Chapter 5

Spike glanced up from his book, surprised to see Buffy standing there.

“I didn’t even hear you come in.”

Buffy moved closer to him. “I was very quiet this time.”

He placed his book down. “Do you need help with something?”

She shook her head, taking on a shy expression. “No, I just didn’t feel like going back to the dorm. Can I stay here tonight?”

That was the last thing he expected to hear. “Of course, did something happen?”

Buffy let out a sigh and joined him on the bed. “Xander didn’t take our dance very well. I think he went whining to Giles. I just needed to be with you tonight.”

“Well, you won’t get any complaints from me.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his shoulder. “They’re going to ruin everything, I just know it. God, they’re supposed to be my friends; you would think they’d want me to be happy.”

He kissed the crown of her head. “Your mates will come around, love.”

“I don’t even think I care. If they make me choose, they’re going to be very disappointed.”

Spike felt a lump in his throat, turning around to face her. “You really mean that?”

Buffy nodded. “I’m not giving you up without a fight, Spike. This last week has been incredible. I’m eighteen; I don’t even know how many birthdays I would even get to see. When some demon will have his one good day, I’m not wasting any of the time I may have left.”

He clutched her tighter to him. “You’re making it to old age, if I have anything to say about it.”

“Will you still love me when I’m old and wrinkly?” Her eyes widened at what she said. “I mean, like, I definitely didn’t mean love. It’s still really soon for that, and I know guys tend to get freaked out when that dreaded word is mentioned. So, no, I definitely didn’t mean…”

Spike cut her off by pressing his lips to hers, slipping his tongue inside. He pulled away, touching his forehead to hers. “Yes, I’ll still love you when you’re old and wrinkly. And I did mean it.” Spike knew it would be harder for her to say those words, but he would wait for as long as she needed.

Buffy smiled, gazing down at their clasped hands. She took a deep breath, staring back up into his eyes after a moment. “Show me how much?”

He gulped at the expression on her face, knowing what she wanted. “Are you sure?”

She nodded without hesitation. “I’m ready.”

Spike kissed her again, lowering her down on the bed, knocking his book to the floor. He pulled away when she needed to breathe, watching as she bit her lower lip and suddenly seemed to be nervous. “What is it, pet? Are you having second thoughts?”

Buffy shook her head. “No, I just want this to be good for you.”

He smiled softly. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

She shrugged, turning her gaze away from his. “You know what my last two experiences were like. I just want to be worth a second go, to know that this wouldn’t be our only time together.”

Spike’s smile faded as he remembered taunting her after the whole Parker fiasco. “Oh, baby, I didn’t mean that. Hey,” he tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him, then continued, “It will be bloody amazing. I already know that. Those wankers weren’t worthy of you, and I’m a ponce for making you doubt yourself. I never thought you would have taken my words to heart.” He felt even worse when a tear slid down her cheek, wiping it away with his thumb. “Don’t cry, sweetheart. Not because of something stupid I said. We’re going to have many times together. If you think I could let you go now, you’re sadly mistaken. I love you.”

She smiled this time, feeling better at his words.

Spike returned her smile. “That’s my girl. We don’t have to do this yet if you don’t want, there’s no hurry.”

Buffy grabbed the back of his head. “I want to,” she whispered against his lips, then caressed his mouth leisurely.

Spike had to keep himself from crying as well, never before having been kissed so sweetly. He rested his forehead against hers, gazing into her eyes. “Spell or no spell, I’m going to marry you some day. We’ll find a way to make it work.”

“I like the sound of that.”

Spike rubbed his nose against hers, unbuttoning her blouse with shaky fingers. You would think he was an adolescent touching a girl for the first time with the way he was acting. He undressed her slowly, kissing every inch of skin that was exposed.

Buffy giggled when he reached a sensitive spot.

The sound was music to his ears as he continued his ministrations. When she was finally naked before him, he took a moment to stare in awe at her beauty. “Will you let me draw you?”

She raised her eyebrows. “Now?”

He nodded. “Now’s as good a time as any. You look perfect.”

Buffy blushed under his gaze. “I didn’t know you could draw.”

Spike shrugged. “I’m not great at it, but I have some experience.”

“Okay, how do you want me?” she asked, making herself more comfortable.

He chuckled. “Such a loaded question.” Spike raised her right arm, placing it just above her head, the left arm remaining on her stomach. She was truly a vision, but Spike felt that something was missing. His eyes widened as he remembered what it was and brought a box out from under the bed, opening it to reveal antique jewelry and pictures from his youth. Spike found what he was looking for, pulling out an emerald necklace.

Buffy gasped at the sight of it. “That’s gorgeous, where did you get it?”

Spike put the box away, bringing the necklace over to her. He pulled her up, then placed the necklace around her neck, touching the jewel lightly. “This belonged to my mother. I knew it would look wonderful on you, the emerald brings out your eyes.”

Buffy felt touched, getting back into the position he had her in before. “I’m ready for my close up now.”

He smiled and grabbed his pad and pencil, not waiting a second before capturing her perfection on paper.

She laughed at the look of serious concentration on his face. “This reminds me of Titanic.”

Spike smiled up at her. “You’re way more stunning than Rose.”

Buffy blushed for what felt like the millionth time that night. “You better say that.”

He put the finishing touches on his drawing, praying that she would like it.