As always, thanks to my wonderful betas, Dawnofme, Marilyn, and Tanit. I would love to hear your thoughts on the chapter, if you feel inclined to share.



They drove for a while in companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

Buffy was busy chastising herself for all the misjudgments she'd made. Being so self-righteous and narrow-minded hadn't served her well. She couldn't believe she was even thinking it, but, in a way, she was glad she'd witnessed that kiss. If it weren't for that, she wouldn't have realized the error of her ways and given Spike the chance he deserved. At this moment, she'd never been happier about her decision.

"This is nice. Just being here with you, not feeling like I have to make conversation. You make me feel comfortable," Buffy said, looking at him thoughtfully as she held his hand.

"Makes me so happy to hear you say that, luv, you've no idea. I hope you like what I've planned next. We're almost there," Spike said, gently squeezing her hand and leaning over to peck her on the cheek.

"I can't imagine I won't. You've outdone yourself so far. Anything else is just icing on the cake." She smiled warmly, reaching up to stroke the nape of his neck.

He moaned at the sensation of her nails lightly scratching him. "Mm, that feels nice."

"I'm glad to hear it," she said, continuing her ministrations.

When they pulled into the empty parking lot, Buffy was happy to see it was one of her favorite places, the beach. If she'd been paying attention to the scenery she might have guessed, but she'd had other, more important things on her mind at the time. She was more concerned about what Spike had in store for her. Again, he was at the door before she had a chance to think, opening it and taking her hand, bringing her into the night.

The luminous, full moon hung so low it appeared as if they could reach out and touch it. The cool breeze blew in from the water against her skin, delighting her as she breathed in the salty tang of the air. Hearing the gentle roar of the waves crashing on the shore, she could hardly wait to feel the sand between her toes. Buffy leaned her head against his shoulder before reaching up to kiss his cheek. She smiled warmly at his awed expression. He'd been right to bring her here.

Stepping into the shelter of his arms, she said, "This is the perfect place. I can't believe you know me so well, but you do. How did you get so wise?"

"Been around as long as me, you begin to be able to read people and situations. As for you, I've had a few years to get to know you. I've seen every aspect of you. You're the light in the darkness. You think of others before yourself, even if it's to your detriment. You're kind, strong, and sometimes infuriatingly stubborn, but even with your faults I love you more every time I look at you," he said, gazing into her eyes and placing a lingering kiss on her lips.

When they broke from the kiss, her eyes were wide and sparkling with happiness. Spike stepped away from her and said, "I've got a few things to get from the car, then we can go down."

He went to the trunk and retrieved a cooler and a blanket. Coming back to her, he noticed she was shivering slightly. He slung the blanket over his shoulder, asking her to hold the cooler for a second while he took off his blazer and put it around her shoulders to ward of the chill of the night air. They began to make their way down the steps to the beach. Buffy smiled, grateful for the jacket. He took her hand as they began to walk toward the steps.

Buffy eyed the cooler curiously. "So, you gonna tell me what's in there, or do I have to wait? Let me guess. I have to wait. Meanie."

"Never let it be said you aren't clever, pet."

When they reached the bottom of the steps, Buffy bent down to remove her shoes to better navigate the sandy beach. Spike waited, and they went in search of the perfect spot. Once found, he spread the blanket and offered her a seat. She sat down, setting her shoes aside and pulling him down beside her.

"Aren't you going to take yours off too?" she asked.

"Beg pardon?" He looked at her, perplexed by the question. "Take my what off?"

"Your shoes," she said.

"Oh, sure. I guess. If you want me to. I hadn't planned on it," he said, beginning to untie his boots.

"I thought it would be nice if we wanted to go for a walk. Plus, I like your feet. I think they're sexy." Buffy's eyes widened comically, and she clapped her hand over her mouth.

He gave her his patented smirk. "Oh, so you think my feet are sexy, huh? Well, anytime you want them, they're yours. All you have to do is ask. Tell me, what other parts of me do you find sexy?"

The pale moonlight did little to hide Buffy's blush. "Uh…maybe in a minute. Right now I want to know what's in that cooler."

"All right, I guess I've kept you waitin' long enough." He opened the cooler and pulled out two champagne flutes, a bottle of vintage Veuve Clicquot, and a container of large strawberries dipped in dark chocolate. He handed her the glasses and popped the cork on the champagne.

Pouring them each a glass, he proposed a toast. "To us and our happiness."

They shared a smile as their glasses met with a gentle clink. Buffy reached toward the strawberries. "These look absolutely sinful. I can't wait to have a bite," she said, taking a sip of champagne.

Buffy bit into a strawberry. The incredible combination of the dry champagne, the lush sweetness of the berry, and the bitterness of the chocolate had her closing her eyes in ecstasy. She hummed deep in her throat before taking another bite. "Oh my God, this is incredible!

The arousal Spike felt watching Buffy take such pleasure in the delicious treat overwhelmed him for a moment. He closed his eyes and drained his glass, hoping to calm himself.

"Here, you've got to try this. The two together are amazing!" she said, putting the berry to his lips.

Spike's eyes flew open in surprise when he felt the berry brush his lips. Buffy's eyes were glued to a bit of juice that trickled from the corner of his mouth when he bit down. She leaned forward and licked away the errant juice.

"Mm, tastes better mixed with you."

Spike groaned, grasping her shoulders and pulling her closer. Buffy used the opportunity to snake her arms around his neck as her tongue sought entrance to his mouth. At the first taste of her tongue, a wave of desire hit him so strong, he was glad they were sitting down. Her hands were in his hair now; she held him to her as if he might suddenly leave. Spike's hands were in constant motion, caressing her sides, barely touching her breasts as they continued the hungry, yet tender, kiss. Buffy pulled back from the kiss a bit breathless. She rested her forehead against his, her expression serious.

"Buffy? Are you okay? Did I do something wrong?" Spike was still unused to this side of her. He didn't quite know what to expect or how to act.

"No, Spike, you haven't done anything wrong. What would make you think that?" Buffy looked at him curiously.

"Nothing. It's--" He paused and took a deep breath. "It's just I don't want to move too fast. You said you wanted to take things slowly, and I want to honor that. I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for. I can wait. I'd wait for soddin' ever if I had to. I don't make the rules here, pet, you do. You just tell me what to do," he said.

Buffy looked at him, her eyes gleaming with unshed tears.

"Spike, I'm sorry, again, for not making myself clear. Words are so very not my strong suit, but I'm going to try to do my best. Please, let me finish before you say anything. I did say I wanted to take things slowly, but maybe not as slow as you think. Maybe there could be more touching and kissing. The two of us can decide when to move further. And what you said about my making up the rules, that's not true. We decide. We're a couple, that's what couples do. I told you the other day I thought I had fallen in love with you. That was a lie. I knew I had. I am in love with you. Every part of you, Spike, William, man, vampire---all of you."

Spike thought for a moment that he'd been thrown into an alternate dimension. Surely, this wasn't really happening; Buffy wasn't in his arms saying the words he'd longed to hear. He sat mutely for a moment before he could actually find his voice.

"I. Jesus, Buffy! I never…You mean it? Will you say it again?"

"What? You want me to give you that whole speech again?" she asked, with coy grin.

"No, you vixen, just the most important part." Spike pulled her closer, playfully nipping her nose.

"Oh, you must mean this part! I love you, Spike. I really do."

Grinning like a fool, he said, "I love you too, Buffy."