Disclaimer: I own none of the characters here except the ones you’ve never heard of. Everything belongs to Joss and Co. I just borrow his stuff to make my summer less boring. The twisted story is definitely mine though.

Author’s note: This is just a little humorous, fluffy fic. It takes place sometime in Season 6. Buffy’s already back (however that happens) and the gang decides to attend a party. Of course this is Sunnydale, so nothing is as it seems… B/S of course…

The Truth Is Out There…

The party was in full swing. Young people everywhere were dancing and laughing, and drinking way too much. But that was what college life was all about, right? Study hard, party harder. At least that was the motto at this fraternity.

The Scooby gang had just arrived, eager to do a little unwinding of their own. They had just defeated a particularly nasty demon and were ready to relax. Willow had suggested this party because everyone was going to be there and these frat boys were notorious for giving wild parties.

“Man, you weren’t kidding when you said everyone was going to be here.” Xander shouted to Willow over the loud roar of the music and the crowd.

“I told you it would be wild.” She smiled to him, taking Tara’s hand and walking through the crowd of people.

They all moved along and headed for the makeshift bar area. As they all approached the other side of the room, they saw Spike sitting by the bar. They headed over to him.

“What are you doing here?” Xander asked him irritated.

“I thought I heard Willow say everyone was going to be here. Didn’t want to let you all down.” He said with a smirk.

They had all gotten closer during the months that Buffy was gone, but Xander still had a hard time dealing with Spike on a social level. In his eyes, it was fine if he wanted to help them fight the demons, but pretending that they were friends was not something he was entirely comfortable with.

“Yeah, it sure wouldn’t have been the same without our friendly neighborhood bloodsucker.” Xander said sarcastically.

“Here Xander, have a drink.” Willow said to him, thrusting a glass of punch in his face. She was forever trying to be the peacemaker between these two.

Buffy looked at Spike and shifted nervously. Once she had returned from the dead, she was surprised to see that he was still around. She had expected that he would be long gone by now, but he had kept his promise to watch over Dawn.

She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Willow had assured her that he was still a part of their group and in the months that she had been back, she had seen it for herself. The only thing that unnerved her was that he had told her that he was over her.

He had said he knew nothing would ever happen, so it was time for him to give up that fantasy. She had been relieved. She expected that it would make things a lot less awkward between them. But in actuality, it made things more tense. At least for her.

They had been spending more and more time together patrolling, but he had told her it was just business. She believed him because most of the time he didn’t say much to her unless it had to do with something they were fighting. She thought she’d like it better that way, but it kind of irritated her for some reason.

Seeing him in a party atmosphere just made things more uncomfortable for her. If they didn’t have business to talk about, she figured she should just stay away from him. Just then, Spike turned and caught her staring at him. He smiled and raised his glass to her in greeting. She looked away quickly and grabbed her own glass of punch. She hurried away from where he was sitting. It was just better to keep her distance. Spike just rolled his eyes at her.

He poured himself another glass of punch and took a flask out of his jacket. He poured some alcohol into it to liven things up. Normally he wouldn’t have been drinking punch, but something about it tasted so good, he just decided to forgo the beer that was flowing from the kegs. He looked around and noticed that most of the party goers were doing the same.

It seemed a little odd when he stopped to think about it. A crowd like this should be sucking up the beer like there was no tomorrow. But everyone seemed to be having a good time. He shrugged and quickly downed his punch.

An hour later, and several glasses of punch later, the Scoobies were all dancing around like crazy people. Spike watched them from the sidelines and had to laugh. Xander was dancing with Anya and twirling her around like it was an episode of Dance Fever.

Buffy was dancing around in a circle with Tara and Willow. They were all holding hands and laughing like children. It looked like some sort of demented game of Ring Around the Rosy. Just then the three women collapsed onto the floor in a pile, amidst fits of giggles.

He wouldn’t have minded being in the middle of that pile. Could be interesting. Three beautiful women rolling around on the floor together. He smiled at that thought. Especially because Buffy was one of the women.

He had told her he was over her, but it was a lie. He still loved her more than anything in the world, but he knew it was pointless. She’d never love him, so he was determined to stop making an idiot of himself. What was the point of pledging undying love to a girl who couldn’t care less?

He sighed and poured another glass of punch for himself. He reached for his flask but found it empty. He shrugged and drank the punch anyway. It was so fruity. He’d never been much for fruit, but this punch was delicious. Almost better than blood, he thought.

He looked over at the frat boy that was tending the bar.

“Hey pal. The punch is almost gone. Got any more?” He asked, with a huge smile. He was feeling almost euphoric at this point. Maybe he had drank more than he thought?

“Coming right up. Jeff’s in the back making up another batch as we speak.” The boy smiled.

“What’s in this stuff anyway? I’ve never tasted anything like it.” Spike asked.

“It’s a secret.” The boy said with a devious smile.

Spike shrugged and continued to sip his drink with a large smile.

Back in the kitchen, a group of frat boys dressed in hooded robes were stirring something in a cauldron. They were chanting over the large pot when the boy from the bar burst in.

“Is it almost ready? People are starting to get feisty out there.” He told the guys in the robes.

“It’s ready. Man, this is fun.” One of the guys said with a smirk.

“What’s this stuff supposed to do anyway? You guys never told me.” The bartender asked curiously.

“It’s supposed to make everyone lose their inhibitions. Much more powerful than alcohol. It makes everyone reveal their deepest, darkest secrets. It’s almost like a truth serum, but much more fun. Here, take a drink. You’ll see what I mean.” The boy said handing over a glass of the red, fruity concoction.

Back out in the main room, things were getting a little out of hand. Spike could no longer contain himself on the sidelines and moved out to the dance floor. He didn’t want to dance, but the music was calling to him.

He saw Buffy and Xander dancing together this time, and he was hanging all over her. Spike felt the jealousy rising in the pit of his stomach. Just then, Anya came up to him and grabbed him from behind. He jumped and turned to her.

“Will you look at them? It’s making me sick.” She said to Spike angrily.

“Yeah, I’m feeling a little sick myself.” He told her.

“We should dance. Will you touch my ass and make Xander jealous?” Anya asked him, grabbing his hand and placing it on her butt.

He was a little shocked at first, but something inside him told him just to go for it.

“Alright.” He shrugged. It was her idea, after all.

“You know, you really are a sexy man. Well for a vampire anyway.” Anya said to him looking into his eyes.

“Well you are a pretty sexy woman. For an ex-demon.” He said to her with a smile.

He had no idea what they were doing. He’d never even thought about Anya before. Not like that anyway. But she was quite beautiful, he had to admit. Xander was lucky.

Just then, she leaned up and kissed him square on the mouth and he was stunned. He opened his eyes and looked over at Xander and Buffy. He noticed that the boy had caught a glimpse of them.

He also noticed the shocked and horrified look on Buffy’s face as well. They both came storming over.

“Get your filthy, undead lips away from my girlfriend!” Xander yelled, grabbing Spike’s arms and tossing him aside.

“She kissed me.” He protested. “Besides you were pawing at Buffy.”

“I was not.” Xander said. He didn’t know what had come over him. He was dancing with Anya and suddenly before he knew it Buffy was there. He just couldn’t stop himself from touching her. “Anya, why were you kissing him of all people?” Xander asked her shaking his head.

“I don’t know. He’s attractive. I just wanted to see what it would be like. I haven’t kissed a vampire since I’ve been human. I was just curious.” Anya said shrugging. She wasn’t really sure why she had done it either.

“Curious? Are you insane?” Xander said angrily.

Anya looked at him and felt her emotions rising to the surface. She had hated seeing Xander hanging on Buffy that way. She was a jealous person and suddenly she had just felt so insecure.

“Oh Xander, I’m sorry. It’s just you were with her.” She said pointing at Buffy who looked around uncomfortably. “Don’t you love me anymore?” Anya said with tears in her eyes.

“Of course I do. I-I don’t know what’s happening.” Xander said trying to understand it all himself.

Just then a naked girl ran past them laughing. A guy wearing nothing but a hula skirt chased after her.

“Something strange is going on.” Buffy said, taking in the scene around them.

People were dancing on tables, making out in every corner of the room. Clothes were being shed. It seemed like everyone was losing their minds.

“Where are Willow and Tara?” Xander asked curiously.

They all scanned the room and found them huddled in a corner making out intensely.

“Okay, much as that scene intrigues me, that is so not like them to do that in public.” Xander said shaking his head.

“I wouldn’t mind joining in on that little party. If only Buffy were there too it’d be perfect.” Spike said dreamily.

“Yeah. It would, wouldn’t it?” Xander said picturing it in his mind.

“Hey! What about me?” Anya pouted. She was starting to get really angry with Xander and his open appreciation of other women. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

“You guys are gross. I’m standing right here.” Buffy said making a face at them.

Xander and Spike both looked at each other nervously and then back at the girls. Neither were fully aware that they had said their thoughts out loud.

“Just kidding, An. Of course I’d want you to be there too.” He said laughing nervously. Then he realized that those words didn’t really sound any better. Why was he saying such stupid things?

“I’m getting some more punch.” Buffy said, wanting to get away from the strange situation they were in.

She walked over to the bar and poured herself some punch from the newly refilled bowl. She downed it quickly and poured another. She took in the scenery and knew that something was up.

All these people must be completely drunk. She thought to herself. Good thing that I’m only drinking punch. Delicious punch.

Just then, she saw a petite dark haired girl come up to Spike and throw her arms around him. She was trying to kiss him and he seemed to be enjoying the attention. For some reason, Buffy’s blood started to boil at the sight. First Anya and now this?

So what? It’s not like I care. Yes you do…Oh, god. Why am I jealous? Because you want him for yourself… She argued back and forth with herself. Stop it! Bad Buffy! This is Spike. You don’t want him. She chastised herself. Yes you do…

The inner dialog was getting to her and suddenly she couldn’t contain herself anymore. She got up and stormed over to them.

“Hey slut. Get your hands off of him.” She said angrily. Where those words came from she didn’t know.

“I didn’t see your name on him.” The girl said with a hard look.

Buffy glared at her and stormed off. The girl went back to hanging all over Spike who stared after Buffy with a confused look on his face. Buffy walked over to a desk that was sitting in the corner of the room. She opened a drawer and took out a black magic marker. She grinned to herself.

She came back over and forcefully peeled the girl off of Spike and pushed her back. He stood back and smirked completely amused. She’s jealous… He thought to himself smugly. Before he could finish his inner gloating, Buffy ripped his shirt open. He looked at her bewildered but incredibly turned on. She took out the magic marker and wrote her name across his chest in big, bold letters.

She grabbed the girls arm and pointed to his chest.

“See that? B-u-f-f-y. Buffy. That’s my name, and now it’s on him, so get lost.” She said to the girl, who shot her a dirty look and started laughing.

“Buffy? That’s your name? What kind of stupid name is that, anyway?” The girl asked sarcastically.

Spike couldn’t help but chuckle at that one, but Buffy’s icy stare snapped him out of it. Buffy’s gaze returned to the girl.

“What’s wrong with the name Buffy? It happens to be a very cute name.” Buffy said putting her hands on her hips.

“Yeah, my neighbor’s dog is named Buffy. I can see the resemblance.” The girl taunted her.

Buffy got extremely angry at this put down. This tramp was making her look bad in front of Spike. She wouldn’t put up with that. She grabbed her by the shoulders and glared at her.

“Listen to me, tramp. I suggest you find yourself another conquest before I kick your ass up and down this campus. They’ll be finding your teeth for weeks.” She said bitterly.

Spike chuckled to himself, thoroughly enjoying this little display of possessiveness. He never knew she cared so much. It was great.

“Yeah, Luv, I think you’d better listen to her. She’s a pretty tough gal. She doesn’t look like much, but she’s kicked my ass several times. I’d do what she say’s.” Spike said to the girl.

The girl looked at him and then back at Buffy, who released her arms roughly and shoved her aside.

“Fine. You can have him. It’s not like he’s that cute anyway.” The girl said, straightening her clothes and stalking off to find another more available guy.

“He is so ‘that cute’! Are you blind?” Buffy shouted after her.

She couldn’t believe what she had just done, or the words that were leaving her mouth. It was all so insane, but yet she couldn’t stop. It felt kinda good actually.

Spike looked down at her name written across his chest and back up at her. A smug smile played across his face.

“Well, well, Buffy. I never knew you cared so much.” He said to her with an amused expression.

“I thought you loved me Spike.” She pouted. What are you doing? She cursed herself, but found she could not stop the words from leaving her mouth.

“Of course I love you.” He said, then cursed himself as well. He wasn’t supposed to tell her that. What was happening to him? Or better yet, what was happening to her? Why did she care?

“Then why were you letting that tramp touch you? You seemed to be enjoying it.” She said angrily, putting her hands on her hips.

“She was pretty.” He protested. He knew he should have thought of something better to say than that, but it seemed his brain and his mouth were completely separate.

“Prettier than me?” She asked huffily.

“No one is prettier than you, Buffy. You’re all I think about. I don’t care about her. I love you.” He said desperately afraid she was mad at him, even though none of this made any sense.

“If you love me, prove it.” She said to him, grabbing his arms.

He looked at her stunned but soon felt her lips pressing against his roughly. He didn’t have time to think or wonder why, he just grabbed her and returned her kiss.

Xander and Anya had just finished ‘making up’ in the hall closet, when they returned to find Buffy and Spike kissing feverishly on the dance floor.

“What the hell?” Xander said shaking his head.

“It’s about time she did that. I mean, look at him? He’s hot.” Anya said calmly.

“He is kind of hot.” Xander said, and then clamped his hand over his mouth. That did not come out of his mouth. “I mean, for a guy. Not that I noticed or anything.” He stammered nervously.

“Don’t worry, Xander. It’s perfectly normal to appreciate another man’s beauty. Nothing to be ashamed of.” She said shrugging.

“I think I need to go back in the closet again.” He said nervously, then he realized how bad that statement sounded after just admiring another man. “I-I mean, WE need to go back into the closet and have more sex. Heterosexual sex.” He stammered nervously.

“Why? Just because you don’t want to see them kissing?” She asked him, completely oblivious to his embarrassment.

“No, so I can prove that I’m not gay.” He said with a nervous laugh.

“Okay.” She shrugged with a smile and they headed off again.

Buffy and Spike continued kissing until they had moved to a couch. Others were already on it and Spike turned to them and growled.

“Get lost people before I eat you.” He told them evilly.

The people looked at him nervously and moved off the couch. Buffy laughed at his scare tactics. He smiled at her and pulled her down next to him. They looked at each other longingly.

“Spike, I thought you didn’t want me anymore. You said you were over me. It hurt my feelings.” Buffy said to him sadly.

What? What are you talking about? Buffy, shut up now! She told herself. Words were just spilling from her lips. Too much information was tumbling out. Information that she hadn’t even admitted to herself.

“Luv, I lied to you. It tore me up knowing I could never have you.” He said to her as he stroked her hair.

“You have me Spike.” She said as she kissed him again.

Kissing him felt nice. Really nice. Even though she had no idea what was going on, the kissing was definitely of the good, much to her dismay.

“I love you, Buffy.” He whispered to her.

“I think I love you too.” She blurted out, and then clapped her hand over her mouth in shock.

She loved him? Since when? She didn’t know what was happening. It was as if her deepest, darkest secrets were just tumbling out and she was powerless to stop them. He was so happy, he could barely contain himself.

With her admission of love, Spike became teary eyed.

“You love me? You really love me?” He asked wiping a tear from his eye.

What is wrong with you, you bloody fool! He cursed himself. You’re acting like a sodding pansy! But he couldn’t stop himself.

“I think I do. I mean you are really hot. I mean extremely. Sometimes when I’m hitting you, I imagine what it would be like to kiss you instead. And even though I hate you sometimes, and you annoy me like no one I’ve ever met, I just can’t seem to stay away from you. It’s like some sort of sickness, I think.” She said anxiously.

Stop saying these things, Buffy. What the hell has gotten into you? You’ve completely lost your mind! She chided herself.

He looked at her so full of love and touched her face.

“Do you want me to recite the poem I wrote about you?” He asked, then clamped his hand over his mouth horrified at his own suggestion.

Where the hell did that come from? Whatever you do, Spike. Don’t recite the poem. Remember how well that went over the last time you did that. He told himself.

Poetry? Oh god…Spike and poetry? This can’t be good. Tell him ‘no’. She said to herself, but her lips had other ideas.

“Yes. I want to hear it!” She said happily.

No. Don’t do it! He cursed himself.

“Well, it goes a little like this…” He said reciting the horrible verse.

Willow and Tara finally decided to come up for air and went to look for the others. They noticed everyone around them and began to wonder what was going on. People were kissing and fighting. Not everyone was dressed anymore. A young couple walked past them.

“I can’t believe you are in love with my sister!” The girl shouted at the young man who was following her.

“Jamie, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that.” The boy pleaded with her, but she just stomped off.

Willow and Tara looked at each other and shrugged.

“Do you want some more punch, sweetie?” Tara asked Willow.

“Yeah. I am a little thirsty. You are like a wild animal tonight, Tara.” She said with a mischievous grin. Tara just smiled.

Willow wasn’t sure what was going on, but both of them had felt so free tonight. Suddenly they hadn’t cared if the whole world was watching them or their love for each other. It was definitely not like either of them to be so brazen, but Willow rather liked it.

Over in the corner, Spike had just finished reciting his horrible poem. He watched her reaction expectantly.

“That was…” Buffy said, speechless. It was awful. She wanted to lie to him and tell him it was beautiful but for some reason, she found she couldn’t lie.

“You liked it?” He asked hopefully.

Yes, it was lovely. She coached herself mentally.

“It was terrible.” She blurted out.

She saw his face fall and she instantly felt horrible.

“That’s what they all said. I’m horrible.” He said holding his face in his hands.

She put her arm around him.

“I still love you though. Just don’t write anymore poetry. I beg of you, stick to what you do best, like killing things.” She said with a comforting smile.

He looked up at her wistfully.

“I was good at that, wasn’t I? People used to fear me. Now, I don’t even have that. Now I’m housebroken, writing bad poetry again, in love with a Slayer. I’m a worthless excuse for a vampire.” He said getting teary again.

He wanted to rip his own head off at his embarrassing display. No one was ever supposed to know about any of this. These were his own private thoughts, not to be shared with anyone, especially not Buffy, yet he couldn’t help but reveal them.

“Oh, Spike. You may be worthless, but you’re my worthless vampire.” Buffy said lovingly. They kissed again.

Xander and Anya emerged from the closet once more and met back up with Willow and Tara.

“Nice to see that you lesbians have stopped making out in the corner.” Anya said with a smile. “You know you were giving my Xander some very naughty thoughts. He wanted to join you.”

Xander wanted to crawl away and die at that moment. That was unusually blunt, even for Anya. Instead of being disturbed by the comment, Tara and Willow only giggled.

Just then, Spike and Buffy came walking over to the gang. Spike’s torn shirt was open revealing Buffy’s name scrawled across his chest. They had their arms around each other.

“What’s going on with you two?” Xander asked them suspiciously. “Why is your name written on his chest?”

Buffy looked at Spike dreamily.

“To show the world that he’s mine and no one else’s.” She said proudly, unable to stop herself.

“That’s right, baby.” Spike said pulling her in for a powerful kiss.

Everyone looked at them with open mouthed shock.

“Okay, something strange is definitely going on here.” Xander said shaking his head and trying to lift the fog that had seemed to settle over his mind.

“I didn’t do it this time.” Willow said defending herself.

“Buffy, stop kissing him. I’m gonna hurl.” Xander said wanting to cover his eyes.

She looked at him and rolled her eyes. She knew she should be embarrassed but for some reason, she wasn’t.

“Grow up, Xander. I like kissing him. Get over it. It’s not like we don’t all have to listen to Anya tell us about the many orgasms you give her.” Buffy said matter of factly.

Anya smiled proudly.

“He just gave me one, right there in the closet.” She said beaming happily.

“See what I mean? Eww.” Buffy said wrinkling her nose.

“Okay, enough. Something’s wrong here. Everyone is acting insane.” Xander said, becoming more coherent.

“Lighten up Xander. Here, have some more punch.” Willow said thrusting her glass in his face.

He took the glass but before he had a chance to take a drink, something dawned on him.

“Wait, how much of this stuff have you all drunk?” He asked curiously.

They all looked at each other and shrugged.

“I’ve had about ten or something. It was really good.” Buffy said with a smile.

“I lost count.” Spike said kissing Buffy again.

All he wanted was to get them away from this party so he could show her just how much he really loved her. Whatever was happening, he was going to revel in it for as long as he could.

“We’ve had a lot.” Willow said, speaking for Tara as well. “But it’s non alcoholic. See, we were being good.”

“I’ve only had four glasses. I think something’s in this stuff.” Xander said, finally realizing that something was up.

“You’re nuts. It’s just punch.” Buffy said defiantly.

“It doesn’t taste funny. It actually tastes really good. You should have some more.” Willow said, trying to encourage him to drink the punch in his hand.

“No. I don’t want anymore. Something’s not right.” He said sniffing the drink, but not noticing anything.

“Y-You think someone spiked the punch?” Tara asked him curiously.

“I-I don’t know, but has anyone noticed that they feel a strange compulsion to say things that they don’t want to say? Or do things that make no sense? Look around us. There are naked people dancing around. It’s like Woodstock in here.” He said gesturing to the crowd.

“I was at Woodstock. It was bloody amazing. Not really anything like this.” Spike said wistfully.

“Shut up, Spike.” Xander said shaking his head.

“Don’t tell him to shut up. That’s rude.” Buffy said angrily.

“Yeah, that was rude.” Spike said smiling at Buffy. He really enjoyed the fact that she was sticking up for him.

“Okay that’s it. I’m getting to the bottom of this.” Xander said, shaking his head and going to the bar to get some answers.

The rest of the gang just looked at each other and shrugged.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Anya sighed.

“Yeah. He just needs to loosen up a bit. I-I mean, there’s nothing wrong with us. We’re all perfectly normal.” Willow said confidently. Then she added, “Right Buffy?”

Buffy didn’t answer her because she and Spike were too busy kissing each other. Willow frowned and tugged on her sleeve.

“Uh, Buffy? Hello?” Willow said quietly, unsure of what exactly was going on.

Buffy still didn’t respond to her. Willow rolled her eyes and frowned.

“Buffy!” She shouted.

Buffy pulled away from Spike abruptly and gave Willow an exasperated look.

“What? Were you saying something?” She asked her impatiently. All she wanted was to keep kissing Spike. She felt like they had a lot of time to make up for. She didn’t know why she had told him all the things she did, but she didn’t really care at this point.

“I-I was just saying how normal we all were.” Willow said sarcastically, suddenly realizing that Xander was right. Something wasn’t right.

“Right. We’re perfectly normal. Is that it? Cause I think Spike and I are gonna leave. We, uh, need to talk.” She said giving him a knowing look.

He smirked at her and licked his lips in anticipation of their ‘talk’.

“Right, uh, we have a lot to talk about. It might take the whole night.” He said staring at her seductively.

“It might even take longer than that, if you do it right anyway.” She said giving him a naughty look.

Willow made an ‘Eww’ face and shook her head to dispel the image of their ‘talk’.

“Y-you guys can’t talk now.” Willow stammered nervously. “Let’s at least wait until Xander comes back.” She said hoping to stall them.

“Fine. But if he doesn’t come back soon, we’re outta here. I really want to talk.” Buffy said grinning at Spike again.

Xander walked through the unruly crowd of people and took everything in. He could hear snippets of people’s conversations. Declarations of love and infidelity were rampant, as were fighting and tears. It was almost as if everyone were compelled to spill their guts out. He shook his head and headed towards the bar.

He walked over and found the bar deserted. He decided to head back to the kitchen area to see if he could find anyone who was in charge of this party. Someone had to know what was going on.

He walked in and saw a two guys huddled over a caldron. They were talking and laughing and didn’t even notice Xander walking in.

Magic! Damn, I knew something was going on. Xander said to himself as he took in the scene.

“What’s cookin’ guys?” Xander said trying to be cool.

“Hey! You’re not supposed to be in here.” One of the guys said.

“What exactly is going on here? What did you guys do to that punch?” Xander asked getting in the guys face.

“We enchanted it.” The other guy blurted out. He had drunk far too many glasses himself and was in no shape to lie.

“Shut up, Lou.” The other guy said.

“What? It was your idea.” Lou protested.

“Enchanted it? What the hell does that mean?’ Xander asked angrily. He hoped it wasn’t some kind of magical poison or something.

“Relax dude. It’s all good. Jeff and the guys thought it’d be really funny if everyone loosened up a bit, that’s all.” Lou smiled completely unaware of what he was saying.

“Look man, it’s cool. Have you had some?” Jeff said, thrusting a glass in his face.

“Yeah, I’ve had a few. What exactly is in this?” Xander said getting irritated.

“Nothing, just some herbs and shit. We got the spell out of this book.” Jeff said handing over a large magic book.

Xander opened the book to the page that was marked and read the spell to himself.

A spell for shedding inhibitions and revealing innermost desires…He read to himself.

“So this stuff makes people act crazy?” Xander asked confused.

“Nah, not crazy, just free. No games, no secrets, just truth for once. Man, these parties are all the same. The chicks play head games, the guys try to act macho. Nobody ever tells the truth. I just thought it’d be fun to see what happened when people stopped hiding and started living. That’s all man.” Jeff said, starting to feel emotional.

The amount of punch he had drunk was catching up to him.

“So you’re saying everything that’s going on out there is real?” Xander asked shaking his head.

“It’s all real, man. Truth is beautiful, isn’t it?” Lou chimed in with a laugh.

Xander slowly comprehended what was transpiring and then he thought about everything that had been happening tonight. Oh no! I was coming on to Buffy. Oh god… even worse, I said Spike was hot. I’m a sick, sick person. He said to himself horrified.

Then he thought about Buffy and Spike together. He put his hands on his head and closed his eyes to try and block the memory. It’s all real, man. The truth is beautiful, isn’t it…Lou’s words echoed in his head.

“No the truth is not beautiful. It’s horrible and scary. How do we make this stop?” Xander pleaded with him.

“You can’t man. The truth is out there. Just like the X-files.” Jeff started chuckling to himself.

Xander grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him up.

“This isn’t funny. How do we get everyone back to normal?” Xander fumed.

“This is normal. The way it was before was the lie. Don’t you see that?” Jeff asked him desperately. He just wanted someone to see his point of view.

“You’re a nut job.” Xander said releasing him angrily.

“I’m not hurting anyone.” Jeff protested.

“Yes. Yes, you are hurting people. Sometimes the truth hurts. People are crying out there and fighting. Things could get real ugly. Tell me how to stop this before someone does get hurt.” Xander said to him seriously.

“Dude, chill out. It wears off.” Lou said rolling his eyes. He thought Xander was the nut job.

“When?” Xander said turning to him.

“Dunno. Coupla hours I guess. Are you sure you don’t want any more?” Lou asked holding up his glass.

Xander grabbed the glass out his hand and smashed it against the wall. He then overturned the caldron and the contents spilled out all over the kitchen floor.

“Bar’s closed.” He said, grabbing the spell book off the counter and storming out.

“Hey! You’re ruining everything!” Jeff cried after him, but Xander ignored him.

He walked back out to the bar and tipped the punch bowl over. A couple of hours and this will all be over He thought to himself. He walked back over to his friends and saw Buffy standing there anxiously looking around.

“There you are. Can we go now?” She asked desperately, looking at Spike who was just as anxious to leave.

“Yeah. We’re all leaving.” He said grabbing the punch out of Willow’s hand. “This stuff is poison.” He told them all.

The color in Willow’s face drained and everyone looked at Xander nervously.

“P-Poison?” Willow gulped. “Are we gonna die?”

“No. Not real poison. It’s enchanted. It’s cursed. This guy put a spell on everyone.” He stammered trying to explain himself.

“A spell? What kind of spell?” Buffy asked curiously.

“That’s not important right now. Let’s just get out of here.” He said ushering everyone to the door.

They all walked across the campus. Xander and Anya walked ahead of everyone else. Willow and Tara had their arms around each other and were whispering and giggling to each other. Spike and Buffy were holding hands and whispering as well. They were trying to find a good excuse to steal away alone together. Finally Buffy spoke up.

“Um, Xander? I think that Spike and I should do a quick patrol before you debrief us about this spell or whatever. There could be something evil lurking out there.” She said trying to be subtle.

Xander swung around and faced them.

“No! No patrolling. Y-you two can’t be alone.” He protested.

“What? Why?” Buffy asked giving him a confused look.

“It’s not safe. You aren’t in your right mind. Something horrible could happen. Very horrible.” Xander said shaking his head vigorously. He knew what their version of patrolling was likely to mean.

“They weren’t actually going to patrol, Xander. They want to have sex.” Anya said rolling her eyes.

Xander looked at her and shook his head. He couldn’t tell if it was still the punch talking or if it was her normal bluntness. Either way, he could have done without it.

Buffy and Spike looked at each other sheepishly and Buffy blushed a bright shade of red.

“Anya, thanks so much for that visual in my head. Now I’ll never sleep again.” Xander said sarcastically. “I know what ‘patrolling’ means, that’s why they can’t do it. It’s horrible! Horrible, I tell you.” He ranted.

“It’s about time they had sex.” Tara blurted out and then looked around as everyone stared at her. She quickly became flushed with embarrassment. She couldn’t believe she just blurted that out. “Did I just say that out loud?” She asked sheepishly.

“Tara?” Willow said looking at her strangely.

“I-I mean, they’re always fighting, a-and that can mean only one thing.” Tara stammered nervously.

“Yeah, it means they hate each other.” Xander tried to interject.

“We don’t hate each other. I love her. Just because we fight doesn’t mean we hate each other.” Spike said putting arm around Buffy proudly.

“That’s right.” Buffy said with a smile.

“Yeah, I fight with you all the time, Harris. It doesn’t mean anything.” Spike told him.

“But you do hate me.” Xander said getting irritated.

“I don’t hate you, mate. In fact I love you all. You’re the best friends I’ve ever had.” Spike said honestly and then wanted to stake himself.

It was one thing to declare love for Buffy, but for her friends? This madness had to end. He was making a complete ass of himself.

“What?” Everyone said in unison as they stared at Spike.

He looked at them all with a horrified expression. He turned to Buffy and looked at her desperately.

“Okay, something is wrong. Just stake me now. Please, I beg of you.” He pleaded with her. He’d rather be dead than humiliate himself anymore.

“That’s it. We’re going back to the magic shop. Nobody say another word, especially you Spike.” Xander said firmly. This night couldn’t end soon enough. The truth was a scary thing.

They all walked in complete silence. When they got back to the shop they went inside and sat down. Everyone stared at each other in silence. The effects of the punch were starting to wear off for everyone and nobody wanted to say a word. Especially Buffy. She finally started to realize exactly what she had been doing all night and she cringed.

Finally a more clear headed Willow broke the silence.

“Xander? What happened tonight?” She asked cautiously. It was kind of a blur to her.

“Some guys put some magic stuff in the punch. It made everyone a little loony.” He said unsure if he wanted to tell the complete truth about the nature of the spell. It felt good to be able to lie again.

“Loony how?” Buffy asked quietly. Her actions were coming back to haunt her and she couldn’t even look at Spike, who sat across the room from her.

“Well, it was…Well…a truth spell.” He said almost inaudibly.

Damn! I still can’t lie. He cursed himself.

“A what? No. It had to be something else.” Buffy said shaking her head.

“I-It was supposed to make everyone shed their inhibitions and reveal their innermost desires.” He said handing the book to Willow, their resident magic expert.

“Innermost desires, huh?” Spike said leering at Buffy. She looked away from him nervously.

“Wow. This spell is kinda cool.” Willow said with a smile as she read the book. Then she noticed everyone’s odd looks. “I-In a creepy, strange sort of way.” She tried to cover her interest.

“That’s why everyone was acting crazy at the party?” Anya asked, just now comprehending. She hadn’t felt all that different. Except for the kissing of Spike. That was just weird.

“Yeah.” Xander said giving her a strange look.

“Well, we can’t be held accountable for our actions, right? I-I mean it was a spell. A very, evil spell.” Buffy said chewing her nails nervously.

“Actually it’s pretty harmless.” Willow said absently, then noticed Buffy’s freaked out demeanor. “Right, we can’t be held accountable for our actions.” She said agreeing quickly.

“Please. It was a truth spell. Of course you’re accountable for your actions.” Spike spoke up rolling his eyes. He wasn’t about to let it go un-noticed that Buffy had declared her love for him while under that ‘truth’ spell.

“Well, I guess that means you’re accountable for yours too. It’s really heartwarming to know that we’re the best friends you’ve ever had.” Xander said with a chuckle. He liked watching Spike squirm.

“That was the spell talking.” Spike protested.

“Yeah, the ‘truth’ spell.” Willow laughed.

Spike threw up his hands exasperated and embarrassed.

“Fine then. We aren’t accountable for our actions.” He mumbled. “I need to smoke.” He announced as he headed for the door.

Everything had been going so perfectly tonight. Buffy was with him, kissing him, telling him she loved him. He should have known it was a spell. The only other time she’d ever acted that way with him, was another spell.

But this one was different. Innermost desires, and all that. That meant she really had wanted to say what she had said. But he knew she’d probably rather die than ever admit that to him or anyone else.

At least you have some more memories to keep you company at night…He thought to himself as he took a long drag on his cigarette.

Inside, no one said anything. Buffy couldn’t even bring herself to look at her friends. She was beyond mortified.

God! I told Spike that I loved him. I kissed him. We were gonna ‘patrol’ together. Eww! She said to herself. And you liked it, Buffy. Don’t forget that. She heard a little voice in the back of head say. No I didn’t. It was the spell. I was influenced! She argued with her conscious. Yeah, the truth spell. Innermost desires…Oh no, I really do want him.

Xander looked over at her and noticed the grimace on her face.

“Are you okay, Buff? You seem a little pale.” He asked her concerned.

“What? No. I-I’m fine. I-I just need some air.” She said absently getting up and walking outside.

Anya looked at Xander curiously.

“So all of that stuff was truth?” She asked him.

“Yes, Anya. I’ve explained it like a thousand times.” He said exasperated.

“Well, then I guess that means Buffy really does love Spike.” She said thoughtfully.

“For the love of God, Anya, please don’t remind me.” He said shaking his head desperately.

Buffy walked outside and saw Spike standing there smoking. She stopped when she saw him and closed her eyes. She was trying to get up enough nerve to actually say something when he beat her to it.

“Come to claim your property?” He asked her with a chuckle.

“My what?” She asked him curiously.

He pointed down to his chest where here name still resided in big, bold letters.

“Oh. Right.” She said hanging her head shamefully. “I cannot believe I did that.” She muttered.

“I rather got a kick out of it actually. You being all possessive and marking your territory like that. Kinda sweet.” He said with a smile, knowing she would get embarrassed.

“I wasn’t marking my territory. You make me sound like I’m some sort of animal or something.” She said irritated at him for even bringing it up.

“Well that girl did compare you to her neighbor’s dog.” He chuckled.

She went over and hit him on the arm. He kept laughing.

“Laugh it up, poetry man.” She said with a wicked smirk.

His laughter abruptly stopped and his expression fell.

“Oh god…I recited poetry didn’t I?” He asked horrified. He’d almost forgotten about that. At least his memory was trying desperately to block it out.

It was her turn to laugh at him uncontrollably.

“Yes, you did. Really, really bad poetry.” She laughed. “Oh, how I love Buffy. Even though she is stuffy.” Buffy giggled, reciting a line from his horrible verse.

“Please shut up.” He said covering his face with his hands. “I was drunk when I wrote that.” He protested.

She tried to control her giggles but she couldn’t. He looked at her desperately. Any shred of dignity he may have had was gone.

“It’s not that funny.” He said getting irritated.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. It’s not funny.” She said trying to compose herself but failing. She burst out laughing again.

He shook his head and leaned into her.

“You know what else was really funny? When you said I was hot. Extremely hot, as I recall. And then you said you loved me.” He said to her seriously.

He wanted her to face up to what she had said and done tonight. She was trying to make a joke of it, but he wasn’t going to let her.

Her laughter stopped abruptly and she stared at him uncomfortably.

“I-I didn’t mean that. You know I hate you.” She said trying to lie her way out of this mess.

“Nope, sorry sweetheart. That doesn’t work anymore. It was a truth spell. As in, ‘I cannot tell a lie’. Sometimes the truth hurts a little doesn’t it?” He asked her with a small smirk.

She just looked at him blankly. She didn’t know what to say or how to get out of this. I hate spells! Why is it every time I’m under a spell I end up kissing Spike and declaring my love? This is a sickness. She told herself.

“What? You don’t have anything to say now? You were all talk a minute ago.” He said goading her on.

“Just shut up.” She said quietly.

He walked over closer to her and stood right in front of her, forcing her to look at him. They were only a few inches apart and her discomfort was apparent.

“Just admit it. You want me. Hell, it’s written all over me.” He chuckled as he looked back down at his Buffy ‘tattoo’.

She looked back up at him and took a deep breath.

“I admit your sort of okay sometimes.” She mumbled.

“Speak up.” He told her.

“Ugh! Why are you doing this? You already know how I feel so why can’t you just shut up about it?” She said throwing her arms up in frustration. Lying was not going to get her anywhere. He already knew the truth.

“I want to hear you say it. Without a spell. I want to hear you say that you love me.” He said crossing his arms, waiting for a response.

“No.” She said crossing her own arms defiantly.

He grabbed his head and cried out in frustration.

“Ahh! You are the most stubborn, pig headed, irritating person I’ve ever met! I don’t even know why I waste my time—.” He started ranting but she stopped him.

She had grabbed him and pulled him in for a wild, desperate kiss. He was stunned at first, but quickly forgot all about what he was ranting about. He pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her tightly.

They stood outside the magic shop lost in their kiss for several minutes, when they finally tore themselves away. He looked at her with lust filled eyes.

“Buffy…” He said hungrily.

“I’m still not gonna say it.” She said with a sly smile.

He smirked at her.

“Fine.” He said casually. “You want to go patrol now?” He asked her suggestively.

She looked at him and bit her lip nervously. Then she nodded her head.

“I think patrolling would be of the good. I suddenly feel the need to get up close and personal with something evil.” She said with a smirk.

He couldn’t believe she was saying this. He was so excited he thought he might burst right then and there. He grabbed her hand to drag off to someplace more private. She stopped him.

“Wait. I just need to tell the gang that I’m leaving.” She said suddenly.

They walked back into the shop and everyone turned to look at them.

“Everything okay?” Willow asked curiously.

“Oh yeah. Things are totally fine. I’m gonna head out now. See ya guys later.” She said quickly turning to leave.

“Where are you going?” Xander asked, afraid to know.

Buffy turned and looked at him sheepishly.

“Um…We’re just gonna, you know, patrol.” She said quickly, grabbing Spike’s hand and pulling him out the door before anyone could say anything.

Xander started to protest and caught Spike’s smug look just as they ran out the door. Xander groaned and shook his head.

“Great. That’s just great. Here we go again. Buffy’s got a new vampire. Aren’t we all so happy for them?” Xander said dripping with sarcasm.

Everyone looked around at each other not knowing what to say. Finally Anya spoke up.

“They are sort of cute together.” She said thoughtfully.

“They really are, aren’t they?” Willow said wistfully.

Xander gave Willow a dirty look and she got flustered.

“Sorry. It must be some left over mojo doing its nasty work. I-I meant to say this is terrible. We should really do something.” She said nervously, trying to appease Xander.

“We should do something. I mean this isn’t right. Buffy and Spike together? That’s just not something that should ever happen.” He said firmly.

“So what should we do?” Anya asked him.

He looked at her and shrugged.

“I don’t know. But I for one am going to pretend that I don’t know anything about this. What I don’t know can’t hurt me.” He said trying to convince himself.

“Except you do know.” Anya pointed out helpfully.

He glared at her then hung his head sadly.

“I know. This isn’t going to work. Why can’t we all just go back to being blissfully ignorant? The truth sucks.” He said shaking his head.

Everyone nodded their heads and sighed.

Buffy and Spike walked quickly heading for his crypt. They stopped every few minutes to kiss each other again, but tried to remind themselves it would be better once they got where they were going.

He had his arm around her as they walked.

“You know, maybe I should write my name on you too. Just so everyone knows.” He said jokingly.

“I don’t think so.” She said rolling her eyes.

He sighed and then looked away from her.

“So, you’re really not gonna say it, are you?” He asked, still wanting to her tell him her feelings.

“Nope.” She said casually.

He shook his head.

“But you do want me? You’ll admit that right?” He asked, trying to at least gather a crumb from her.

“I’m here aren’t I?” She said with a smile.

He stopped and took her into his arms again.

“Yes, you are.” He said kissing her softly. Then he pulled away. “You aren’t gonna stake me after this are you?” He asked her curiously.

She thought for a moment and then looked at him. She leaned into his ear.

“If you make it real good, I won’t have to.” She whispered jokingly.

He looked at her hungrily.

“Oh, it’ll be good.” He said seductively taking her hand again and dragging her off in the right direction.

They came to his crypt and rushed inside. Buffy couldn’t believe she was actually there with him and intending to do what she was about to do. But something strange had happened tonight. She had confronted the truth that she had been hiding for so long now, and it felt good. Scary, but good.

She knew she couldn’t hide anymore. It was pointless when he already knew. She figured she might as well just enjoy herself. They pulled each other into their arms and kissed hungrily.

Their clothes were tossed aside hastily and they fell onto the ground. It was a moment that both had been wanting for so long, but neither thought it would happen. Both for different reasons. In the end, it was everything and more that they had imagined.

They lay tangled in a comforter on the hard ground. Comfort wasn’t a big issue as their bodies were both numb from pleasure. Spike lay on his back and she lay across his chest, with a look of surprise and contentment.

“Wow. That was just…I mean, wow.” She said unable to form a coherent sentence.

“It was definitely ‘wow’.” He said with a satisfied smile.

She giggled and snuggled closer to him. She knew that everything that had happened tonight was completely and totally bizarre and more than just a little wrong, but sometimes the truth had a funny way of sneaking up on you.

She looked up at him and smiled and then she laid her head back down.

“I love you.” She whispered softly.

He looked down at her and smiled.

“I thought you weren’t gonna say it.” He said to her.

“What can I say? I lied.” She smiled.

He laughed at her and kissed her softly. The truth was out there, and they were both glad that they had finally found it.

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