“Well, I’m waiting.” Buffy stood between Spike and Angel, her steely gaze darting back and forth between them. With her arms crossed, hip cocked to one side and her foot tapping out an impatient rhythm, she resembled a seriously pissed-off mother waiting for her children to fess up for their wrong doing.

Any minute now one of them is gonna crack. One…two…

“He started it!” “It wasn’t my fault!”

No surprise, denial from them both. Though Spike and Angel were truly different as night and a different kind of night, they looked almost identical with the figurative and actual finger pointing, all the while attempting to look completely innocent. Which was all so comical since Angel was still in vamp face and Spike, well, Spike trying to pull off a look of innocence was hilarious in itself. Yet regardless of how funny, Buffy needed to stand firm. Reeling in the smile teasing the edges of her lips, she continued on in mom-mode.

“I don’t want to hear it, from either of you. This is ridiculous. Why can’t you two be in the same room for more than five minutes without going all Tom and Jerry, huh?”

“Buffy, please tell me it’s not true.” Angel dropped his demon façade and stepped closer, his now deep, brown eyes soft and imploring as he held out Spike’s tee-shirt. Buffy was still unsure for a moment what Angel meant until realization set in.

“Spike!” Buffy spun around to square off with him. “Really? You just couldn’t help yourself could you? You just had to literally rub his face in it, didn’t you?”

“But luv, I’m innocent! Scrubbed up all nice and proper like you asked—” Spike stepped a bit closer to Buffy, his voice dropping low and sultry—“just like the good boy I’m not.”

Spike wasn’t helping matters any, with the closeness and repeating her words from earlier. And the closeness. Her only reaction to all of this was a full-body blushing-tingling. Well, not her only reaction, but the only one appropriate for where they were. All she could do was stare while Spike held her under his mini-lust spell. That was until Angel’s low growling from behind her ended her id stupor.

You’re mad, remember? Must scold…must scold…

“Don’t give me that, Mister. You so did this on purpose. I can’t believe with all the tee-shirts you have, you wore the one I had on. Just had to poke the bear, didn’t you?”

“Well, yeah.” Spike smirked and Buffy caught Angel mid-lunge before he reached his intended target.

“Okay, fine. Then tell me this, William, why I shouldn’t let Angel slap you silly for this stupid little stunt?” Buffy felt Angel tensing under her hands and she prepared for another attack.

“Yeah, Willy, tell Buffy why.” Angel backed off and crossed his arms, offering up a smug smirk of his own.

Spike mirrored Angel’s position and expression. “Actually, a far better question she needs to be askin’ Liam, is why you need a reenactment of the last time we had a go, yeah?”

Angel’s face fell before his demon slid to the forefront, as he tried to exude dominance. “Watch your mouth, boy. I’m still your elder. Still can dust you where you stand.”

Spike answered with his own demon coming forth. “You can try, old man.”

Simultaneously, both lunged at the other with only Buffy keeping them from tearing one another apart. With dual shoves, each landed hard on the floor in opposite directions with a seriously pissed off Slayer standing in the middle.

“That’s enough! This lost all its entertainment value about five trailers ago. Now, there’s tons of work to be done, and unless we’re breaking out the oil and dollar bills for this little show, then I’m so done. Either you knock it off or get out, got it?”

She watched both vampires pull themselves off the floor, each wearing the same sheepish look and mumbling under their breaths. After Buffy shot them in succession an if-looks-could-stake, they both fell silent. Once she felt she didn’t have another brawl on her hands, she relaxed and approached Angel.

“Angel, drop the fangs, please.” Once he returned to his human guise, she continued, “Look, I know it’s hard to hear, or actually, well, smell, that Spike and I are together but it doesn’t change the fact that we are. But I’m not fooling myself, I know you don’t and may never accept my decision, but all I can ask of you is to respect me and my wishes.”

“This is Spike we’re talking about here.”

“I know.” Buffy held Angel’s gaze, and gave him a warm smile.

Angel sighed heavily and shook his head. “Know that I’ll never accept this Buffy, but at the very least, I will respect your decision. Just know if he ever hurts you in any way—”

Buffy stood up on her tiptoes and gave Angel a chaste kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.” She turned and headed toward Spike. His demon was gone. Gold now replaced by blue, brimming with a look of awe as he studied her intently. Without a word, she took his hand and led him to the table where the four long forgotten spectators sat gape-mouthed and wide-eyed. Then Spike, and eventually Angel, took their seats while Buffy stood at the head of the table.

“Now, with that out of the way, let’s get down to business, shall we?” Buffy’s gaze traveled around the table. “I know we have very little time here. Even with Angel in charge, I’m not exactly welcome and it’s only a matter of time before Evil Inc. kicks me out of their sand box. So we have to move quickly and get this thing translated. I’m thinking the divide and conquer route.

“Wesley, bring me everything you have on slayers, the Order of Aurelius and the Shadow Men. I’m talking scrolls, moldy oldies, codexes, hell, I’ll even take Evil for Dummies if you have it. It doesn’t matter. If there’s one word about any of those things, I wanna see it.”

“Fred, I know you’re more the science gal, but I’m thinking of you running some tests. Not exactly sure what kind, but I trust whatever you need to do to figure out why a whole coven couldn’t hocus pocus a translation from this thing. I’m wondering if it’s actually big time magic we’re dealing with here or is it just cause it’s made from…” Buffy felt a little green around the gills and swallowed hard trying to say the rest.

Seeing her struggle, Angel took the opportunity to finish for her, “Human flesh and blood.”

“It’s written in blood too?” Buffy’s eyes grew wide and she instinctually took a step back from the table.

“Brilliant!” Spike threw his hands into the air in frustration. “Bull in a bleedin’ china shop you are. Never cease to amaze Peaches, your knack for finding any opening and just plowing right on in. No finesse at all.” Spike huffed and shook his head, before looking at Buffy. “Luv, you okay?”

“Yeah, no I’m good.” Buffy let out a humorless chuckle. “Ya know. I really shouldn’t be surprised. You go out of your way to make an actual face book, why not go all out, right?” Buffy blinked quickly a few times then her eyes moved from the book to across the table. “Fred, is this little tidbit a deal breaker in getting your help?”

“Not exactly, just another day at the office around here, right?” Fred warily eyed the book and forced a smile.

“Thanks.” Buffy returned her smile, and looked down the table. “Gunn, heard you got a mind for the legalese. I know this is a long shot, but see if there’s anything dealing with ancient demon laws. Go as far back as you can.”

“Okay, then that leaves the four of us hitting the books…”

“Actually, shortcake, I’m far better at playing Host then research. And it looks like we’re in for a long night. So I’m thinking Chinese? Mu shu and plum sauce all around, some liquid dinner for our vamps—”

Buffy missed half of what Lorne was saying when Spike stretched out in his chair. The act immediately brought attention to his bare-chestedness and the stark contrast between the rich black leather and his pale, compact-musclyness.

“—and I’m thinking a black silk button-down for our resident Chippendale over here.”

“Yeah, I’d like some of that—” Buffy looked around the table seeing every eye was on her. Spike’s blues were sparkling with mirth and lust, while Angel’s were golden, hate-filled and solely focused on Spike. “Mu shu with plum sauce! So my favorite. Yum. So, yeah, Lorne, get lots of that. Okay, so everyone has their assignments…” After the rush of words, Buffy cleared her throat and opened up her bag, trying to conceal the embarrassment staining her cheeks.

She kept busy looking down while she heard the others moving and leaving the room, until the room was clear and leaving only her and Spike. Buffy didn’t look up until a pair of beaten-up Doc Martens come into view.

“No shame takin’ a gander at what’s yours, luv.”

Buffy looked up, purposefully bypassing any area where her eyes wanted to “gander”, and fixated on his face. Spike was giving her that tongue-curling-panty-dropping move which was so not helping matters in the slightest. So she started pacing and dropped her voice to a whispered-shout.

“Well, there should be shame. Lots and lots of shame. And guilt. Buckets of that too. Here I am, openly ogling my boyfriend when I’m supposed to be all commandy and take chargy. Then to make matters worse, my ex-boyfriend is sitting right next to me and across the table from said boyfriend who I’m staring at like some big vamp ho. And let’s not forget, this is all happening while we’re all sitting in said ex-boyfriend’s office which is at some big time evil law firm. So, yeah, it’s just a whole big-time shame, guilt fest going on here. I’m betting Dear Abby would have a field day with this.”

“I’m your boyfriend?”

“Out of everything, Spike, that’s what you’re focusing on?”

Spike stepped in her path, stopping her short. “It’s the only thing that’s worth a moment’s thought. Now, please tell me. Is that how you see me? As your boyfriend?”

When Buffy finally looked at him, she saw all of his earlier cockiness was gone, replaced by the same look he gave her earlier. Total and complete awe. It made her heart skip a beat.

“Um, well, you’re a boy, well a vamp that’s male, and we do things that go along with the whole description of, well that. And we hang out and we fight, and we do other stuff—lots and lots of other stuff— so if one wants to be technical, that kinda makes you my, well, only if you wanted to be my—”

Spike stepped closer and cupped her face. “Your what?”

“Boyfriend. My…my boyfriend. Only if you want, there’s no pressure—” Spike cut her off with a brief kiss, which she felt all the way down to her toes and that, in her opinion, hadn’t lasted nearly long enough.

“Been called many things in my time, but never someone’s boyfriend. Gotta tell you, love the sound of it. Say it again.”

“You’re my boyfriend.” Buffy gave an infectious smile. Spike kissed her again, but when he tried to deepen the kiss, Buffy reluctantly pulled away.

“Not here. Later, I promise.” Buffy stepped from his arms and headed back to the table.

“I’m holding you to it, sweets.” Spike wagged his brows, then rounded the table and sat down. Leaning back, he put his feet up on the table and crossed them at the ankles, as he leisurely stretched out.

At the moment, Wesley entered and set down a stack of books on the conference table.

“I’ve pulled together some books I remembered as a Watcher that were very significant. Perhaps Mr. Giles has already reviewed these sources, but it’s worth a second or even a third look.” Wesley pushed two fairly large, leather bound tomes towards Buffy. “The Pergamum Codex is the most complete prophecies about the Slayer's role in the end years. The Master and his role is included in depth. And this is the Rhinehardt’s Compendium which has a detailed account of demons and demonology.” Wesley’s assistant then entered holding another considerable stack of books, set them on the table and with a nod, turned and left. “And these are the Writings of Dramius, volumes eight through fourteen.”

“How did you get your mitts on those, Percy?” Spike dropped his legs from the table and pulled volume ten over in front of him.

“What’s so special about this guy’s books?” Buffy stood and looked over Spike’s shoulder at the page he was studying.

“The Watcher’s Council forbade its members from studying anything contained in volumes eight through fourteen. Dramius was quite a powerful sorcerer known for his detailed research of demons and the dark arts.”

“Bugger that. He was a blowhard, and his books are nothin’ but pages and pages of twaddle with equally useless footnotes. Damn nearly loss my marbles reading volume six. Thank bleedin’ Christ for Dalton or I would’ve driven a spike through my own skull before I found what I was lookin’ for.”

“Six? If I remember correctly, isn’t the entire volume about the Order of Taraka?” Wesley raised a brow questioningly.

“Got it in one. A kewpie doll for the ex-Watcher.”

Spike held his trademark smirk, until Buffy, remembering who the Order of Taraka were, gave him a dope slap to the back of his head. Luckily for Spike she hadn’t put any slayer-strength behind it.

“Hey!” Spike turned and looked back at Buffy.

“I never thanked you for sending the duo of crazy cop and one-eyed jack after me.” Buffy crossed her arms and eyed him back.

“Well, evil, remember? And don’t forget, I was the one who called them off too, or they’d still be after your precious hide. Buggers are relentless, gotta give them that. They get the job done.”

“Yeah, Giles told me those guys were like the evil Energizer Bunny, with the going and going and going. Back then I never really found out why all the sudden they were gone, since I was, you know, alive. But I’m interested now. So tell me, oh bleached one, why did they back off?”

“Wanted you all for myself, that’s why.” Spike wagged his brows at his double entendre.

“Oh.” Buffy felt another full body flush coming on. She cleared her throat, then headed back to the table and pulled a book from the pile.

“Well, this should get you started. I know I’ll have far more given time. If I’m needed, feel free to have Harmony ring my office.”

Wesley started to leave, but Buffy calling after him, had him stopping and turning back to face her.

“Wesley? I know we hadn’t exactly been buddy, buddy back in Sunnydale. But I just wanted to tell you, I really appreciate your help. Thanks.”

“You’re more than welcome, Buffy.” With that, Wesley left.

Spike and Buffy were alone, each skimming through the pile of books in front of them. A short time passed before Angel silently entered the office. Buffy noticed he was in game face and was holding an ornate goblet as he stalked to the center of the room. She instantly felt Angel’s power rolling off him in waves. Without a word, Spike stood, took off his jacket and crossed the room to Angel, then knelt before him. Unsure at what was going on; Buffy followed, but stood off to the side, watching their every move.

“Childe, you have defied my claim and my will.” Angel snarled with pure malice.

Spike bowed his head. “Sire, I offer penance.”

“Blessed water shall burn away your insolence. Drink deep, childe.”

Angel held out the cup. Spike lifted his head and took the offering with both hands. Buffy wanted to intervene. Wanted to slap the cup out of Spike’s hands, and scream and yell at the both of them. Yet all she could do was watch. Deep down she knew this was something that had to be done. For them both.

Without hesitation, Spike drank and when he finished, he bowed his head and held out the empty cup to Angel. Angel took the cup before he stepped forward and towered over Spike. Neither moved nor spoke for several moments before Angel turned, walked to his desk, and placed the cup down. Then as nothing monumental just happened, Angel’s demon slid away while he picked up the phone.

“Harm, bring in a shirt for Spike, and two cups of otter. Thanks.”

Moments later, Harmony came bustling in with Spike’s new shirt draped over one arm, and two mugs of steaming blood. She handed the mugs to Angel and laid the shirt on the back of a chair. Surprisingly after Harmony took one look at Spike submissive position, she didn’t say a word before leaving.

Angel walked over to Spike and held out a mug. “Here. Now get up, we have work to do.”

Spike lifted his head and stood, taking the mug with a nod. Angel headed to the conference table and started shifting through the stacks of books.

Buffy stepped closer to Spike as his demon façade slid away. “What the hell was that about? I thought I was gonna be sweeping you from the carpet there for a minute.”

“Old traditions.” Spike set the mug down, picked up his new shirt and started to dress.

“I thought you said you guys didn’t follow traditions. You know with the whole bad-to-the-bone speech you gave me earlier.”

“Those involving the Order, yes. But this is far older than them. There are practices going way back, back to the first vamps. Dominance of a sire over his childe, that’s one of the biggies. It’s as instinctually as drinking blood. The minute you crawl out of the grave, a childe submits to his sire. Or grandsire as the case may be.”

“Well, I guess that makes sense, in a troll logic way, but exactly when have you ever listened to what Angel says.”

“Never, for the most part. But when it counts, I do. This is one of those times.”

“Okay, that explains that, but what’s with the claim he’s talking about. Claim on what?” Buffy tried to keep her voice down, but she knew even whispering Angel would’ve overheard. But this couldn’t wait till later for an explanation.

“Not what, who.” Spike stepped closer and brushed the hair back from her shoulder. “You wear his mark. Which, by his demon, makes you his. And as his and me as his childe, I had no right to challenge his claim. So the only way I could make this right was my demon’s submission to his.”

Buffy felt her anger rising. How dare Angel. This was another way he was trying to tell her what to do with her life. Well, that was in no way in hell going to happen. As always, Spike must’ve picked up on her ire, and tried to calm her by gently placing his palm to her cheek.

“Now, don’t get all I-am-woman-hear-me-roar. I know this doesn’t make any sense, but the demon rarely does. It’s primitive, visceral. All it wants is to feed and fuck, and stake its claim. The only thing that keeps any of us from becoming the mindless demon raging inside is who’s in charge. Man or beast.”

“So based on some vampire demon code, you were going to dust yourself from the inside out to prove yourself to him? Then tell me, how was your demon going to be all submissive to his if it’s poof? That makes a whole lot of not sense.”

“Again, the demon isn’t big on higher thinking. What was in the cup really didn’t matter. Angel gave his demon what it wanted, my submission. And truth be told, I’m glad it wasn’t Angelus doin’ the demanding, he’d been far less kind than the empty threat of drinking holy water.”

Buffy’s mind started to fill with all different things Angelus could’ve done to Spike. Some acts were brutally sadistic, while others, thinking back on her earlier comments about the oil, more erotic than she’d care to admit.

Spike’s scarred brow raised as his grin grew. He stepped closer and lowered his mouth to her ear. “Now tell me, Buffy. What sort of naughty thoughts are swirlin’ round that pretty littl’ head of yours to get your heart racing like that, hmm?”

Not wanting to upset Angel or his demon anymore, Buffy pulled back and mouthed to Spike, “Tell you later.” Then, with a wink, she headed to the table and sat next to Angel. Sipping from his mug, Spike walked over to the table and joined them. He scanned the books, grabbed one and sat down.

The trio researched for a bit before Buffy totally felt awkward from sitting there between her new and ex-boyfriend, Spike being abnormally quiet and still, and the whole vampire power-trip thingy that just happened. It was all too weird.

“So…the three of us…doing research. Totally bizarre, huh?”

They were both looking at her now, and she felt even more, instead of less, uncomfortable. Buffy squirmed in her seat as she desperately tried to think of something else to say.

“I’m so hoping we finally find out what’s in that skin mag.” Buffy’s eyes widened, almost comically, as she realized what she said. “I mean, it’s not like we know if the book is dirty, cause we don’t even know what it says…that’s why we’re researching. The book. Not, you know, porn stuff.” Needing to look anywhere besides the two vampires staring at her, Buffy looked down at the book she had opened in front of her. “Oh look, this demon has three horns and prefers daisies over lilacs. Huh, interesting.”

Buffy focused on the picture of the horny demon and pretended to be engrossed in what she wasn’t really reading. Soon Angel and Spike resumed their own research. Buffy sneaked a glance at her study buddies as she silently hoped for the best.

Things can only get easier from here on out, right?