Spike sat up in bed. Still naked from the night before, with Buffy curled around him fast asleep. The night had been more intense than anything they had ever experienced together in the past. He sat there watching her. It was early morning, the sun had just come up when his cell phone rang. Spike reached over to grab it off of the bedside table. Moving carefully not to wake Buffy, he shifted to sit on the side of the bed, "Hey, Red."

"Hey, did you find Buffy?"

"She's right here with me. We sort of had a long night, she's still asleep, what's up?"

"I just wanted to check-in and make sure everything is alright."

"Never better, Red."

"Did you do it?"

"Eh…"

"Did you find your baddie?"

"Took him down last night."

"That's good news. I managed to find a little more on it. I think I figured out why you were getting those dreams. These things have a psychic bond with their mates. When you killed the female you must have got some of its blood on you which created a psychic link between you and the male."

"It always comes down to blood doesn't it," he hesitated watching Buffy as she shifted in her sleep.

"There was more here on its blood,"

"What's that?"

"Just a minute…" There was a pause as she flipped through a book, "Yeah here it is. This breed of demon fled to an alternate dimension, because they were being hunted for the use of its blood in ancient marriage rituals."

"Your kidding"

"Nope, says here that the couple would be painted with the blood then taken to a pre-prepared secluded spot for their wedding night until the initial effects… ehh… wore off…"

He continued to watch Buffy sleep, "What sort of effects are we talking about here?"

"Humm, let's see… Oh boy… humm Spike?"

"I'm here, what is it?"

"Did either of you get any more blood on you?"

"We were both pretty well drenched in it,"

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, stuff stank too."

"What did you two do after you killed it?"

"We came right back to the room, got cleaned up."

"What else?"

"That's private, between me and Buffy."

Willow cleared her throat, "But everything's good? Ahhh… right…. ", she squeaked.

"Best it's ever been, I'd say. What did you find?"

"It says here that 'If the love was true it would act as an aphrodisiac for the couple that would last for several days. If it wasn't true love then it would drive them both insane and they would often kill each other before morning', sooo… how are things?"

"Guess that explains last night."

"You... you guys didn't try to kill each other did you?"

"Love conquers all, it would appear."

"Oh… oh! Seriously? And you're both ehh, good?"

He adjusted the bandage covering the burn on Buffy's arm to peek at the wound, "Buffy managed to get a nasty burn. Otherwise we're both doing great."

"Oh, did she use the salve I made her?"

"Yeah, used it to dress the wound myself. I just checked. Between that and the slayer healing factor-x, it looks a lot better already. Probably be gone by tomorrow or the next day."

"Glad to hear it. You know what Spike, I'm really glad you found her."

"You don't—"

"No really Spike. I'm serious. You know I haven't always been your biggest fan. I mean really not… but I know what lengths you've gone through for her. She didn't really say much about it but I know she was having a hard time after you died. I kinda had the feeling you two had started things up before everything… but I'm not— what I'm trying to say is that if anything could have convinced me you're the right guy for her, it's this. The fact that you two aren't currently headed for a padded room or the vacuum means you really do love each other and I'm all for a happy ending. Mazel tov!"

"Appreciate it, Red."

"Mind if I talk to Buffy?"

"Just a minute". Spike moved back over to shake Buffy's uninjured shoulder, "Buffy, wake up, Love ."

She moaned as she rolled over, "Spike? Humm, good morning you," she purred as she reached for him.

He cleared his throat, "As tempting as that is, Pet, humm, Willow is on the phone, she wants to talk to you."

"Wil? Huh? Oh alright," Buffy said groggily.

"Here, Love ."

She took the phone from him, putting it to her ear, "Hey, Wil! How's it going? How's Dawn?"

"We're all good, everything is good. Now don't change the subject! Why didn't you tell me you were in love with Spike? I had my suspicions but now we have confirmation!"

"I hmm yeah I do… I-"

"How did it go last night?"

"Huhh?"

"Not the sexy time, the big bad."

"Oh that! We killed it, big bloody mess—"

"Then what?"

"Came back to our room and we got yah know, cleaned up—"

"Good clean dirty fun, eh?" Willow teased.

Buffy chuckled "Well, yeah actually…"

"Ok, ok, I'm going to leave you two to do what you do. Everything is good here. I'll fill Dawn in, let her know you'll be there for a while! Enjoy Paris!"

"I- ah, Wil?

"Got to go! Have fun! Bye!"

Buffy looked at the phone aghast, "What the hell was that all about?" She looked up at Spike bewildered, he simply raised his eyebrows innocently.

"Oh don't pretend you didn't hear that, what was she going on about? Why does she seem to think we're going to be staying here longer and exactly what did you tell her about our sex life?"

Spike chuckled, "Apparently we dodged a bullet last night."

"How so?"

"That demon's blood has some pretty interesting magical properties. Including acting as a ritualistic true love detector. The couples who truly love each other get rewarded with mind blowing sex. Whereas the ones who don't just get their minds blown. Drives'em insane, Love ."

"Who comes up with this stuff?"

"Sodden PTB I suppose. I dunno, Pet."

"And since we're not insane…"

"Willow knows exactly what we've been up to, and I am innocent," he smirked.

"Oh innocent?" She laughed, "Oh I can think of a lot of words to describe you, 'innocent' doesn't exactly come to mind."

He took the phone back and set it on the nightstand. Then he slipped under the covers, pressing himself next to her again. "If I'm so bad, maybe you need to punish me."

"Maybe I do," she grinned, "Too bad, we don't have the handcuffs"

"Maybe you could even take a turn, I'd really like that."

"Get some and maybe I will."

A few days later Buffy sat on the little balcony enjoying the sunshine while listening to her messages. Spike was fast asleep. Her voicemail was full of messages from Dawn and Willow long before Spike had even tried to call. She also had several missed calls from the same number. That number turned out to belong to the phone he had been using.

Without realizing it she had started to do exactly what she had been trying not to do ever since Sunnydale. She was pushing people away again. This time it had really only been while she had been in Paris, true. Also true was that she had desperately needed this vacation. Both Willow and Dawn had said as much in their messages but it still didn't sit well with her. She decided it was high time she gave her little sister a call. Much to her surprise Dawn answered on the first ring.

"Buffy? I wasn't expecting to hear from you, at least for a couple of days. Everything alright with you and Spike?"

"It's going great. Willow filled you in?"

"Yeah, Spike's alive, he came to back you up on a demon, and now you two are back together in a big way."

"Seriously simpleing things up there."

"Yeah, something about the demon's blood proving it is true love. She had me read the information she found. The thing that I don't get is, how? I mean Spike came back and you just instantly fell in love, just like that?"

"No, not 'just like that' it's been a long time coming, sort of started the night before I went to get the scythe… just before he died."

"Oh… oh… Buffy… I… we all, I…knew there was something between you guys but I had no idea it was that serious… I thought it was a one-sided thing… I mean Spike…"

"No… not really… I was falling for him… so distracted with everything going on, I don't know… you know, Angel actually asked me if I loved Spike and I didn't really have a good answer for him then… I was so focused on the Apocalypse that I just refused to think through my feelings for him. For me, I think it actually happened kinda fast, and then he was gone… I don't think it really registered until after things settled down. The calmer things got with the other slayers, the more I realized I really did love him. And now he's back. I missed him so much, Dawn."

"But he's been back for a while now, right? That's what Willow said."

"In a manner of speaking, yes."

"But he just came to find you now? What the heck is that about?"

"Oh believe me that's the first thing we eh, talked about. Let's just say that love makes you do idiotic things sometimes. Including staying away when you think you have a good reason to, even if it was stupid."

"You beat him up, didn't you?"

"Just a little… then we made up—"

"A lot I bet."

"Dawn! Well, ok yeah, you're right but that's besides the point. We still have some things to work out but we're getting there."

"I'm sure you do… So what are your plans now?"

"Aside from going on a date tonight we don't really have any plans, right now we're just spending time together and enjoying Paris."

"That's so romantic," Dawn gushed.

"I seriously thought I'd have about three weeks of convincing ahead of me. You are kinda freaking me out…" she laughed.

"The blood ritual thing is pretty convincing all on its own. If it weren't for that I think Willow and I would both have had very different reactions. Although, I sort of figured you two would have gotten back together if he hadn't died. Now he is back, I'm not really surprised, especially now I know it started before… Oh my God! No way! That's what all that was about with old 'Morty' the Immortal! He was a freaking rebound! Oh my God! Does Spike know?"

"Yeah, he knows. We've been covering a lot of ground."

"Oh, I bet you are" the grin in Dawn's voice was audible.

"Dirty!"

"Oh yeah, like there's no dirt going on there. I'm surprised you found time to call" she laughed.

Buffy sighed "Spike is sleeping. It's not all about sex you know. Heck, he spent over two hours last night just trying to get demon blood off his coat."

"Ahh huh… and also, eww… Ya know what you should do?"

"Do I want to know?"

"I think you and Spike should take some time together."

"I thought that's what we were doing."

"No, I mean really take some time. Maybe do some traveling."

"Oh I'm not sure about that, I really should get back to work."

"Go visit Giles then, check in on the slayers. I know that's been bothering you. Go see how things are shaping up."

"Is there some reason you don't want us coming home?"

"No, I didn't say that, Buffy! I just thought it might give you guys some extra time together. You know, spend the honeymoon period traveling before you get home and start keeping me up at night."

"We just got back together, we didn't get married!"

"Not the way that book describes it, kinda sounds like you are."

"You'll be the first to know if I ever get married, whatever happened, it certainly wasn't a marriage. It's only been a few days."

"Whatever you need to tell yourself, Buffy. I'm just going to start referring to him as my brother-in-law now so I can get used to it ok?"

Buffy rolled her eyes, "I'm still getting used to the idea of 'boyfriend' but sure Dawn. Or what about, 'partner'? Nah that sounds like work, I mean it is, but— 'boyfriend'?"

"Humm yeah, I'm just going with brother-in-law"

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Ok fine."

"Will do! Ok I've got to go."

"That's alright, sunset isn't far off, he'll probably be up soon."

"Where is he taking you?"

"I'm letting him surprise me."

"I seriously need a boyfriend."

"Goodbye Dawn, I'll try to call soon, or at least remember to take my phone with me."

"Alright, fine I'll let you go, but I'll talk to Spike about taking a long trip, ok?"

"Ok, fine, I'll run it past him."

"Great! Let me know how it goes!"

"Goodbye, Dawnie!"

"Later!"

Buffy sighed as she hung up the phone. She turned her attention to the Eiffel Tower in the distance, the sun would be setting within the next few minutes.

"What does the Nibblet want you to ask me?"

Buffy jumped, "Good grief Spike! One of these days I really am going to buy you a bell!"

"Whatever kink you like, Love " he smirked as he stood by the partially open sliding door. Shielding himself from the sun with the curtain, he watched her reaction as the sun caught her hair. It was nice to see her in the daylight even if he couldn't join her.

"Apparently my preferred kink is sleeping with exceptionally hot dead guys."

Spike put two fingers to his own throat as though to check his pulse "Oh no, Doc, I think we lost him" he drawled "Maybe you should come back in here and see if you can revive the patient."

Buffy got up making her way inside. She grinned as she looked at him, "I could do that, but then we might not get out of the room and I'm getting a little hungry."

"Perhaps later then?"

"Perhaps."

"You going to pass along Dawn's message?"

"Oh that" she waved a hand, "Dawn thinks we should take a trip. Visit Giles and Faith and take the long way home."

"I'm game if you are."

"You are?"

"Sure, last time I was in England I spent the whole time in a tree with Angel before we took the jet back to LA."

She gave him a confused look, "What were you doing in a tree?"

"Long story, Pet. In the long run I got the chance to work on my fighting skills, got a few new moves I can show you. Maybe I could teach the Slayeretts too."

"You'd actually be willing to do that?"

"Sure, why not? It's important to you, and if I've got something that could help them fight then it's worth it."

"Ok, Scotland it is then"

"Scotland? I thought he had them in England with the Coven or something."

"Nope, just outside of Edinburgh. It's an estate once owned by the council, Willow worked some hacker magic and some literal magic and now it belongs to Giles, and me."

"You're kidding."

"Nope, how do you think I could afford this little vacation? She also managed to secure much of the council's financial holdings putting Giles in charge. I'm on the payroll now."

"So you're getting paid for slayer work now?"

"Yup, just me and Faith though, since we are also doing training and whatnot. Faith has been teaching and training with Giles and I've been training the girls in Rome in addition to my regular duties."

"Where was that perk when you were soaking in Double Meat grease?"

"I… you never said…"

"Oh yeah because that's the way into a girl's heart, tell her she smells like fast food grease."

"Pretty sure it wasn't my heart you were interested in getting into back then."

"Let's get one thing straight. I've always been interested in your heart. Bit more literal when we were doing the mortal enemy bit, but still true! Getting into your pants was just a close second."

"If you were shooting for 'reassuring', you missed."

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah you're right… we have a seriously messed up relationship history don't we?"

"Water under the bridge, look to the future and all that positive outlook bollocks right?"

Buffy shook her head chuckling, "Yeah, alright. So what's on the itinerary tonight?"

"Since you said you haven't really been out at night, I thought maybe we'd just take in some of the nightlife. Go for a slay-free walk about the city. Maybe take a bottle of wine down by the river or find a cozy spot for a few drinks. Maybe even check out a rooftop bar and just see where the night takes us."

"I like that idea. No pressure, just go with the flow. It's either very bohemian romance or very lazy," she narrowed her eyes a little.

"Now I know you know me better than that, Love — when in Paris—"

"Humm… ok, let's say I buy that, mister bohemian lover. At least I think I have the perfect dress for it" she smiled.

"Getting spiffy are we?"

"I am," she winked, "I'm going to get ready," she said, kissing him. She grabbed a shopping bag and her toiletry bag before heading into the bathroom. Spike took the time to get changed into fresh clothes. Nothing fancy, just a pair of leather pants and a dark gray dress shirt. He counted himself lucky he had those in his bag at all.

Buffy came out minutes later wearing a flowing bohemian style, cream-colored, lace dress. The ruffled edge hit her mid-thigh and made her feel extremely feminine and sexy. She had curled her hair, and secured it loosely with two small braids pulled back into a tiny clip. She had put on a little makeup and a thin black choker with a little silver medallion hanging from it. She stood back looking at her reflection in the mirror, smiling, suddenly nervous about going on a real date with Spike.

She took a deep breath and shook her head, "Get a grip lady."

Spike looked up as she came back into the room, "Wow, Buffy, you look amazing."

"You don't think the dress is too much?"

"It suits you, beautiful."

"You don't look so bad yourself. Is that outfit new?"

"It's all new. Arrived in LA with the clothes on my back. Everything I own is in there, Love " he said gesturing to his duffel bag, not a lot to choose from.

"I like the pants," she smirked.

"You always did have a thing for leather, baby."

They walked through the streets with their arms around each other talking and joking easily. It was a good night for it; clear and warm.

"You want to hear something crazy?" She asked.

"What's that?"

"I was actually kind of nervous about tonight."

"That's not so crazy, I'm still a bit nervous."

"You don't seem like it."

He shrugged, "Just want things to go well tonight is all. These last few days have been… a dream and I'm afraid I'm going to wake up."

"Your dream included killing a sexually frustrated demon?"

"Cheeky, Slayer."

"I know what you mean though," she pulled him a little closer, "I don't want to lose you again."

"Feeling's mutual"

"Spike, what do you think a future looks like for us?"

"A ticking time bomb of evil, supernatural activity, and lots of sex."

She laughed, "I'm serious! And you are losing romance points,"

"Bollocks, look, Slayer. We can fret about the next baddie and the next or we can enjoy the quiet moments and the time we have together."

"Well that sounded smart. Wait, are you getting smarter?"

"Not bloody likely," he laughed. "From what you've said, things have been fairly under control since LA, and what I could tell before I left it seemed like Wolfram and Hart did a decent bit of cleanup there when they retreated. Like they wanted to cover it up."

"Which means they are probably back to planning big evil."

"True, but we have time, we have now. Hell, you know as well as I do that a little over a year ago you would have never imagined going on vacation."

"Oh if you don't think I thought about escaping to some moonlit beach and stripping you down, in the middle of the apocalypse, you'd be wrong."

"Might have to try that sometime."

"Dawn did say we should take our time… what's that even mean anyway?"

"I'll tell you what it means. We pick a place and just go. We met new people, eat good food, see the sights. You're forgetting, Love , that was my life for years. London was always home but we never stayed in one place long. I've been everywhere, done everything. But I haven't done it with you, I haven't done it with a soul. Everything is different now."

"He shoots; he scores," she murmured softly.

"Glad to be back on the scoreboard," he replied, kissing her. "We already decided on Scotland. So that's what we'll do. After that, I want to take you around."

"Where do you have in mind?"

"Uh nope, that's not how this works, Love . Rule number one, we don't pick the next place until we have experienced the one we're in for a bit."

"Interesting."

They continued their romantic walk until the lights of a cabaret caught Buffy's eye. "I've sort of been wondering what that's all about, know anything about cabaret?"

"A bit. Could be a laugh, if it doesn't offend your delicate sense abilities, Pet" he said, trailing a hand over her curls and down her body, resting his hand on her hip.

"Let's check it out."

"Doubt we can get in this late. Even if we could, it would mean the end of my cash."

"Oh come on, I just wanna read the signs. Maybe we can do it another night before we leave. Consider this recon," she said, pulling him over to the front of the building. There was hardly anyone left in line now; the show was starting soon. A handsome man with a cleft chin and a dazzling smile, that reminded Buffy of someone on Dr. Who, when Dawn and Xander had made her watch a few episodes. He was dressed in a well-fitted dark purple suit and stepped out of the front doors with grace. The man spoke to the ticket booth attendant then paused watching the people in the street. His keen eyes stopped when he spotted Spike.

"Non ça ne peut pas être réel! William? William!" He called from across the street.

"Bloody hell, Leon?" Spike said in a surprised tone.

"Friend of yours?"

"Eh, been about 75 years, but yeah."

"Am I going to have to kill this guy?"

"You might want to wait on that, he was always a bit odd for a vamp. Deviant some might say" he said, leading her over to him.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Leon reached for Spike pulling him towards him, "Ahh William! Beautiful William! It has been too long, mon ami!" Leon grabbed Spike kissing him on either cheek, "Just as handsome as ever, you beautiful man! I could cut myself on those cheekbones."

"Hello Leon, how have you been?"

"Tout est magnifique! Much has changed mon ami! What brings you to Paris? And who is this ravishing beauty?"

"My special lady, Buffy."

"Enchantée, Buffy," Leon kissed the back of her hand then looked up sharply at Spike "But she is—"

"Alive?" Spike suggested.

"Human," Buffy interjected. Spike turned to Buffy tenderly, "Oh she's much more than that, she's the Slayer."

"Slayer? What are you doing with a slayer?" Leon asked, putting his hands up and taking a step back "I swear, I run a human-safe business."

"You own this place?" Buffy asked.

"I do. Please, come in! Anything you want, on the house, only the best for dear William and his lovely slayer."

"Human-safe? Hang on. Leon, are you telling me you went through with that whole catch and release bit?" Spike asked.

"Oui, that is how it started. It has evolved into a lucrative business. My customers always leave to return another time. I know you always scoffed at my policy in the past but I am a businessman; killing patrons is bad for business."

"Wait, is that what you meant?" She turned to Spike, "His eating habits?"

"Well yeah, what did you think I meant? It's bloody strange for a vampire, without a chip or…"

"Here I thought you just meant he was gay."

"Well yeah, that's beside the point. Far as I'm concerned that doesn't make him deviant," Spike hitched a thumb in his direction, "it was his eating habits that were so sodden… no offense man"

"Not at all, William."

Buffy raised an eyebrow, "Not particularly evil for a vamp."

"I assure you, I'm a very shrewd businessman. Everyone in my employ knows I have very strict rules about killing patrons. I enforce that rule with extreme force. Dead people don't spend money. Dead people don't tell their friends about the wonderful evening they had."

"Except for us of course," Spike retorted.

"Are we just supposed to believe that?"

Spike looked Leon in the eyes "Think so, Pet."

"Spike?"

"Babe, relax. He tried to enforce the same rule when he ran an all vampire acting troupe back in the day."

"Ahh William, sweet William, you do remember!"

"How close were you guys?"

Spike rolled his eyes, "Not THAT close, Love . No worries; I'm all yours."

"One of life's great tragedies" Leon eyed Spike and sighed dramatically, "Though not for you dear lady, I'm sure this one shows you a real good time."

"Alright, that's enough of that, Leon. Buffy, did you want to take in the show?"

"Heck yeah! I'd love to!"

"Anything for you, Pet."

"You see, dear lady, why, I call him 'Sweet William'? He would do anything for the one he loves."

"Bloody hell..." Buffy was pretty sure that if Spike could blush he probably would be.

The three of them took a few steps towards the doors following Leon, when he asked, "William? Do you still write your poetry?"

"I humm… actually I have written a few recently."

"You have?" Buffy asked, "I didn't know you were writing again."

"Maudlin rubbish, blame it on this soul of mine, Love ."

"Soul?" Leon's mouth dropped as he stopped walking. He looked between the two of them in disbelief before taking a step back towards Spike, "You? You are the famous vampire with a soul?"

"That going to be a problem, Leon?"

"I… no, but of course not. Even when you disagreed with me, you showed me acceptance and friendship at a time few did, mon ami. I have not forgotten."

"Appreciate that, Leon."

"Spike is actually one of two vampires with a soul" Buffy added as they continued on into the packed room.

"I'm way more interesting... Are you sure you have a place for us? It looks sold out."

Buffy turned her head to give him a look of mild annoyance, "Yes dear, you are a fascinating sex machine,"

Leon waved his hand dismissively, "But of course he is, how could he not be? William, you are an artist. What have I always said? We are always our worst critics. Maudlin or not, I am sure your slayer would love to hear your poetry. Art comes from the soul, or whatever we have left of it; a memory or a hint of humanity the demon doesn't quite expel, I suppose it must be. 'Soul' is perhaps going a bit too far."

Spike turned back to him, "Come off it, Leon. Now who's being maudlin? Are you going to get us a table or not?"

With a nod, Leon led Spike and Buffy to a spot in the back of the crowded room. "I do apologize, as you have already observed we are indeed sold out. I do hope you will not mind enjoying your evening in the back here. I will have a table set for you if this is satisfactory."

The show had just begun. Even though they were in the back they had a decent view. "This is fine. We're easy to get along with as long as everyone behaves themselves."

"No fear," He snapped his fingers and two servers brought out a table and chairs for them. Another moment later the table was set. "Please, have a seat. Get anything you like, on the house, you are my special guest this evening."

"Thanks," Buffy nodded.

Leon called over a pretty dark-haired woman, speaking to her in rapid French. She came over close to him as he whispered in her ear. The woman smiled, giving Spike a wink before walking away. Spike simply turned to Buffy who raised a skeptical eyebrow, "Another old friend?"

"Never seen her before, Pet."

The woman returned a moment later with menus. She handed them one each and handed Spike two smaller ones. The first was the wine list which he handed over to Buffy. Spike looked over the second little menu and raised an eyebrow looking from the waitress to Leon who was still standing by, "This is interesting…"

"I thought you might appreciate the special menu, we get a rather ehh… diverse clientele. I thought you might be hungry," Leon responded.

"Come a long way from your little acting troupe haven't you, Leon?"

"You are in for a treat tonight"

"A small world is it not? Please allow me to leave you to your evening. I will return once I've made my rounds. I must always be checking in with my people. Ines will see to your every need until I return." With that, the pretty dark-haired woman came over to take their orders.

Once she had left, Spike reached for Buffy's hand, "What do you think?"

"I think I'm still processing."

"Leon or the cabaret?"

"Both… and you… why didn't you say you started writing again?"

He shrugged looking towards the stage. He watched the dancers performing for a moment before answering, "Just slipped my mind is all. Probably would have mentioned it eventually."

Buffy watched him as he watched the dancers, she knew he was avoiding the subject. The dancers finished and the next act, a comedic duo, came onto the stage. They both laughed heartily throughout the performance. Buffy was still laughing as she dried her eyes on her napkin when Ines reappeared with their orders.

"Wine?"

"Yes, thank you, Ines" Buffy managed to say as she tried to control her laughter. Spike smiled watching her and felt himself fall a little more in love with her. Buffy noticed his stare just as Ines finished pouring the wine. "What's that look for?"

"I love seeing you smile."

"These two are hilarious."

Spike sat back watching the act with her, they really were very good. They were speaking in French but their physical acting and use of props were expressive. They made it easy, even for someone like Buffy who didn't really speak the language to understand the jokes. He reached for Buffy's hand and brought it up to kiss the back of her fingers.

"You really know how to get me to melt."

"Hope so" he grinned, leaning in for a kiss.

Buffy broke the kiss reluctantly "You keep that up and we won't make it to the end of the show" she grinned.

"Is that meant to be a deterrent or an incentive?"

"Depends on your perception."

"I'm just sticking close. Did you notice the number of vamps in this place?"

"A few."

"More than a few, Pet."

"Funny, my spider-sense isn't going off."

"Leon probably has the place enchanted or something, heard of places doing that. Keeps everyone calm."

"Like that friend of Angel's place used to be?"

"Lorne?"

"That's it!"

"Yeah, that's one. There's been a few places over the years. Leave it to Leon to create a place like this."

Sometime later Ines came over with desert. Buffy ordered the opera cake.

"Merci!" She thanked Ines.

As Buffy picked up her fork. Spike gently took it from her "Allow me," he said, offering to feed her a forkful.

She moaned "Oh that's good. That is officially the best dessert I've ever had. Go ahead, you try."

Spike looked a little doubtful but took a bite anyway, "It's not bad, but you know sweets don't really do it for me, Pet."

She sighed, "You vampires don't know what you're missing."

"Oh I don't know, it's not so bad if you don't mind watching. Which I don't. I like seeing you enjoy yourself."

The show went on and Ines brought out more wine. Just as the can-can ended Leon came back over to them, "How have you enjoyed your evening?"

"It's been great, thanks again for having us as your guest."

"It has been my pleasure, it isn't everyday we are graced with the presence of a slayer. Especially one who isn't intent on killing all of us."

Buffy looked at him "You've got a lot going in favor of this place, Leon, I haven't seen anything overtly evil… yet" she paused, raising an eyebrow, "Let's keep it that way. Shall we? I've been around long enough to know you probably have something going on on the side here, but since all I've seen is a good show and hospitality… don't make me regret this alright? I'm on vacation…" she shrugged as she took another sip of wine.

"But of course dear lady", Leon nodded again and stood up abruptly, "If you will both excusé moi, l have some matters that require my attention. William, mon ami I do wish we had more time. It is the curse of success is it not? Please, come back as often as you like while you are in our fair city."

"Thank you for the offer but we will be heading out soon."

"Ahh, then this is farewell for now my friend," he motioned for Spike to stand up "I am saddened to see you go so soon, I would have liked you to meet my husband," Leon pulled him into an embrace as he kissed him on both cheeks, "He would be fascinated by you dear friend."

"You kept that under your hat. When did you get married?"

"About thirty years ago. Jacques, is my head chef. He is responsible for your meal this evening."

"You're kidding me? Chef Jacques? Buffy, that's the bloke I was telling you about that taught me about the herbs in the blood."

"You married well then. The food was great!" Buffy interjected.

"He will be delighted to receive the compliment. Don't stay away so long next time."

"Now I know you have this place, maybe I'll have to make it a point to come back."

"Give us some notice and we can make some proper plans."

"Perhaps next time, old friend. Thanks again for the evening."

Leon nodded his head as he pulled out a business card from the inside pocket of his suit jacket "Please stay in touch. True friends are hard to come by in this life, I will pass along the lovely things you've said to Jacques."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"See that you do."

Buffy ran her thumb over Spike's thumb nail as they walked back towards their hotel. She had been relatively quiet since they left the club. "Penny for your thoughts, Pet?"

"I was wondering if you were going to recite poetry to me tonight?"

"Poetry is it?"

She shrugged, "Color me curious."

Spike stretched his neck and huffed out a breath "Do you know how many people have told me they like my poetry?"

"You've only ever told me about the jerks at that party the night you—"

"Yeah well, anyway, thing is I've had exactly four people say they liked my stuff. Four people. My mother— sort of obligated. Drusilla— insane. Angel— has generally crappy taste, seriously, the man likes Manilow. Then there's Leon— and I'm pretty sure he was just trying to sweet-talk me. So unless you count a bar full of drunks, which I don't— that's four people in my very long life and not exactly reliable sources."

"Ok… and?"

"The stuff I write, it's…"

"Maudlin?"

"Well, yeah… "

"Ever think that sometimes all a girl wants is just a little dash of sappy romance?"

"That is the wine talking."

"Also true."

"I'll keep that in mind," Spike pulled Buffy around in front of him "Come here you," he growled as he pulled her into a kiss. Buffy snaked her arms around his neck. Pulling him closer as she dug her fingers into his bleached hair.

Buffy gasped as she struggled to catch her breath and looked around them, "I have an idea." She kissed him again and forced Spike down an ally pushing him against the brick wall.

"And what do you call this?" He gasped as she released him from a kiss.

"Balance" she answered with a grin.

"Not that I mind, but you do realize our hotel is about three blocks from here, right? Thought we'd end the evening there."

Buffy responded by unfastening his pants and jumping up to wrap her legs around him, "Who said we're ending the evening?"

"Alright then" he growled softly, "You do like it rough."

"Sometimes" she gasped as Spike turned so she was pinned against the wall now.

"Oh I get it, Love , it's a lace and whiskey kind of balance."

Spike threw his towel on a chair and pulled on a clean shirt and underwear before stowing the last of his belongings back into his duffel bag. Spike paused as he came across a red leather bound journal he used for his poetry. He picked it up, weighing it heavily in his hand as he scanned the room. He let out a sigh as he placed it on the table with a note where Buffy would be sure to find them when she woke up. Paris had been everything he could have hoped for and much more, but it was time to move on.

Spike watched Buffy a minute before climbing back into bed with her. He was careful not to wake her, although it didn't matter since she was sleeping soundly. The sun was already up. They had planned on heading out on the last train leaving Paris for London.

He laid there staring at the ceiling for a few moments thinking about the poems he had set out for her to find. It was cowardly. He knew it. He also knew he couldn't take it if she sneered at his work, or worse, laughed. It was easier this way— let her read them while he was asleep so he wouldn't have to see her initial reaction. He'd take on any number of demons without batting an eye but baring his soul through his poetry was just too much. Spike pulled himself closer to Buffy, pressing his body to her. She murmured in her sleep as he pulled her closer still. He sniffed her hair taking in her scent. Even asleep she had a way of calming him.

It wasn't until Buffy had come back from her daily café run that she noticed the journal laying out on the table. The note with it simply read, "Happy reading, Pet. Please don't judge me too harshly". The moment she picked it up she knew what it was. Her stomach gave a lerch. Buffy turned to look at Spike laying in their bed sleeping. Dead to the world. Ironic; she thought.

She checked the time, they still had a few hours before check out. She had packed up her things before leaving for the café and set her suitcase next to Spike's bag. Looking down at the small red book in her hand, she let out a sigh. Just in the past week they had shared so much. Why was it so hard for him to open up about this? She shook her head and shedding her shoes, Buffy curled up on the chase with her coffee and started to read.

It didn't take long for her to realize why he had been so guarded. It wasn't that his poetry was bad, she had read much worse. Leon had been right, Spike was being overly hard on himself. No, it was because most of them were clearly about her, or rather his messy feelings for her. Unrequited love, doubts about her sincerity, their inability to be together. One such poem cut particularly deep as she realized he must have written it when he first came back, while he was deciding if he should go after her or not. Another was about the moment they clasped hands in fire moments before the pillar of fire consumed him. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes. She had had dreams and nightmares about that moment for months, it made sense he would too.

Buffy flopped the book down into her lap as she took a long sip of her coffee. She took a deep breath turning her attention to Spike who had started mumbling in his sleep. They had each been through so much. Spike started tossing in his sleep, suddenly woke up with a shout. He looked around wildly, calming down instantly when he saw Buffy sitting there watching him. His eyes fell upon the book in her hand and he looked down at the sheets. He couldn't look her in the eyes.

Spike cleared his throat, "Buffy—"

"Are you alright?"

"I- oh that; the nightmare" he waved it off dismissively "Think I'd be used to them by now."

Buffy gave him an understanding half smile, "After all the crazy things we've been through? Not a chance."

Spike returned the smile and ruffled his hair a bit. "So, eh, whatcha think?" He asked, gesturing towards the book.

Buffy looked down at it, "Thank you" she rubbed a hand over her collarbone.

"Come again?"

"I know we've talked about most of this stuff but, seeing it all put into poetry it's just…"

"Pathetic?"

"God, Spike, why do you keep doing that?"

"I'm going to need a little explanation, I'm a little lost here, Pet."

"Leon was right. You are way too hard on yourself. These are good. I'm not a huge poetry person, but it's definitely not as bad as you're always saying it is. It's good, it evokes emotion. And as beautiful as most of it is, some of it also really hurts."

"Like a bleedin' railroad spike to the skull?"

"No— a little lower" she said, patting her heart.

"Bugger all, Love . You don't have to—"

Buffy rolled her eyes, "I'm no poetry expert, but I know enough to know what I like and I can honestly say I really like your poetry."

"And the fact that most of that rot is about you has nothing to do with it?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, that's what makes some of them really hard to read. But only because it's hard for me to see myself the way you do. It's— beautiful."

Spike hung his head, "Thanks, Love "

"Spike?" Buffy asked as she made her way over to him on the bed, "Are you alright?"'

Spike rubbed a hand over his face before looking up at her. He cleared his throat, "We should get a move on, don't want to miss check out. It's going to be a fun time getting to the train station too."

"Yeah, I had an idea about that the other day while you were asleep." She got up to pull out a shopping bag and tossed it to him.

"What's this?" Spike asked as he reached inside the heavy bag to find a leather motorcycle jacket with an attached hood, a plain black zip-up hoodie and a pair of driving gloves "Bloody hell, are you tying to change my style already?"

Buffy chuckled, "I'm not changing anything. That's why I got the black hoodie too, you can wear it with your trademark coat. You choose. I just thought these might make daylight travel a little easier on our trip— less blankety. Now you have choices. I'm surprised you haven't done it before."

"Thanks, Love " he shook his head, "I can't believe you did this."

"Go on, check it out."

"Material on both the hoods is good and thick, it's not a bad thought. Still wouldn't go out at high noon in summer, but I think you might be onto something here."

"Well come on, try on the jacket, I want to see."

Spike got out of the bed and gave Buffy a kiss, "Yes ma'am. But first, pants" he grinned gesturing to his playing card boxer-briefs.

"Sexy"

Spike grinned as he pulled on his pants and his new jacket "Nice. Feels good."

She beamed at him, "Are we ready?"

"Let me get this stuff stowed in my bag here and we can get going."

A few hours later Spike and Buffy were settled in their seats on the train on their way to London. From there they would take a second train up to Edinburgh. Buffy reached over to take Spike's hand.

"You're not nervous are you, Love?" He asked.

"Can you imagine the look on Giles' face when he sees us together?"

"You told him right?"

"I definitely told him we were coming. He knows you're with me— he's picking us up at the station. I'm just not sure if I mentioned we were, you know, together."

"Bloody brilliant."

"At least his glasses will be spot free," she smiled brightly.

"How thoughtful."

"I try."

Spike leaned back in his seat and threw his feet up onto the empty seat across from them as he attempted to get comfortable "I'm just going to kip here. Still a bit knackered, didn't sleep well this morning."

Buffy shrugged and pulled out the red journal containing Spike's poetry from her bag, "I'm good."

"You haven't finished?"

She settled into her seat and flipped open the book, "Go on, get some sleep, we'll be in London before you know it."

"Home sweet home… too bad we're not staying."

"We'll hit London on the way back through."

"Ta, Love ."

A/N: To be continued... Please Read and Review!