Spike never came to Sunnydale during the first few seasons (why is up to you: is Drusilla dead, and this he had no reason to come? did they break up and she came on her lonesome? some other reason that’s not occurring to me?). The first time Buffy sees him is during The Harsh Light of Day, sunbathing on campus adorned with the Gem of Amara. 

Oh no, she thinks, the pit of her stomach dropping and sending tinglies all over, he’s hot. 

They start dating, Buffy unaware that her new boyfriend is a member of the undead. Of course, she has to find out eventually... what follows is up to you. 

MUST HAVE: 

•Spike/Buffy dating when Buffy doesn’t know he’s a vampire

•The eventual discovery of his vampirism

CAN HAVE:

•Spike freckles

•(supportive!)Willow/Tara, Xander/Anya

•Spike coming to town in hunt of the Slayer but not knowing Buffy is the Slayer, leading to a run-around (Spike seeks out Slayer, Buffy searches for the town’s new Big Bad)

•Claim, bond, etc

CANNOT HAVE: 

•Chipped Spike

•Character bashing 

•Spike/other, Buffy/other (beyond brief mentions of past relationships)