Chapter 19

“What do you think they’re planning?”

Spike stared down at her. “What do you mean, love?”

“Angelus and the others, it has been way too quiet these last few weeks. I just know they’re planning something.”

He thought about it. “Or maybe they realized they can’t win and left town.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “If you actually believe that, you don’t know them very well. Their first plan may have backfired, but they’re not finished with me yet. I just wish they would make a move already. I won’t be at peace again, until they’re all dust.” A thought suddenly occurred to her as she gazed at her boyfriend. “If I can’t stake Drusilla, would you be able to do it? I know it’s a lot to ask. I read the books; I know how devoted you were to her. If you can’t do it, just tell me and…” She was cut off by his lips descending onto hers.

Spike pulled away after a moment, caressing her cheek softly. “I would stake her in an instant, you don’t even have to ask. She’s the past, you’re my future.”

Buffy smiled in relief. “That’s good to know. Not that I was worried.”

He smiled as well. “I’m sure you weren’t. Together, we can take on anything. Maybe even save the world.”


* * * * *


“Hey, Buffy, how’s it going?”

The blonde looked up, confused as to why Harmony Kendall would be talking to her. “Um, nothing, what’s up with you?”

Harmony shrugged. “Same as always, cheerleading, being popular, you know how it is. Well, I guess you wouldn’t. I was just curious, how did you get a hot guy like Spike? Did he lose a bet or something?”

Buffy tried not to let those words hurt her, ignoring the giggling airheads that stood behind the head cheerleader. “You know, Harmony? Green is really not a good look on you. It’s sad, actually.”

Harmony glanced down at her outfit, then back at Buffy. “What are you talking about, freak? I’m not even wearing green. I would never be caught dead in that.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “You really don’t have a brain in that head, do you? Face it, Spike just goes for maturity and you lack that. All you care about is cheerleading and the latest fashions. Why don’t you give it a rest and stick with one of the losers that go to this school? Spike is way out of your league.” She walked away, leaving Harmony to stare after her in shock.


* * * * *


Buffy headed timidly over to her usual table at lunch, noticing that Willow and Xander were already there. She sat down and gave them a small smile, deciding that she would have to be the one to break the ice.

“I owe you guys an apology for my behavior lately. I don’t know what got in to me, but I should have never acted like that.” She turned her attention on Xander. “I’m sorry about what happened at the Bronze. For the dance and what I said, I was way out of line. It’ll never happen again, I hope Cordelia wasn’t too upset.”

Xander shook his head. “Nah, it’s Cordy, she doesn’t let anything get to her. I had to explain that you were just having a bad night. It’s cool, Buff, we’re good.”

She was relieved to hear that.

“Is everything okay now?” Willow wondered.

Buffy nodded eagerly. “Much better, I’m going out with Spike tonight on an official date.”

Willow flashed her a smile. “That’s great, I’m glad everything worked out.”

Buffy couldn’t agree more, but was just beyond thankful to know that she didn’t lose her best friends.


* * * * *


“This place is amazing. Are you sure it’s not too much?”

Spike shook his head. “Only the best for my girl.”

Buffy sat down and gazed in awe at the extravagant restaurant. She wondered if he ever took her mother to such places, but decided that she didn’t really care to know.

They spent the next hour or so sharing stories about their childhoods as they ate.

Buffy laughed when Spike relived his human days. “I can’t believe you did that.”

He shrugged. “The bloke had it coming for making fun of my hair.”

“God, please tell me you have pictures?”

Spike grinned. “Nothing you will ever see.”

She pouted, but figured a change of subject was in order. “So, do you still write poetry?”

If it was possible for him to blush, he would have at that. “Sometimes, when I get inspired. I don’t like to do it often.”

“Since I can’t see any pictures, would you let me see one of your poems?”

Spike was hoping she wouldn’t ask that. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, pet.”

Buffy tried not to pout that time, but it was no use. “Why not?”

He decided to be honest with her. “Because most of them are about you.”

That was the last thing she expected to hear. “Really? You wrote about me?”

“Don’t get too flattered, Buffy. They’re bloody awful.”

She wouldn’t believe that, but decided to drop the topic. For now, anyway. Buffy again wondered if he ever wrote poetry for her mother, but banished that thought. She had to stop comparing; no good could come out of that. Spike was with her now. That was the only thing that mattered.

“You ready to go?” he asked her.

Buffy nodded and let him take her hand, wondering what else he had planned for the evening.


* * * * *


She gasped when Spike led her to the beach, where she saw that a picnic was prepared.

Spike lowered her down on the blanket he put there, pouring them both a glass of champagne. “I know you’re underage, but a little won’t hurt. Just don’t tell Giles, I don’t want any lectures about corrupting minors.”

Buffy smiled. “Your secret is safe with me. So, is this why you didn’t order us dessert at the restaurant?”

Spike nodded. “I figured this would be a much better setting.” He then revealed a bowl of chocolate covered strawberries.

Buffy’s mouth watered at the sight of them.

Spike took one of the strawberries out, holding it before her.

She wrapped her lips around the juicy fruit, sucking it into her mouth.

Spike felt himself harden at just that one act. He fed her a few more, taking one for himself as they both gazed out at the ocean.

“It’s so beautiful here at night.”

He agreed. “Unlike during the day when it’s crowded, you can really enjoy it at this time.”

Buffy got a wicked grin on her face. “Ever been skinny-dipping, Spike?”