Title:  Complicated

Author:  Melanie M./Shai/Misty

Email: SSailorUranuss@aol.com

Archive:  please ASK if you want to archive it.

Pairing:  just read to find out

Rating:  R, bordering on NC 17

Disclaimers:  I don’t own Buffy or anything attached to the show/characters and I’m making absolutely nothing off of this fic.  Well, accept for maybe feedback.  The song belongs to Avril Lavigne and it’s called “Complicated”.  Also, a m/m slash warning on this fic.

Comments:  I need feedback.  Remember, FEED ME!

~<>~

Uh huh

Life’s like this

Uh huh, uh huh

That’s the way it is

La la la la la la

Cause life’s like this

Uh huh, uh huh

That’s the way it is

~<>~

He sighed.  Why did his lover hurt him so?  They’d been silent far too long.  He’d done his research and his love’s partner in secrecy was a far cry from clean.  She was with another just as he was but neither let a soul suspect this.  Tossing his Marlboro red to the ground he sauntered into his place of residence.  It felt good to be home.

“Hi baby,” a man purred from the bed, hugging his love.

He smiled.  “Hey there pet.  How are ya luv?”

“Been better but hey, I’m with you now.  No worries here, right?”

“Yeah.”

He pouted.  “Rough day?”

“Slayer’s on my case.  Being a real bitch these days,” he sighed, laying on their bed.

“What do you say I make it all better Billie?”

“Ya promise Lexi?”

The man laid his body firmly on the vampires cold, muscular form.  “Always,” he whispered huskily, kissing the man’s cold lips hotly.

The next evening at the Magic Box. . .

“So we’re just doing a routine patrol?”

“Looks that way,” Buffy sighed, happy to be out of that hell dimension.  Things seemed to be looking up lately aside from Spike bugging the hell outta her.

“Cool!  Then we can go Bronzing!” Willow suggested hyperly.

“I’m there!” Buffy replied eagerly, wanting to do the party scene a few more times before she started her job at Hot Topics the following week.

Xander and Anya exchanged glances and looked at the others.  “Uh, sure.  I’m off work tomorrow so lets do it,” Xander replied.

Spike, restless, paced in with a grin.  “So, what’s the baddie update?”

Buffy glared.  “Not much is happening lately.  Kinda dead tonight.”

“They’re waitin.”

“For what?” Willow responded worriedly.

“The solstice.  Some big mojo warlock’s havin some kinda ritual.  Name’s Rack or somethin.”

“Mr. Know-it-all strikes again.  I swear he gets info just so he can bug us,” Xander grumbled.

“Like you’re much help you bloody wanker,” Spike growled.

“You would know,” Anya mumbled to herself, low enough so the others couldn’t hear.

~<>~

Chill out, what ya yelling for

Lay back it’s all been done before

And if you could only let it be, you will see

I like you the way you are

~<>~

Buffy sighed.  “Thanks for the info Spike but could you please leave.  I’m REALLY not in the mood for your mood swings.”

“Buggers,” he muttered, leaving the shop.

Anya glanced at Xander, knowing Spike was upset.  “Xander, can you pick these things up for dinner tonight?” she asked hintingly handing him a piece of paper.

“Uh,” he replied, then realizing what she meant.  “Oh, right.  Sure.  I’ll be back later,” he added, taking the list and practically running out of the shop to catch up with Spike.

Getting in his car he cruised around, searching for the blonde vamp.  Finding him he stopped the car and opened the door.  “Hop in.”

Spike got in, closing the door hard.

“I’m sorry,” Xander whispered.

Spike kissed the man gently and smiled.  “S’ok luv.”

~<>~

When we’re driving in your car

And you’re talking to me one on one

But you become

Somebody else round everyone else

~<>~

Spike settled in his seat.  “Why can’t we tell them?”

“I. . .I’m just not ready,” Xander whispered tensely.

“Right.  Well then, you might wanna run back to your little pals before they start thinkin ya ran off.”

Xander sighed.  He couldn’t let the others know.  He wasn’t ready for that.  Stopping in front of Spike’s crypt, he let him out.  “I’ll see you later when we patrol.”

“Right then,” Spike replied, kissing Xander gently on the cheek.  Getting out of the car, he smiled and walked into his crypt.  Sitting on his bed he began to prepare for the night to come.

----------------

The night was still and dark.  The only sound adorning this night were the footsteps of the prowling crusaders.  The evil hid well but not well enough to escape the slayer and her allies.

Buffy led with Willow and Tara behind her.  Anya, Xander and Spike followed behind the others.  They knew it was too quiet so they kept their guard up.

~<>~

Watching your back like you can’t relax

You try to be cool

You look like a fool to me

~<>~

Spike slid his fingers along Xander’s hand but the other man pulled away.  Spike sighed, hurt by the simple action.  He loved this man with all of his heart but now he couldn’t show it.  The timing was all wrong.

Anya glanced at the two men she stood next to.  She missed Helfrek more than anything but right now she had to do what she could to help her friends.  She looked at Spike and gave him a comforting smile.  She hoped it would help but somehow she knew it wouldn’t.

Xander ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck.  He wanted to hold Spike’s hand.  He wanted to kiss him and touch his skin but that couldn’t happen here.  It wouldn’t.

~<>~

Tell me why you have to go and make things so complicated

I see the way you’re actin like you’re somebody else gets me frustrated

Life’s like this

~<>~

They came from the darkness.  Shadows of the night surrounded them.  The forms began to close in.

“Ok, stay close,” Buffy instructed as they took their stances.

Somehow they were separated.  They were all fighting fiercely with their weapons of choice.  Buffy was thrown into a tree, knocked unconscious.

~<>~

You, you fall

~<>~

Willow and Tara were thrown into each other.  They both got to their knees and crawled to where Buffy was.

~<>~

And you crawl

~<>~

They closed their eyes, unable to move.  Anya killed one of the demons, unaware that the others were still somewhat conscious.

One demon went after Xander.  He threw him across the lot, sending him back first into a headstone.  Spike leapt at the demon, destroying him with one blow.  The other demons attacked him and all he did was hover over Xander protectively so they wouldn’t hurt his love.

Xander began to wake.  His eyes focused on the man who protected him and smiled before he realized where he was.  After realizing his situation he tried to slide out from under the vampire but he couldn’t.  Spike was holding on for dear life.

The demons kicked their hardest but he would not budge.  He was spitting up blood, his body stiff as a board.  Baring his fangs, he grabbed one demon and snapped its neck from his crouching position.  The other two fled as Spike’s fangs retracted and his face returned to normal.

Buffy, Willow and Tara began to stir.  As they rose, Spike collapsed onto his lover.  Xander saw his friends stand and he pushed the vampire away from him.  He stood shakily as Anya watched in silence.  She knew what would happen next.  “Get off of me,” Xander whispered.

“I love you,” Spike whispered so only Xander would hear.

“Spike?  What the. . .” Buffy mumbled, seeing the blonde vamp coughing up blood on the ground.

~<>~

And you break

~<>~

“Get away from me!” he roared, bowing his head so they wouldn’t see the tears in his eyes.  He felt as if he was dying all over again.  His lover couldn’t hold him now and there was nothing he could feel but pain.  It coursed throughout his dead form, searing through his veins like a drug.

Xander stared at his lover.  He wanted to help him, touch him, heal him.  He was powerless now.  He couldn’t do anything.  He wanted to but still this demon within his chest held him back.  He mouthed “I love you” while his back was to his friends.  He held out his hand to the vampire, hoping it would make this situation more bearable.

~<>~

And you take what you get

And you turn it into honesty

And promise me I’m never gonna find you fake it

No no no

~<>~

Spike took the man’s hand and rose from the ground.  “Thanks,” he grumbled then walked off with the others staring at him.

Buffy blinked.  “Lets go home,” she whispered.

“I have to do some research for a school project but I’ll be home later,” Willow announced, heading toward the UCS library.

Tara gave Willow a quick kiss.  “Ok.  I have to do some stuff at the Magic Box so I’ll meet you back at Buffy’s.”  Tara and Anya left for the Magic Box as Xander got in his car.

Buffy’s new cell phone rang as she sighed.  Answering it she grumbled. They wanted her to start work tonight to help close up shop.  Dawn was with Janice so that was taken care of and the others had things to do so she found no reason to decline their request.  Heading for work, she smiled.  Things seemed to be going well tonight.

---------------

Willow sighed, finishing with her work early.  Heading back to Buffy’s, she felt a presence behind her.  This was creepy.  Walking along the side of the street she froze. 

“I’ve been looking for you,” he whispered, grabbing her.

----------

Anya sighed as she lit the candles.  Her lover would be home soon and they’d have a great meal followed by dancing and maybe a movie.  With a sigh, she sat on the couch to wait.  Tara was on her way to Buffy’s, Xander was probably at Spike’s, Dawn was with a friend and poor Buffy had to work.  All of them had something to do.  She was at her and Xander’s new place.

Her demonic lover was granting a wish at the moment but she’d be home soon.  With a smile she decided to double check everything.

------------

~<>~

You come over unannounced

~<>~

He sighed, opening the door slowly.  “Hey.”

“Hey.”

Bowing his head he walked over to the bed and took a seat.  “I’m sorry.”

“Seem to say that a lot.  Startin to wonder if it’s a bloody habit or if you actually mean it,” the vampire growled.

Xander wrapped his arms around Spike’s body, nuzzling to him gently.  “I always mean it.”

Spike smiled.  “Really?”

“Yeah,” Xander whispered, smiling warmly.  He looked at Spike’s bruised chest.  Swallowing hard, he whispered, “does it hurt?”

Spike grinned.  “A bit but I’ll be fine.  I rented Stigmata if you wanna watch it with me.”

“Sure,” Xander beamed happily, crawling onto the vampire. 

Sitting up, Spike examined his lover.  Same old Xander.  Tacky prep clothes, beat up old pants, strong muscular body and that charming grin.

~<>~

Dressed up like you’re something else

Where you aren’t where it’s at you see

~<>~

Xander pouted, wanting Spike to touch him.  Straddling the vampire’s hips, he kissed him softly.  Getting off of him, he slowly began to strip.

~<>~

You’re makin me

Laugh out when you strike your pose

Take off all your preppy clothes

You know you’re not fooling anyone

~<>~

Spike watched contently.  It was as if every article of clothing that was disposed of revealed a little more about the man than what he showed in public.  His clothes hid the real him.  The Alexander Harris Spike loved.

----------------

“WILLOW!  I’M. . .” Tara shouted, pausing as she noticed all of the lights were off.  She put her bag down and listened.  No movement.  Slowly walking upstairs she hoped Willow was alright.  Opening their door she found nothing but darkness.

‘Maybe she’s still at the library,’ she thought.  Checking the messages she heard Willow’s voice.  She rewound the message and played it again.  “Hey baby.  I’ll be home before midnight.  Love ya.  Oh and if this is Buffy, don’t forget to feed Ami.  Bye.”

This part caught her attention.  She heard screaming in the background after the call had ended.  “Willow,” she whispered.  She had to do something quick.  Knowing Buffy was stuck at work for at least another half hour she decided Spike was the only one she could go to.  Xander and Anya were off being lovebirds so she knew they wouldn’t be much help.  She quickly grabbed her jacket and headed for Spike’s crypt.

Upon arriving she heard nothing but silence.  Opening the door she gasped.

Spike groaned, thrusting deeper.  Seeing the blonde at the door, he froze.

Xander quivered, moving to his lover’s rhythm.  Seeing Tara he too froze.

~<>~

When you become

Somebody else round everyone else

Watching your back like you can’t relax

You try to be cool

You look like a fool to me

~<>~

Tara turned her back, covering her eyes.  “W-W-Willow’s missing,” she stuttered.  She had her suspicions but she never thought she could be right.  She didn’t understand why they hid it but then again, there were numerous things she didn’t understand.

Xander’s eyes widened.  “Oh god,” he whispered as he slowly pulled away from the vampire he could still feel inside of him.  “How can we help?” he asked as Spike grabbed their strewn clothes.

“Getting dressed would be a g-g-good idea.”

Xander blushed.  “Uh, working on that,” he replied as they both got dressed.

 “He means about Red,” Spike added.

“I-I-I was hoping you could help me get her back.”

Both men looked at each other, then at the blonde.  “Where’s Buff?”

“Work.  She’ll be done soon but I thought you could help faster.”

“We should stop by, get the slayer, then hunt down whatever took Red,” Spike suggested.

“What do you think took Will?” Xander asked, buttoning his shirt.

“Rack.  He said he’d been looking for her.”

“Then we really need the slayer,” Spike replied.

Tara nodded.  She started to walk out the door when she felt a hand on her shoulder.  “I won’t tell,” she whispered.

Xander let her go and they began their walk to Hot Topics.

----------

Buffy sighed as she locked the doors.  Closing up shop wasn’t as hard as she thought.  She’d been told that she would have the day shift since she’d requested it.  That made her really happy.  She could pay her bills, take care of Dawn and slay.  What more could she ask for?

Turning around, she jumped.  “Oh, hey guys,” she sighed with relief at seeing Tara and Xander.  Seeing Spike she glared.  Something was up.  She could tell.  That was the only way Xander would be anywhere near the blonde vamp.  “What’s up?”

~<>~

Tell me why you have to go and make things so complicated

I see the way you’re actin like you’re somebody else gets me frustrated

Life’s like this

~<>~

“Will’s been kidnapped,” Xander whispered, becoming his old self again.

Buffy became tense.  “Do we know who took her?”

~<>~

You, you fall

~<>~

“Warlock by the name of Rack.  Wants her mojo,” Spike answered.

“How do we find and kill him?” the slayer demanded as they all stared at Spike.

~<>~

And you crawl

~<>~

“Only pure, untainted mojo can counter his dark mojo.  Good and evil type of deal,” the vampire answered.

~<>~

And you break

~<>~

Tara nodded.  “Then I’ll have to battle Rack.  You guys have to save Willow,” she concluded, not wanting to fight but knowing she was the only one who could.

~<>~

And you take what you get

~<>~

Buffy nodded.  “First we need to find him.  Any ideas?”

Spike nodded.  “Follow me.”

-----------

~<>~

And you turn it into honesty

And promise me I’m never gonna find you fake it

No no no

~<>~

Buffy led the others toward Willow silently.  Xander held Spike’s hand firmly and smiled.  He was starting to see that he couldn’t hide what he felt.  It was impossible.

Tara stood before Rack, slightly afraid.

~<>~

No no no

~<>~

He stared at them in disbelief.  “So, you’ve come to save Strawberry?  How interesting.  You won’t get her back.  You’re not strong enough,” he laughed roughly.

Tara’s eyes narrowed as she focused her energy.  “You can only read my power to a certain extent Rack.  Nothing is what it seems,” she replied.  Looking at the others, she nodded.

Buffy tried to free Willow from the chains.  Rack lifted his hand, throwing the slayer into Spike and Xander.  They toppled over in a heap, groaning.

~<>~

No no no

~<>~

Tara launched an energy blast at the warlock but he didn’t even flinch.  Looking at her, he chuckled, “that tickled.”

Tara grinned.  “I don’t want to hurt you.  Let Willow go and I won’t harm you,” she suggested.

~<>~

No no no

~<>~

“You hurt me?  That’s a laugh.  You couldn’t hurt me to save your skin little girl, let alone your girlfriend.  What are ya gonna do?  Tickle me to death?” he spat back in a fit of laughter.

~<>~

No no no

~<>~

Buffy looked at the others and pulled out a bag Tara had given her.  She crawled into the brush, beckoning for the other two to follow.  They began their hushed chant as the witch and the warlock began their duel.

Rack launched a massive attack in the witch’s direction but she batted it away easily.  “And you call me weak?” she mocked.  Chanting a few words under her breath she hit the man with an explosion of power.

“BITCH!” he cried as the attack burned his skin.

~<>~

Chill out, what ya yelling for

Lay back it’s all been done before

~<>~

Regaining his stance, his eyes turned black.  He began to call out to every god possible, borrowing their power to defeat this witch.

Tara fell silent as her eyes began to glow red.  The spell was working.  Spike, Xander, Buffy and herself were now as one.  Spike’s instincts and strength, Xander’s quick thinking, Buffy’s Slayer strength and speed all mixed with Tara’s advanced Wiccan skills and diamond solid will power.  They were an ultimate fighting machine.

~<>~

And if you could only let it be, you will see

~<>~

Rack studied the girl.  Now she scared him.  He continued to collect energy while keeping a watchful eye on the woman.

~<>~

Somebody else round everyone else

~<>~

“What’s the matter Rack?  Scared?  You use to be a peaceful dark force but you seem to have gotten some balls since the last time you showed your face,” Tara chuckled.

Rack glared.  “Last time?”

“I’ve seen you at the Bronze.  Did you think I couldn’t sense you?  Never underestimate your opponent,” she mocked.

~<>~

Watching your back like you can’t relax

~<>~

Rack checked his surroundings carefully.  He was actually starting to wonder if this was such a good idea but he refused to show his fear.

“Is there a problem?  Or are you getting paranoid?” she laughed.

~<>~

You try to be cool

You look like a fool to me

~<>~

Rack pretended he was keeping his cool but he knew deep down that she could see right through him.  Forgetting who he’d been he gathered more energy, almost at full power.

Tara sighed.  This was getting boring.  “Rack, you use to live by one rule.  Live and let live.  What happened?” she asked, hoping to break him before he got himself hurt.  She’d known him as a person and she couldn’t imagine what would drive him to do a thing like this.

“I grew up,” he growled, speeding toward her fully powered.

*”Tell me why you have to go and make things so complicated.  I see the way you’re actin like you’re somebody else gets me frustrated,” she whispered, throwing him roughly into a building.

~<>~

Life’s like this

You, you fall

~<>~

Rack was surprised by the attack.  Standing, he contemplated surrendering.  She was very strong but he decided he wouldn’t give up.  Limping toward her, he whispered a few Latin word and grinned as he sent her into a realm of illusions.

Tara shook her head, countering with her own dose of magik.  This spell banished his weak spell and turned it on the Warlock.

~<>~

And you crawl

~<>~

Falling to his knees, he groaned.  The world was spinning and it wouldn’t stop.  When it did he was surrounded by his worst fears.  “STOP!” he cried, clutching his head.

~<>~

And you break

~<>~

“Let Willow go,” Tara commanded.

He obeyed, freeing the redhead.  The pain disappeared as did the visions.  He stood, his eyes burning with fury.  “This isn’t over!” he growled.

~<>~

And you take what you get

~<>~

“Rack, let this go or you’ll regret it,” Tara warned as the others ended the spell and went to help Willow.

~<>~

And you turn it into honesty

~<>~

“What’s your deal?” Rack asked calmly.

~<>~

And

~<>~

*”Promise me I’m never gonna find you fake it,” she replied.

His eye narrowed.  “I don’t fake anything little girl.  I am what I am and you won’t get rid of me.  I’ll be the nightmares that haunt your dreams.  The chilling fears churning within when you’re to frightened to move.  I’m not going anywhere,” he replied.

~<>~

No no

~<>~

Tara shook her head.  “Then I have no choice,” she whispered.  Holding her hands in the air she called to the powers.  There was silence for a moment.

Rack laughed.  “No choice huh?” he chuckled.

Just then a tear appeared, ripping through dimensions to open here.  It sucked the warlock in as he screamed and cursed.  It was over.

Tara sighed, walking over to the others.  She was drained.  Hugging Willow she whispered, “Willow, I’m glad you’re ok.”

Willow hugged her girl, whispering, “you saved me baby.  Thank you.”

Buffy smiled.  “Who’s up for some hot chocolate?”

Willow smiled.  “With the little marshmallows?”

“Of course,” Buffy answered as her, Tara and Willow headed home.

Xander stared at Spike.  The vampire grinned, taking the younger man’s hand.  “C’mon luv.  We should get some rest.”

“Rest?  I was thinking something more along the lines of finishing what we started earlier.  What do you think Billie?”

Spike couldn’t help but smile.  He was so in love with this man that he’d been subjected to pet names, cute ones at that.  “Let’s get there first.  Then we can decide Lexi.”

----------------

Dawn hummed cheerily as she approached Xander’s place.  She was so psyched.  Buffy had actually asked her to tell Xander and Anya about the Scooby meeting that night but she had no idea what was in store for her.  Standing at the door she smiled broadly.  She hadn’t really gotten a chance to see the new place since they’d rented it but now she actually had the chance.

She knocked gently.  Hearing no reply she began to worry.  What if they were in trouble?  She grabbed the door knob and turned it.  She was surprised to find it unlocked.  Pushing the door open she gasped in surprise, then fainted.

~<>~

Why you have to go and make things so complicated (ay yeah)

~<>~

Anya jumped, a bit frightened.  Her eyes widened.  “Oh shit,” she muttered, crawling out of bed to put some clothes on.

Helfrek smiled.  “Guess she got an eyeful, huh?” she asked, knowing Anyanka was about to transform into Anya once more.  Mortals, she would never understand them nor would she ever try to.

~<>~

I see the way you’re actin like you’re somebody else gets me frustrated

Life’s like this

~<>~

“I just hope she doesn’t tell the others,” Anya sighed, tossing her lady love some clothes.  This couldn’t be good for anyone.  Dragging Dawn to a chair, she sat her down and tried to wake her.

Dawn began regaining consciousness, her eyes slowly opening.  Seeing the two woman she scrambled to her feet.

~<>~

You, you fall

~<>~

Her balance was slightly off and she descended toward the hard floor.  Blinking away the shock of falling flat on her face, she sat up.

~<>~

And you crawl

~<>~

Crawling over to the couch, she sat silently.  The other two females followed her, sitting across from each other to allow Dawn a little space.

The teen gathered her thoughts and fumbled with her word as she spoke.  “Um, B-Buffy wanted me to tell you and Xander that she’s having a Scooby meeting tonight at the Magic Box.  Seven sharp,” she babbled quickly, not even knowing if she’d said everything correctly.

“Oh,” Anya replied.  “I’ll tell Xander when he gets back from the store.  He had to pick up a few groceries.”

Dawn raised a brow.  Ok, so maybe her mind had been playing tricks on her.  It wouldn’t be the first time.  The other day she could have sworn she’d seen Spike blowing Xander a kiss at the shop and now she thought she saw Anya and this strange chick in bed together.  Thinking about it that way she concluded she was losing her mind.  “Oh, cool.  So who’s your friend?”

“This is Helfrek.  Helfrek, this is Dawn, the slayers teen sister,” Anya introduced, glad they were slowly getting off of the one topic she wanted to keep quiet.

Dawn waved.  Then it hit her.  “Were you guys in bed together?” she asked boldly.

Anya froze.  “Uh.”

“Yes we were.  Xander was off doing something last night and Anya got a little freaked out.  We talked for a while and fell asleep on the couch,” the demon explained, cutting out ALL of the details.

Dawn scrunched her brow.  “Then why were you kissing?”

Anya blushed.  “You weren’t suppose to see that.  You’re not suppose to know any of this.”

Dawn grinned.  “So that whole story was a lie?  Don’t worry, I’m totally cool with you two.  I mean, it’s not like I have anything against lesbians.  I live with two of them.”

Anya let out the breath she’d been holding.  “Dawn, please don’t tell anyone,” she plead.

Dawn nodded.  “Your secret’s safe with me.”

--------------------

“Ok,” Buffy began, “so what’s the demon update?”

Spike grinned.  “Seems they’re all running for cover.  Talked to a couple ol mates and even they’re afraid of the mighty mojo weildin witch sittin across from ya,” he reported, trying not to explode with laughter.  He’d seen scared demons before but he had to go out of city limits just to find an old pal that he hadn’t spoken to in years.  The demons weren’t just scared, they were petrified.

They all started to laugh.  “They’re scared of me?” Tara asked shyly.

“Damn right they are,” Spike replied to feed her self esteem.

~<>~

And you break

~<>~

“Does this mean I get a vacation?” Buffy asked excitedly.  She could use the time off.  After all, she did want to spend more time with her soul mate lover.

~<>~

And you take what you get

~<>~

Spike laughed.  “They’ll be gone for about two weeks so enjoy the break,” he answered.

Faith threw the door open, sauntering over to Buffy.  Sitting on her lap, she kissed the blonde.

Willow instantly covered Dawn’s eyes, feeling the teens eyes roll beneath her hand.  Tara was shocked.  She blinked slowly as she stared.  The others were doing the same.

“So are you two dating?” Anya asked, breakin the silence.

~<>~

And you turn it into honesty

~<>~

“Yeah.  Me and B are back.  Got outta jail and changed my life around.  I’m even back to being the Councils official Slayer,” she explained.

~<>~

And promise me I’m never gonna find you fake it

~<>~

Buffy blushed at the stares.  “So, anyone else here need to get something off their chest?” she asked nervously.

Dawn eyed Anya as Tara eyed Xander.  Spike cleared his throat.  “I do,” he confessed.

Buffy swallowed hard.  Hopefully he didn’t profess his love for her.  Not now, not with Faith here.  “Ok.”

Spike grinned.  “I’m in love with someone in this room.  He’s the love of my life,” he admitted.

They all looked at Xander who stood shuffling his feet while blushing a deep red.  Looking up, he smiled, confirming their suspicions.

Then they all stared at Anya.  “Her name’s Helfrek,” she sighed, defeated.

Faith grinned.  “Looks like we got a whole clan of gays, don’t it?” she replied playfully.

They all laughed until Buffy decided to speak.  “Dawn, what’s wrong?” she asked.

Dawn looked a little uncomfortable.  “I’m fine.”

“Ok, spill Dawny,” Willow replied with a broad grin.

“Ok, I’m with my friend Janice.  We’re romantically involved,” she confessed.

((Hey Joss, maybe we should change the name of the show ::nervous laugh::))

Buffy choked as Faith gave a thumbs up.

~<>~

No no no

~<>~

~<>~ The End ~<>~