, where the family movies had been placed, Spike chose pretty in Pink, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Parent Trap. They may be oldies but they were classics. After a stop by the snack shelves for a quick stock up of chocolate bars and popcorn, Spike headed for the counter.

Will that be cash or credit, sir? The clerk was a tall, skinny, redhead with a squeaky voice.

Spike answered and pulled out his wallet.

Looking over the videos his customer had chose, the clerk nodded approvingly. Nice family choices, sir. Your children will love them. Classics are best. The clerk reached out and took Spike's money.

For a moment Spike felt his cheeks redden. The line of folks behind him had heard every word the clerk said, of course, and it had undoubtedly made him look like a sap. Inside his head he had the urge to scream back I don't have any children, you bleedin idiot! However, something struck a warm cord inside him and he only smiled at the clerk. If the clerk had thought he had children, he must at least look like a father and that meant he looked able to provide for his family. Somehow that calmed him.

Yeah, the little one's sick with the flu. She's wanting a family movie night to help pass the time. I don't think the horror stuff will do her dreams any good, Spike smiled lightly.

A small woman behind him made an awing sound causing Spike to blush even more. Yes, that flu seems to be going around lately. You make sure your young one gets plenty of rests and fluids.

Spike nodded at the woman in appreciation, Thank you, ma'am, I will do that. Taking his change and grabbing the bag of videos and snacks, Spike headed back out to the vehicle where Buffy waited.

Willow wiped the last dish in the soapy water, rinsed it off under the tap, and placed it into the dish holder to dry. After turning the tap off she rung out the soapy cloth and proceeded to wipe down the counter just as a grocery laden Buffy and Spike walked in the kitchen door.

Hey! How'd the shopping go? Willow asked as she finished the counter just in time for Buffy to drop a bag on top of it.

It went good, Buffy replied tiredly and lifted another bag onto the counter top.

Willow noticed Buffy's pale face and frowned, Not you too? Xander came over to see Dawn but he wasn't feeling well so Anya took him him to make him feel better'. Then Giles called to let you know he's feeling a bit under the weather which means your training is off for tomorrow. Willow held a sympathetic look on her face. Obviously you're in no condition to train anyway, she said. Or patrol! It was an afterthought.

Buffy was caught between sighing in frustration at the suffocation of her friends and feeling loved by all their worrying. The day wasn't even half over yet and already they had begun all the nightly worries. I'll be okay to patrol tonight, probably only a quick stroll though. Willow, do you mind putting the groceries away while I go check on Dawn? Spike brought movies, Buffy pointed to one of Spike's packages and smiled lovingly.

Of course, Buff, you go rest. Spike and I'll take care of everything. Willow took the last of Buffy's bags and set to helping Spike unpack them.

I'll be up in a minute, love, Spike called after Buffy.

Buffy made her way up the stairs and into her sister's room. Dawn was reading a magazine and there were a few more scattered across her bed. Buffy suddenly remembered the promised magazines and kicked herself for forgetting them. Ooh, somebody brought you presents.

Dawn looked up from her reading and smiled, Xander brought them. Isn't he so sweet?

Buffy smiled at her sister while sitting on the bed and reaching over to feel Dawn's forehead, It was very nice of him. How are you feeling?

Dawn's smile slowly faded as she realized how white her sister looked, I'm feeling a little bit better, how about you?

Buffy dropped her hand, I'm okay, just a little tired.

Tired? You look as if you ate too many nachos and took too many dives on a roller coaster, Dawn grimaced.

I'm fine. Maybe a touch of the flu. You have it, Xander and Giles have it, why shouldn't I get it too? Buffy smiled in an attempt to make her sister feel better and it seemed to work.

Did you get movies? Dawn seemed to sit up straighter.

Of course. Spike has them downstairs. He'll bring them up in a minute. Smiling again and kissing her sister on the cheek, Buffy rose. I'm going to see if Willow and Spike need any help putting things away. Is there anything I can get you?

Dawn wrinkled her nose, No thank you. If I eat anything else I'll just puke it up.

Buffy smiled sympathetically and left the room. She wondered how her sister could be so cheerful while being so incredibly sick. Buffy herself felt as if she wanted to crawl into a corner and die. In all honestly her sister looked no better than Buffy felt.

Spike met Buffy in the hall with his gift of movies for Dawn. Buffy, you look terrible, you really should go lie down, love. I'll take care of things with Dawn. I still have to bring up the television and hook it up in her room, the groceries are put away, there is nothing you need to do until patrol tonight.

Too tired and feeling far too sick to argue, Buffy nodded and turned around to make her way to her bedroom. Spike followed close behind before ducking into Dawn's room. Buffy smiled as she heard Dawn's giddy laugh echo down the hallway. How did she do it?

Buffy woke up to a dark room. A glance at the clock showed it to be 7:30. Buffy crawled out of bed and stretched. The sleep had done her wonders for she felt much better, in fact she was famished. Finding a sweatshirt to pull over her pjs, Buffy slipped into the hallway. Warm laughter flowed through the hallway and Buffy immediately realized it came from Dawn's room. Deciding that was where everybody would be, Buffy made her own way into the room.

Buffy opened the door to quite the sight. Spike, Willow, and Dawn all sat snuggled together under a blanket on Dawn's bed. Snack bowls scattered the room and empty gingerale cans littered the floor as well. The smell of popcorn permiated the air and buffy wondered how the smell was affecting Dawn.

Spike had brought the television up and set it on a chair at the foot of Dawn's bed. A VCR sat on top of the television and the glow of the screen filled the room with warm, blue light.

You're awake! How do you feel? Willow moved closer to Dawn, who moved closer to Spike, and patted the bed beside her. Come sit! We're watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Buffy smiled and slid in beside her friend. Actually I feel much better. I'm starving, pass the popcorn! How are you feeling, Dawn?

Spike looked buffy over warily before passing her the large bowl he held. She did look much better. Up for a patrol tonight then? Spike tested the water gently. The last thing he wanted was Buffy to start her worried speech again.

Maybe later. This movie looks interesting--what's that sticking out of the car?
Buffy stuffed a handful of buttery kernels into her mouth.

I'm feeling okay. Had some ginger ale and it made my tummy better but I'm not sure I want to try the popcorn. Dawn wrinkled her nose as the bowl passed in front of her.

Spike relaxed inside himself as Willow began to explain the funky contraption. Buffy did look much better and he had no doubt she could patrol, but the truth was he was enjoying this movie thing with Dawn and even Willow. It almost made him feel like a part of the family.

Alright then, you must adhere to the rules- Spike raised a finger to explain but was stopped short by Buffy.

Buffy sounded aghast. Who makes rules for watching a movie?

Yes, rules, and doesn't everybody? Spike looked shocked at the notion. Now, rule number one is you must laugh. It's a funny movie and during funny movies you laugh. Rule number two- Buffy burst out laughing at her boyfriend's seriousness on the situation. Spike, looking annoyed at being interrupted a second time, continued. Rule number two, no hogging the popcorn. Spike reached over and grabbed the bowl off her lap causing popcorn to spill everywhere and Willow and Dawn to laugh riotously. Rule number three, Spike now smiled wickedly as Buffy picked up the fallen puffs and popped them into her mouth. I control the remote.

Buffy nearly choked on her popcorn as the last rule was spoken. You? Why do you get the remote? It's my TV!

Dawn braced herself and flung her hands out to separate the two lovers, Now now, children. No getting popcorn in my bed. i still have to sleep in it tonight.

Willow jumped in to help settle the playful dispute. Spike, you have had the remote for the last movie and a half and I think Buffy should get a turn now. Swiftly she grabbed the remote out of Spike's hand and handed it to Buffy before Spike could protest.

Thank you, Willow. Buffy held the remote as a king would a scepter.

Spike faked a pout, That's no fair! had it first!

Dawn playfully slapped Spike's outreached hand. You have to learn to share, William, she said somewhat curtly before smiling and leaning against him.

Spike was surprised by the girl's sudden act of affection for him and tentatively placed an arm around her shoulder before settling back to watch the rest of the movie.

Buffy kept her eyes on the television but glanced out of the side of her eyes to see Dawn cuddled up with Spike and him holding her with affection. Buffy could be wrong but thought she saw a twinge of surprise in his eyes when Dawn had leaned against him. The twinge made Buffy wonder if Spike was beginning to warm up to the family idea or if he was becoming uncomfortable with it. She hoped it wasn't the latter. Spike had come a long since becoming human, but he still had a small distance to go. Would they have a family of their own together one day? What kind of a husband could he make for a slayer? How could she be a proper wife or mother while being a slayer? Nothing seemed to fit right anymore and she certainly hadn't thought it out before that Christmas night when Spike had proposed. Worst of all, she had to keep him safe without letting him feel she was trying to protect him. All in all it was one big mess.

Buffy sighed and settled back against the wall. There had to be some way she could make things work. the problem was, how? Think about it tomorrow, she thought to herself. Taking her own advice, the slayer let herself become enthralled with the movie. Tomorrow she would think of something.