"We are home now,
Out of our heads.
Out of our minds.
Out of this world.
We're out of this time.
We're out of this time."
Buffy stood back as Rona charged him again. This time, Spike made it look good. Buffy smiled inwardly. She hated punching him. She used to love it, enjoy it. But she only did it because she had to. She needed him to try. She needed him to be a vampire. Even for just one night.
Amanda dodged, catching the vamp in the stomach again. He grunted and doubled over. she pulled the stake back, dropping up just above his shoulder, feigning dusting.
"Good." Buffy said. Spike stood up and dusted himself off. "You O.K?" she asked him quietly. He nodded and took in a breathe.
"Alright. Good. That was really good." Buffy nodded, rubbing her arms.
Amanda handed her the stake and looked at Spike. His face held no expression.
"O.K. You all have the technique down. Let's try something else."
Spike followed them deeper into the cemetary. Buffy smiled slightly at him. When the SITs weren't looking, she reached out and squeezed his hand gently. It was an absent-minded gesture.
Neither one was thinking about it. They just kind of knew. Spike smirked and nodded, reassuring her.
"I'm fine, pet."
"You sure?"
"More than ever." he sighed.
With one more gentle squeeze, they let go of each other.
Her warmth lingered on his hand...and it felt good.
FIN