A/N: Enormous thankyou to 2zen2. Without her help I would have not have been able to carry on posting.

Apologies for huge delay!


Spike felt nervous.

For the first time in years he was feeling bleedin’ nervous.

Shifting his feet outside his room, he awkwardly juggled the present in his arms. Wrapped in pink – adorned with a gaudy looking bow, a mere box potentially held the key to winning over Buffy’s affections.

Spike reached for his key, sliding it into the lock before pausing. Would this help Buffy to look beyond the vampire, and see the man beneath who was desperate for a chance?

Just one chance.

He’d thought long and hard about how to go about this.

How do you court a woman?

When he was human, a bloke was expected to shower his betrothed with gifts. Pretty trinkets and what not. Drusilla had demanded little children to snack on, to pry their limbs apart. She had squealed in delight over wicked looking toys to help her to create beautiful scenes filled with blood and flesh. Spike scrunched up his face in distaste. Somehow Buffy didn’t catch him as the torturous type.

Then it struck him.

He needed a present that would show that he cared about her, yet something that she would enjoy. It needed to ease the hours of loneliness and boredom that seemed to fill her every waking hour. These small steps would slowly convince her that he wasn’t as cold and heartless as she believed. He closed his eyes, pained at the memory of last night. He had to make her feel more comfortable with the situation, to win her over, or he would fail.

Anxiously moving forward, he reached for the doorknob and walked into the room. His eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, glowing as they searched the room for Buffy.

Always for her.

Moving silently, he gently placed the box on the floor before lying down on the bed, instantly squeezing her to him. He sighed, nuzzling her hair, the familiar feelings of contentment and belonging washing over him as he clutched her closer.

“Mornin’ sweet,” he rumbled as she began to rouse.

Buffy stretched out her lithe body and blinked sleepily. She eyed him casually before gathering the duvet around her and snuggling back into bed.

Spike widened his eyes incredously.

“Oi. Slayer. Wake up!”

Nothing. Curled up into a tiny ball, she didn’t even stir.

Spike growled impatiently. He sat up firmly, making the bed bounce and began to snarl, hoping it would spur her into moving.

Cracking open one eye, she looked at him.

“Go away,” she mumbled.

“Charmin’. Just charmin’. Here I am – with gift an’ all – an’ you tell me to bugger off.”

Buffy peeked from under the duvet, her still-sleepy eyes curious.

“A present?” she yawned. “Gimme.”

Spike chuckled. “Sorry Princess. It requires payment ’f sorts. You only get it if you get up.”

Buffy glared at him and made a big show of fluffing up her pillows before lying down and closing her eyes again.

“Not interested.”

Spike sighed. Stubborn little chit. He gazed at her, reaching out to brush one cool finger against her cheek. She mumbled something sleepily before batting his hand away.

He laughed and rose from her bed.

“Fine, I get the message! Night pet, an’ sweet dreams.”

He reached down to give her a lingering kiss before reluctantly moving away.

It didn’t bother him that she hadn’t jumped up to see him with open arms.

He had all the time in the world.



***



As soon as the door closed, Buffy scampered out of bed, her eyes gleaming.

A present? Spike got her a gift!

She squealed excitedly, idly guessing what it could be. A necklace, with precious gems?

Oh! Perhaps sparkling diamonds to adorn her ears.

She narrowed her eyes. No, it couldn’t be jewellery – the box was far too big and heavy. Kneeling down, she crouched down towards the box, pressing one ear to its side.

Suddenly the box moved.

Intrigued, Buffy made quick work of tearing off the wrapper, coloured paper flying everywhere. When she was finished, she sat back with a wide grin.

It was a black and white kitten.

Curled up in a feathery blanket, the kitten slept, occasionally wriggling in its sleep to get comfy. With one hand, Buffy reached in to gently stroke his fur. A rumbly purr began to emanate, making her giggle.

Sounds like Spike.

She sighed contently as the kitten began to rouse, realising what a sweet gesture Spike had made simply for her wellbeing.

She suddenly smiled wickedly.

She didn’t have to be a vampire to make it up to him.



***



Spike peeked into his room the next night, careful to not to disturb Buffy again. He was slowly starting to realise his girl was not a morning person.

Must be used to living like a vamp he grinned.

She sat cross-legged on the floor, squinting at the television as she lazily stroked the kitten curled up in her lap.

As a monster flashed on-screen Buffy yelped, then began furiously yelling at the screen.

“As if demons look like that,” she snorted, unimpressed. “I mean look Rocky,” gesturing wildly to the television, “would you be scared of some guy in green face paint?”

Rocky let out a yawn.

“Exactly. Didn’t think so.”

Spike smiled, amused at the conversation between the two.

“Evenin’ pet,” he called cheerily, strolling to sprawl out on the bed.

Buffy gasped, caught off guard. Nervous, she struggled to remain calm, willing her suddenly racing heart to slow down. She itched to turn round but feigned disinterest, choosing to carry on watching the stupid program.

“What? Oh, hey Spike,” she said coolly, eyes fixed on the screen.

Spike stifled a chuckle. Nice try love. I know you want me. Heartbeat’s goin’ ten to the dozen.

“Like your present?”

Buffy glanced down at Rocky. Carefully, she peeled the kitten from her lap and placed him on the floor. She gave a little stretch, before walking over to the bed, and sitting down next to Spike.

“I love him,” she admitted softly. Weaving her hand into his, their fingers interlocked as she moved closer. “Thank you.”

Relief washed over him.

He’d done it..

“My pleasure pet,” he croaked out, his throat suddenly scratchy.

She squeezed his hand in response, making him glance down in awe. She has such little hands… he thought idly. Little hands that were touching him. Showing him affection. He gulped, wondering why he felt so overwhelmed.

His shocked gaze connected with hers, and she frowned, wondering why he looked so funny.

“You alright Spike? You don’t look so peachy.”

Spike coughed, breaking his hand free from her grip.

“’m fine. Must’ve been something I ate,” he joked weakly.

Buffy scowled.

“Very funny, Spike. Real cute.”

Angry with herself for overlooking his vampiric nature, she stomped back to the television, her back firmly to him.

Spike groaned. Nice one mate. Somehow, he’d bollixed it up again. He ran an agitated hand through his hair, making his curls spring free.

“Buffy luv, I’m sorry. That joke was in poor taste, I know.”

She was silent.

He tried again.

“C’mon Slayer!” He whined pitifully.

Sighing, he crawled across the floor, placing his head in her lap. Big blue eyes beseeched her to forgive him.

“Pretty please? I’ll make it up to you. Do whatever you fancy.”

Buffy narrowed her eyes, finally sparing him a glance.

“Anything?” she asked slyly.

Spike began to backtrack. “Well... within reason pet. Nothing the poof would do, ‘m not dressing up like a nancy boy or wearing makeup!”

Buffy began to giggle. Spike in drag – what a thought! Shaking her head, she smiled. “Nothing like that I swear. Just a night in, me and you. My choice of film, plenty of buttery popcorn goodness. How’s that sound?”

Spike grinned, pulling her down to press a light kiss on her lips.

“Sounds perfect,” he whispered.

Standing up, he strode briskly to the door. “Just tell Elise the movie pet and I’ll see you here around seven t’moro evenin’. Big Bad’s got to catch some kip.”

Buffy rolled her eyes, hiding her smile.

“Oh, and Buffy?”

She glanced back at a contrite Spike.

“I really am sorry.”

And with that, he left.