Chapter 34 - Brand New Day

He woke up alone, making him frown before he even opened his eyes. The bed was cold, meaning she'd been gone for some time. Spike sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the base of his palms. He relaxed back against the headboard and pulled the quilt up to his neck and around his shoulders to try and get warm again. Just as he was about to feel very sorry for himself, the door from the bathroom opened and a billowing wave of steam rolled out, followed by a freshly showered and very warm Buffy. She saw him, smiled and dropped her towel. Her skin was glowing and flush, her breasts swollen and perfectly round, looking heavier than usual from the absorbed heat from the water. Her hair was just blow dried, but still moist and shimmering, there was nothing about her that wasn't burning with vitality. She came back to bed, slipping in between him and the quilt. Straddling him, she pressed her body to his, breast to breast, stomach to stomach. She held his face in her with one of her hands as she covered his face in hot little kisses. Meanwhile she reached down in between them to guide his growing erection to the opening of her sex.

They eased together, their opposing temperatures evening as the cold and hard was sheathed by the warm and soft. Buffy began gyrating and tightening herself around him internally. Cupping the flesh of her rear he thrust upwards and arched just so, giving a rough grind against the nubbin that had presented itself to him. She bowed her back, raising her breasts to him, but just as his mouth descended to claim a ripe nipple she lay herself back. This position angled his cock perfectly to stimulate her top inner wall as they moved together. As the pleasure heightened, both became increasingly vocal with grunts, moans and the occasional expletive.

Somehow managing to keep joined, Spike came to lay himself on top of Buffy, their legs stretched out behind them. Tears pricked at the corner of the vampire's eyes, this was a moment for them, just like last night."Tell me..." he pleaded. Buffy caressed the back of his neck and shoulders, smiling beautifully up at him

"William, I love you..." It was the encouragement he needed and thus began to make love with her the way a vampire and Slayer were meant to. Clasping their hands together and holding them above her head to the mattress, he thrust in and out of her like a man possessed,"Spike!!"

"Love you...Buffy, love you...come for me, show William how much you love him."

"Let me touch you!" At her words he released her hands, which immediately moved to his rear end, stilling his thrusting and holding him to her. Raising her knees, he sunk in as far as she could take him. His forehead rested on hers and she gave his hind cheeks a squeeze, eliciting a moan from deep inside him,"Love my William." She coiled her inner muscles around him as tightly as she could whilst gently raising her pelvis to create a friction against her clit.

"Oh...god...Buffy...."

"Mmm..." The tension had snapped and almost simultaneously, they climaxed. Swimming inside the powerful rush of orgasm they could feel the pull of each others souls, the intimate connection that existed on the molecular level. When they calmed, she held him secure upon her and still inside her, something both of them loved,"Good morning," she panted, cooling down. Spike was busy nibbling at her neck. Buffy totally relaxed under him, almost drifting back asleep, when in a sudden swell he was full hard again. He growled and started moving back and forth all over again,"A very good morning!"

***

Buffy came into the kitchen late that morning, singing contentedly to herself. She was ravenous, making love with Spike many many times since they'd come home had given her the appetite of a hobbit. She wanted blueberry pancakes with gobs of maple syrup, maybe a few rashes of nice crispy bacon to spoon up the extra maple flavored goo. She went about getting the ingredients out of the cupboard when it occurred to her that there was no one else in the house. She found this rather curious considering how eager they had been to hear what had happened to Spike after Fernridge. Her brow furrowed as she searched the downstairs and found no one. It was almost noon so it was possibly everyone had gone out, but they hadn't left a note.

She was about to rush upstairs and wake the sleeping vampire in her bed, but suddenly heard her sister laughing back the way of the kitchen. She found the lot of them, including the not often seen in the day time Clement. Coming on to the back porch and into the bright sunshine, all eyes turned to her."Hey guys, what's up?" she asked.

"Oh SPIKE!!!!!" Giles exclaimed. Buffy did a double take, her eyes widening, shock overcoming her.

"Oh YES SPIKE!" her sister echoed.

"Faster, faster! Faster Spike! Yes, yes, yes!" Xander mocked, rolling his eyes at being forced to participate in this little game.

"Harder Spike, yes, right there!!" Willow chimed in.

"Ooooohhh Spike!!!" Anya finished. Buffy's turned to Clem giving him a hard look. He waved her off, too embarrassed.

"That's really not fair you guys," Buffy grumbled. Dawn put her arm around her sister and tugged at the scarf stylishly tied around Buffy's neck.

"Nor is subjecting us to the auditory version of the Buffy and Spike Shagfest Winter 2002," Dawn teased,"I take it he's asleep, you finally broke the boy didn't you?" Buffy crossed her arms over her chest, a sour look on her face.

"Spike's sleeping because he's been through hell all summer and especially this past week."

"And because you boinked him into a coma." Dawn reached out and whipped off Buffy's scarf, revealing four sets of fang punctures. Buffy pushed out her chin and preened, not in the least bit embarrassed about the marks.

"I did not boink him, we made love, wild passionate beautiful love!"

"Loud, hot monkey sex is more like it!" Buffy was about to throw a fit when Giles stepped up.

"I think that's enough, we've had our fun," Giles allowed,"Sorry dear." Buffy pouted."We're all very happy that Spike is safe and sound and that you two have had time to reconnect. So, the tosser going to sleep the day a way?"

"Hello, vampire," was Buffy's reply.

"BUFFY?!" the very same vampire called from inside the kitchen. She turned and bolted back inside, finding the love of her life clinging to the sheet wrapped around his waist, looking rather worse for wear. The sunlight shone down into the kitchen, he backed himself against the wall. The others filed in soon after, making the vampire the naked center of attention."Mornin' all." Buffy came to him, helping him hold up the sheet, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Whacha doin' up?" He pulled her back to the edge of the kitchen, trying not to remain under every one's scrutiny.

"Woke up n' you were gone, I was worried...n' lonely." He tilted his head to one side and gave her a knowing smile, she looked down, blushing.

"I'm hungry. Would you like some breakfast?"

"No, love, just want to be near you. And judging by the way they're staring at me, I wouldn't exactly say no to some clothing."

"That I can help you with, a while back, before we went to Fernridge, Dawn went looking for you and brought all your stuff home. There's clean laundry in the basement. I can go get you new boots later today."

"My girl's pledge of eternal love and a new pair a Doc's, can a bloke's day get any better?"

Chapter 35 - Twist of Fate

Spike was just pulling on a pair of well worn denims when he heard the footsteps of someone descending the basement steps,"Allo? Who's there?" Spike called, reaching for the warm cobalt blue cotton shirt that stretched taut over his chest.

"Spike," Giles sighed, walking down the rest of the way. Spike looked at the Watcher curiously, eyeing the large brown paper bag he held on to. The vampire hurriedly put on his shirt, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"Watcher." He gave Giles a nod and leaned against the washing machine.

"You're looking well."

"I suppose, yeah. Spending time with a girl who loves you tends to turn a man around from the brink of despair n' madness. You know how it goes."

"Perhaps. Er, I've brought you something." Giles reached into the brown paper bag and took out a file folder, which he kept to himself, then passed the bag to Spike. The vampire took it warily, not half wondering if there was a surprise baby Suvolte inside. He opened it to find a large box inside. There was an instant smile on Spike's face as he set it on the washing machine and opened it. Spike admired the shiny new pair of classic Doc Marten boots before casting an appreciative grin to the Watcher and putting the boots on his feet."Buffy, well, she measured your feet whilst you were sleeping, so I gather they're the right size?"

"Bloody perfect! Watcher...Giles, thanks mate - appreciate it more than I can say. You have been uncharacteristically gracious where yours truly is concerned. I heard you when we were at Fernridge, promising Buffy you'd get me out. There a reason?"

"She loves you. That alone is reason enough and well, fellow countryman and what not." Giles came in close to Spike, seeming to be checking out his face, leaning in close. Spike leaned back, nearly climbing up upon the washing machine,"I don't look a thing like you."

"Beg pardon?"

"Maybe the eyes, but even that's a stretch. Fate is a buggering thing, mate."

"And then some. I'm not sure just what you're getting at, but Ripper, you're making me nervous." Giles curled his lip and rolled his eyes, backing off.

"Ripper indeed, this is probably karma swooping down upon me like a vulture to carrion. Read this." Giles opened up the folder and handed Spike a sheet of paper. Skeptic, he took it, and began to read. They stood in silence for ten very long minutes as Spike read the document twice. Then, in one swooping motion he flipped the page away and spread his arms wide.

"Give Uncle Spike a hug!"

"Oh sod off you git, it's bad enough as it is, no need to add salt to the wound!" Spike let his arms go, slapping them loudly against his legs.

"The Slayer know?"

"No, I figured I ought to let you have the honors. This bloody insane."

"Are you upset by it?" Giles sighed and shook his head, coming round to lean next to Spike.

"Annalyse seemed like a lovely girl."

"Lyse was the most precious thing in the world to me. So was mother. I don't know what it was, but at the time I knew that I didn't want them to die, I didn't want Angelus to even know they existed. Can you imagine what he would have done to my little 14 year old sister? I never went back, never went anywhere near them, completely forgot everything that was William and began my life with Dru, Angelus n' Darla. I never knew if my little sister grew up, got married, had children of her own. I never knew when m'own mother died. I didn't really care to be honest, until lately, until Buffy."

"Your mother passed away about fifteen years after you left, by consumption. Lyse and her husband and children were there."

"Lyse's youngest, Robert, he's the one?"

"Yes, then came his son, Daniel. Then Daniel's daughter Eloise, her son Rupert, then his daughter Diane, my mother. And there you have it."

"Here we have it." Both men smiled."You almost seem proud, Rupes, is this a sign that you might not actually hate me?"

"Let's just say that my normally consistent impulse to cudgel you is lessening. Besides, there is the fact that you are the only vampire in history to seek a soul and you being a blood relative does raise my status a few notches on the council."

"They're giving you a gold watch or something all poncy like that, aren't they?"

"I'm to remain here for a time and transcribe the full details of your soul quest. It's a Jaguar."

"British racing green?"

"Antique gold."

"Ah. Rather nice I suspect. Must corner like it's on rails."

"Quite. Spike, I think we should agree to start over, in light of our being related and especially because we both love Buffy so very much."

"Agreed. We can sit down, have a pint, listen to some Cream. Be just like a couple a ol' mates."

"There's something else, something I think should come to you." He reached into his pocket and brought out a small, rather beaten up satin box. Giles opened it, revealing a square cut ruby, accented on either side by a shimmering white pearl."Do you remember it?" The anguish on Spike's face told Giles the answer.

"Mother told me so many times over - this ring would come to me and I'd give it to my wife."

"When you died, the ring went to Annalyse. I've had it since my own mother died, but as I never seem to find someone to give it to, I figured it should go to its rightful owner."

"Do you really think I can make the Slayer happy?"

"I think Spike, that you would go to the ends of the Earth for her."

"Already did, mate, already did. Soulful Spike is a pathetic sniveling sap..."

"Soulful Spike is the kind of man that can make the girl I love as my own daughter a very happy woman."

"Sure I can't have a hug?"

"Very."

"Come on!"

"Sod off!"

"Rupie....??"

"God, I hate you."

Chapter 36 - The First Day of the Rest of Their Lives

When they came back upstairs, his love was stuffing her face full of pancakes and syrup. He stayed back to watch her, laughing with her sister and friends, sticky dribbles of syrup on her chin. She was a bit of a piggy when she was especially hungry. He'd have to remember that, have snacks on hand when participating in endless hours of shagging. She reached for a napkin, but he took action and stepped in,"Allow me, love," he offered leaning down to swish his tongue over her chin to clean off the syrup.,"Mmmm, Buffy taste in my mouth."

"Xander went to the butcher's earlier, there's blood in the fridge if you like."

"Ta, pet." He maneuvered around to the fridge, the small box clasped tightly in his hand. He pushed it down in his pocket, forgetting it for now. He had to save it for the perfect moment. As he waited by the microwave for the blood to warm Buffy cleaned up after her breakfast as the others dispatched themselves to other parts of the house. She came up behind him, caressing his backside with one hand, the other snaking around his middle and up under his shirt. She stood up on her tip toes and nibbled his ear lobe.

"So, what would you like to do with the rest of your life?"

"This, you, family, loving every day."

"I want to take care of you."

"I don't want to need it so badly, but I do. I don't quite know who I am Buffy. But I know I love you, and that's a start." The microwave finished and she reach around him to bring out his mug.

"Drink up." He did as she asked, gulping down the nourishment before turning around to face her.

"Is this going to work, really? You n' me?"

"You're having doubts? I really do love you, don't have to worry."

"I know, I feel it deep inside, but I'm talking about the practical day to day. I should get a job."

"If you want to, I'm doing okay though, with money. I can't really picture with a nine to five...or five to nine as the case may be."

"Man of the house should do his fair share."

"I think you should take it easy first, give yourself a couple of weeks to adjust to everything that has happened. Things have been very tense and on edge since you came home. I want you to relax, sleep in peace and quiet, with me." He pulled her close, kissing her softly."And there's patrol to still do every night, we'll get you back in the game. It'll be like old times, except this time I'm all head over heals in love with you.

"I'm all for that."

"So we take it easy for a while?" He nodded, still holding her close,"As soon as the others leave...." A wicked grin spread across his face and he leaned in close, his tongue laving over the vampire bites he'd marked her with."Spike..."

"At least there's one thing we never have to worry about..." She clutched his shoulders, rubbing their lower halves together.

"William, I want you..." There was a feral look in his eyes, as he nipped at her bottom lip, his tongue teasing hers. Then he kissed her with such love and lust that she felt her knees go weak. He held her up, holding her tighter, kissing her harder.

"BUFFY!!" Dawn shouted from the living room. Buffy was beginning to dislike the sound of her own name,"Someone's here!"

"Damn," Buffy swore under her breath, reluctantly pulling away from her vampire. She groaned and they both let go of the other. Spike couldn't help but smile as she stomped out of the kitchen.

***

Standing in the doorway was a tall young man with olive skin, Grecian features and a mop of slicked back black curls - Mediterranean Spike to Buffy's mind, except for the immaculately tailored silk suit. Dawn hadn't moved since she'd opened the door, her mouth agape and her hormones firing in all directions at once. Buffy gently moved her sister out of the way and approached the man,"Hello, can I help you?" she asked, keenly aware that Spike was coming up behind her with his possessive caveman face on, if not the vamp face all together. His arm was around her waist moments later, fingertips pressed pleasantly hard into her stomach.

"Miss Buffy Summers, allow me to introduce myself." Oh yes, definitely Greek."I am Niko Halkiopoulos and I am here on behalf of my employer John Westerberg."

"Oh! Uh, come in." Buffy moved to let the tall man through, meanwhile Spike was inconspicuously pulling her hair back from around her neck, showing off the bite marks. He was being impossibly cute, if not a little ridiculous. By now the others had come to see what was going on with this newcomer."What this about?"

"You and your family are invited to dine with Mr. Westerberg and his daughter Jane tomorrow evening at the estate. I am instructed to also extend the invitation to the young ladies to be escorted by myself to Rodeo Drive in Los Angelos to select gowns..." Dawn gave a squeal and then sheepishly tried to hide her outburst."Tailors will be arriving shortly to take the measurements for the men's suits. Mr. Westerberg wishes to thank you all for your courage and for rescuing Miss Jane."

"Wow. This is so nice, of course we'll come and hey, shopping!"

"At Mr. Westerberg's expense of course, we have an appointment at Harry Winston's for the jewelry. I shall await you at the car." Niko bowed, Spike rolled his eyes, muttering something about Athenian ponces under his breath. Once the door was closed the girls seemed to be over come with some sort of giggling disease, Dawn rushed upstairs to revamp herself into some sort of sophisticate for the excursion, while Buffy casually mentioned changing into something a little more comfortable for walking those LA sidewalks.

Spike found her sitting in front of the mirror at her vanity, applying lip gloss and fluffing her hair."How quickly she forgets!" the vampire huffed, leaning in the door frame.

"What are you all bad moody for? This is going to be fun and I can imagine how Mr. Westerberg must think this is a nice gesture for us saving his daughter. I agree."

"You're going out. For hours, with Adonis down there...soddin' Olympic git." She continued to primp in front of the mirror.

"Come here, Spikey." He grumbled and came over, before he could reach her, she grabbed the waist band of his jeans and pulled him over. She lifted up his shirt and pressed her shiny lips to his stomach, her tongue delving into his belly button.

"That's not going to work...." She undid the top button of his jeans with her teeth and tongue.

"Two hours there, two hours back, about three hours to shop. I'll be back in your bed in no time. We have so much to make up for...but....mmmm, nummy vampire tummy...I want to....shop." She lowered his zipper and reached inside.

"Irrelevant, I'm not letting you go off..." There was a tongue there...then... "Oh sweet fuck...Buffy....Buffy...that...that's cheating..."

"Mmmmph?"

Chapter 37 - Cold Comfort

He watched her out of the corner of his eye, she was fluttering about with one hand holding part of her hair up while she searched for a pin to hold it. He was also appreciating the fact that at this time she wore only a very pretty and rather tiny black g-string. It took all of his control not to pounce on her, especially given how her breasts bounced when she was excited.

"Pet, dinner isn't for another two hours," he sighed, reclining back on the bed, his dress pants mostly on, zipper still undone. She disappeared into the bathroom.

"What was that honey?" she called back. He ran his fingers to his newly bleached hair, she'd done it for him an hour ago. It was still long and shaggy, but he was slightly more like his whole self.

"I said, dinner isn't for another two hours! Why are you smashing 'round 'ere like a butterfly on crack?" She emerged, blessedly still mostly nude. Those panties were rather redundant, he imagined one good tug would snap them off her.

"Spike, why aren't you dressed?"

"Because we have another two hours."

"Only? Shoot, I knew we shouldn't have made love again, I could've used that half hour."

"Ahem, forty eight minutes. Does it really take you birds three hours to get ready?"

"I want us to make a good impression."

"You save his and his daughter's life - I think he's about as impressed as he's gonna get."

"This is different, people act different when things aren't all apocalypty." He gestured to her to come over and she grumbled at first, but soon slid on to the bed and settled herself over him. She straddled his waist and sat down on his stomach, hands resting on his chest. She pouted, he loved it when she pouted. He mirrored her pushed out lower lip and earned and smack on his shoulder,"Don't make fun."

"You have spectacular knockers!"

"Spike!" He growled and pretended to bite at the perky nipples before him."I'm trying to be serious here, I can't always be your lustbunny!"

"Sorry, my heart, but I don't ever want to leave this room. I want to make love until we fall dead asleep from exhaustion, getting up only to eat, and really all I have to do is roll over n' have a nip. I want to lose myself in this beautiful woman who sits upon me. Seduction, desire, lust, love, devotion..."

"And only two hours to get ready. Sorry, vampy, the Buffy is not permitting visitors until after we get back home." He sagged, sunk deep into the mattress, disappointed, pouting. She loved it when he pouted. As she looked down on him, this pale skinned specimen of undead beauty, a dark thought came into her mind. She leaned forward, pressing her breast to his chest, setting her chin down and looking over his face,"Can I ask you something?" He perked up, giving her his full attention.

"Love? You sound worried."

"When Glory was after Dawn, that time and she held you prisoner, what sorts of things did she do to you?" He winced, then snaked his arms around her body, holding her close, taking the solace from her now that he couldn't back then.

"Rather not talk about it. It was a long time ago." She nodded against him and went to move away, but he held her still,"Cut me, with knives, glass, her fingernails. She beat on me, she pushed her fingers into me like my flesh wasn't even solid. She peeled strips of my skin off, said I was just like an apple. Then she strung me up from the ceiling and did it all again." Buffy was on the verge of crying and he caressed her bare back to soothe her.

"That's all? She didn't...she didn't?"

"Didn't what?" She moved to kiss him, hard and deep, full of need. When they parted he looked up at her at first with confusion, then with haunted understanding,"No."

"Promise? You can tell me."

"Nothing, just the torture. I'd stake myself before I'd ever be with any woman that wasn't you."

"She'd have forced you."

"No, she couldn't have, doesn't work that way. You okay?"

"Yeah." She sniffled and gave him a smile,"Sorry. You okay?"

"I'm perfect, love. And there's nothing to be sorry for, don't ever be afraid to talk to me. We're good with talking to each other. Haven't you noticed?"

"We do communicate well."

"In every way, like for instance right now you're about to panic when you realize you've got only one hour and forty five minutes to get ready."

"Omigod!" She was off him in a flash and back in the bathroom. He chuckled warmly and went in search of the rest of his suit.

***

Perhaps it was too much, especially with dropping to his knees before her, but Spike had always been the consummate drama queen. All Buffy had done was walk out of the bathroom in her gown and he'd been overwhelmed."I take it you approve?" she asked, twirling around in front of his enraptured gaze.

"My god, look at you..." he breathed out. The dress was of a nearly sheer fabric of midnight blue, with spaghetti straps and an empire waist, the dress was accented by randomly sewn on tear drop crystals. Buffy smiled and blushed, goosepimples spreading across her bare arms.

"Spike, you're embarrassing me." She moved away from him to look for the box with her new heels in them. Sitting down on the bed, she slipped her feet into the shoes that matched her dress. Spike came up behind her, crawling like a cat over the length of the queen sized bed. She shivered when his cool lips pressed upon her spine, this did nothing to help the goosepimples. Then she felt something else cold against her skin. The shimmering choker of diamond chips was being put around her neck. It concealed most of her throat and the bite marks, the netting of silver wires stringing innumerable uncut gems against her."Cold."

"You like cold things on your body, don't you?" He did up the clasp and slid his hands down her shoulders and arms, then around to cup and squeeze her ample breasts, unbound under the dress."Cold things inside your body..."

"Spike, the limo will be here soon."

"My cold, hard flesh, deep inside you, you're so tight it's almost too much, then my come filling you up...so...cold..." She pulled away from him with a growl, crossing over to the other side of the room.

"Evil vampire sex fiend!" He gave up and got off the bed, straightening out his black suit and tie over a black shirt,"God you look hot. Wait! No, I didn't mean that."

"So you're telling me I look bad?"

"Huh? No! Of course not, you always...." He arched his eyebrow at her, the one with the scar. She nearly swooned."Spike, honey..."

"Yes, my precious?"

"Stop being charming and handsome, please, just until we get through dinner?"

"Might as well ask the bloody sun to stop risin'. Buffy, you n' me, we're insatiable, we're perfect together. We love each other." She bravely closed the divide between them, curling her fingers under his collar and sliding them down the length of his jacket.

"Just a couple of weeks ago you didn't know an elephant from a bumble bee and now it's like a honeymoon. I want you very much right now, and I love you very much forever, but - there's a real world out there we have to remember we live in. John Westerberg wants to thank us for saving his daughter and I'd like to let him. No one ever thanks us, it's nice and I want to enjoy it. Wouldn't you like to see Jane? Your lady, the one who played you music and soothed you when I couldn't? Hmm?" The mood had shift at the mention of Jane's name. Suddenly he felt small and fragile, like he had been since earning his soul.

"I....I want to see her, but, I don't think she came to me because it was something I needed. Could've been Willow who dreamed her up just as easy."

"Well that's completely stupid." He looked at her with a wounded expression. Buffy sighed, then rested her hands on his hips,"You were suffering, horribly, I don't think even I could have gotten inside like Jane did. You're special, unique and it's high time you start to love yourself as much as I do." He hung his head, lost, but nonetheless moved in to cling to her. He exhaled, leaning down to lay his cheek on her shoulder, arms wrapped around her waist. She hugged him back as tight as she could.

Chapter 38 - Aspirations

"Why do I get the distinct impression we're walking into a bloody awards ceremony?" Spike grumbled as the limousine sent by John Westerberg pulled up to the front entrance of the estate. His fingers were laced with Buffy's and his thumb was tapping nervously on the top of her hand. He was completely unaware of how he was fidgeting, but she understood his apprehension. She smothered down a wayward curl atop his head and stroked at his temple.

"You look devastating," she whispered so only he could hear. He leaned into her touch, a strange soft sound rumbling from his throat."Love you." He turned into her, placing a kiss at the spot where her collar bones met at the base of her throat.

"Uncle, do remember you're not alone here," Giles spoke sardonically.

"Uncle?" Buffy questioned.

"It's a British thing, pet," Spike covered. Nikos, the new bane of Spike's existence, came around and opened the car door and extended his hand to aid first Dawn, then the other ladies out. Spike however was sure to slip out before Buffy, then turned to be the one to take his lady's hand. When the moon bathed the diamonds in light, blues and silvers reflected over her skin and in her eyes. Once again, overcome by her beauty, Spike breathed in a shaky breath, his eyes moistening.

"What's the matter?" He recovered quickly, shaking off the moment of weakness, then put her arm around his. He felt the slight weight of the ringbox in his breast pocket and smiled sweetly to her.

"Absolutely nothing, for the first time ever."

"Okay, good, you sure?"

"I'm sure." They followed the others to the front doors, Nikos going ahead and opening them wide to the Westerberg home,"Darling, you look wonderful tonight."

***

Spike remained quiet and reserved as Buffy parted from him to accept John Westerberg's welcoming them into his home and thanks for the rescue of his daughter. Spike leaned back against one wall, odd to find a Spanish suit of armor propped up next to him as if to herald the arrival of his fellow conquistadors. The whole of the Westerberg's estate was beautiful, immaculate, but it couldn't have been much of a home without Pauline and Jane. After his conversation with Giles, Spike had been reflecting back to who he'd been before he'd been sired. William never would have aspired to such a house, he never saw the world beyond the tip of his poet's pen on paper. Still, he was a bit envious of the place, it's stature, the art on the walls, the security it provided. He wanted to give that to Buffy. He knew her well enough to realize that jewelry and a big house was not what she wanted to be happy. Still, he wanted to give her more than just a ring.

"Spike?" Buffy asked for the forth time, giving him a little shake. He suddenly came back to himself, a little flustered at realizing that he'd zoned out completely in front of them. He observed further that Nikos was escorting all but he and Buffy to another part of the house,"Mr. Westerberg was talking to you."

"Sorry...sorry," Spike apologized.

"Call me John, I insist," the older man asked, then turned to the vampire,"Spike." John held out his hand and Spike stared at it for a moment before reluctantly taking it.

"William Suffolk, actually," Spike offered respectfully.

"Well then, Mr. Suffolk. I hardly know where to begin, except for thank you. I'm...I'm not usually an emotional man, but I've spent the better part of these past two days in tears, in gratitude for what you and Miss Summers have done for me. Jane is home and she's herself again, you gave me back the light in my soul that I thought had been snuffed out forever. I'm in your debt."

"It's what we do, rather, what the Slayer does. Been doin' it since she was 15 years old, sacred duty n' what not. I was just there."

"Not according to my daughter. Listen you two, I've had my people doing a little research on you. Of course there wasn't too much available on you, Mr. Suffolk past your, uh..."

"Death."

"Right. Mr. Giles provided my with your history with the Slayer, but what I'm referring to primarily is your personal life. Buffy, your mother's death, her medical bills, your own financial struggles seem woefully unfair considering the real work you do. I know you have a good job now and that it sustains your household...but just barely. It offers you no opportunity to provide a future for yourself. Though I certainly can't put a price on my daughter's life or my gratitude, I would at least make your life one where you don't have to worry about money, ever." He reached into his coat pocket and passed Buffy a slip of paper. Buffy nearly started choking when she looked at the sum on the cheque.

"Ten...this is ten million dollars!!" she exclaimed. She forced the paper back into John's hands, shaking her head,"I can't, thank you, but it's not necessary, I can't accept money for being the Slayer."

"I have another 300 million in change, but this isn't about money, this is about making both your lives and the lives of your friends alot easier while you fight evil."

"I can't accept your money..."

"I on the other hand, being a greedy sod despite the soul, can and will take your cheque," added Spike. The vampire reached out and plucked the cheque from John's hand, giving the man a wicked grin.

"Spike!" Buffy admonished,"It wouldn't be right."

"I insist Miss Summers," John encouraged.

"Come on, pet, think of it. You can pay off the mortgage on the house, set up a college fund for our lil' bit, concentrate on the slayin' n' fightin' the good fight."

"Very sound points there, son."

"Thanks mate. Oh, and Buffy..."

"What?" she replied, hands on hips, cross look on her face.

"Shoes."

"Pardon?"

"By Prada, Feragamo handbags, Anna Sui shirts, Stella McCartney skirts..." The Slayer got this lazy, euphoric gleam in her eyes, but quickly shook it off when she realized Spike's knowledge of designers rivaled her own.

"How do you know these people?"

"One of the inmates, used to be a drag queen. He knows his stuff...and he wouldn't bloody shut up about it! I was stuck in the hole with him for an entire day as he prattled on and on about it."

"I'm really hoping you got this information by osmosis rather than interest."

"I dunno Slayer, that Gaultier bloke's got a pleasantly fucked up imagination."

"Spike! Language in front of respectable people!"

"I don't mind," John interjected.

"He doesn't mind..." Spike continued. The bell rang for dinner.

"Shall we?" John offered.

"I think I like you better when you were insane, you had very nice Victorian manners."

"I can still be a gentleman my sweet," Spike replied, extending his hand to her. She placed her's in his grasp and he brought it to his lips to bestow a kiss before placing it on his arm to lead her in to dinner. They walked a good long ways behind John, the heels of Buffy's shoes sounding loudly on the marble floor, her head on Spike's shoulder."I'm also thinking a trip to Frederick's of Hollywood is also in order, perhaps Victoria's Secret."

"That's not what I mean by Victorian."

"I know. Love me?"

"Love you very very much."

"Good."

Chapter 39 - Life and Ladies

John stopped half way to the dining room and turned back to the pair to speak,"Dinner won't be for a little while, why don't I escort Miss Summers? Spike.....Jane would like to see you." Buffy wasn't certain vampire could have physical reactions like the one Spike was having until presently when he began to tremble just enough for Buffy to notice, if his heart beat it would be racing.

"Me?" he squeaked, then coughed emphatically to mask his embarrassment.

"She's in the raboredum, it was always her favorite place, to sit in the sun and play her violin. She wants to play for us after dinner, she's nervous however having not done so in a year, but..."

"She still plays beautifully....trust me." John pointed down one offshoot of the hallway.

"It's that way."

***

For all the times he'd dreamed of her, Spike had never been so affected as this time. He found the lady Jane in her favorite spot, the arboredum she'd brought into his dreams. She looked less like a vision and more like a real girl, no longer helpless. She sat quietly with her knees pulled up under her, waiting for him. Spike was reluctant to disturb her. She however was well tuned to his presence, rising to her feet and smoothing out her black velvet dress. She waved to him then gestured for him to come over.

"Hello," he spoke quietly, nearly to a whisper. She smiled and reached her hand out for him. Tentatively he took it,"How are you?" She continued to smile sweetly and took up a pad of paper and a pen from near where they were standing.

She wrote,"Very well."

"Good to know, pet. Er, listen, I'm not too sure how to go 'bout this, but, uh...bloody hell - thank you just isn't enough. I don't know how you were able to do it or why you came to me, but you saved my life, saved my mind. You were the one good thing I could cling to, the anchor - you comforted me when I needed it the most. I'm in your eternal debt, Jane."

"There is no debt, you and Buffy save my life too, saved me from Fernridge and from Glory. I was in a dark void and your need called me out from it. We saved each other."

"Bein' the hero is the Slayer's job, I just ended up in the mess of it, as usual."

"No, it was you. Whatever you did took Glory out of me."

"You're alright now?" she nodded,"Right, then, uh...."

"Spike..." she'd spoken. It was faint and it took effort to do it, but she'd said his name. She took both his hands and held them between hers,"Thank you."

"You're a miracle!" She went back to her pen and paper, speaking was just baby steps for now.

"So are you - you're a vampire with a soul? Dad told me. Buffy's a lucky girl. You're pretty handsome too."

"I'm the lucky one, pet. But I know we wouldn't have had a chance if it weren't for you and for that I am eternally grateful."

"Invite me to the wedding."

"How did you?? Oh, that was rhetorical, wasn't it?" Jane smiled and nodded her head."Guess my secret's out, just hope she'll say yes."

"She will."

***

After Jane had gone onwards to dinner, Spike remained behind to contemplate everything that had transpired to lead him to this point. Africa seemed like forever ago and the future seemed a little less daunting. He reached inside his coat and brought out the beaten up ring box that was older than himself. He opened it and gazed upon the ruby, fiery as a demon's eye, but moreso like his love's heart.

"Spike?" he heard Buffy call. Quickly he put the ring away before she found him,"There you are."

"Hello, love." She eyes him curiously, he was a little bit sad.

"How did things go with Jane, we passed in the hall." Suddenly he was pulling her to him.

"Everything is perfect."

"Are you sure? You're doing that thing with your bottom lip when you're about to cry."

"I'm not about to bloody cry! I'm not some limp sissy arsed git who..."

"No, Spike, I didn't mean it like that. If you're upset I want to know about it. I want to fix it. Spike, you're the best man I've ever known, but I know you're still fighting. I need you to let me help you whether....it...I...I need to make it up to you....understand?"

"Yes, love, I do. If nothing else you and I are almost obsessed with making the other happy, which in my humble opinion is a very good way to be."

"Couldn't agree more." Pressing herself to him, Buffy caressed the back of his neck.

"Good, 'cause I'm feeling an impulse action about to spring?" Buffy gulped.

"On me?" With a growl his mouth descended to take hers.

"Oh yes."

Chapter 40 - Being Bad

Taking her hand in his, Spike spirited them through the large house until he found somewhere that could be construed as safe for what he had in mind.

"Spike what on earth are you doing? Dinner is....Oooh!" He pulled her into a room with him and quickly locked the door before flipping on the lights. It was one of no doubt many lavish bathrooms in the Westerberg mansion."Explain to me what....oooooh..." This time her outburst was one of surprise lust, his hand cupping a breast and giving it a firm squeeze before he traveled lower down her body.

Spike knelt down in front of her and Buffy leaned back against the wall, biting her lip. His hands travelled up the length of her legs under her dress and Spike was surprised at how her body was shaking, obviously she was nervous about getting caught. He promised himself he'd be easy on her, he'd stop if she asked. His hand rested on her mound, her satin panties clinging to her. Spike's hand moved a little lower and gently tugged the fabric aside, once Spike noticed the moist heat near his fingers he began lightly toying with the edges of her quivering sex, back and forth along her soft slit, waiting for the wetness to become apparent. Buffy's hand grabbed on to his collar and she whimpered.

"What's the matter pussycat? Am I rubbing your fur the wrong way?" She responded by lurching her hips forward against his hand. Spike took the action as permission to continue. He playfully parted her folds and stroked a little deeper, from the end, all the way to the little protrusion that had made it's appearance. She was practically purring as he touched her, then let out a fierce gasp when she felt the stretching by two of his fingers as he pushed inside. He circled his fingers inside her, slowly, skillfully, letting them touch every recess, every inch of delicate skin. His thumb concentrated on her nub, gently brushing against it. Her juices began to flow down his hand as she approached her climax and her entire lower half shook. Spike got to his feet, not letting his manipulations of her body wane for a second. He caressed her face that tense and contorted."Buffy?" She opened her eyes, they were watery and pleading."You want me to stop?" She shook her head. He leaned his face in and began to kiss her, soft and tender. Suddenly she cried out into his kiss as her orgasm crashed into her. Spike groaned from the tight contractions around his fingers, the gush of wetness, the receptive grinding motions of her hips. When it had ended she fell forward, limp and uneasy. He supported her, held her, hugged her close to him. He withdrew his fingers and brought them to his mouth for a taste, pure honey, just like always."Mmmm...appetizer."

"You're still evil, you know that?"

"Big Bad through and through."

"Wash your hands, we're late for dinner. Do I look okay?"

"Glowy, alive, beautiful." She touched a tissue to her upper lip, taking off the tiny beads of sweat.

"What you mean by that is I look like I've just been ravished in the bathroom! You know sometimes I could just stake you!" She turned and examined herself in the mirror, noting how he'd made her nipples stand erect under the fabric of her dress,"Errrr!! Spike, look! They're gonna know!" Without the warning of his reflection, his hands came over her shoulder and down the front of her dress, taking hold of her breasts and mauling them as his lips devoured the back of her shoulders. She swatted at him, in vain, trying to squirm away,"Bad vampire! Bad! Bad!" He let her go, snarling in her ear, his fangs gnawing at her flesh. He gathered up the fabric of her dress in his hands, pulling it further up until it was over her waist. Spinning her around, she caught his shoulders to steady herself,"Don't you dare, I'm warning you!"

"Still evil, pet, still evil." He picked her up by her waist, depositing her bare bottom on the cold marble. She pouted.

"I like these panties though." With a snap they were gone and tucked into the inside breast pocket of his suit jacket.

"I'll get you some new ones." He unbuttoned his jacket, and went to his belt, unbuckling it and working down his zipper.

"Spike, we can't. They're in the dining room waiting for us! This is so...." His buckle made a loud din on the floor when his pants fell.

"Bad, baby. Come on Buffy, let's be bad." He pulled her to the edge of the counter and slid inside, immediately beginning to thrust in and out.

"Evil, evil, evil, evil, vampire....ooh, yes, right there. Mmm, do it again." A little twist, a rise in his pelvis as he withdrew and she was lost."Ooooh!!" Maniacally, she stripped off his tie and undid the buttons of his shirt, pushing it off his shoulder and exposing his pale, hard chest.

"Like that Slayer? Want me to do it again?" He did anyways and she tightened her thighs around his waist, making it difficult for him to do his little trick. His hand dipped in between them and he began to lovingly stroke her nub, she melted.

"Spike...spike...spike..." She pulled him against her, wrapping her legs securely around his waist, kissing his neck and and tightening her inner muscles around him, making his withdrawal more difficult, making them both moan with shocks of pleasure.

"My sweet girl, my beautiful sweet Slayer....grrrrr..." He moved her closer to him, grinding their bodies together, kissing her throat, her chest, pulling down the straps of her dress so he could feast on her breasts. His lower half moving back and forth, he consumed the flesh of her breasts as they reached a fevered pitch of movement and sound. Consumed with lust, his demon came forth, sinking his fangs into her breast. At that moment she in return bit into the back of his neck and climaxed. He followed quickly with her, coming hard, feeling as if he needed to be even closer, inside her soul. She sucked in rhythm with her contractions around his cock, milking him of his release as she took his blood from him. He released her breast and kissed at arm and her shoulder, satiated and euphoric.

Minutes later she stopped, licking up the love bite, making all sorts of yummy little noises at his ear,"I can't believe we just did this." He slipped out of her, quickly grabbing a handful of tissues to clean her up.

"You bit me, I can't believe you really bit me!" She busied herself with straightening his shirt and tie, righting the upper half of his outfit.

"Sorry, I just couldn't help myself and hey...." She looked down at the two puncture wounds in her breast,"Those are gonna bruise!"

"I'm sorry, baby, but you're so tasty." She hopped off the bathroom counter and let her dress cascade back down to her ankles."And...and you bit me!"

"Well, maybe I think you're tasty too."

"No, love, you bit me during sex."

"Which you do to me all the time."

"Yes, but when you bite a vamp during sex, you're claiming him. Marking him as yours and no one else's."

"That's what you've been doing with me? Oh my god." Sudden panic on the vampire's part.

"I'm, god, I'm sorry, Buffy, I thought it would be alright...you said you loved me..." She rolled her eyes and got down to a crouch, then stood up, bringing his pants with her.

"I do love you, silly vampire, and the whole claiming thing is perfectly fine, it's wonderful in fact so don't get all crazy Spike on me again. I'm claimed, yours, and no one else's. So now you're mine right?" She tucked his shirt into his pants and fastened his belt.

"I've always been yours, willing slave n' all that."

"Not my slave, just my love."

Chapter 41 - Promises

They tried to sneak to the table, but it wasn't exactly easy to be inconspicuous in a room that was as open as a cathedral, the walls lined with various staff and the place illuminated with tall pillar candles and a chandelier. The others were all enthralled with conversation, but both Spike and Buffy caught a few accusing glances as the two sat down at their places side by side at the dinner table. Buffy cleared her throat and looked with great interest at the cutlery. Dawn leaned in from beside her and gave her a nudge.

"You missed the soup," the younger Summers teased in a whisper,"I hope you didn't break anything, we can't afford to pay for it and I know how you two are with the rough and tumble."

"We can afford it. For the record we didn't break anything. We just...."

"Save it Buffy and you might want to watch out, he's is about to...too late." Sure enough Spike's hand was on her thigh, kneading and squeezing.

"He's evil, what can I do?"

"Have sex on the table? Or get under the table and suck his..."

"DAWN!!" Buffy cleared her throat again, pushing Spike's hand away and smiling innocently at everyone before scowling at her sister,"Behave yourself."

"Look who's talking, you're the one who just screwed her boyfriend - where was it, in a bathroom?"

"Shhh!"

"May I have a moment," John asked, standing at the head of the table.

Spike listened to John Westerberg give his speech about family, salvation, miracles, all with a nervous hope inside his undead body. He cast glances at those around the table, but when his eyes settled upon the girl seated next to him, the feeling amplified exponentially. Inconspicuously, he reached into her lap for her hand. Her first reaction, given their secret love making in the bathroom a few moments ago, was to shoo him away. Showing that he intended something quite different, he closed his hand over hers, simply holding it. She breathed in deep, he saw her eyes moisten and her lips playing into a smile. She squeezed his hand with hers.

Now, he sought her out again, the melodic sounds of Jane with her violin behind him as he joined her on the terrace, dinner over an hours ago and every one enjoying the young girl's playing. When his hand touched her bare she shivered.

"Look at you in the moonlight, shimmering with diamonds, you're so lovely Buffy," he spoke, his other hand moving around her waist to pull her back against him. She smiled and leaned back against him, sinking into his body.

"The night is lovely, all the stars are out. I feel so at ease right now, we so rarely get to rest, but I think we'll be okay for a while."

"Until the next baddie comes along, it's not much of a life for you, love, just waiting for something to come and try and end it."

"What is the life of a Slayer, Spike? It's violence, it's death. Most of all it's short. What about a vampire's? Death, blood, more violence, it's forever. So how come we're here? Together, loving each other? It's not something I think we'll ever get to know I don't care if I never know why we have what we have. I just want to live every single last second of it to the fullest."

"Does this mean I can't sprawl in front of the telly watching Monty Python reruns with beer n' blood at 2am?"

"Sprawl anywhere you like honey, that's not what I meant."

"Pet, I know. I believe that we've got a good number of years ahead of us, I intend to make them the best for both of us. I want to take care of you, not that you need it, that lesson I've learned well. I want to make it so you fall asleep happy and wake up the same way. I want to spare you as many trials and woes as I possibly can. I want to fight at your side, sleep in your bed, make love with you, make a life with you..." His voice fell to a hush and he exhaled the last of his breath against her throat. He kissed her cheek and let her go, backing away slightly to fish into his pocket for the ring box. Without turning to face him, Buffy gathered up her courage, she had something to say to him also.

"Spike, it's all happened so fast for us, we rushed into being together just like the first time, but I want you to know that it's different this time. I love you so much, I can't hold anything back anymore. I can't ever deny that you're mine and that I'm proud of it. I want you to know that I trust you with my heart, my body, my soul...we've come so far..." She sighed and laughed a little to herself,"Look, I don't mean to get all girly, though I know you're a romantic, but I also know you know what kind of girl I am, so here goes nothing. Will you marry...." She turned around, wanting to see the look in his eyes, but found herself the one overcome. He was down on bended knee, looking up at her and presenting her with a ring,"...me...Oh my god..."

"I know it's not much of a ring, but I hope you can accept it and be my wife. My mother...she..."

"Your mother's wedding ring?" Within the very first moment of seeing the red jewel and the pearls in the moonlight there were tears streaming down her beautiful face.

"There...there's a story behind how I got it, but if it's not what you'd like..."

"Oh you idiot!!" She hauled him to his feet and threw her arms around him, hugging him so tightly a normal human's ribs would have cracked,"It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life!"

"Well, then bloody well let me go so I can put it on you! Silly bint." She reluctantly released him and let out another deluge of tears as he slipped the engagement ring on her finger,"Perfect fit, knew it would be." He admired her, his head tilting to one side as it often did. She placed her hand on his heart and tipped her face up to kiss him. The touch was slow and tender, perhaps the softest kiss they'd ever shared, certainly the one that held the most promises.

THE END