Author's Note: Another shorty while I have a little time. Thank you for all your kind reviews! You've managed to keep that fire lit under my bum! The negatory is a CB radio term. So is 'good buddy.' It seemed to work well with the sarcasm.

"How about I come pick you up from school tomorrow?" Spike suggested, walking Buffy to her door.

The absence of Joyce's Jeep confirmed the fact that she probably would not be home. Buffy toyed with the idea of inviting Spike in, but she knew that if she did that, it would only be harder to watch him leave.

"Don't you have classes?" she asked, turning the key in the lock.

"Early ones," he assured her. "Thought I could pick up my girl and take her to dinner... someplace without fluourescent lights overhead and country music playing on the jukebox."

She leaned in the doorway after opening the door. His girl. She loved the way that sounded. And the way it felt.

"Do you think your mum would mind me taking you out on a school night?" he asked.

Mind? If Joyce Summers was even home, she'd probably offer him money to keep her daughter out of the house as late as possible just so that she could avoid her more easily. As it was, she barely noticed Buffy when she was around.

"That would be a big, fat negatory, good buddy," Buffy told him, voice dripping with sarcasm. "She couldn't care less what I did or when. As long as I'm not bothering her."

"I don't believe that, Kitten," Spike told her comfortingly. "Your mum loves you very much."

"Whatever," Buffy shrugged.

Spike dropped the subject, sensing that it was a sore one. The combination of sarcasm and sadness in her voice just made him want to protect and love her even more.

"So, where shall I fetch you?" he grinned.

"Fetch me?" She couldn't help but giggle. He had a way with words. "I have band seventh period, so I'm right down the hall from the main parking lot. I can get out of there around two. Mr. Powell doesn't even bother with rol calll any more. Not a whole lot to do in marching band at the end of the year when you're a senior."

"Two it is then," he smiled.

He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers.

"You know I love you, Kitten?" he asked, wanting to assure her that she was the most precious thing in his world.

"That, I do," she replied, nuzzling her nose against his.

"When you get in bed tonight, call me. I want my voice to be the last one you hear before you drift off so that I know that you're having only good dreams of our future together," he whispered against her mouth before parting her lips wth his tongue.

Buffy felt her knees shake as the kiss deepened. She moulded her body to his and felt him stiffening against her through his jeans. Her own desire had began to flow from her core and she reluctantly broke the kiss.

"If you don't go now, there's a good chance I'll never let you leave," she warned him.

Neither of them wanted to say goodnight, but they both knew that they couldn't let their new relationship affect existing aspects of their lives.

Buffy shut the door with a sigh and watched as the DeSoto's headlights disappeared down Revello Drive. She'd see him tomorrow and tomorrow couldn't come soon enough. She replayed the events of the weekend in her head as she checked phone messages.

"Buffy, honey... it's Mom. It looks like I won't be coming home when I originally thought I would. I have the opportunity to fly to Verona for a Goerschner showcase and I just can not pass it up! If you need me, I'll be staying at the Porto Palio in Borgo Milano until Friday. I'll call when I get there! Love you!"

Buffy rolled her eyes. The transition to dorm life was going to be cake with the infrequent appearances by her absentee mom as preparation. She'd probably have a roommate at UC. That would be a welcome change. She liked her alone time, but most of the time she was just lonely.

It was almost ten by the time Buffy had finished her English paper, grabbed something to eat and showered. She set her alarm and slipped into bed, grabbing the phone on her nightstand. She dialed Spike's number, hoping he would still be awake.

"Hello?" She smiled at his unmistakable voice on the other end of the phone.

"Hi Baby," she said quietly.

"You in bed now, Kitten?" he asked, his voice low.

"Mmm-hmm. What are you doing?"

"Just finished my paper on Cervantes," he told her. "Was getting ready for bed. I hoped you wouldn't forget to call me."

"I'd never forget you, Will," she assured him.

"So, Love... are you naked?"

Buffy felt her body flame from head to toe at his seductive tone. When she didn't respond immediately, he chuckled.

"Uh, not so much," she managed to stammer.

"Bet you're blushing, yeah?" he grinned into the phone. "That sweet body all pink and warm the way I like it?"

"You're such a pig, Will," she giggled.

"Oink-oink, Baby," he agreed.

"We're still on for tomorrow?" she asked, changing the subject.

"A pack of rabid wolves couldn't keep me from you," he confirmed. "Is your mum going to be home tomorrow?"

"That would be a big N-O."

She went on to explain to him that her mother was jetsetting around Italy playing Madame Curator.

"You could, um... if you want..." She was stammering again. It reminded him of just how innocent and vulnerable she was. "Stay... here. With me. Here."

"I could do that. My first class isn't until 10. I could take you to school on Tuesday," he offered. "If you want."

"I want," she said, her voice sounding a little sleepy.

"Are you getting tired, Baby?" he asked.

"Mmm... little," she admitted, fighting to keep her eyes open.

"Want me to hang up now?"

"Mmm-mmm," she murmured. "Not yet."

"Want me to stay on until you fall asleep?"

"Please?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

"Want me to sing you to sleep?"

"Yes, please," she smiled.

He began singing the song he'd written for her while he watched her sleep in his bed. He imagined her curled up under her covers with that angelic smile on her face as she cradled the phone between her shoulder and her ear.

It's all because of you

You know it's true

It's all because of you...

"I love you, Buffy," he said softly after finishing the song.

"Love you, Will," she mumbled, already drifting off.

"I'm going to hang up now, Love, alright?" he told her.

The answer from the other end was blissful silence.