Chapter 25

"God, who knew that saving the world could be so exhausting?"

Spike chuckled at her side. "You sure it's not from the hours of shagging we just had?"

She slapped his chest lightly, blushing into his shoulder. "That might have something to do with it."

He trailed his fingers down her bare arm. "You ready to go again? There is much to be said about Slayer muscles."

Buffy glanced up at him. "Oh, so it wasn't good before?"

"It was bloody marvelous, but I like that I don't have to worry about being too rough with you now."

Buffy moved on top of him. "I was always able to keep up with you."

He gasped when she thrust down on him, resting his hands against her waist.

They spent another hour doing just that, until Buffy finally let exhaustion take over.

She traced the outlines of his chest, breaking the silence a moment later. "There's something I need to do tomorrow. Would you come with me?"

Spike nodded. "Anywhere you want."

She smiled and cuddled up closer to him, finally letting sleep claim her.

Buffy traced her mother's name on the headstone, placing the flowers she picked up down before it.

"Hey, Mom. I know I haven't been by in a while, but things have been kind of hectic. I don't know how you did it. Everything's going well now. Spike is a really good man; I can see why you fell for him. We're going to take care of each other, so you won't need to worry about us. I love you," she whispered, then placed down flowers at the next grave, tracing the name as well. "Thanks for always being there, Maggie. I just wish that I appreciated it more. I'm sorry that I couldn't save you." She stood up and moved over to Spike, taking his hand in hers.

"Are you going to be okay, love?"

She nodded and gazed into his eyes, giving him a warm smile. "I am now."

"I'm telling you, she'll never go for this. What is that Council of yours even thinking, Rupert?"

Giles rubbed his temples for what felt like the millionth time. "I really couldn't say, but I agree with them about this. I'm not the Watcher I used to be, Spike. I haven't had a Slayer to deal with for fourteen years; this is probably the best thing for her."

Spike wasn't convinced, not knowing what to say when Buffy finally showed up.

"Oh no, please tell me there's not another Apocalypse already?"

That brought a small smile to Giles' face. "No, Buffy, but I have spoken with the Council. They have chosen a new Watcher for you."

She nodded. "I figured that would probably happen. So, who is it?"

Spike chose that moment to speak up. "You're looking at him, love."

Her eyes widened. "Seriously, you're my Watcher now?"

He nodded as well. "Apparently the Council was really impressed by my help against Angelus and the others. They've never known of a vampire to go against family before in order to save the world, I guess. If you tell Rupes this is a bad idea, I'll completely understand."

Buffy shook her head. "I think this is great. I was worried about dealing with some stuffy British guy, but I've already broken you in."

Spike glared at her. "Thanks ever so."

Buffy wrapped her arms around him. "Come on, Spike. Not only am I involved with a vampire, but I'm also involved with my Watcher. It's just scandalous," she said with a wicked grin.

He matched her grin with one of his own. "Well, when you put it that way, how can a bloke refuse?"

Giles turned away when they started to make out, not wanting to witness the obvious display of affection. He just shook his head and made his way into the kitchen. "The Earth is doomed."

The End

Well, that's all she wrote. I hope the ending was to your liking. I was dealing with major writer's block and felt that it was just time to end it, I think I've done all that I needed to with this one. Thanks to those that read and reviewed!