He had given her three weeks to come to terms with her feelings. Three long

weeks since he'd climbed in through her window to leave her the roses and

ask for her forgiveness.

He'd watched her for some time that night while she slept. His heart ached

to hold her in his arms, touch her warm skin, and kiss her soft lips. But

he

did none of those things. He simply watched her and hoped that she could

find it in her heart to give him a chance, give his love for her a chance.

Spike had been very patient and kept his distance while he was waiting.

Patience was something that did not come easily for him, but he knew he

needed to give her some time, some space. The time for being patient and

waiting was over, he couldn't take it an longer.

Tonight would be the night. He knew she would be at the Bronze with her

friends. He thought it seemed fitting that his last effort should be at the

place where it all started. The place where he had first laid eyes upon

her. Tonight, if she rejected him he had decided to cut his losses and go

back to Prague. He hoped it wouldn't come down to that though.

=============

Buffy had been dancing with Xander when she spotted Spike. He was lurking

in the shadows across the Bronze watching them. Her heart jumped when she

saw him a mixture of anger and excitement spreading through her.

She told Xander "I've got something that I need to take care of. I'll catch

up with you guys later. Okay?"

Xander shrugged and said "Okie-dokie, Buff." and went to find Cordelia.

Buffy made her way across the Bronze to where Spike stood. Her mind

raced as she walked over to him. What should she do, what should she say.

She was still mad about being tricked, but at the same time she couldn't

stop thinking about him.

"Hello, Cutie." he said when she finally reached him.

"Ya' know, stalking is not really considered at turn-on." she spat.

"No? Then why don't you tell me what is, Pet?" he shot right back at her.

Buffy was caught off guard by his reply and just stared at him for a minute.

Spike saw the opportunity that he needed. "Dance with me?" he said.

"What?" came her confused reply. "Dance. You know, Luv. Me, you, out

there" he said pointing to the dance floor. "Just one dance? What could it

hurt?" he prodded <Come on Slayer, yes, say yes> he silently begged to

himself.

"Okay. But just one dance and that's it." she stated firmly. "And don't

think of trying anything funny or you'll be meeting Mr. Pointy." she added.

As they headed out onto the dance floor a slow song started to play. Spike

took Buffy very loosely in his arms. He wanted to pull her close but

restrained himself. He took a deep breath in and her scent filled his

nostrils. He closed his eyes briefly to savor the moment.

Look into my eyes - you will see

What you mean to me

Search your heart - search your soul

And when you find me there you'll search no more

Spike opened his eyes to find Buffy staring at him. He expected to find

bitterness in her eyes, but he didn't. What he found was confusion laced

with longing. Spike smiled at her and gave her a little wink. Buffy

blushed a little and looked away. She felt stupid for getting caught

staring at him. She couldn't help herself though, he was so damn good

looking and had the most captivating eyes.

Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for

You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for

You know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you

He took a chance and pulled her in a little closer so that their bodies

touched. To his surprise, she didn't resist. He felt her pulse quicken at

the nearness but could sense her inner turmoil. He would let her make

the next move when she was ready. Buffy was so confused. Her mind was

telling her not to trust him. But her heart was telling her to let things

take their course, that he cared for her and wasn't going to hurt her.

Look into my heart - you will find

There's nothin' there to hide

Take me as I am - take my life

I would give it all - I would sacrifice

Buffy's heart won the inner battle and she snuggled in closer and laid her

head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and thought of their dance a few

weeks earlier. He had been so tender with her, so loving as he held her

while they danced. And when he'd walked her home, he'd been the perfect

gentleman. She had been the one to initiate the kiss goodnight on her

porch.

Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for

I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more

Ya know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you

Buffy raised her head and brushed her lips across Spike's. Then snuggled

her head back into his neck and kissed his adam's apple. A small groan

escaped Spike as he felt her lips on his skin. Her touch was so warm and

her lips were like fire. He longed to sweep her into his arms and carry her

off into the night.

There's no love - like your love

And no other - could give more love

There's nowhere - unless you're there

All the time - all the way

Spike tightened his embrace and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. Their

lips parted and their tongues started dueling. This is what he wanted, this

is what he'd been waiting for weeks to do. He didn't bloody care that it

made no sense that he wanted the Slayer. Even less sense that he felt he

was in love with her.

Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for

I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more

I would fight for you - I'd lie for you

Walk the wire for you - I'd die for you

He pulled back from the embrace and looked deeply into her eyes. What he

saw there made his heart skip a beat. There in the depths of her eyes, he

could see acceptance. She had accepted him and was facing her feelings

about him. He knew that there would still be many issues to work out, but

now he knew that deep down inside, she was willing to try. He had hope.

Ya know it's true

Everything I do - I do it for you

As the song ended, she reached up and dragged his head down to hers for a

quick kiss then said "Walk me home?"

"I'd love to, Pet." he replied talking her hand as they left the Bronze.

Comments? Send to Tiffany

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