From what Buffy could tell Sunnydale was a one Starbucks town with enough vampires to fill LA. On her and Spike's way from the parking lot into the Sunrise Motel three vampires attacked the duo. They were only fledglings and Spike and Buffy made quick work of them. However, Spike took this as a sign that Malcah's presence had been felt by vampires besides himself and that was why so many of his kind were in Sunnydale. Buffy took it as a sign that he needed to watch less daytime TV. They settled the score by deciding to take the night off from patrol. Exhausted, the pair stumbled into their motel room and fell asleep, both still fully clothed.

"Morning, sunshine," Spike said in sing-song voice. He watched with amusement as Buffy's eyes opened and saw the time on the clock. The Slayer groaned as she realized that Spike wanted to get started on the day.

"Go away. I have important sleep needs," The Slayer complained.

"I know, baby, but right now we have work to do. Supposedly there's a band of humans that fight vamps here. A watcher leads them and they hang out at the Sunnydale High School library."

"So?" Buffy asked.

"So, the sooner we introduce ourselves the sooner we can get their help in figuring out where and when Malcah is going to rise, and what she's going to do once she does," Spike answered.

Buffy rolled out of bed and made her way into the small bathroom. She flicked the light switch, eyes glued to the mirror as the room was illuminated by fluorescent light. The Slayer sensed Spike's presence behind her. However, her eyes were still focused on the mirror and she did not see him.

"Did you ever wonder why no new watcher was sent to train me after Merrick died?" Buffy asked.

"Not really," Spike responded after a moment. "I never really thought about it."

Buffy stared strait into her hazel eye's reflection in the mirror. "They sent a few watcher's the weeks after Merrick died. I ignored them all. Men and women would come to my house while my mom was out, preaching to me about my sacred duty and their wish to train me. I knew that it was important to listen to them. I guess, I just felt like to accept another watcher would be like betraying Merrick's memory. Like maybe he was watching from heaven and would feel like I had replaced him. No one could ever replace him. He was kind of like a father to me." Buffy took a deep breath and Spike placed his hands on her shoulders in an action of comfort and protection.

"Love, if you don't want to talk about it you don't need to-" Spike began. However, Buffy continued speaking, cutting him off.

"If I meet this watcher I just know he'll inform the council of that I contacted them and whatever distracted them from sending council representatives after them will suddenly not seem so important. For the time being they've forgotten about me, and I like it that way. I have you as my watcher, and Merrick's still in my heart. He knows that I haven't betrayed him. It's one thing when you're training me; it's another when a stuffy old man is. Merrick was the only stuffy old man in my life. I don't want another. The council can't be informed of where I am, or what I'm doing," Buffy insisted.

"From all the information I've gathered this watcher isn't like the others. He's not going to betray you. If you tell him that you don't want an official watcher and that you don't want the council to know where you are he won't tell them. Right now the most important thing is to stop Malcah from carrying out her revenge on the Council," Spike explained gently.

"But Spike-"

"It's what Merrick would have wanted," Spike whispered. "It's what Joyce would have wanted."

"And you?" Buffy asked softly.

"I just want to see you happy love. If you don't save the world this time because you're afraid of stuffy English men in suits then I know you won't be happy. I love you, baby. And once we save the world I'll make you a solemn pledge," Spike said.

"What?"

"Lots of celebratory sex," Spike told Buffy, a smirk playing across his lips. The Slayer turned in his arms, looking into his eyes for the first time since the conversation had begun.

"And a few days off of patrolling?" Buffy asked planting playful kisses up and down Spike's neck.

"Anything my love," Spike agreed. "Just to keep you happy. Just so I can see you smile. It's the only glimpse of the sun I get."