Chapter 28:

*

Sleigh bells ring,
Are you listening,
In the lane,
Snow is glistening...


Buffy gazed at her reflection and smiled. She was dressed in her best lingerie - a red lacy bra and matching panties. Spike had gone downstairs to get some drinks, and in his absence, she'd decorated the entire bedroom with candles and rose petals.

She was ready - all night she'd listened to him speaking French, entertaining her family, and he'd fed her the most beautiful dessert. Buffy had never wanted him more - now it was time. She wanted to give Spike everything she had to give - she'd dedicated her heart, her mind, and her soul to him, and now she wanted him to have her body.

She hurried into the bedroom and jumped onto the bed, lying back against the pillows, and spread her legs slightly. Buffy heard the door open and giggled nervously to herself.

"Princess? I got us some champagne. It's just the fake stuff, but I --" Spike stopped dead in his tracks.

"Come here." Buffy said softly.

There was something about her that convinced Spike she was ready. He hurried over to the bed, taking his shirt off as he went.

"I want you." Buffy whispered as he joined her on the bed, "I want us to make love.. we've waited so long, baby."

Spike pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "I love you.."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Buffy smiled and sighed as Spike pressed his lips against her neck, gently suckling on her skin to leave his mark. Buffy sat up and brought his hands around her body to meet the clasps of her bra. Spike gently pulled it away, silently marvelling at how beautiful she was. His lips met the rosy bud of her right nipple, and he licked at it gently, making Buffy shiver.

A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland...

She pulled off his pants and wrapped her fingers around the tip of his hard cock. Spike gasped as she ran her hands up and down the length, drunk with lust as he watched Buffy licked her fingers to clean away the drops of semen that had stained her skin. Spike kissed her with unbridled lust, pressing his body to hers. His erection nudged her wet entrace, and Spike rubbed against her, feeling more moisture gather at his motions.

Buffy ran her hands through his hair as Spike kissed her hungrily, and wrapped her legs around his waist. He aligned himself at her entrance, and gazed into her eyes, a small smile playing on his lips. "There's no going back after this."

"I wouldn't want to." Buffy said breathlessly, and cried out as he pushed inside her.

"Oh god.." Spike gasped, closing his eyes. "You're so.."

Buffy thrust her hips upwards to meet his, seeking more action. Spike planted his arms on each side of her head and thrust deeper inside her, groaning each time.

"So beautiful.." Spike hissed, kissing her passionately. "So.. sexy."

Buffy screamed as a climax overcame her, her entire body convulsing multiple times. Somewhere in the time she was coming down from her orgasm, she heard Spike shout and bury his head between her breasts, relazing after his own climax.

"
That was.. amazing." Buffy whispered, a smile growing on her face.

"Yeah." Spike agreed, gazing at her lovingly. "Thankyou."

Later on we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire,
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland...

Buffy woke alone and instantly panicked. She hadn't been good enough.. or she'd scared him off.. or maybe all Spike had ever wanted was sex.


"Spike...Spike?!" She cried, clutching the doona around her and running out into the living room. Joyce, Dawn and Spike stared at her.

"I was just going to wake you." Spike said, hurrying over. "You okay?"

"Yes.. I just.." She lowered her voice, "I thought you'd run off."

"Don't be bloody stupid." Spike kissed her softly. "Merry Christmas."

"You too." Buffy went bright red, realising she was almost naked. "I'll just go get dressed."

She returned moments later in one of Spike's shirts and her own pyjama pants. She kissed her mother on the cheek. "Merry Christmas, mom."

"Merry Christmas to you too." Joyce smiled. "Ready for presents?"

Buffy sat on the sofa next to Spike. "Yes!"

"These are from me, Dawn, your dad and your friends." Joyce handed Buffy her Christmas stocking, embroidered with her name. Buffy tipped the gifts out into her lap and bounced up and down happily as she started opening them.

Her father had sent her perfume, Willow had gotten her two DVDs, and Xander had bought her a cosmetics kit that Buffy decided Anya must have chosen out. From Dawn there was a teddy bear, and her mother had chosen out some jewellry. Buffy squealed happily as she admired the gifts, and turned around so that Spike could fasten the necklace around her neck.

"I got you guys some stuff." Buffy pointed to the blue parcels beneath the tree. "Open them."

Dawn screamed out in joy when she found Estee Lauder perfume, and Joyce looked ecstatic when she opened her gift - a beautiful designer blouse from Bloomingdales.

"Can I have my presents from you now?" Buffy asked sweetly, tousling Spike's hair affectionately.

"Sure thing, sweetheart." Spike smiled and went into the bedroom. He returned with three large boxes wrapped in gold foil, and handed one to each of the Summers women in the room.

Dawn ripped hers open and jumped up to throw her arms around Spike. "Thankyou, thankyou, THANKYOU!" He'd given her a pink sweater that Buffy had mentioned her sister had seen in Vogue and loved.

Joyce opened her gift and smiled up at Spike. It was a white wrap blouse with minituare pearl buttons. "It's beautiful, thankyou."

Buffy slowly tore off the gold foil, careful not to rip it as she wanted to keep it. She pulled the lid of the box and gasped. Her gift was a short green satin dress, with a jewelled clasp in the shape of a star. She jumped up and kissed Spike until they were both breathless, finally uttering, "Thankyou, baby."

When it snows,
Ain't it thrilling...
Though your nose gets a chilling,
We'll frolic and play,
The Eskimo way,
Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

Buffy returned to the room, enjoying everyone's "oohs" and "aahs" as she paraded around in the dress.

"You look gorgeous, luv." Spike said softly, pulling her into his lap.

"I've got your present." Buffy handed him two silver parcels and grinned madly as Spike opened them.

The first was a baby-blue button-up shirt and a pair of silver cufflinks. Buffy watched as he opened the second one and her smile grew as Spike grinned up at her. "It's wonderful, thankyou."

She, Tara, Anya, Willow, and Xander had gone to the mall and had their photo taken with Santa as they had done seven years. They'd all chipped in to have it engraved, Love all the Scoobies. Buffy giggled as Spike peppered her face with kisses, whispering words of thanks in her ear.

"How about some hot chocolate?" Joyce suggested and went to prepare it. "Then we can go skating."

Buffy smiled at Spike, snuggling into his lap, and whispered, "Thankyou for the best Christmas ever."

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

*

 

Chapter 29:

"I didn't want to leave." Buffy mumbled, staring out the window. The city became smaller and smaller as the plane got higher, and although her heart was pounding as it had before, Buffy was too sad to become freaked out.

"I know, princess." Spike covered her hand with his. "But we'll go back."

"Yeah, right." Buffy furrowed her brow and refused to look at him.

"We will." Spike kissed her on the cheek gently. "Hey.. we get to see the kittens."

Buffy couldn't help but smile. "You reckon they missed us?"

Spike nuzzled her neck affectionately. "I'm sure they cried every day."

Buffy turned to face him. "Thankyou."

"What for?"

It was a fairly stupid question. There were about a billion things she was thanking him for, and didn't know where to start. So rather than launch into a lengthy list, Buffy edged closer to him and kissed him passionately.

*

"How was your flight?" Joyce hugged Buffy, and whispered, "Are you mad at me for leaving early?"

"No." Buffy smiled. "I wanted Spike to myself for a bit."

"Okay. Where is he?"

"He went to get the kittens from Tara."

"Will you be staying with him tonight?"

Buffy bit her lip nervously. "Do you mind? It's just.. we're kind of making up for the past seven years."

"I know.. and I'm glad. But your home is here."

Buffy saw Spike's car pulling into his driveway and smiled apologetically at her mother. "Can I go?"

"Yes." Joyce said and gave Buffy one last kiss on the cheek before the girl ran to greet Spike.

*

"Did you miss me?" Buffy cooed, holding the three kittens in her lap. "Did you miss your mama and your papa?"

"You're so bloody stupid." Spike said, chuckling as the kittens batted at her aimlessly. "They're trying to get you to shutup, you know."

Buffy poked her tongue out at him. "Jerk."

"C'mere." Spike pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. "Love you so damn much."

"I love you too." Buffy said in a hushed voice. She always felt light-headed whenever he declared his love for her, and was intensely dizzied at this moment after being left breathless from his kisses. She snuggled back into his arms and sighed happily. "I miss New York, but it is good to be home."

"A whole new year." Spike said quietly. "A whole new start."

Buffy leant up and kissed him on the cheek. "How's Tara?"

"Well.. Willow was there. Inseperable, those two are."

"I think it's sweet." Buffy smiled. "You realise that if we hadn't gotten back together, Willow and Xander wouldn't have met Tara and Anya?"

"Mmmm." Spike smiled. "Well, I think if I'd been apart from you any longer I'd have killed myself."

Buffy swatted him on the arm. "It's evil to joke about things like that."

Spike spun her around and settled her in his lap. "Promise me that no matter how sad you are, you'll never take drastic measures like that again."

"Promise." Buffy said, rubbing her nose against his in an Eskimo-kiss. "I don't have a reason to be sad anymore."

"Good." The doorbell rang, and Buffy jumped up to get it.

"Hi!" She cried and hugged Giles.

"How was New York?"

"Great." She grinned at him. "You should see all the stuff Spike bought me."

Giles frowned at his nephew. "Your generous grandparents are probably homeless by now, I assume?"

"I'll pay em back." Spike said casually. "When I get a job.."

"Well.. that may actually be on the horizon by now." Giles handed Spike an envelope. "Your results."

Buffy frowned. "What results?"

"My.. my exam results?" Spike asked, staring at the envelope.

"Yes. They arrived a few days ago. I'd have called to tell you, but I know you.. you'd have worried all week or flown home to get them. Didn't want to ruin your holiday either way." Giles frowned. "Well, go on, open them."

Spike reluctantly tore open the envelope and pulled out the letter. He wandered off into the kitchen, reading it carefully.

"What exam results?" Buffy asked, utterly confused.

"He didn't tell you? Spike sat a test a few months ago to get an early admission to Oxford."

"But.. but.." Buffy felt about to burst into tears. "Oxford.. that's in England."

"Yes." Giles cleared his throat, unsure what else he could say or do.

Spike returned a minute later, clutching the letter. "I don't believe it."

Giles and Buffy studied him carefully - he'd gone pale and was trembling slightly.

"Don't believe what?" Giles asked gently.

"I got in." A smile broke out on Spike's face and he cheered. "I actually got in! I start in a few months."

Buffy pushed past him and ran from the house.

Spike stared after her, suddenly realizing Buffy knew nothing of his plans. He cursed and chased after her. "Buffy! Wait! Buffy!"

"Get away from me!" Buffy cried, storming inside her house. "I hate you!"

"Don't say that." Spike followed her upstairs. "Look, I was gonna tell you... I just.. I didn't even think I'd get in."

Buffy spun around and glared at him. "How can you just abandon me?"

"I'm not abandoning you!"

"You're leaving to go to some stupid college over in England, that is so abandoning me." Buffy softened and stared up at him tearfully. "Please don't go."

"You have no goddamn idea how hard I've worked for this, Buffy." Spike took her hand. "I can't just not go because of you."

"So I'm not worth it?"

"I didn't say that." Spike snapped. "But I can't just stay because it doesn't suit you."

"You can go now." Buffy said coldly and turned away from him.

When she turned around, she was shocked to see he actually had gone.

*
 

Chapter 30:

"How is she?" Giles asked as Spike returned.

His nephew glared at him and slammed the front door behind him so hard every window in the house rattled. "She wants me to stay."

"It's understandable.. also unreasonable, but you can see why she'd want you to."

Spike sunk onto the couch. "She can't honestly expect me to give this up."

"When do you leave?" Giles asked, studying the letter. "Ah. March. Well.. you still have two months with her."

"I've told her I want the rest of my life with her. I mean.. what if she gets bad again?"

"I guess it's a possibility." Giles sighed. "We can only hope she's stronger than that."


Spike shrugged. "I guess I'll have to stay."

"Don't be ridiculous!"

"I can't go and let Buffy get that way again. If she actually succeeded this time.." Spike buried his face in his hands. "I can't go."

Giles started to speak, but Spike cut him off. "No. I've made up my mind, so just keep quiet."

*


Buffy stared at the empty space where Spike had been and had never felt so alone. She went to the door and locked it, sinking against it to cry.

"Buffy? Get down here." Giles yelled from downstairs, scaring Buffy. She'd never heard him speak like that, and was frozen on the spot. "Buffy?"

She reluctantly left her room and went downstairs. "What?"

"You.. how can you.." Giles sighed. "You and I probably can't even start to comprehend how hard Spike has worked for this. He's spent the last year suffering endlessly - but now he's actually considering giving it up."

"He is?" Buffy asked, a smile growing on her face.

Giles felt ready to slap her. "You can't let him give this up, Buffy. I realise you love him, I also realise that he's what brought you back from that dark period there, but Spike deserves this. He's really earned this.. you can't ask him to stay."

"He said he wants to be with me forever. How the hell is that going to work if he's in England?" Buffy tried to stop herself, but she burst into tears, quietly crying to herself.

Giles put his arm around her. "I don't know.. but we can find a way to make it work."

"How?" Buffy glared at him. "I'm here, and he's gonna be there."

"Well.. maybe.." Giles took a deep breath. "Maybe you don't have to be here."

Buffy stared up at him through her tears. "Huh?"

"We could find a way to get you there." Giles said quietly, raising his eyebrows as though to ask her opinion.

"I'd never get into a university over there." Buffy replied dismally. "Not with my grades."

"But you could finish high school over there. I could organise a transfer."

Buffy was brightening considerably. "Really?"

"Well, it may be possible. I just don't want to see Spike sacrifice this oppurtunity."

"But my mom.." Buffy's face fell. "She'd never let me."

"I'd never let you what?" Joyce asked, descending the stairs.

Giles and Buffy glanced at each other. "Nothing." Buffy said quickly.

Joyce frowned. "What's going on?"

"Spike got into Oxford." Giles explained.

"That's wonderful!" Joyce smiled. She looked to Buffy and her smile dropped off her face. "I can see you're less than happy for him."

Buffy remained silent.

"Here you go being selfish again!" Joyce cried. "This is an amazing oppurtunity for him and you're just-"

"Go to hell." Buffy snapped and ran back upstairs to her room, slamming the door several times to emphasize her anger.

"Did you see what she was doing?" Giles asked quietly, concern etched all over his face. "I haven't seen her do it in months.. not since she was really miserable.."

"What? What was she doing?"

"She was scratching at the scars on her wrists." Giles rested his head in his hands. "I just.. I know it's an amazing oppurtunity for the boy, but I honestly can't see that any good will come from Spike leaving."

*

"Congratulations." Joyce hurried over to hug Spike. "I just heard."

"I'm not going." Spike muttered and rested his head on the table.

Joyce's eyes flew to the bottle of bourbon in front of him. "What's this?"

"What does it look like?"

"Well, the last time I checked, you were 17." Joyce took the bottle and poured it down the sink. "No alcohol."

"Bugger off."

Joyce pulled up a stool and sat beside him. "You don't have to stay, Spike. I know how hard you've worked.. it isn't fair for you to give it up just for Buffy."

"Just for Buffy? I love her.. I need her.. there's not a point in going, cos I'll just die without her." He stared up at Joyce. "Not like I can't go to Sunnydale U. That's an okay place."

"I'm sure it is. But you've been offered a place at Oxford, that's a real achievement." Joyce patted him on the back. "When are you meant to go?"

"By March. But my grandparents called and they want me to be there within a few weeks." Spike's voice started to wobble and Joyce could see he was on the verge of tears. "I can't do it.. I can't leave her.."

Joyce wrapped her arms around Spike and held him as he cried. "You can always visit."

"It's gonna be another six or seven years without her.. I can't do that again. What if she tries to hurt herself? I can't let that happen..."

Joyce felt her stomach turn at the idea of Buffy trying something like that again. She still had vivid nightmares about the day she'd found Buffy lying in a pool of blood, her only companions the five suicide notes she'd left. She remembered what Giles had said about Buffy picking at the scars - it was already happening again. Joyce took a deep breath, feeling ill at the idea of Buffy returning to her dark state of depression.

Spike dried his eyes slowly. "Besides, I like it here. It's been my home for the past ten years.. no point in leaving."

"Except for Oxford!" Joyce took his hand. "I won't let you give that up."

"I won't let Buffy die!" Spike yelled. "She came too close last time.. I can't let it happen again."

Joyce was silent for a long time, simply staring at her hands that were clutching Spike's. She sighed and glanced up at him, smiling slightly. "Then take her with you."

*

 

Chapter 31:

"You want me to what?" Spike stared at Joyce in shock.

"I think it'll be for the best. Giles can organise a transfer for her, and this way you're both happy. I mean, can you honestly see Buffy taking well to this?" Joyce sighed. "I'd rather lose her and know she's safe in another country with the man she loves than lose her in a far worse way. We both know she'll only get like that again and try to hurt herself.."

Spike was still speechless. He couldn't believe Joyce was offering to let Buffy leave like this - she had seemed to be upset with Buffy staying a few nights next door, let alone another country. "But.."

"But nothing. She'll be happy with you." Joyce finished with a smile. "I know she will."

Spike smiled, blinking back tears. "Thankyou."

"It's okay, sweetie." Joyce put her hand on his. "Why don't you go to talk to her?"

Spike jumped up and ran to get his coat. He hurried back and hugged Joyce one last time. "Thankyou so, so, so much."

"It's really okay." Joyce kissed him on the cheek. "Now go, before she gets any more miserable.

*

Spike tapped gently on the doorframe, alerting Buffy to his presence. "Can we talk?"

"Yeah." Buffy smiled at him and motioned for him to come and sit beside her on the bed. "But can I go first?"

"Sure." Spike said softly, suprised by her eagerness. "Go ahead."

"What happened before.. I was being totally unfair. This is really wow.. I mean, it's a great oppurtunity for you. You should take it... even if it means we can't be together." Buffy felt a lump start to swell in her throat, but she continued. "I love you so much.. you've been here for me for this whole thing.. I owe you so much. I just want you to be happy.." Tears were streaming down her face, but Buffy was still determined to finish. "I want you to go... even if you're with someone else. I want you to be happy and have all your dreams come true."

She glanced up at Spike and saw he was crying too. He scooped her into his arms and cuddled her tightly to him. "Thankyou, princess."

Buffy buried her face in his shirt and cried to herself.

"I am going, Buffy. I have to." Spike ran his fingers through her silky hair and smiled. "But you're coming with me."

"Don't be stupid." Buffy glared at him. "My mom would never let me."

"Your mom was the one who suggested it, sweetheart."

"Don't be stupid." Buffy said, jumping off the bed.

"You don't want to come with me?" Spike asked in a small voice, clearly wounded.

"No! Of course I do.. but it's impossible." Buffy ran out of the room, calling out to her mother.

"Yes?" Joyce asked, smiling at Buffy as she emerged from the kitchen.

"Did you tell Spike you wanted me to go with him?"

"Yes." Joyce continued to smile.

"But.. but..." Buffy glanced at Spike, then back to her mother. "You're not making fun of me, right?"

"No!" Joyce insisted. She pulled Buffy into her arms. "I just want you to be happy, honey."

There were only seconds of silence before Buffy screamed and jumped into Spike's arms, clutching him possessively and snuggling into him. "I get to go with you.. we don't have to break up.."

Spike mouthed another 'thankyou' to Joyce, who smiled at him and went back into the kitchen.

"When are we meant to go?" Buffy asked, wrapping her legs around his waist so he could carry her back upstairs.

"Well.. in a few weeks, actually." Spike put Buffy down on her bed. "Is that okay?"

"It's very soon.. but that's fine." Buffy promised, smiling still. "Where will we live?"

"With my grandparents. They have a huge house and we can stay in the guest quarters."

"The house has quarters?"

"Of course." Spike chuckled. "Only the best for my girl."

"Will I fit in?" Buffy asked, snuggling into him.

"Of course you will, kitten." Spike reassured her, peppering her neck with kisses.

"Will we take the kittens?" Panic rose within Buffy at the thought of losing Mickey, Tabby and Ginger.

"Of course." Spike said softly. "Now let's get some shut-eye, eh? It's late and it's been a long day."

"Very long." Buffy agreed. "What about your swimming career?"

"Wouldn't call it a career, luv. But they do have a pool at Oxford, it's just opened."

"Wow." Buffy sighed. "And we'll be right next door to France!"

"Yes, and I promise we'll visit lots."

Buffy frowned at him.

Spike sighed. "Oui, et moi promettez que nous visiterons des sorts."

She kissed him on the cheek. "Merci."

*

"You're leaving?" Willow asked, her eyes wide. "You can't!"

"Spike got into Oxford." Buffy said happily.

"Well.. that's great.. it is!" Willow jumped up and hugged him. "But you can't leave." She said, frowning as she pulled away.

"But it's a great oppurtunity for him.. and me." Buffy smiled.

"But you just got back from New York.. and you're leaving again? For years?" Willow swallowed hard. "It's not fair."

"We'll write.. and phone.. and visit." Buffy promised, taking Willow's hand. "You have to support us though."

"God knows how hard Xander'll take it." Spike said quietly. "Where is he? He wasn't home before when we went to drop off his birthday present."

"Oh." Willow went bright red. "I forgot to tell you."

"Tell us what?"

"Xander and Anya eloped." Willow chewed on her bottom lip. "On the night of his birthday.. they ran off."

"Are they crazy?" Buffy cried. "He only just turned 18!"

"I know." Willow said softly. "But they called... and he said he's never been happier."

"Then we should be happy for him." Spike reminded Buffy, smiling at her. "I know it's a shock.."

"We've been together for ages longer than that and we aren't married!"

Putting his arm around her and smiling, Spike kissed Buffy and whispered, "Not yet. But who knows what can happen, luv?"

A smile broke out on Buffy's face and she floated away into daydreams of Parisian evenings, where she and Spike spoke vows of love that would last forever.

She could already picture their French wedding under the stars.

*

 

Chapter 32:

*

Lately I'm thinking
You've been so good to me
Always listening
To my heart


Buffy hugged Willow, then Xander, then Giles. Tears stung her eyes as she turned to her mother.

"This is the final boarding call for flight 762 to England."

"I guess we have to go now." Buffy said softly, still clinging to her mother. She forced her tears to stop and pulled away. "I'll call when we get there."

"Okay." Joyce kissed Buffy on the cheek. "I love you, honey."

Spike took Joyce's hand and kissed it. "Bye."

Buffy snuggled into his embrace, still crying quietly as he led her through the gates. Once they were in their seats, Buffy turned to look out the window. She didn't want him to see she was utterly miserable.

Spike lifted Buffy's hand to his lips and kissed it softly. "Kitten, come on. Look at me."

Buffy reluctantly turned around to meet his gaze.

"I know you're sad. I know this is hard. Leaving always is. I remember I spent hours crying, thinking I'd come back to Sunnydale and you'd have forgotten me or have decided you hated me. It got even harder when we'd broken up and I knew there was nothing at all to come home to." Spike took a shaky breath, recalling the pain. He smiled, clearing his head of those thoughts, and continued, "But you'll love England. And we're travelling first class."

Buffy glanced around at their surroundings. "We are?"

"What do I always say?" He leant over and kissed her. "Only the best for my girl."

"You spoil me rotten." Buffy kissed him. "But I love it."

"You want to watch a movie?" Spike asked, gesturing to the TV screens on the back of the chairs in front of them. "Here's the brochure. You choose."

"How do you afford all this?"

"My family's just well off." Spike smiled. "You better get used to being treated like a queen."

Buffy kissed him on the cheek softly. "I love you."

"What movie do you want to watch?"

"How about Bridget Jones' Diary? Just so we get all in the mood for England." She smiled and lifted up the armrest so there was nothing separating them, and snuggled into his arms. "I can't wait."

Spike grinned at her. "You'll love it, I promise."


We've been frustrated
I know
You've been so patient
Now I admit it
I feel a synergy
I'm ready for your love


"It's nice to meet you finally." Jack smiled at Buffy. "Spike speaks ever so highly about you."

"It's nice to meet you too." Buffy blushed, shaking his hand. She could not only see where Spike got his eyes from, but his manners and charm as well. "The house is lovely."

"Well, I'll show you two to your room. I assume you'll be staying in the same room?" Jack winked at Spike and led them up the winding staircase and along the long corridor. "Here you are."

"Where's Gran?" Spike asked as Jack ushered them inside.

"She's out with a friend at the moment, but'll be back by dinner. I'll let you two settle." He left, humming to himself.

"He's really nice." Buffy said quietly, sitting down on the bed.

"You okay?" Spike sat next to her and pulled her into his lap.

"It's so different here." She looked out the window at the grey skies. "The weather's awful."

Spike had a small smile on his face. "Yeah, but it definetly has it's charms. I mean.. when you're in London, and you're running to get a cab with all your shopping, or when you're having a hot chocolate in the tea rooms, or getting lost in Harrods.. you'll love it, kitten. It's amazing."

Buffy grinned at him. "You really love it here, huh?"

"It feels like home. I mean, over in America I had friends, and family.. but this is the place where I'll start a future. Where I'll start a family, where my kids'll call home." Spike kissed her softly. "Our kids."

"We could take them to Paris every year." Buffy said dreamily. "It could be their second home. We could have a villa there or something."

"I'm not that rich." Spike said, chuckling. "But I'll take you there next week if you'd like."

"Next week?" Buffy asked, her eyes wide. "That soon?"

"Sure. If you'd like." Spike kissed her softly.

"Maybe we should save it for in two weeks.. it's Valentines Day." Buffy grinned. "You reckon that'd be okay?"

"Of course, kitten." Spike frowned. "Speaking of which, they should've been delivered by now."

Buffy furrowed her brow. "I bet they hated it in that smelly animal luggage place."

"Better than have them crawling all around the plane." Spike got up off the bed. "How bout you start unpacking and I'll go ask Grandpops?"

Buffy giggled. "That's so cute. 'Grandpops'."

"Shutup." Spike planted a kiss on her forehead. "I'll also ask him about Paris."

Buffy watched as he left the room, shutting the door behind him. She jumped off the bed and danced around, giggling happily to herself. Remembering what Spike had said, and how he'd spoken it with such affection, she knew she was going to love England just as much as she had America.


Day dreaming of being safe in your arms
Don't be scared, I'm scared too
But that's the best part
That's the best part of love
When its brand new
I'm ready for your love

*
 

Chapter 33:
*


The look of love
Is in your eyes.
A look your smile
Can't disguise...


"Now I know why this is called the City of Light... and the City of Love." Buffy said breathlessly as she stared at the scene before them. The stars in the sky glittered wildly, along with the glow of streetlights and those adorning the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Buffy could barely find words to describe it's beauty - she found herself breathless, all the more so when Spike's hands wrapped around her waist and he kissed the nape of her neck. "It's so.. it's.. it's just so amazing."

"Well, we'll go everywhere tomorrow. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, all the wonderful shops... and every patisserie you can imagine."

"I'll get fat." Buffy swatted him on the arm. "You don't want me to be all gross and lumpy, do you?"

"I'd love you even if you were the weight of the Eiffel Tower itself, pet." Spike pulled her close to him and kissed her passionately. "Happy Valentines Day, kitten."

"Can we go to Dior?"

"Of course."

"And Le Bon Marché?"

"I said I'd take you everywhere - and I meant it." Spike kissed her softly. "Can you shut up now?"

Buffy pulled him over to the bed and straddled him. "You ready for your present?"

Knowing he was, she brushed her lips against his and ran her hands through his hair, purring as she felt him grow harder and harder. Buffy unbuttoned his shirt and threw it away, then guided his hands to the zip at the back of her dress - the black one he'd bought her in New York. Spike unzipped the dress and Buffy stood up, letting the black silk garment fall to the floor. She jumped on Spike and kissed him with unbridled lust, moving her hands to the button-fly on his pants. Buffy pushed his pants away and took Spike's erection in her hand, gently caressing it.

Spike groaned as Buffy took complete control, running her tongue up and down his hard length, her eyes meeting his occasionally to communicate how very much she loved him. As he climaxed, Buffy let his come collect in her hands, and Spike watched as she rubbed it all over her bare skin.


The look of love,
It's saying so much more than
These words could ever say.
And when my heart has hurt,
Well, it takes my breath away...


He threw her onto her back and mounted her body, peppering kisses everywhere his lips could touch. Spike slid two fingers inside her, stroking her gently, treasuring the sound of her sighing and gasping as he brought her to orgasm. After crying out his name, Buffy came back down and stared at him. "That was.. wow."

Spike kissed her ever so softly, exploring the softness of her mouth with his tongue. "I love you, sweetheart."

Buffy smiled down at him as she lifted herself, before slowly lowering herself onto his cock. Spike bolted upright, holding her close to him as their bodies became syncronised in their motions.

"You're so sexy." Spike gasped as he pumped inside her, moaning as her inner walls tightened around him. Buffy cried out repetedly as he thrust in deeper and deeper every time.

They came together, dedicating their orgasms to each other. Buffy collapsed on top of Spike, snuggling into him happily. "I love you, baby. So much you'd barely believe it."

Spike replied ever so softly, "I think I would, pet."


I can hardly wait to hold you,
Feel my arms around you.
How long I have waited,
Waited just to love you,
Now that I have found you...


Buffy sighed contentedly as Spike drew the satin sheets over their entwined bodies. "This was just the most perfect day."

"I know." Spike brushed his hands through her hair. "You look absolutely gorgeous, luv. I'm so lucky you're all mine."

"Did you like your present?" Buffy asked, toying with the curls at the nape of his neck.

"Very, very much." He smiled at her lovingly. "I got you something too."

He got out of bed and went to rummage through one of his bags. Finally he came back with a box wrapped in silver foil with a red satin ribbon. "Open it, kitten."

Buffy kissed him on the cheek and without further hesitation, ripped it open eagerly. Inside was a white velvet box. "What is it?"

"Well, open it, and you'll see." Spike nibbled on her ear gently as she did so. "Silly chit."


"Oh god." Buffy stared at the necklace in fascination. It was a golden chain, on the end of it hung a diamond heart charm. She opened it and felt tears spring into her eyes - inside was a photo of Spike and herself just as children, holding hands underneath the Christmas tree, and engraved below the photograph was Forever...

Buffy felt tears sliding down her face and saw Spike was concerned. He hung his head and muttered, "You hate it, don't you?"

"No, I love it!" Buffy cried and kissed him. "These are happy tears. Very, very happy tears."

"I know it's probably the thousandth necklace I've given you, luv, but I just wanted to give you this because.." Spike took a deep breath. "Consider it an early engagement token. I know we're not ready to get married just yet, but one day I know we will be." He nuzzled her neck. "You're perfect, you know that? The only way I'll ever be happy is if I spend the rest of my life with you.. having children.. and grandchildren.. and so many lovely memories together we won't be able to count anymore."

"I love you.. I love you so much." Buffy threw her arms around him and kissed him for the millionth time that beautiful, perfect Parisian night.


You've got that look of love
It's on your face...
The look that time can't erase.
You're mine tonight,
Let this be just the start of
So many nights like this
Let's take what lover's found
And then seal it with a kiss...

The End