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The next day Buffy and Spike flew back to Sunnydale. They rode in silence from the airport directly to Buffy's apartment. They had talked on the plane and decided that it would be best for Buffy to pack up a few things that she would need immediately and then take time throughout the week to pack and move the rest.

Spike was now standing in the middle of Buffy's living room and he had no idea what to do. He had never been in Buffy's apartment before. She had lived with her mom before he left. Now here he was and he was her husband. It was a strange experience and he wondered if Buffy felt the same way. Buffy stood next to him looking around the room, mentally taking inventory of what she needed to pack. A part of her was nervous, being in her apartment with Spike. Though if she were to admit it, she was more nervous about going to his house. Being together in Vegas had been good and surprisingly easy. It had also been a little bit unreal. Being back in her apartment, knowing she was moving, though only temporarily, to Spike's, made it far more real.

"It's about time!" a voice exclaimed from the doorway. Buffy whirled around and came face to face with her best friend.

"Willow!" she squealed moving quickly towards the door to give her friend a hug.

"I do not believe you! Running off like that, what got into you?" Willow asked hugging her tightly. She hadn't really been worried. Surprised, yes, worried- not so much…well, maybe just a little. After all it was Spike.

"I left a note," Buffy said pulling away. She looked back and saw that Spike had turned around and was warily watching the two women.

"Shyeah- and I quote "Don't worry, I'm just going away for a few days with Spike. We'll catch up when we get back."

Buffy blushed, and was grateful that her friend didn't quote more of her note. "I…"

"You left with a guy you hardly know- no insult intended, Spike- you don't say where you are going or what you're doing. I was worried about you. Especially after that freaky note you just got."

Spike shrugged, not really caring if she had meant it as an insult. It was true. Buffy didn't really know him anymore. He appreciated the fact that her friend cared so much. " 's not a problem, Red. But I think Buffy here knows a little more about me than you think."

"I'm soooo sorry, Wills." Buffy assured her friend, trying to ignore the flush of her cheeks at the implication in Spike's voice. Willow just stood there staring at them expectantly her toe tapping at the floor; eyes traveling back and forth between Buffy and Spike.

"You wanna tell her or should I, love?" Spike asked giving Buffy a small smile. "I think Red here is just about to burst with curiosity."

"Tell me what?" Willow asked, looking first at Buffy then to Spike. Her eyes widened as Spike came up behind her best friend and placed his hands on her hips.

Buffy took a deep breath, sent up a quick prayer that Willow would be supportive and spoke. "Spike and I got married over the weekend.

"You did what?!" Willow squealed, her eyes going wide.

"That's why we went away," Buffy explained. "We took the weekend off, flew to Vegas and….and got married."

"Oh my, oh…I've got to sit down. I think I'm in shock." Willow moved quickly to sit in one of the chairs in the living room. Buffy followed her and took a seat on the couch. Spike settled on the couch near her, placing a hand on her thigh in support. They sat in silence waiting for Willow to speak. Willows eyes darted back and forth between the couple for a few minutes before she finally spoke.

"I..this is just…I want to know everything!"

"And I'll tell you everything…well, almost everything a little later." Buffy assured her, blushing again. "Right now I really need to get to packing. I wanted to get a few things moved to Spike's this afternoon."

"No problemo, but I'm holding you to that. I want details." Willow told her giving Buffy her best resolve face. Buffy sighed in relief, sure that her friend was going to be okay with her sudden new relationship. "Do you want some help packing? It would give us a chance to chat."

"Help would be much appreciated," Buffy replied with a grin.

"Speaking of help; Red did Giles bring by any boxes?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, I put them in Buffy's kitchen like he said." Willow got a thoughtful look on her face. "You know, I kinda wondered about that."

"I'll go get them put together. What do you want to pack up today, kitten?"

Buffy thought for a moment. "I think I just want some of my clothes, books and personal things. I don't need everything today. We have all week and it's not like…" her voice trailed off before she commented on the temporary status of their relationship and living together.

"Whatever you want, love." Spike said heading off into the kitchen determined to give the two women a few minutes to catch up.

They packed for nearly three hours. Buffy and Willow packed up her clothes and personal items from her bedroom, while Spike worked on her bookcases. He wasn't sure exactly what books she would want, so he just packed them all. She didn't really have a lot. For the most part Buffy and Willow just talked about Vegas, though they avoided any conversation about the wedding. That was a conversation for when Spike was not within hearing distance.

"I'll just take this load of boxes home then come back for you and the rest, Buffy. That'll give you birds some time to catch up." Spike said lifting up a small box of books. They had already packed his SUV up with a number of boxes of clothes.

"Thank you," Buffy said standing up on her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss. It amazed Buffy at how natural it felt to do something as simple as kiss each other goodbye. Spike nodded at Willow and then disappeared out the door.

"Okay, spill, missy!" Willow said the moment the door closed. Buffy turned to face her best friend who was now sitting on the couch. "What is going on?"

"It's just what I said earlier, Wills. Spike and I got married over the weekend." Buffy grabbed the envelope of wedding pictures and settled onto the couch next to Willow.

"I caught that, but why?"

Buffy sighed and took a moment to decide how to approach the conversation. "Why do most people get married, Wills?"

"Yeah, but just the other day you said you weren't really his type. Now here you are…married! That's not normal. Dating is normal….you weren't even dating!"

"I was wrong," Buffy replied softly. "I know it's probably the most irrational thing I've ever done, but Wills, you know how I feel about him." While Buffy hated lying to her friend about the circumstances of her marriage, she knew that what she had just said was the truth. She had been wrong about Spike, and he did seem to truly have some sort of feelings for her. Her own feelings for the man had never dwindled, no matter how hard she had tried to put them aside over the past couple years.

"But in all honesty when you agreed to go away with him did you think you would be getting married? I mean….I just…." Willow wasn't sure how to vocalize her concern or shock.

"That's why we went away, Willow." Buffy assured her.

"I just can't believe this, Buffy. I mean, no insult here, but are you nuts? You go on one date with the guy and then you suddenly marry him. I know you think you've loved him for years, but you barely know him anymore!" Buffy smiled at her friends disbelief. Had it been Willow telling her that she had suddenly gotten married, Buffy was sure she would be reacting the same way.

"Wills, you know me, I may be a little crazy, but I'm not nuts." Buffy assured her wryly.

"Yeah, and I know him. This isn't like either of you." Willow paused and thought for a minute. "Well, maybe it sounds a little like something Spike would do, but not you….Then again, getting married never really seemed to be something I would have ever pictured Spike doing, so I guess, it really doesn't make sense."

Buffy laughed as her friend babbled on. "Willow! I love him. You know that." That much Buffy was sure Willow couldn't deny. It wasn't as if Buffy's feelings for Spike were a recent development.

"So you marry him?!" Willow exclaimed. "Buffy, this is probably the craziest thing I I think you've ever done."

"It was the right thing to do."

"But does he love you?" Willow's concern for her best friend was obvious and Buffy wanted to reassure her that it was going to be okay. She knew that if she could reassure Willow that Spike did indeed love her, however untruthful that may be, her friend would support them.

"Yes."

Willow stared at her for a minute, trying to determine if Buffy was telling her the truth. "Are you absolutely sure about this Buffy? It just seems so sudden."

"I'm positive, Wills. I have loved him for so long. This has been an absolute dream for me. To find out that he's cared about me all along and has wanted to be with me has been amazing. I haven't been this happy in a long time." Buffy hated lying to her best friend, but she consoled herself with the thought that it wasn't all a lie. She was happy.

Willow caved. She could see the joy on her friends face, and there was no denying that Buffy had always had deep feelings for Spike.

"All righty then, but you have to promise me that if anything…and I mean anything at all…goes wrong you are to come back here right away." Willow told her sternly.

Buffy laughed. "I promise, but nothing is going to go wrong." If only she could truly convince herself of that. There were so many things that could go wrong. A large part of her hoped that once this was all over she and Spike would continue on in a relationship, but what if they didn't?

"So long as you're happy, Buffy, that's all I want for you."

"I'm happy, Wills. I don't know what else I can say to convince you of that." It only took a moment for Buffy to realize that she spoke the truth. She was happy. The past few months had been weighing on her, particularly her need to decide about the upcoming season. But the past weekend with Spike she hadn't worried about it once. Sure things had been tense at times, but after their first argument things had changed drastically.

"Good," Willow said with a grin. She wiggled her eyebrows at her friend. "So tell me about this wedding and honeymoon. And your new hubby with his sexy accent. I want all the juicy details."

"Here, you have to see the pictures." Buffy said grinning, handing her friend the packet of photographs.

The women spent the next 45 minutes looking over the wedding photographs and talking about Spike and Buffy's honeymoon-the PG parts at least. Spike walked into the apartment an hour after he left to find them laughing and giggling.

"You lovely ladies have a nice little chat?" he asked, moving further into the room and settling himself on the arm of the couch near Buffy.

"A wonderful chat," Buffy said giving him a smile. Spike lowered his head to give her a quick kiss.

"It was very informative," Willow said once the couple had pulled apart. "Congratulations, by the way. I don't think I said it earlier. I'm sorry if I seemed so surprised earlier."

"Thanks, Red." Spike told her with a grin. "You didn't think Buffy would go off with me for just anything did you?"

Willow smirked. "I wouldn't have put it past you, but she surprised me."

"Buffy, we should get these last few boxes downstairs so we can get home. It's getting late and I'm sure you'd like to spend a little time unpacking." Spike said turning his attention to his wife.

"Yep," Buffy replied jumping up from the couch. She quickly gathered up the photographs from their wedding and slid them back into the envelope, making sure she put them into her purse before assessing what boxes they still had to take to the car. After some quick arranging of boxes they discovered that with the three of them they could get them all downstairs in one trip. Spike loaded them into the car as both girls said a quick goodbye.

"I will see you at the rink sometime later this week." Buffy promised giving her best friend another hug.

"If you don't I at least expect a call." Willow warned. "I know it's your honeymoon and all that, but you still need some girl talk."

"I will," Buffy said with a teasing roll of her eyes. Spike came up behind her snaking one arm around her waist.

"Promise I'll take good care of her, Red." Spike said addressing the other woman.

"You better, buster. I know where you live." Willow said giving him her best stern look. Spike did his best not to laugh. He gave Buffy a quick squeeze then let her go, giving a quick wave to Willow as he headed to the driver's side of his SUV. Buffy gave her best friend another quick hug before climbing into the car. Back at Spike's they unloaded the car and unpacked a few boxes before taking a break. Settling onto the couch Buffy cuddled up next to Spike, laying her head on his shoulder.

"Tired, love?" he asked sifting his fingers through her hair.

"A little," she admitted. She had been on a high all weekend and earlier in the day from the excitement of their 'honeymoon' and now it was definitely starting to wear off.

"Why don't you go take a nap," Spike suggested pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I want to check in with Giles and then I'll join you."

"Thank you," Buffy said moving her head so she could give him a quick kiss. As she began to pull away Spike pulled her back into his arms for a deeper kiss.

"You better go, or you won't get a nap." He warned when they broke apart a few minutes later, his voice husky with desire.

Buffy laughed and stood up. "Wake me up when you're done on the phone."

"Will do, sweetheart," Spike said watching her go up the stairs before pulling out his cell phone.

Buffy found Spike's room easily. Having not seen it on her visit to his home last week, she took a few moments to look around the room. It was sparsely furnished, a king sized bed with red and black linens took up the majority of the space. She looked around for pictures, trophies, anything that would make the room homier, but found nothing. All she could find on the surface was a book of poetry on the bedside table. Stifling a yawn she slipped off her shoes and pulled back the bedcovers. With one last look around the room she snuggled under the covers and drifted off to sleep. A half hour later Spike stood in the doorway of the room staring at her sleeping form. She was in his room, in his bed, and he still couldn't believe it. He knew he should wake her up and take her out for dinner, but all he wanted to do was join her in bed. Giving into his desire to hold her, he climbed into the bed with her. Spooning up behind her he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. Buffy mumbled incoherently and snuggled back into his embrace. With a contented sigh Spike nuzzled his cheek against her hair and closed his eyes.

The next few days passed quickly. They spent an hour or two each day slowly moving Buffy's stuff into Spike's house. Buffy found herself often falling into the belief that everything about their relationship was real. Everything seemed to fall in place so naturally between them. They were married, and living together, yet they were still getting to know each other again. It was a struggle at times for them both. Things were different living together. There was so much to get used to and with no time together prior to their abrupt marriage it was understandably more difficult. Had they simply been living as roommates, as they would surely have if they hadn't moved forward with their relationship over the previous weekend, it would have been much simpler. At least that is what Buffy told herself.

Their first visit to the rink was the first big challenge they faced together outside of the comfort of Spike's home.

"You ready for this, pet?" Spike asked opening her car door for her. Buffy took a deep breath and stepped out.

"As I'll ever be, I guess." She said letting him wrap an arm around her shoulders.

"Good, should be interestin',"he said leading her towards the front doors of the rink. "'m sure Willow has spread the word about us. You birds just can't keep things to yourselves."

"I'm sure you're right about that." Buffy agreed.

"Love, before I forget to mention it…I want you to move your skating stuff into my office."

"What? Why?" Buffy asked in surprise. What was wrong with keeping her stuff in the locker room?

"It would make me feel better about it. This guy was in the locker room, he knows your locker. I just don't want him doing something to your stuff or tampering with your skates, yeah?"

"Oh," Buffy hadn't even thought of that. She never thought about her stalker wanting to cause her harm in that way. "I guess I can move it in later today. I don't really have much in there but my skates and a couple of dresses."

"I have plenty of room." Spike pulled the front door open for her and waited for her to precede him into the rink.

Buffy paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath before she stepped into the rink.

"Buffy!" Tara said in surprise as soon as she stepped through the door. "It is so good to see you!" She came around the counter quickly and gave Buffy a big hug. She gave Spike a hug as well, much to his discomfort.

"Good to see you, Tara," Spike said pulling back quickly and taking Buffy's hand in his.

"I'm so glad you guys are back. Congratulations by the way," she said with a wink.

"Thanks, Tara." Buffy said, immensely grateful that Tara was the first to greet them.

"Well, look who finally decided to grace us with their presence." A voice said walking up behind them.

"Giles!" Buffy squealed turning around and quickly throwing herself into her surrogate father's arms.

"Well, can't say that I dislike that greeting." Giles said when she pulled away. He was surprised to see the joy that radiated from Buffy. Something had happened while they were gone. He was sure of it. A part of him was happy to see Buffy so perky; it was something he hadn't seen out of her in quite some time. But the part of him that looked on her as a daughter was worried. He had known that something could happen, hell, he had even advocated for it, but that didn't change the fact that he didn't want to see Buffy get hurt. That was his greatest concern.

"Spike," he said greeting the platinum blonde standing next to Buffy.

"Giles," Spike said in return, not quite sure how to act towards Giles now. The man was his boss and now his pseudo father in law. He wasn't sure how things were going to change now that he and Buffy had embarked on the beginnings of a real relationship. "How are things going?"

"All is well here at the moment." Giles replied. "Shall we retire to my office and talk?"

"Of course," Spike said. He and Kate followed Giles into his office. Spike sat down in one of the chairs in front of Giles' desk and pulled Buffy onto his lap. Buffy was surprised by his action, but said nothing as she settled on his lap.

"How was your trip?" Giles asked, raising an eyebrow at the actions of the two blondes in front of him. Something surely happened in Vegas.

"It was good," Spike said. "Nice chance to unwind a bit."

Buffy nodded her agreement.

"Good, I thought we might speak about your plans for right now."

"What kind of plans?" Buffy asked looking at Spike questioningly.

"Buffy, I know you have yet to make your decision about the upcoming competitive season, so you still need to practice. I, however, don't know that I want you to be practicing out on a regular session. I believe it might be too dangerous for you and for the other skaters. So for now I want you on private ice only. It can be anytime that something isn't already scheduled.

"Okay, but what about my students?" Buffy questioned. "Should I reschedule their lessons around too?"

"For now, that would be best."

"No problem, Giles." Buffy replied with a smile. It would be a bit of a bummer not to be on the ice with her fellow skaters, but she would never complain about private ice.

"Good. Spike, what did you have in mind?" Giles asked.

"Don't really have any plans right now," Spike responded. His hand had crept under Buffy's t-shirt and was softly caressing the skin at her waist. "I think we need to wait and see what happens now that Buffy and I are back. Word will get out that she and I got hitched, so we'll see what happens."

"Do you anticipate any changes related to work?"

"No," Spike replied.

"Buffy?" Giles asked.

"I think I'd like to spend more time working on events here." Buffy said, relieved that she had given it some thought during the week. "It will give me more to do, but not put me out in the public a lot." She looked to Spike for his approval and was rewarded with a smile.

"That seems to be a sound plan, Buffy." Giles replied. "I was hoping the two of you would come over for dinner this evening. Dawn is dying to see you Buffy. I must admit I am quite surprised she hasn't been calling you incessantly."

"Have you told her?" Buffy asked, already regretting that she hadn't been the one to tell her little sister of her marriage.

"Yes, I must admit that I did, though I didn't share the news with her until last night. I believe my eardrums are still recovering," he told her with a grimace.

Buffy giggled. "I can hear the shrieking now. It will be okay, won't it Spike?"

"Course, love." Spike responded quickly. He knew she didn't know about the fact that he and her sister spent time together at the rink. When they had been together before he had really grown to care about her little sister. He had missed the lanky teen while he was gone. Not sure how Buffy would react to them spending time together they had kept their continued friendship quiet. Perhaps now it wouldn't be a big deal. The three of them could spend time together like they used too.

"Wonderful," Giles said standing. "Now, if you don't mind, I believe we should go down to the meeting room for a few minutes. I want you to take a look at something."

Buffy stood and waited for Spike to stand. Taking her hand in his he led her out of the office behind Giles and down the hall towards the rinks meeting room.





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