Spike comes to help buffy at end of season 3, dosn't make it ends up protecting joyce at buffys request after battle goes to nla to meet spike, with joyce's blessing spends the summer with spike before they both return to sunnydale for beginning of season 4

Must have:

Angel to have claimed buffy and trying to use it so she won't want anybody else, and spike/buffy finding out how to block it

supportive giles on there return

no immediate love affair, long building friendship

spike teatching buffy about other demons (like clem) + demon languages

buffy getting more in touch with her inner slayer

pompose riley/initative on there return.