It's some weeks after the wedding. Spike and Buffy are out on her nightly patrol through the grave yard.

Buffy: That's every night this week you've been out patrolling with me.

Spike: You know I love being with you.

Buffy: And the I do's at the alter didn't do it for ya?

Spike: Hey, I'm just enjoying all this married bliss thing. I'm somebody's husband now. Got to take my husbandly duties seriously.

Buffy: Ah. That's what the bedrooms for.

Spike: Hey I'm more than a pretty face and your sex toy.

Buffy: Yeah. Well see, later tonight. (She give him a knowing look.)

Spike: Least something's dinnit change.

Suddenly a vamp jumps out at them. He is soon joined by two more. They are wielding weapons.

Charles: So you must be the slayer. We've heard of you. And we're gonna clobber you.

Buffy: Yeah. Like I haven't heard that one before. (She looks at them and they all have on the same jacket.) What is this? Like some motor cycle gang for the undead?

Jack: No! We're gathering a group together, and when we get enough members we're going to go on a road trip of death and destruction. (They all cheer in unison.) I'm Jack the Ritter. This here's Charles Hanson, and over there he's Issie.

Buffy: Issie?

Jack: Yeah, you know like Issie Borden. Forty whacks with an ax, like's he's going to do with your heads.

Spike: Ah, not to sound dumb, but wasn't it Ripper, and Manson? And isn't Lissie Borden a girl?

Issie: (Sniffling slightly.)

Jack: We wanted to do something original with the names. See now look what you've gone and done. Do you know how sensitive he is about that?

Buffy: (She just roles her eyes.) Oh boy here we go again. Least I'm not fighting characters from Interview with the vampire tonight. Where'd you find each other. Did ya go to put out an add in the paper? Under single dead vamp needs other S.D.V. To go on a killing spree.

Charles: Don't be stupid. I used the Internet. Much quicker that way. Plus I got a discount on the jacket's by doing the order on line.

Issie: Enough talking we're waiting for our friend Bart to rise and were taking no prisoners. (He pulls back his ax, and takes a swipe at Spike's head.)

Spike: (Ducking just in time to avoid the ax. He jabs the vamp in the stomach and they begin fighting.) I'll give ya forty whacks, and then some. Here's another. (He connects his fist to the vamps face while avoiding the ax.)

Buffy: (Responding to Charles.) Stupid would be you. These stupid get ups, and getting in my way while I'm out patrolling. (She gives Charles the vamp, a quick upper cut to the face. Takes out her stake and goes on the attack.)

Jack: Hey, I designed these jackets. How dare you call them stupid. (He tries to attack Buffy from behind.)

Buffy: (She kicks back. Getting the vamp between the leg as he doubles over.) Sorry stupid is such a harsh word, I think pretty and frilly with cute names all over the back is a way better description. (She ducks as Charles tries to stab her with a knife. She gives him a triple combination punch.)

Spike: He is rolling around on the floor with Issie. Sees Jack about to attack Buffy again, they roll towards the other vamp and Spike throws him off balance with a scissor kick maneuver.

Buffy: (Sees what he did, for her.) Thanks.

Spike: It's what I'm here for sweetheart. (Spike gets control of the ax, as they roll on the floor. He picks it up, and whams it into the vamp. Who shatters to dust around him.) Problem with vamps, one whack in the right spot and they turn to dust.

Buffy: (As Charles comes at her again with the knife. She lunges her stake up, and connects this time with the essential spot and he goes flying to dust and pieces all around her.) Know what you mean.

Jack: You're both gonna di... (Rising something that looks like a hook, he is about to go after them. But before he can finish the thought. Buffy rolls over Spike's back for leverage, and kicks the weapon out of Jack's hand, and lunges her stake into the vamp.)

Buffy: (Talking to the pile of dust.) And you were saying?

Spike: Betting he was gonna say, we are both gonna destroy him into a big pile o' dust. And so we did. (See another vamp rising from the grave.) Buffy look out!

Buffy: (Stakes the vamp who is just coming out of some newly dug earth.) Ow. (Looks at her hand.) Relax, I got him.

Spike: (Goes over and picks up a jacket the vamps were carrying before they all got dusted. It say's Bart and Ernie, with Ernie slashed out.) This is good quality workmanship on this jacket.

Buffy: But why does the jacket say Bart? I mean I get. Charles Manson, Jack the Ripper, and Lissie Borden. But Bert? He's a muppet. Nothing evil there.

Spike: Hey don't be so sure. There's a whole web site devoted to Bert being an evil muppet. Read all about it when Willow let me use her computer to go on the internet. (Looks proud of himself.)

Buffy: (Just rolls her eyes.) You read?

Spike: Funny. I can spell, write, know my abc, and a few other tricks too. Sure you remember from last night luv. (He raises his eye brow at her.)

Buffy: Well there is something you can help me do right now.

Spike: What you got another itch you need me to scratch? (Gives her a suggestive look.)

Buffy: Close. Come with me, you'll see.

Over on a bench in the grave yard.

Spike: (They are together on a bench in the cemetery. Buffy is on Spikes lap.) Stop squirming this is killing me as much as it's killing you.

Buffy: I doubt that, I'm the one who has it inside me. (Moans out. She is in a bit of pain.) Would you hurry up, I can't take much more of this.

Spike: Working it back and forth is the only way to get it out.

Buffy: It's just I've never had one this size in me before. (She moans out again.)

Spike: Well you had it in your hand. You practically forced it inside you.

Buffy: How did I force it inside me? I assure you it went in of it's own free will.

Spike: Hold still. I think I have the right rhythm this time. Almost there.

Xander enters the graveyard. He's comes to find Buffy and he walks in on the scene in the grave yard.

Xander: (He's a little put off by the scene in front of him, but instead of making his presence known he just looks on. Mesmerized by the scene before him.)

Buffy: After you take it out of me, you better kiss it and make it better. (Beads of sweat are running down her brow. She knows to reach their final goal she must put up with this just a little longer.)

Spike: Oh I'll do a lot more than kiss it and make it better. I'll soothe it with my mouth, for as long as you like.

Buffy: Promise. (She sees him nods.) When you talk like that, I think I can endure anything.

Willow: (Finding Xander in the graveyard, coming over to see what he's looking at. In a whispered voice.) Xander what are you doing?

Xander: (Surprised cause he's been so mesmerized by the scene in front of him.) Aw nothing.

Willow: I can't believe you're watching, I can't even look. (She's seen what's going on at the bench and she turns around to look away.) How can you watch that?

Xander: It's not as bad as it looks. Besides he's got a real technique there, with the back and forth. It's almost hypnotic.

Buffy: We've been at this forever. (She sounds breathless.) How much longer?

Spike: Till I can get the right spot. Now stop moving already, just relax. (They are so caught up with what they are doing, they don't notice Willow and Xander's presence.)

Buffy: How can you ask me to relax at a time like this. I'm too worked up.

Spike: Not much longer now. I got it. (He rocks her hand back and forth.) It's coming.

Buffy: I can feel it. (She starts to moan out really loud.) Ow, Ow, Ow, (Then she screams out it relief.) Oh. Finally. (She has a tear running down her face.) That left me exhausted.

Spike: Me too.

Xander: I think, I can see it from here. I've never seen one that size? It's amazing you really should have a look Willow.

Willow: Xander that's just gross. Is it over with now?

Xander: Yeah, it's over with now, he finally pulled it out of her. (Wipes the sweat from his brow.) Call me a voyeur, but I couldn't help watching. Next time Anya asks for me to assist her. I'll know what to do. What a great technique Spike has. Willow you really should have watched this. Bet you could have learnt a thing or two. Come on let's go over.

Buffy: That was it? (Looks at the splinter that was causing her so much pain.) That was the splinter?

Spike: That's it, that's our little bad boy that was causing you so much pain. Serves you right, for carrying wooden stakes.

Buffy: Not my fault this one wasn't smoothed out properly. That splinter practically forced itself into my finger. (Holds up her finger.) You said you'd kiss it and make it all better.

Spike: I did. dinnit I? (He kisses her finger with his mouth. Then he's about to suckle her finger.)

Xander: Would you two cut that out. We don't want to see anything gross now.

Buffy: (Looking up for the first time.) Xander. Willow. When did you two get here?

Willow: Xander and I stooped by the house. Dawn said you and Spike had gone patrolling. So we went to grab some ice cream. We picked some up and came by then saw you with Spike. (Points to Buffy's finger.) We saw Spike trying to get your splinter out. I couldn't watch. The site of a splinter and I go all whoosey.

Spike: Slayer with super strength and she goes super sucky over a little splinter.

Xander: Little splinter? Hey I could see that thing from over there. That's a good size splinter.

Buffy: (Pouting.) Thanks for the back up Xander. (Sticks her tongue out at Spike.)

Spike: (Shakes his head.)

Xander: Anytime Buff. And Spike, I've got to say that's some technique you've got there. Where did ya learn that?

Spike: I watch a lot of telly. That Martha Stewart's got a work around for everything. She uses a potato cut in half to remove broken light bulbs from the socket. Know what, works like a charm.

Xander: No wonder. Anya says Martha Stewart is a witch. Apparently no one could do that much decoupage without calling on the forces of darkness.

Spike: Never really thought of it before. That explains so much.

Xander: Yeah hun. That's what I said.

Willow: Would you two stop going on. Buffy's got a little boo-boo on her finger. Want some ice cream. It's kind of melty by now, but you can still sip it from the package.

Buffy: (Getting up from her comfortable perch on Spikes lap.) I would love some ice cream. After slaying and being injured in the line of duty. I think I deserve something yummy.

Spike: Injured in the line of duty? That vamp almost took my head off.

Buffy: Yep, and I took a splinter in the finger. I'd say that makes us about even.

Spike: How you figure that one out?

Buffy: I don't have to. I'm injured. (She links arms with Willow and the two walk off ahead.)

Spike: (Shakes his head.)

Xander: I hear ya. Woman. (Xander hands him, the package with ice cream.) That's ok. We all know who the hero was around here tonight. Anya gets a splinter and it's Xander this, Xander that. Thousand years killing and wounding men and one little splinter or bunny and it's all over with.

Spike: (Takes the ice cream from Xander.) Thanks. I hear you on that one. Super Slayer Strength, one splinter and she goes all wounded kitten on me. Biggest baby, good thing we know who wears the pants round here.

Buffy: (Turning back.) Are you two coming.

Spike: Be right there.

Xander: Ah, she does?

Spike: Hey. We share. (They walk off after Willow and Buffy.)

The four leave the cemetery and make their way to various other destinations, with a promise to Willow that they will try to stop by her new place at some point tomorrow. Spike and Buffy go home to kiss any hurts she might have and make them better. Willow goes home to her new apartment. Xander reluctantly goes home to have another argument with Anya about the wedding he called off.

Next morning at the Summers house. Connubial bliss continues. (As much as can be.) Buffy and Spike have moved into Joyce's old room. It has been moderately redecorated to suite them both. Willow has moved out of the house, and lives on her own. She is trying to stand fully on her own two feet after the addiction. It is morning, and the sun comes streaming through the window. A ray of light reflects off of something and onto Spike's arm.

Spike: (Wakes up with a start. He is screaming.) What you trying to do? Get a divorce?

Buffy: (She gets up and shuts blinds more fully.) Guess we have to fix that. I wasn't trying to wake up as Mrs. big pile of dust. I'm not ready to be a widow. But it serves you right for not properly kissing my wound and making it better.

Spike: I could use some sympathy here. Besides I kissed everything else last night. Dinnit I?

Buffy: (Tends to his arm where the beam of light has burnt his skin.) Where would you like the sympathy to be placed. (Really suggestive.)

Spike: That's my girl, that's the kind of talk I like to hear. You perk right up from, wounded kitten in the grave yard, to sex kitten in our bed dinnit you? (Gives her a really seductive look.)

Buffy: (She smiles.) I have something you might like better than talk.

Spike: Yeah? I think my arm is starting to feel a little better. What do ya have in mind? You could ah come back to bed and show me.

Buffy: Let me just get some balm to put on your wounded hand.

Spike: You're all the balm I need babe.

Buffy: Oh I think you'll like this. (Comes over to the bed carrying something in a little jar.) I am just going to spread it on anything that might need soothing. (She starts to put the balm on his hand. Then on his chest, then on some other places.)

Spike: Hey wait a second, that's not balm that's honey. (She wipes some off his chest with her finger, then sticks her finger into him mouth. He closes his lips around her finger, licking it off with his tongue.) Sweetheart I think I'm gonna like your tending to.

Buffy: Well the fun parts not really putting it on. It's taking it off. (Gives him the most suggestive look he's ever seen. Then she straddles him as she starts to remove the honey she has placed on him.)

Spike: (As she looks up, he wipes off some honey that has gotten stuck on her chin, and her nose. She takes his finger, and puts it into her mouth, then she licks the honey from his finger, as she pulls his finger out of her mouth back and forth.) Only so much a man can take. (He grabs Buffy, he removes her tank top, and the rest of her clothing. They assume the same position as before. She is still on top. Her legs are still around his waist. He sits up a little, and positions her on his hips. They find each other and connect on their bed. Buffy moans as her tongue finds it's way into Spike's waiting mouth. Their arms link around each other, and they begin to rock back and forth. Morning silence at the Summers house is broken with the sighs and tender groans of their impassioned joining.

Hours later. Silence is once again broken, by the outside noises and other stirrings inside and outside the bedroom.

Buffy: I'm sticky everywhere. (She says pouting as they lay covered with honey in each other arms.)

Spike: Yeah me too luv! (Gives her a well satisfied look.)

Buffy: You know what I mean. I have honey everywhere, it's in my hair, on my chin, my nose, my toes, and other places. I'm completely sticky.

Spike: I can see if I can go bout getting the rest off you. If you'd like? (Starts on her ear lobe.)

Buffy: Oh no you don't everytime we start we never finish. Well we finish, but you know what I mean. (She hits him.)

Spike: So it's a little bit of slap and tickle your after is it? (He pulls her to him and they wrestle a little bit more.) I still love you, you know that.

Buffy: I know.

Spike: Any regrets?

Buffy: About us?

Spike: I didn't give you much time. Before you said yes.

Buffy: This was right. I didn't need much time. (Kisses him.) I was sure.

Spike: I want to keep making you sure. My promises didn't stop in that groove. I hope you know that.

Buffy: I do know that. (She snuggles into him.) Sometimes I think about my mom. How she's not here anymore and it makes me really lonely. I think about the future and it's just me and Dawn and I get really sad. But now you're here. We are not alone any more. I was sure for so many reasons. You asked me if I was afraid you were going to leave. Do you remember?

Spike: Yeah I remember.

Buffy: Well I was. I thought you'd leave. Everyone else has left, so I figured you would too. But you're here.

Spike: I'm not going anywhere.

Buffy: I think I know that now. I was so afraid I would be alone after mom died. She was great, she took care of everything.

Spike: I know. Joyce was a good lady. Treated me with respect she did. Always had a cuppa hot chocolate and marshmallows waiting round the table. She was real upstanding.

Buffy: I miss her, and I know Dawn misses her. We are not use to having people in our lives. I mean after my mom died, do you know that my dad didn't even show up for the funeral? They were married had kids, and he didn't show up. (She starts to mist up a little.)

Spike: There now pet. I'm here for you. (Strokes her hair, as he wipes a tear from her eye.)

Buffy: (Stops crying.) I know, but isn't that suppose to mean something? Instead he's always off with his secretary or something like that. I always wanted a family after my dad left. Dawn too. It's not that we weren't taken care of, cause mom was great. Just guys don't stay in our lives. My dad didn't show up, even the guy my mom was dating before she died didn't even call us. He just leaves flowers, then she dies and he never calls, or shows up again. Just like that. Then there's my history. You know my history. You're the only one who's stayed so far. Oh and Xander, but you know what I mean.

Spike: Not your fault. Anyone who'd walk away from you should have their heads examined. I'm lucky having you. You and Dawn are the best things, come into my life.

Buffy: You're the best that's come along in a very long time. That's why I was so afraid. Why I kept it casual. Why I almost broke up with you a couple of times, before I told everyone.

Spike: (Raises his eyebrow.) What you mean almost. Luv?

Buffy: Ok I did break up with you, and we had our problems. I caused most of them, but here we are. I kept pushing you away, cause I was so afraid it would end up the same way. But you stuck it out.

Spike: Knew what I wanted. It was you, but I wanted the whole package. Now I think I have it. The whole package I mean. I have all of you.

Buffy: (She remembers the visit or dream or whatever it is she had from the first slayer. Feels guilty cause she still does not feel she can share the vision with him yet.) You have as much of me as anyone ever has. (Stops nestling with Spike.) Hey we better get going. Dawn going to think that...

Spike: Dawn's gonna think we're newly married, and enjoying each other to the fullest. She'd be right.

Buffy: Still I think it's time to get showered. Why don't you go ahead. I want to fix up the room a bit. Honey is all over everything.

Spike: Only when you smile luv. (He smiles at her. Then he goes to the bathroom, through the inner bathroom door to have his shower. He is fully naked, and resplendent in the indirect sunlight that dances across his naked skin. Buffy watches him into the bathroom to have a shower. He goes through the door that adjoins it to their room.)

Spike is having an early morning shower. He is enjoying the running water, and the warmth of it. Suddenly the curtain is pulled back.

Buffy: (Standing there in nothing but a towel.) I'm still sticky all over. Thought we could reserve water. (Pouts as she looks up at him.)

Spike:I'm all for conserving luv. (The towel drops to the floor. She enters the shower with Spike. They pull the curtain all the way around. The water is warm and the soap lather intoxicating. He kisses her, as he moves the bar of soap over her hair, and down her back, which is facing him. He kisses the side of her neck as he moves the soap over her breasts, then down her belly. She reaches up and interlocks her fingers around his neck Her body is fully exposed, with her arms raised above her head. He continues to lather every part of her skin, moving the bar of soap from her navel to her lower abdomen. She maneuvers down with him as he lathers her legs, and upper thighs. He puts the bar of soap away and he finishes lathering her skin with his hands. Every part of her is completely lathered and massaged

Buffy: (Moaning, and stretching against him, to allow better access to his roving hands.) This gives new meaning to the words deep lather and massage.

Spike: We are going to give new meaning to a lot of things luv. (Turning her to face him. They are about to get comfortable when...)

Dawn: (Loud knock at the outer bathroom door.) Buffy are you in there? (Dawn screams at the top of her lungs.)

Buffy: Dawn. I'm having a shower go away!

Dawn: You've been in that shower forever. I have to go pee. (She opens the bathroom door and goes over to the toilet.)

Buffy: Dawn get out! (Buffy screams at the top of her lungs.)

Dawn: What's your problem. I'm almost finished peeing. Besides not as if I haven't walked in on you before in the bathroom. It's nothing that I haven't seen before. What are you getting so worked up about. I've seen it all before. You walk around the house half naked anyway.

Buffy: (Spike nibbles her ear. Dawn can not see anything threw the curtains.) Well it's not the same. You need to learn how to knock. (Finishes the last.)

Dawn: You need to learn to lock the bathroom door. Buffy are you ok? You sound funny.

Buffy: Dawn. I'm fine, just go!

Dawn: (Finishes using the toilet.) Are you sure you're ok. You sound all breathless and stuff. (Flushes the toilet. She hears a scream that almost sounds masculine.) Buffy are you sure you're ok? You sound funny.

Buffy: Dawn. I'm fine, just go!

Dawn: Are you sure you're ok?

Buffy: Ow. You burnt me and I screamed. I said to leave!

Dawn: Your voice sounded so weird when you screamed, sure your ok? (Dawn goes over to the shower to investigate. She is about to pull the shower curtain back.)

The phone rings.

Dawn: That might be Janice. I've been expecting her call. Fine be a shower hog, see if I care. (Dawn leaves the bathroom.)

Buffy: (Gets out and locks the door. Walks back to the shower.) Are you totally demented. She almost caught us.

Spike: You weren't complaining. Sides we're married now. What do you think she thinks? Her rooms just across, and down the hall. She is a hormonal teenager. Probably knows as much as we do by now.

Buffy: She better not. Besides. Hearing is not seeing.

Spike: (Lifting her back into the shower.) And talking is defiantly not doing. Now where were we pet?

An hour later. Spike showered and dressed at last makes his way down to the breakfast table to have a very late breakfast with Dawn.

Spike: Morning bit. How you doing? Did you sleep well?

Dawn: Same as usual. You and Buffy sleeping ok?

Spike: (Spike looks up.) Well how do you mean?

Dawn: You just seem to keep late hours with patrolling and all. Just wondering if you're settling in ok. This must be a change from your crypt.

Spike: Oh yeah. (Sounds relieved.) This is defiantly a change for me. But I'm loving it. (He goes over to the cupboard and grabs a bowl, then goes to the fridge. Looks in his special drawer and withdraws a packet. Goes to the microwave. Heats up contents of packet into bowl. (Goes back to join Dawn at the table.) Can I have some of that?

Dawn: She hands him some of her Life serial.

Spike: (He takes the cereal and adds it to the blood in the bowl.)

Dawn: Eww that's gross.

Spike: You've seen me drink blood before bit.

Dawn: Yeah, but not by putting in little bit's of cereal. That's gross.

Spike: What? Give's it more texture.

Dawn: Whatever! Still gross.

Spike: So how is school going?

Dawn: Well you know. Same as usual. When is that social worker suppose to come by? I can't believe that she still has to do regular monthly check up's on us. Even now that you and Buffy are married.

Spike: Got to show we got a stable family. Sure she'll push off after that. Leave us alone and all.

Buffy: (Enters the kitchen. Still glowing and looking radiant after her morning shower.) Dawn. We need some house rules about knocking on all doors. Not just the bathroom door.

Dawn: Well if you put the lock on the door, you wouldn't have to worry about it now would you?

Buffy: Sometimes I forget. It's joined to the bedroom, and I forget sometimes. I'm still adjusting to taking the room over from Willow.

Dawn: I still don't see why your making such a big deal. It's not as if I walked in on you and Spike in your bedroom or something.

Spike: (He looks up at Buffy. They exchange glances.) Well I think what Buffy means is, not just you women in the house any more. You got me here now. We just need to set up some new house rules and stuff. Right bit.

Dawn: I knocked first. If you had answered I obviously wouldn't have barged in.

Buffy: I'll remember that for next time.

Dawn: Hun?

Buffy: Just remember the house rules for next time.

Dawn: Whatever. So Spike what are you going to do today?

Spike: Don't know bit. Since it's the weekend, thought I'd watch some telly, then see bout getting things fixed up round here. I am pretty handy. Put some real work into my crypt. Think I could do the same round here.

Dawn: I hate not having any money. I mean I know we're ok. But I liked it before. You know when mom was around.

Buffy: I'm doing my best here Dawn.

Dawn: I didn't mean it that way. I guess I just miss her. She always knew what to do. She always made sure everything was nice. She could always fix things.

Spike: Of course you didn't mean it that way bit. Sides it's natural to miss your mom. Tell you what. I made it real pretty where she is. I put some flowers round the site, so next time you and Buffy go visit, it will look really nice.

Buffy: You did that?

Spike: No problem. Round that area lots anyway.

Buffy: I should have but.

Spike: You been dealing with other stuff. Sides we're together now. All of us. (Makes sure Dawn knows he's there for both of them.) How bout we go sometime? The flowers are probably better in the day. But I got that whole sun, me, burnt to a crisp thing happening.

Dawn: I'd like that.

Buffy: Yeah me too.

Spike: So what you two got planned for the rest of the afternoon?

Dawn: Janice and I are going to the mall. We are going to see if we can meet up with Emily. It's so hard getting those two in the same place at once.

Buffy: I am suppose to stop by Willow's new place, and help her settle in. But I should be back before the whole afternoon slips away.

Spike: I look forward to that. (Gives her a look, that holds many promises for the afternoon.)

Buffy: (Goes over and kisses him.) Me too.

Dawn: (Goes back to eating her cereal and smiles. It's not the perfect nuclear family, but it's breakfast around their table and it's great.)

The three settle down to the morning breakfast, which is being enjoyed during the afternoon in the Summers house.

Buffy arrives at Willow's new apartment. Xander and Anya are there as well. The gang has come to help Willow settle into her new place.

Willow: That lamp I think will look better over there.

Xander: That's the third time you've made me move it?

Anya: Shut up Xander. We're here to work, to lend a hand. To be good friends. That means no complaining. See just like you made me memorize. (She smiles.)

Xander: It's too bad I don't see ya doing as much work as talking.

Anya: I lent a hand.

Willow: Actually I think it was more like a finger.

Anya: Well I could lend you one more. I think I know which one.

Xander: Anya!

Anya: What? She started it. I did so help. I put those books on the self over there. (She points.) And I've been appraising all of Willow's things that are of value in the apartment. Good news is at least if you get robbed Willow, you won't have anything to worry about? (Here she smiles.)

Willow: You know Anya, you really don't have to be here if you don't want to.

Anya: Sure I do. Xander dragged me here, and said cause you helped us when we moved. I had to help you. So here I am helping. (She puts on a smile on her face.)

Xander: Anya. It's way better when you're going to help someone, not to tell them that you were forced into it sweetie.

Anya: And Xander. When you're going to marry someone, it's much better for you not to call off the wedding, and then not set a date ever again. Sweetie. (She keeps the smile firmly plastered on her face.)

Xander: Can we not discuss this here.

Anya: Sure, where and when exactly would you like to discuss it? Cause you never do when we are home with each other.

Xander: Just not here baby.

Anya: Fine. (She just stops talking.)

Buffy: (To Willow.) So how did you find this place, and for so little. It's really cute and charming.

Willow: If you mean small and affordable you would be right. I got it from a friend I meet years ago when I went away to music camp.

Xander: Do you mean band camp?

Willow: (Ignoring Xander.) So he's going away to Europe for a bit, and wanted someone to take care of the place, and since his parent's rent it to him for cheep. I get to take over his rent. Don't know when he's coming back. Good to know people in musically places, I guess.

Buffy: Well it's really cute I like it.

Xander: Yeah it's great. Hey how come Tara didn't come to help? Didn't you invite her?

Willow: (Looking uncomfortable.) Actually I did, but she had other things to do.

Anya: That's an off limits topic Xander. Even I know that. Things are still all uncomfortable. Tara still hasn't forgiven Willow.

Xander: Gosh I was sure, she'd come around by now.

Willow: Looks like we are moving on with our lives. (She sounds sad.) Anyway that's what I have you all here for. Let's finish unpacking.

They finish unpacking and settle down to watch a movie.

Willow: It's great that he left some of his furniture and stuff. He didn't need it in Europe where he was going to be. I'm so glad I don't have to shop for electronics.

Buffy: Well you know you could have stayed with me, Dawn and Spike.

Willow: Yeah, but I want to get out on my own and be independent. I love all you did for me, but I need to stand fully on my own two feet now, just like Tara's doing.

Buffy: I really sorry that things haven't improved in that area.

Willow: It's ok at least we are on speaking terms. Sort of friendly at times, but not hostile or anything. At least that's something.

Buffy: True.

Xander: Hey, what kind of Movies does this guy keep? (Xander rifles threw a case containing movies.) Hey look at this, he has Apocalypse Now. Remember just after we beat Adam, and we rented movies and watched them at Buffy's house?

Willow: Yeah, it was the group of us. Oh and Giles was there. Remember?

Buffy: Yeah. I remember. I still miss him. I still wish he was here, at least he was able to come for the wedding. (Buffy tenses realizing that she has said the "W" word. Which is still a buzz word that could start Anya and Xander fighting again at any minute. But they don't)

Anya: Yeah that was a great night. Except for the visit from the first Slayer, and her trying to kill us and all. Gosh still gives me goose pimples when I think about it. What about you Buffy?

Buffy: (Her mind instantly goes back to her visit with the first Slayer, the night of her wedding and the slayers words about slayers being routed in darkness. Vampire darkness to be exact. Also all the images she saw, and the slayers final words, "You now know what you are, and soon you will know what you have become. We are all one kindred.")

Xander: Buffy. You ok? (He sounds concerned.)

Buffy: Hun? Yeah I'm fine. I just got distracted. Spacing again.

Anya: Bet you were thinking about all that great Spike sex you get to have. How's that going by the way?

Buffy: (Still a little spaced out.) Great. (Realizes what she said. Blushes.) I mean, none of your business, but if it was.

Willow: If it was?

Buffy: (Smiles, looks radiant and nodes.) Still great.

Willow: (She sighs in unison with Anya.)

Xander: Hey I'm still in the room. I so don't need to be hearing this right now. Can we please talk about something else?

Anya: Yeah sure Xander. I can think of something else that I would like to talk about.

Xander: (Sensing a trap about the wedding discussion, in there somewhere. He makes his escape.) Actually the current topic of conversation is just fine. (Turns to Buffy.) So Buffy. Spike. Great sex? Do tell.

After the friends get settled Buffy leaves to go meet up with Spike. Xander and Anya hang out a little bit longer. Xander is trying to avoid going home, for yet another discussion about the delayed wedding.

Buffy, Spike, and Dawn meet up later that evening. The three go to the video store, they come home with rented movies.

Dawn: This is the sad part, he turns all rabid and stuff.

Buffy: Promise if I ever get rabies you won't take me out to the back and shoot me. Just stake me or something like that. Bullets bad.

Spike: So is getting staked. Sides not old yellers fault he got turned all rabid and stuff. Made to drink blood for all eternity. Oh no wait, that something else, I'm thinking of.

Dawn: (She looks over at Buffy and they share a look about Spike that is becoming all too familiar. They smile.) Ok. That was just too sad. They had to do it, he would have gone really crazy like cujo and just killed everything eventually.

Spike: Still it made me all sad and stuff. Let's get something more cheerful on. Anyone up for terminator? That Arnold's one bad ass. Leather jacket, bad attitude, rides a motor cycle. Reminds me of someone I know. Sides, it's one of my favorite movies.

Buffy: Ok, but we have to watch the chic flick I selected next.

Spike: I'm all up for girl interrupted. A poignant chic flick about teen angst. I'm just watching terminator as a warm up. Get me all set for the scary stuff. (Dawn and Buffy laugh.) What?

They watch the movie and enjoy some micro-waved popcorn.

Spike: You know what I could be Kyle from the movie. What you say Buffy? I could say I traveled cross time for you.

Buffy: It's not the same, no cool time machine.

Spike: Sure it could be the same. Watch this. I'd travel through time for you Buffy Summers. I traveled from 1880 for you. I love you.

Buffy: (Getting into the spirit of it.) That could work, I suppose.

Spike: Yeah then you can show me just how greatful you are, that I did all that traveling through time for you. (Gives her a look.)