"Lovely, she's just lovely." Jarvis appraised Buffy as he placed a hand on her cheek, "And so warm." He turned towards Spike, "I think I can see your attraction to her."
Buffy took this moment to pull her hand free, clocking Jarvis hard in the face as Nastassia jumped her from behind. Spike charged forward knocking his guards heads together and easily leaving them on the floor unconcious, he dove for a long wooden splinter.
Jarvis stood up and walked towards Buffy and Nastassia who were taking nasty swings at each other. He grabbed Buffy's arms and held them behind her. Spike watched with horror as he took one strong arm and turned her head exposing her neck to him.
Nastassia laughed out loud, "I told you it was going to happen, Slayer."
"Oh, I don't think so." Nastassia was suddenly in Spike's grasp, the makeshift stake over her heart. He maneuvered himself so that his back was to the wall and no one could come from behind as he spoke to Jarvis. "I propose a trade here, Jarvis. Your mate for... mine." Spike gave Buffy a small smile.
Buffy's heart skipped a beat at the his wording, *mate*, she was his mate now. She watched his face carefully for any sign of what he was planning.
A wicked smile crossed Jarvis' face as he slightly loosened his grip on Buffy. "As you wish." He gave Nastassia a look as he let go of Buffy, Spike let go of Nastassia at the same time the two women walked towards each other glaring at each other. Nastassia turned suddenly and grabbed Buffy pulling her against her with her arm secure around Buffy's neck.
"The rules change again, Spike." Jarvis winked at the blond vampire.
Spike only took a moment to make his decision as he charged forward towards Nastassia, flinging Buffy out of the way as his stake hit home, Buffy fell to the ground as Nastassia's dust settled around her.
Jarvis stood in shock as he watched his lover's dust settle on the floor. He didn't have time to speak as Spike charged him, the fight was vicious as Buffy watched from the floor, Spike was holding his own though and something told her not to interfere just yet. She picked up the stake from the floor and waited.
Spike was bleeding from his nose and had a cut above his eye. Jarvis looked even worse. She caught Spike's eye and raised the stake, he nodded and she took over the fight, shoving Spike out of the way with a silent "sorry". She drove the stake into a surprised Jarvis. She slumped down to the floor with Spike as more dust rained down on them.
"You okay?" She asked him as she rubbed her arm.
"Yeah, you?" He asked as he stood and offered her his hand.
She accepted his hand and stood up beside him, "A little sore. but I'll be okay. Think we should take them out?" She nodded towards the unconcious minions.
"Yes, it will be a mercy killing they aren't too smart." Spike and Buffy each staked one of the vamps and took one last look around the dust filled room.
"I need a shower, a long, hot shower." Buffy sighed as they walked through the tunnels back to Spike's room.
"Me too." Spike agreed lost in thoughts of another time.
###
"Don't you dare use up all that hot water, vampire!" Buffy's voice came from the hallway.
"First come, first served." Spike shouted back to her.
"Fine, then we'll have to compromise." She smiled seductively at him as she pulled back the shower curtain and stepped inside.
"I'm good at compromise." He'd whispered as he pulled her close to him.
Long after the water had chilled they stepped out of the shower thier bodies warm from their passion.
###
Spike was holding Buffy's hand he looked down at her and noted that he really wasn't good at compromise try as he might he could never accept her compromise of their relationship. He hoped that it was going to be different now, but his heart still worried.
"So how big is the shower in that bathroom?" Buffy asked coyly interupting his thoughts.
"Big enough." He grinned at her as he unlocked the hotel room door.
He adjusted the water as they undressed, exhausted they both stood under the hot water holding tightly to the other. Spike lathered the washcloth and gently washed Buffy careful not to linger too long, he knew she was tired and sore. She smiled when he was done and returned the favor athough she teasingly did take a long time to clean certain parts of his body. He grinned at her "I really don't think we need to start this in the shower, we're both so tired it could be dangerous."
"Spike, it's always dangerous with you." She had giggled as he reached a towel and handed it to her, while he dried off and wrapped another around his waist. "Remember that time in the walk in refrigerator? I thought I was going to be frost bit in some really tender places."
"I remember, luv." He found another towel for her hair and soon they returned to the bedroom slightly damp but none the worse for wear. "Let me fix that eye for you." Buffy found the first aid kit and bandaged Spike's eye, "How many times do you think we've bandaged each other?"
" Too many to count, my turn." He yawned as he bandaged her face. "Come on, lets get some sleep." Spike told her as he straightened the tangle of blankets and covered her back up slipping in beside her.
"Thanks, Spike." She whispered as she curled against him. "For saving me yet again."
"Don't mention it." He smiled as her warmth washed over him. He placed a soft kiss on her shoulder.
She turned over then and smiled at him with so much love he thought he might have to turn away. "I mean it, you saved me again and I really need to thank you." She kissed him then, long and slow and fiery, her small hands running up and down his strong chest.
"Buffy, I know you're tired and sore, we don't have too... " He was cut off as she rolled him and situated herself on top of him.
"Hush and just enjoy the moment." She whispered, "I love you, Spike."
"I love you." He whispered back as he let her take the lead. Their lovemaking was slow and steady as they discovered each other all over again.
"That was really nice... " Buffy sighed against his chest.
"It was...wasn't it." He grinned at her as her eyes shut.
Sleep finally overtook them at noon, by two the phone was ringing. "Hello?" Spike answered groggily.
"Spike! I can't find Buffy and Albert called looking for her she didn't come in and she's not answering her phone." Dawn's harried voice came over the phone.
"Relax, Niblet. She's okay." Spike smiled at the sleeping Slayer beside him.
"She's with... you?" Dawn asked shyly.
"Yeah, pet. She's here." Spike ran his hand through her hair lovingly.
"So she did find you? And you guys umm... talked?"
"Yeah you could say that. We'll tell you all about it tonight okay?" Spike promised not to tell about Xanders visit and promised to get Buffy to Dawn's that night before Dawn would let him hang up.
Spike ordered in a pizza at three knowing Buffy would be hungry when she woke up. He had some A pos stored in the mini fridge and he ate before she woke.
"Hmm... do I smell pizza?" Buffy sat up and stretched in the bed.
"Yes, pineapple - thats what you like right?" Spike grinned at her she looked lovely even rumpled from sleep.
"Sounds good. What's on the agenda for today?" She stood and reached for a piece of pizza.
"Dawn called... " Spike started.
"Dawnie! I didn't go to work and I wasn't home, she must be worried sick." Buffy reached for the phone.
"She's okay. I told her you were safe."
"What exactly did you tell her?" Buffy asked warily.
This is it, this is the part where she gets scared away, she just can't handle *us* being public knowledge. Spike ruffled at her question, "What do you think I told her - I said that we ravaged each other all night... Dawn's a big girl she can handle it."
"I just meant - did you tell her about Nastassia and Jarvis? Why are you so grumpy? Dawn already knows more about our personal life then I wanted her too, so I'm sure it didn't traumatize her to find out I spent the night here." Buffy frowned as she finished her pizza.
"I'm sorry, Buffy. Old habits die hard, I just thought that maybe you were backing out of this, maybe you had thought about it and decided you didn't want people to know about us afterall."
"I told you...that was not going to happen. I love you Spike." She kissed his cheek and began to look for her clothes. "Could you get me a soda please?"
"Sure." He went to the mini fridge and kneeled down to get a better look at the seclection in it.
Buffy moved Spike's duster and was surprised to see a little black box fall out of the pocket. She picked it up quickly and took it with her into the bathroom. Sitting on the toilet she opened the box, her eyes teared up when she saw the ring. It was beautiful and she knew immediately that it was for her. How long had he had this? She sighed as she put the box in the deep pocket of her sweater.
"Buffy, you okay in there?" Spike called through the closed door.
"I'm fine, sometimes a girl needs a bit of privacy." Buffy smiled at him as she entered the room. "You didn't answer whats on the agenda?"
"Dawn wants us at her house at 6pm."
"Sounds good but thats a couple hours away, what shall we do till then?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him.
"Don't know why we bothered to dress." He chided her as they fell back on the bed together.
"You look fine, Buffy,." Spike told her as she brushed her hair again. "Only thing is that nasty bruise on your face. Xander is gonna think I hit you." Spike shook his head in irritation just thinking about Xander.
"Xander?" Buffy asked confusion on her face.
Spike slapped his hand over his mouth, "Sorry luv, it was supposed to be a secret. Xander and Anya are going to be there."
"Oh... oh. In that case, maybe you should go on and I'll run by house and change into something a bit nicer. I'll catch up with you there." She touched his cheek with her hand. "Okay?"
Spike's stomach lurched, she didn't want to arrive with him if Xander was there. What exactly did that mean? Was she going to back out when it came down to facing Harris? "You look fine, Buffy." He repeated.
"But it's special if company is there, I want to look extra nice."
"Fine, whatever. I'll see you there." Spike told her avoiding her eyes.
She kissed his cheek and closed the door behind her. He immediately punched the wall so hard that his fist bled. "Here we bloody go again!" He yelled to the empty room.
Buffy tried to put the hurt look on Spike's face out of her mind as she tried to find something to wear to Dawn's house. She knew she had hurt more times then he should be able to forgive her for yet he still wanted and loved her. She was not going to let him down this time. She placed the small ring box on the dresser as she slipped into a pretty sundress and sandals. She let her hair hang in long loose curls around her shoulders and spritzed herself with her favorite perfume. After checking her makeup one last time in the mirror, she opened the ring box and placed the ring on the third finger of her left hand. She almost cried at the perfect fit. Spike needed proof that she was ready to make their love public, this should do it.
"Okay, I'll just go and see what happens. If she doesn't want to tell Xander about us then I'm leaving and so help me I won't be coming back this time." Spike mumbled angrily to the radio playing in the desoto.
He arrived first and Dawn gave him a big hug as he came throught he door, she peeked behind him, "Where's Buffy?"
"She's coming." Spike said solemnly.
"I thought she'd be with you." Dawn asked concern on her face.
"So did I." He answered here with a shrug.
"Did you two argue?" She whispered as Xander walked to the front door.
Spike shook his head, "I'll tell you later."
"Spike! Dawn said you were in town." Xander offered his hand and Spike shook it.
"Yeah just for a short visit. So I understand you and ex demon girl have a family now?" He asked as Dawn led them to the living room.
Xander sat next to Anya who had already pulled out the latest pics of their children to show anyone who was or wasn't interested. Spike smiled politely as she and Xander told stories about the kids.
Buffy approached the door to Dawn's house and her stomach suddenly lurched as she looked at the ring on her finger. What if the ring hadn't been meant for her? How humiliating was that? She took a deep breath, no it's for me, I just know it is.
She knocked on the door. "Why didn't you come with Spike?" Dawn asked irritabley.
"Hello to you too, sister dear." Buffy frowned at Dawn.
"He seems upset, what happened?" Dawn asked her then added, "Hi to you too."
"It's gonna be okay Dawn. I promise." Buffy smiled at her sister as she followed her into the living room to join the others.
"Buffy!" Xander stood as soon as she entered the room.
"Xander what are you doing here?" Buffy feigned surprise as she hugged Xander.
"We thought it would be a nice little getaway and Dawn said we could suprise one of my best friends while we were here. How are you Buff?" He asked as he sat down.
Spike watched with interest and his heart sank, he remembered another time and another place.
###
"Get in the closet now!" Buffy told him pushing his half naked body into her closet."Xander is coming up the stairs."
"So...lets give the boy something to talk about." Spike had smirked.
"Are you crazy he would never understand ... this, whatever it is between us." Buffy had glared at him as she shut the closet door.
###
"I have pictures of the kids, Buffy." Anya motioned her towards the couch.
This is perfect, Buffy thought as she sat down beside Anya. Anya would be the one to pull this whole plan together. "Let me see those, Anya." Buffy reached for the photos with her left hand.
As expected Anya's eyes caught sight of the diamond on her hand. "Buffy, you have an engagement ring! A big diamond, bigger them my diamond." Anya frowned. "Where did you get that?"
Spike's serious thoughts were interupted by Anya's words. He looked at Buffy's hand and then felt his duster pocket, the ring was gone. His smile lit up the whole room as he realized she was wearing his ring for everyone to see. "Yeah, Buffy, *where* did you get that ring?" He asked with a ridiculous grin.
Dawn smiled at Jordan and nodded her head when she saw the ring. This time big sis was gonna do it right.
Xander and Anya waited anxiously for Buffy's answer. Buffy stood and walked over to where Spike sat She took his hand in hers, "I guess I should make sure the ring was for me, huh?"
"It's always been for you, luv." He brought her hand to his lips and softly kissed it.
"Somebody want to fill us in here." Xander asked with some irritation. "This can't be what it looks like."
Buffy turned to face Xander, "It is exactly what it looks like. The ring is from Spike I love him Xander."
"When did this happen?" Xander asked disbelief heavy in his voice, "It's not a spell is it?"
"It happened about ten years ago and I was too stubborn to see it for what it was, I loved him then and I love him now. Only this time I'm not ashamed of it." She turned back to Spike and kissed him passionately.
Spike stood and put his arms around her waist as they both faced Xander, Buffy spoke again, "You either want me happy or you don't Xan."
Xander started to say something but Anya lay her hand on his arm, "Xander they weren't all happy that you chose me to marry either. But look at us now."
"She's right, Buffy, Spike ... not that it matters but you have my blessing too." Xander conceded.
Soon, Dawn and Jordan joined Anya and Xander in a circle around Buffy and Spike."I for one am very happy! Two of my favorite people together." Dawn hugged Buffy tightly then turned to Spike, "Welcome to the family."
Spike pulled Buffy close to him, "I guess I do belong here." His words filled with emotion.
"You always did, Spike. You always did." She whispered back, "I'm sorry it took so long for me to realize it."
The group talked late into the night about the good ole' days. Later that night at Buffy's place she and Spike settled into her bed. He picked up the postcard that was still sitting on the nightstand. She smiled tiredly at him, "Guess I won't be getting any more of those. You are staying put now, right?"
"I think my wandering days are over, luv." He picked up her hand and stared at the ring shining there for the world to see. "I never thought I would see this on your finger."
"Well its there and it's never coming off." She leaned over and kissed him, giggling as she yawned.
"You are tired, aren't you?" He grinned as he ran his hand up and down her leg.
"Yeah, but not too tired if you want to... " She curled up next to him and lay her head on his chest.
"We got all the time in the world for that, pet. Just go to sleep now." He dropped a light kiss in her hair.
"Okay." She murmured as she snuggled even closer to him. And for the first time in a decade they both slept peacefully knowing they were safe and loved and most importantly never going to be alone again.
The End