A Winters Tale. By Greyangel.


The view was without a doubt the most spectacular view she had ever seen in her life. Clouds of billowy snowy white, shone with the brilliance of blinding virgin snow. The sky was a sharp deep blue that only ever appeared in winter…at once lending the winter season a glorious backdrop of summer color, but with none of the warmth.

A vast panorama like she had never seen before. With so much wide-open space that it defied the eye, giving the beholder a sense of immense freedom…bodiless, cut adrift from the world. Nothing but cloud filled blue, blue sky…and terror!

Buffy couldn’t believe how incredibly terrified she was. She thought her toes might be sweating and it might be necessary to have a surgeon perform an operation to remove her hands from the death grip she was exerting on the wheel thingy.

Spike chuckled next to her and if she wasn’t so scared, she would have taken the time to shoot him down with a withering glare. Yet, fear had her by the throat and it wasn’t going to let go anytime soon, so she had no choice but to keep her eyes firmly trained on what she was doing.

God, I hate this…Oh God, I really, really hate this…what was I thinking…? What was Spike thinking…? Stupid man…stupid, stupid man…bloody man…

Spike stood up and Buffy made a fright filled noise in the back of her throat, terrified that he was abandoning her. Spike chuckled again and continued to rise from his seat. Fear wouldn’t let Buffy turn her head. Spike kneeled to the side of her chair, just behind her shoulder.

“You’re doing great kitten…just loosen you’re grip a bit,” he whispered at her ear. “There’s no need to hold it so tightly…treat it gently, or you’ll break it.” He teased.

Buffy whimpered.

Spike paused to place a small kiss on her cheek, then another on her neck. Not satisfied with only that kiss, he placed another one higher up on her neck, working his way slowly up to the sweet little point behind her ear. Target found and…

Buffy gasped.

Bingo!

Spike chuckled at her neck.

“What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to get us killed?” she snapped.

Spike chuckled and moved back. “Yeah, you’re right I shouldn’t distract you…but I was only trying to help you relax,” he told her.

She harrumphed loudly.

“Sorry kitten,” he apologized. He stood up and moved a little further away from her. “Would you like a drink?” he offered sweetly.

“WHAT! Are you insane? Don’t you dare leave me on my own with this thing,” she yelped loudly.

Spike couldn’t help it. She looked really scared in a comical way and he laughed loudly at her.

“Buffy, I’ll be two minutes…you’re doing fine…there’s nothing out there for you to hit and as long as you watch your dials, you won’t crash us into…anything,” he said waving his hand towards the windscreen.

Buffy gulped.

Spike disappeared out the door.

Bloody stupid man, if I crash this thing it will be all his fault…we’ll burn up and die…our bodies scattered over miles and miles…I’ll never see mom and Dawn again…I’ll never get the chance to learn how to scuba dive…or see a real live elephant up close in Africa…or the pyramids…and what about all the Christmases I’ll miss if I die…I’m too young to die…that bloody stupid-

Her inner dialogue was interrupted by Spike’s return. “Here you go luv,” he said placing her glass in the cup holder between them. “Iced lemon tea…I hope that’s okay?”

Buffy couldn’t give a damn what was in the glass. She could tell from the sound of his voice that he thought the whole damn situation was so, so funny. Damn, stupid bloody man…ggrrr…

Spike could see her inner turmoil. She wanted him to let her off the hook and take over for her. She might not say it but she sure as hell was thinking it. He sipped his drink, smirking silently.

A light started buzzing and flashing. Buffy practically jumped out of her seat while her hands tightened their grip even more.

“Whoa, w-what’s that?” she squeaked.

His relaxed posture, instead of calming her only maddened her. “That’s the alarm to alert us we’ve reached the point where we need to begin our descent,” he replied smoothly.

“ALARM!”

“Okay, wrong word…I meant signal,” he said chuckling.

“Oh, well…er…you’d better do that…I can’t do that…I’m not ready for that and even if I was ready for that…I don’t want to do that,” she babbled quickly.

Spike chuckled. “Okay…” He continued to sip his drink.

Finally at breaking point, Buffy glared at him. “For the love of God Spike! Will you just take the damn controls…NOW,” she shrilled.

Placing his glass next to hers, he chuckled and settled himself into his seat. He took his own sweet time though, but once he’d taken control of the plane, Buffy released her death grip on her wheel and breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Buffy flexed her cramped finger. She grinned happily and once released from her captivity like a reprieved lifer, she breathed deeply of the sweet, sweet air of freedom…even though it was the exact same air that she had been breathing while flying the plane.

She quickly got up from her seat and moved towards the main part of the plane. Spike’s amused chuckle stopped her.

“It’s not funny,” she said grouchy.

“No, it’s not…it’s bleedin’ hilarious,” he half agreed, laughing. “I take it you didn’t enjoy your first flying lesson pet?” he asked smiling.

“What! Are you crazy? I loved it…! But I just need to pee,” she said rushing off.

Spike’s laughter followed her.

*****

As they stepped down onto the tarmac, Buffy shivered and pulled the collar of her coat high around her neck trying to block the sharp bite of the wind from nipping at her exposed skin.

It was freezing.

Spike ushered her to the waiting car and made sure she was snug inside before trotting over to speak with the airfield staff.

Once he was satisfied the plane would be taken care of, he returned to Buffy and the car. He climbed in behind the wheel rubbing his chilly hands together. He smiled at her and sat patiently while a couple of baggage handlers loaded their luggage into the trunk.

They gave him a quick wave when they were finished and he started up the engine.

Buffy relaxed back and watched the view give way from cold gray airfield tarmac and buildings to open countryside heavily decorated with winter’s hand. Snow covered just about everything she could see…all except the road they were driving on…but as they got nearer to the cabin, that too began to show signs that the snow was invading that manmade path. Winter and the elements had no regard for man and his foolish notions about ownership of the land. When winter struck modern man like his forefathers, bowed to the greater power and conceded defeat, locking himself away to outwait the storms and the return of spring and gentler climes.

The land was winter locked…and Buffy thought it looked beautiful. A perfect Christmas card scene of evergreen trees heavily sprinkled with crusty snow and crystal icicles. This was fun. She’d never had a winter holiday before…and while she’d been upset she wouldn’t get to spend the holiday with her mom and Dawn, she was glad Spike had suggested coming back up to the cabin.

As if he could read her mind, he broke into her thoughts. “Joyce did say she’d call first thing on Christmas morning didn’t she pet?”

“Yes…right after they finish opening their presents,” Buffy replied.

“You don’t regret saying you’d spend Christmas with me, do you luv?”

Buffy shook her head quickly and smiled at him. “No, of course not…but it would’ve been great if mom and Dawn were here too…and yes, I know…it’s not mom’s fault that grandma needs her and that Dawn had to go with her…but it still would’ve been nice,” she said with a little wistful smile on her face.

Spike smiled back sympathetically and placed a consoling hand over her knee and gave her a little squeeze. “I know pet, but we’ll spend New Year with them…right?”

Buffy nodded her head. “Yes.”

Spike turned the car onto the lane leading up to the cabin and within a few minutes the cabin came into view. Buffy gave a small gasp of delight at the scene that greeted them. Spike pulled the car to a full stop and paused to admire the amazing winter dressed log cabin.

Icicles hung from the eves and the roof was blanketed in a pristine sheet of glittering snow. The same pristine snow covered the whole of the surrounding grounds. The white light of the winter sun and the bright crisp morning air made everything sparkle. The lake’s usual dark waters were lit up like a burnished shield of sliver that rippled softly when tickled by the slight breeze.

Spike and Buffy climbed out of the car together and just took a moment to absorb the beauty of the winter kissed land. They shared a silent smile over the top of the car before walking around towards the cabin.

They stamped the snow from their feet before entering. Spike left their bags just inside the door and glanced around. Buffy had spoken to Mrs. Bruner on the phone and passed on her instructions for their provisions and she was delighted to find a large Christmas tree ready and waiting for them to decorate.

Spike looked at the large tree and arched a worried brow. “Not sure if we’ll have enough baubles to fill that monster,” he said eyeing it doubtfully.

Buffy gazed at him and smiled. “We’ll manage I’m sure.”

“Yeah, if you say so…I’ll just go and fetch the rest of the luggage pet…why don’t you do a security check and I’ll be back in a mo,” he said heading back out of the door.

Buffy watched him leave and reached for his briefcase. She pulled the electronic bug detector out of the sleek leather case and began to do a sweep of the cabin.

Spike was, as always, ever vigilant and careful about their security and had insisted that she learn to do her own bug checks. Since the terrible incidents that finally brought them together he had gone all out to step up her self defense lessons thus giving her the ability to protect herself.

She’d just finished doing the sweep of the ground floor and was heading for the stairs when Spike came back in, this time carrying an arm load of firewood.

“Okay pet…did the checks show anything?” he enquired.

“Nothing so far but I’m not finished yet.” She reached for the handrail and began to ascend the stairs.

“Well, when you’re done, come and join me in the lounge and we’ll make a start on the tree,” he said eyeing the monster yet again.

*****

An hour later they were hip deep in tinsel and shiny baubles. Spike had wrestled the tree into the lounge and secured it onto a wooded stand Mrs. Bruner’s husband had left set up for them. Spike grumbled that if Steve was insightful enough to realize that the tree needed a stand then why hadn’t he just set the damn thing up for them in the first place.

Buffy had been quick to point out that Steve probably had left it to them because once the tree was set up, it wouldn’t be possible to reposition it, so letting them set it up gave them freedom of choice as to where they wanted it to sit.

In the end, Buffy had decided it would look best next to the fireplace and once Spike got it upright it stood nearly 10ft from its base to its tip.

Steve had provided them with a huge selection of lights and decorations to dress the tree with. Remnants left in the attic by the previous owners. Spike and Buffy were happily threading the trinkets onto the branches. Buffy had never seen Spike so carefree. It was as if he was a whole different person. The months of hard work and pressure, which had been dogging him, seemed to have melted away in just the last few hours.

Steaming mugs of whiskey laced coffee sat cooling side by side on the mantelpiece as they worked on perfecting their first Christmas tree. The fire crackled in the hearth, the wood popping and hissing as it caught. Buffy listened to Spike softly hum Christmas tunes as he worked. A sense of contentment washed over her and she smiled to herself as Spike continued in vain to try and ‘make’ the ornament he was fixing to the tree stay in the exact position he wanted it to, but the damn thing kept spinning around so that when he let go of it, it defied him and faced inwards. He caught her smiling at him and shrugged his shoulders and abandoned the silly thing.

With the two of them working on the tree it didn’t take that long to finish. Their coffee went cold as they kept digging into the big box, steadily crossing paths as they went around and around the tree, hunting for the perfect place to hang their next treasure. When the box was finally empty and they’d put the last trinket in place, they stood back to admire their handy work.

It did look a little bare but Spike, seeing the wistful look on Buffy’s, face quickly turned on the lights and at once the tree came to life…and if it lacked in ornaments then it most certainly didn’t lack in lights. It was beautiful.

Buffy sighed and Spike grinned at her happily.

“Well, that might be the best tree I’ve ever seen,” he said.

Buffy nodded her head, smiling softly as she gazed at the delicate twinkling lights. The multi-colored bulbs flashed softly on and off, their jewel-like colors flickering brightly inside the deep green boughs of the tree, decorating it with the loveliest display of light she had ever seen.

Spike slipped an arm around her shoulder and pulled her in close. Buffy smiled up at him and wrapped her arm about his waist, hugging him back. Her eyes danced over the tree mesmerized by all the pretty baubles and flashing lights.

“I think you might be right…it’s lovely,” she whispered.

Spike kissed her cheek and released her. “Though I’m not sure about that star, it looks a bit battered,” he said.

Buffy looked at the star in question. It did look it bit old and the worse for wear perched on the tip of the tree. It’s once bright gold color faded to a dull washed-out yellow but it had been the only ornament in the box that seemed remotely suitable as a topper, so Spike had dutifully climbed up the stepladder and fixed it in place.

“Yeah, but it’s all we’ve got,” she said shrugging.

Spike gathered up the coffee mugs and headed for the kitchen. “Okay, after all that hard work I’m ready for some lunch…let’s go and see what we can rustle up,” he said ambling through the door.

With one last look at the tree, Buffy followed him.

*****

Like so many times in the past few months they bustled about the kitchen, working in concert with each other as they prepared their meal. It was a routine that was nearly second nature to them now and neither of them gave much thought as to how they smoothly flowed around the other in this very domestic manner. Spike was humming…as usual…and Buffy was quietly listening…as usual…and between them, they conjured up a meal in no time at all.

Sitting at the big farmhouse style table they chatted and planned as they ate.

“I phoned ahead and booked us a table at that restaurant you liked so much the last time we were here.” Spike informed Buffy as he deftly caught the last of his beef noodles on his chopsticks, balancing the slippery strings with the ease of a pro.

“Oooh…er…Benny’s,” Buffy filled in grinning.

“Yeah, that’s the one, so after we’ve unpacked we’ll take a trip into town do a bit of window shopping and no doubt some real shopping before we have dinner…does that sound okay to you pet?”

“Absolutely, they had that lovely salmon pasta dish that I’ve just got to have again.”

Spike grinned at her enthusiasm. “Well I’m glad to hear you’re not too tired to go…I thought you might want to stay in this evening, but I’ve been looking forward to tackling their mighty-man stake platter.” He admitted.

“You shouldn’t eat so much red meat,” she scolded.

Spike laughed at that. “Yes mum,” he chuckled.

“Ha, ha very funny, but you’ll thank me one day…someone’s got to look out for you and don’t think that I’m going to let you forget your New Years resolution…you’re giving up smoking…you promised,” she reminded him.

“I’ll be impossible to live with.”

“Yeah right, like you’re not already…and besides, I don’t care you promised and this is one promise I intend to see you keep,” she told him, glaring at his annoyed expression.

“Bossy bint,” he grumbled.

“Bloody man,” she quipped back.

Spike chuckled. “Ooooh say that again luv,” he teased.

“Bloody man…bloody stupid man,” she supplied smugly.

Spike laughed. “Now say ‘Bloody Hell’ pet,” he coaxed smiling.

“No,” she said, smiling back.

“Awww go on pet, it sounds so funny when you say it with your sweet American accent…it lends the whole phrase such a comical sound,” he teased.

Huffing slightly, Buffy mock glared at him and refused to play.

Spike guffaw and dropped the tease. “Okay, so it’s agreed, we’ll head into town then?”

Buffy smiled, relaxing back in her chair. “Sure, in fact if you load the dishwasher, I’ll do the unpacking.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you by the front door in…” he paused to check his watch. “Twenty minutes,” he said, standing up to clear the table of dirty dishes.

Buffy rose and gave him a swift kiss on the cheek before heading upstairs.

*****

Twenty-five minutes later, she rushed back down the stairs to meet him. He was patiently waiting by the front door dressed once more in the long black leather duster…looking just as dangerous to her as the first time she’d seen him wear it.

Buffy couldn’t help the slight blush that colored her face as a rather naughty little thought popped into her head. She slowed her pace so she could take an extra moment to admire him in the black leather.

Spike didn’t miss the pink blush to her cheeks and arched a questioning brow, accompanied with a knowing smirk of his own at her.

Her blush didn’t fade but she didn’t bother to hide her approval of his appearance. He was hot…and she was hot for him.

With a flourish, he opened the door for her and stood back so he could bow her out.

Buffy giggled at his silly gesture and smiling sweetly, she blew him a kiss as she swept by him and stepped onto the porch…and froze.

She gasped in delight at the sight that awaited her. Spike came up behind her smiling and chuckling in turn.

“Surprise!” He said.

Squealing, Buffy turned around and flung her arms around his neck hugging him for all she was worth. “Oh Spike! It’s lovely…thank you.” she kissed him soundly, and then quickly turned to rush down to the waiting horse drawn carriage.

She grinned up at Steve, Mrs. Bruner’s husband, who was doubling as their driver.

“Hi Steve…this is great,” she gushed.

“Hello Buffy…all ready for Christmas?” He greeted her and gave a quick nod in Spike’s direction.

Nodding back to Steve, Spike joined her and offered her a hand up into the carriage. Once she was settled on the fleece-covered seat, he tucked them both in with a heavy red blanket.

Smiling like a child, Buffy pulled her woolly hat securely over her ears, wrapped her scarf twice around her neck and clinched her fingers deep into her woolen gloves before she snuggled herself in next to Spike.

Enjoying himself immensely, Spike placed an arm around her shoulders and tucked her into his side for the ride into town.

Five minutes later, Buffy was still smiling. “Oh Spike this is soooo cool. What on earth made you think of a carriage ride?” she asked.

“Well I couldn’t let the chance pass me by to take advantage of all this spectacular snow and not treat you to a little old world romance…now could I pet?” he said, nuzzling her cold cheek with his equally cold nose.

Buffy sighed and basked in the whole experience. The jangle of the harness, the whirl of the wheels and the stomp of the horse’s hooves all delighted her as the carriage carried them through the snow covered land towards the small town. Giddy with the novelty and feeling a surge of Christmas spirit, she just knew this was going to be the best Christmas ever.

Steve smoothly pulled the carriage to a halt and slipped into the rear of a line of similar carriages outside the town’s main square in front of the town hall. Well trampled snow covered the square. The sky was just showing the first signs of twilight and a group of carol singers were setting up under the square’s massive Christmas tree, which was standing guard next to a life size nativity scene. Buffy was surprised to see so many of the town’s inhabitants bustling about doing last minute Christmas shopping no doubt.

Spike helped her down and together they turned to thank Steve and his horse Donny for the ride.

*****

Shopping with Spike was quite an experience and Buffy wasn’t sure she would ever get used to the idea of a guy who liked to shop. Her mom had always complained about her father’s extreme dislike for shopping with her, and Buffy remembered a few times with past boyfriends, all of whom had proved to be just like her dad, so it was really refreshing to spend so much enjoyable time with Spike.

He dragged her from shop window to shop window gazing in at the various goods, clothing, footwear, jewelry, books and a vast array of novelty Christmas goods that would no doubt only be used for the short duration of the holiday period and then discarded…but Spike didn’t let that put him off and he’d spend his money on anything that caught his eye.

They were inside the town’s toy store. He’d already bought her a small plush pink pig, which was a near perfect match to her trusty Mr. Gordo, but was quite obviously a Mrs. Gordo. He’d smiled at her when he unearthed it in a giant bin of plush toys, holding it up and immediately announcing he’d found ‘Mrs. Gordo’ Buffy had rolled her eyes and told him not to be silly, but he’d insisted on buying it…if not for her then for Mr. Gordo, who had, according to Spike spent long enough living the carefree bachelor life, and it was about time the old devil settled down with a good woman.

Buffy had rolled her eyes again at him, but she’d been smiling broadly all the same.

Besides Mrs. Gordo, they also bought two box games, one of backgammon for themselves and the other a collector’s edition of Star Wars monopoly for Jonathan. Spike picked up a couple of new video games and Buffy bought Dru a new porcelain doll. It was a really pretty little thing, dressed in a green satin dress and matching green velvet coat, with a sweet childlike face framed with a mass of glossy chestnut ringlets. Buffy showed it to Spike, who smiled at it wistfully and agreed that Dru would no doubt love it.

Hand in hand they wandered into the shop’s Christmas decoration section, where they bought an array of miscellaneous baubles and trinkets to add to the collection of trimmings that already graced the tree back at the cabin.

Spike handed Buffy his credit card and she went to join the queue of late shoppers at the cash and wrap desk.

Spike wandered away, browsing the display of tree trimmings again. He arched a brow when he spotted a small Christmas angel. Drawn to her, he picked her up to have a closer look. Obviously, she’d been sitting among the trimmings for quite some time, possibly as a sample item, so shoppers could see what the rest of the boxed up angels looked like. Spike thought she was perfect and would look great decorating the top of their tree.

He caught the attention of a sales girl and asked her if she could gift wrap the little angel before his sweetheart arrived back from the cash register. He winked at the young girl and told her it was to be a small surprise gift. The girl, at once charmed and swayed by him, abandoned her present task of reorganizing New Year calendars and journals to assist him. She pointed out to Spike that he could have one of the new pre-boxed ones that hadn’t been left out to become slightly worn and ill-treated by zealous shoppers.

Shaking his head, Spike declined her offer of a flawless angel and insisted the one he’d found was much more suited for him. The girl smiled and shrugged and went to warp his purchase. She arrived back with the gift wrapped angel in a stores bag a few moments before Buffy appeared with her collection of wrapped and bagged gifts.

Leaving the warmth of the shop, they made their way to Benny’s. Spike left their bags with a helpful member of staff, who whisked them away to a safe place under a counter.

With the menu, Spike got his own way and ordered the mighty-man steak platter, arguing with Buffy that once they cooked the large turkey Mrs. Bruner had provided them with, they’d be living on turkey leftovers for the next week.

Buffy had laughed and conceded the point. The turkey she had seen sitting in the bottom of the fridge was pretty big…too big for just the two of them and with all the excess meat they would be unable to eat in one sitting, the chances were, they would be living on a diet of turkey sandwiches, turkey fried rice, and turkey salads until the New Year.

The restaurant was pleasantly full, and the warm friendly vibes that flowed in equal measure from the clientele and staff filled the modest establishment with a holiday atmosphere that was strengthened by the mellow husky voice of Frank Sinatra singing Christmas tunes softly in the background. Sprigs of mistletoe sat among the small seasonal, centerpieces of holly and ivy.

Spike was quick to spot the mistletoe and insisted on a kiss, uncaring of who might watch them. Blushing, Buffy obliged him in a coy semi-reluctant manner. She leaned over to meet him in a brief but sweet kiss across the table then to her surprise; he gently caught hold of her face between his hands, and deliberately prolonging the kiss. She was breathless when he released her.

She blushed furiously when a few of the other diners voiced their approval by softly cheering and applauding him.

Spike smugly acknowledged their appreciation and sat back in his seat looking like a man who was all kinds of pleased with himself.

Buffy was thankful for the distraction the waitress provided when she arrived with their order and they settled down to eat. The conversation was easy and relaxed as they talked comfortably about Joyce, Dawn, their friends and work.

Spike insisted they avoid getting into any serious discussions about work. Telling her, that since they were on vacation they should put all work related topics on hold, until after the Christmas holiday. Buffy agreed and steered the conversation to more neutral subjects.

The food was great, the wine was smooth and the time just flew by and before they knew it, they were both scraping their shared dessert dish of the last traces of warm rum soaked, cherry filled, chocolate sponge and whipped cream. The dessert was to die for and despite Spike insisting that he didn’t really want any, Buffy had to fork fight him for the last morsel…but it was worth it.

She sighed, content and full with a small smile of bliss curving her lips. Spike chuckled at her as he licked the prongs of his fork one more time in the vain hope that he might have missed something.

Exiting Benny’s, they noticed that the temperature had dropped considerably, but before taking a cab back to the cabin, they wandered the short distance across Main Street to the town hall square to look at the Christmas tree and pay a visit to the crib.

Spike surprised Buffy by joining her in lighting a votive candle. Silently they held hands in front of the crib, offering up silent prayers of thanks and hope. Spike watched the tiny flame. It flickered wildly and he was sure that at any moment the wind would snuff it out altogether, but it held firm, burning stubbornly in spite of the odds. He smiled and sighed deeply and looked towards Buffy, who stood by his side, despite the odds.

“C’mon pet, let’s go home…its cold out here,” he murmured at her ear as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

Buffy smiled and allowed him to lead her to a waiting cab.

*****

When they got back to the cabin, Spike stirred the fire to life, adding enough fresh logs to make a roaring blaze. Buffy joined him in the lounge carrying in a couple of mugs of hot chocolate. She took a seat on the couch facing the fire and watched Spike fuss with the fire screen. He snagged a mug for himself and sat with her.

“Okay pet?”

“Yeah,” she whispered, feeling well fed and content.

Spike glanced at the bags of wrapped gifts sitting on the floor by the end of the couch. He put his mug down and shifted over to the end of the couch, moving his coat out of his way so he could reach the bags. Buffy’s attention was drawn away from admiring the tree to what Spike was doing. She smiled when she saw his coat folded haphazardly between them. Spike was rummaging among the bags, looking for something and didn’t notice the look that crossed her face.

“You know, you look incredibly hot in this thing?” she said, running her hand over the leather.

Spike abandoned the bags and turned to face her, a slow smirk growing on his face. “Really pet?”

“Oh yeah!”

He gazed at her thoughtfully. “And?”

“And…I was wondering what you’d look like wearing it…and nothing else,” she whispered, smiling softly.

Spike chuckled. “Well, that’s a first…” He paused and looked as her thoughtfully. “It makes me wonder what else you might have thought of seeing me dressed up in,” he teased.

She blushed…or at least Spike assumed she was blushing, but it wasn’t that easy to be sure. The light coming from the fire and the Christmas tree was the only source of light in the room. Yet there was more than enough for him to see the expression on her face…and that expression told him, she had thought of him dressed up in other ways besides the leather coat. Spike thought this was too good to pass up.

“You have…but what I wonder?” he asked, trying to read her face.

Buffy just smiled and held her tongue.

Spike knew he would have to coax it out of her. He moved along the couch until he was sitting close to her. Slowly, he shuffled her back until she was pinned into the corner. She was smiling and trying to hold back from giggling.

“Hmmm…what could little Miss Buffy Summers possibly imagine seeing me dressed up as…? I suppose it might be Santa Claus since it is Christmas.”

Buffy did giggle then, but shook her head.

“Oh, not Santa…hmmm…well let me see…what about a fireman?” he asked, brushing her hair away from her shoulder so he could nibble her neck.

Buffy sighed and shook her head.

“No…how about a copper then?” he mumbled against her skin.

She shook her head again.

“Er…how about one of those burly workmen types…does that fit your little dress up fantasy Ms. Summers?” He licked the shell of her ear and listened to her moan softly as she arched her body into him.

She shook her head again and slipped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him a bit closer.

“Well that only leaves military types…so it’s either, navy, army or air force…but which?” he asked as he worked his way from her ear down across her jaw line to her mouth.

Buffy shook her head once more, enjoying his kisses and the guessing game.

“Not military…hmmm, well that means I’ve missed a category…” he mused. “Oh hang on…! What about a hero type…something like batman…all dressed in leather, wearing a mask–”

Her belly laugh interrupted him and he pulled back to look at her. She was laughing and looking very amused by the whole thing.

“Okay…I’m obviously not even close…so I give up. So tell me then Ms. Summers what do you imagine me dressed up as?” he asked.

Still laughing Buffy said, “I’m not telling…you’ll think its silly and even if you don’t, I don’t see the point in telling you.”

“Why not? I told you about my schoolgirl fantasy…and it’s only fair if we play games you should get to live out your fantasies too,” he told her seriously. “But I can see this is one of those occasions where I’m going to have to persuade you…so how about I put my coat on and let you discover for yourself what I look like in it…and nothing else? Will that be enough incentive to make you confide your little fantasy?” he asked, quietly.

Buffy looked at his face…he was serious. She gulped. Of course he was serious. This was Spike and he always serious when it came to things like this. She looked at the leather coat and her mouth watered…and so did her pussy. She smiled.

Seeing her naughty little smile, Spike knew he had her interest. He moved back and lifted the coat off the couch. “That’s a yes then…right pet?”

Buffy smiled and nodded her head.

Slowly Spike slipped off the couch and walked to stand behind her. “Now don’t turn around pet…or you’ll spoil the surprise,” he whispered huskily.

Buffy felt a quaking begin in the pit of her stomach and had to suppress the shiver that ran down her spine at the sound of his sexy voice near her ear. She heard the distinctive rustle of his clothes being removed and carelessly being discarded on the floor as he undressed.

A few moments later he reappeared in front of her. The light from the fire cast a dangerous glow over him, hollowing out his already hollow cheeks. The yellow flames lit his eyes with an unearthly golden glow that superseded his natural blue. Buffy thought he looked dark and dangerous and even a little bit scary, he was a sinister man all bathed in shadow.

In that moment, he was a creature of the night.

He stood well back so she could see his bare feet and legs under the bottom of the coat. His hands were tucked into his pockets holding the two halves of the leather closed. Buffy slowly appraised him. She smiled suggestively when her eyes landed on the wide expansive V gaping between the open lapels, the V dipped all the way down to his navel, exposing his defined chest and smooth flat stomach in all its naked glory. Yet, teasingly keeping the real goods cheekily covered.

She tore her eyes away from his naked chest and covered crotch and gazed at his face. Again, she thought how deathly unreal his features looked in the fire’s dancing light and shadows. He smiled at her…deviously and her impression of his dark dangerousness doubled.

Her eyes wandered over him again and her imagination went on a journey of aching speculation and rapturous intimate knowledge. Her eyes lit up with stirring desire.

Spike knew that look. Deliberately, he let the coat fall open to reveal the rest of him.

Awed, Buffy held perfectly still on the couch, gazing at him. Her breathing picked up and her hands clenched on the cushions next to her as he slowly moved the two halves of the leather coat further back and exposed the rest of his body. She licked her suddenly dry lips.

Nude, Spike was beautiful. It had taken Buffy a long time to get use to his completely carefree approach to nakedness, whether it was his…or…hers. Now it no longer worried her at all. With Spike there was a wondrous joy and freedom that was so natural that she was often overwhelmed by the simple beauty and tender emotions that always sprang to life between them in these moments.

Yet, at the same time it was as hot as hell and twice as arousing. For Buffy, Spike oozed sex and now he stood before her, wearing nothing but his long black leather coat and a soft dirty smile. His arousal was blatant…large and hard and the effect on her was heady.

“So kitten…now you know…and now I want to know what else you’d like to see me dressed up as?” His voice was laced with enough raw sexuality to make her squirm on her seat.

Buffy was still busily gazing at him, and a small part of her brain heard his question, but the part that was devoted to just looking at him in all his naked glory…his very aroused, very male, naked glory, couldn’t tear itself away to focus enough to answer him.

“Hmmm?”

Spike chuckled and Buffy’s eyes widened as certain parts of him jiggled with the movement, which made Spike chuckle even more. Cunningly, he closed the coat over himself.

“Huh…! No fair…” she whined. Then she realized he’d asked her a question. “What…er what did you say?” she asked, her voice shaky with mounting arousal.

“I said…I’d like to know what it was you fantasize me dressed up as?” he repeated playfully.

“OH…! Well…er…you’ll think it’s silly…” she said huskily.

Spike wasn’t to be put off and he advanced on her. Prowling closer, he closed the distance with a smooth grace and deadly intent.

“Now that wasn’t the deal kitten…I dressed up for you now you have to confess.” He reached the couch and slowly kneeled over her, penning her thighs between his knees. The coat fell open around him and Buffy’s eyes were immediately drawn down.

She reached out to him, but he caught her hand, laughing throatily. “Oh, no you don’t…you naughty girl…tell me…then I’ll let you play.”

She groaned in frustration.

He leaned low over her, holding both her hands away from his body and kissed her. She moaned into his mouth and her body arched up seeking contact, which he denied.

Her heart was pounding. Her limbs were trembling and even behind her closed eyelids she was dizzy. His kiss was drug like and she was high…very high.

He released her.

“A vampire,” she whispered.

Spike looked at her a dark smile spreading across his face. She could see she’d surprised him. “Ooooh, nice pet…I’d never have thought of that. What kind of vampire? Someone like Dracula, all gothic castle and black cloak, or were you thinking more modern day, like Lost Boys…sort of urban bad boy, with all the dark power but with better clothes and hair?” he asked silkily.

Buffy’s eyes drifted to his coat. “Definitely urban bad boy…all dressed in black…tight jeans…tight t-shirt…black leather coat is a must and…er…er…with a big bike,” she whispered.

Spike arched a brow at her and smiled. “Well I know I got the clothes kitten…and I’m sure I could get the bike…but how exactly does the bike feature in your little fantasy?”

Buffy smiled seductively and leaned up to whisper in his ear.

Spike listened, his brows nearly reaching his hairline as she explained the bikes role in her fantasy. His cock twitched and he nearly swore as the image built in his mind. Before he pulled back to look at her, Spike decided he was buying a bike…as soon as possible. He wondered if there were any bike shops open on Boxing Day, but then thought he could go on line and buy one straight away…and Buffy could help pick it out.

He smiled at her…Well maybe a bit later…afterwards, he thought.

“I like the sound of that kitten…a lot…and what will you be wearing?” he asked. He could tell she probably already knew what she had visualized to complete her fantasy.

She smiled coyly. “Tight white leather pants and Basque…and no underwear,” she told him.

Spike growled and swooped down to kiss her neck. He licked her pulse softly before sucking hard. Buffy moaned sexily and arched her neck back, offering herself to his mouth.

She was panting and flushed when he released her. “We’ll buy the bike on line…later…but first I gotta–” he cut himself off as he yanked her off the couch and onto the floor.

Buffy squealed.

“Let me just get these off you,” he said, tugging her expensive wool blend pants down. He kissed her stomach and licked the soft flesh just above her panties.

Buffy melted.

He swirled his tongue in her navel and then sucked it, making her gasp and shiver. His fingers worked their way under her lamb’s wool sweater, seeking the round swell of her breasts…the peaked hardness of her nipples. He was still sucking her navel when he felt her fingers slide into his hair and twine around the short strands.

In a quick aroused move, he lowered his mouth to her silk covered mound and nuzzled his face against her heated sex. She cried out and bucked up, her legs parting…welcoming him.

He pulled back, needing and wanting to see her naked in the soft warm light of the room. He helped her into a sitting position and caught hold of her sweater and quickly removed it over her head. She was wearing a soft seamless bra, gossamer fine. Her nipples were hard and pink behind the white netting. Spike caressed each bud softly with the tip of a finger…dragging his nail lightly over the very tip of each pink cap.

Buffy gasped loudly, as if shocked. The electric charge that he set off at her nipples was answered further down at her wet core. Her muscles pulled tight and she writhed towards him.

“Spike…now…please now,” she implored huskily.

Spike smiled and removed her pants completely. “Anything for you pet…everything for you,” he whispered, kissing her thighs.

Hastily, she removed her bra and gasped as Spike yanked her thong from her hips. He tossed the ragged scrap of fabric over his shoulder. Impatient to taste her, he lifted her back onto the couch and kneeled before her as she sat on the edge.

Sliding his hands along the satin length of her thighs, he wrapped his arms around her hips, pulling her just a bit closer to the edge of the couch. She gazed at him…anticipation and excitement coursing through her in soft waves as he gazed back at her. She opened her thighs and he moved closer to her.

Kneading her bottom, Spike lowered his mouth to her sex. He heard her gasp and felt her arch towards him. Her hands gripped his shoulders and she shuddered. Spike licked the sweetness from her pussy. She was beautiful…fully aroused and very wet…her clit already hard and needy. He brushed over it with a teasing touch. She moaned. He did it again…a little harder…and she moaned again.

“Oh God Spike that’s so nice,” she panted.

Spike whispered at her folds, “Yes kitten…it’s very nice…and it’s mine.”

She wrapped a single shapely leg around him and rubbed his leather clad back with the heel of her foot. Spike liked the feel of that and slipped his tongue into her, softly penetrating her and tickling her wet entrance. She panted and thrust her hips up towards his mouth.

He picked up his pace and licked her hard.

Buffy groaned and begged for more. “Oh God, please do that again.”

Spike did it again…and again.

Gasping and panting in need, Buffy reached down to touch herself…joining him. Spike chuckled and licked her fingers as she gently probed her aroused flesh. He could see she wasn’t going to last. He fucked her quickly with his tongue as she rubbed her clit.

Buffy shivered as she felt the first breaking waves of orgasm ripple through her. On and on it went as she screamed it out…as Spike continued to plunge his tongue into her.

Spike pulled back to watch her ride out the end of her orgasm. She looked at him, her fingers continuing to move as he gazed at her face.

“Don’t stop Buffy…you are the most beautiful woman alive when you come…and I’ll never grow tired of seeing you like this…not if I lived a hundred years and more,” he whispered to her.

She wanted to sob…as she always did when he spoke to her like this. His sincerity and devotion was on his face and if he thought she was beautiful in moments like this, then she realized it was only because he made her feel beautiful.

She shuddered as her body finally relaxed. Gasping, she slumped back on the couch.

Spike gently lifted her back onto the floor and stretched out next to her. Kissing her softly, he leaned into her and partially covered her with his coat. She sighed and turned her head, nuzzling his neck.

“Make love to me Spike…I want to be with you…to feel you inside me…I want you to show me how you feel,” she whispered next to his ear.

Spike slipped out of his coat and positioned himself over her. “This is how I feel Buffy…” he whispered back to her. “This is how you make feel…” He slipped inside her, his hard length easing in. “Never doubt how much you make me feel…without you I’d be nothing…you are my everything,” he whispered softly, gazing into her lovely green eyes.

Buffy smiled and raised herself up to kiss his mouth. “And you are mine,” she mumbled against his lips.

Spike thrust into her.

Swept away, they moved together…moved as one…in perfect synchronized accord one with the other in body, mind and soul.

“Buffy…oh, Buffy…”

“Yes…I know…I know…”

“Precious girl…”

“You say such lovely things…say some more…”

Pausing, Spike gazed at her with the full weight of his emotions lighting up his eyes. “When you raise your eyes and look at me…I see heaven…” He thrust deep into her wet heat and kissed her shoulders.

“Oh God Spike…” She warped him in her legs and raised her head to kiss his collarbone with a multitude of tiny kisses.

“My world is perfect…like a band of glittering gold…” He thrust a little faster as he whispered at her ear and caressed the side of her face with a gentle touch.

“Yes…oh yes…” She pushed up onto him, feeling his hard cock grow harder still.

“You are all that fills my world…you are all that glitters…” He kissed her brow and moved inside her. His heart soared as she gasped. He felt the sting of her nails as she dug them into his shoulders. He thrust harder, faster.

“Oh God…oh God…” She arched her back sharply and moved with him. He gripped her shoulders and thrust repeatedly into her.

“You are my secret heart…” He breathed. The pace was fast and he held onto her, needing her to complete him. She was all he needed…all he wanted.

“Oh God…please…” She kissed his neck, sobbing her joy at his words.

“My lady…” He kissed her brow and murmured his devotion to her. He felt her soft walls tremble and his body tightened, ready to join her in bliss.

“Yes…” She sobbed, clinging to him and thrusting her hips towards his.

“My everything…my–” She gasped suddenly. Her muscles clenching hard around his straining cock.

She screamed and surrendered to her climax. Spike groaned and thrust hard into her clenching core. He held back as long as he could then with a loud roar he joined her in climax…his body thrusting into hers, hard and strong. She held onto him sobbing her joy as his body peaked with hers.

“Buffy.”

*****

Naked, they tenderly held each other. Buffy lay entwined with him, her small hand sleepily skimming his chest with tiny caresses. Spike lay with her, gently stroking her hair…whispering softly to her.

“I bought you a present,” he whispered against her brow.

“Hmmmm.”

Spike chuckled. “I said…I bought you a present,” he repeated.

“Hmm mm, and I bought you one too but you’re not getting it until tomorrow,” she mumbled half asleep.

“No, this one is for right now,” he chuckled kissing her damp hairline.

“What…right now?” she asked, lifting her head off his chest to look at him.

“Yep…here just move over and I’ll get it,” he said, sliding her off him and settling her on top of his coat.

Buffy moaned at the loss of contact but then noticed the coat beneath her and smiling, she wrapped it around herself.

Spike was rummaging in the bags once more and Buffy could hear him humming another little Christmas tune. Smiling, she pushed herself up onto her elbows, dragging his coat with her and draping it around her shoulders. She looked at Spike crouched at the end of the couch. She giggled. He looked cute, rummaging in the bags butt naked and humming Christmas tunes.

With a pleased exclamation, he straightened up and turned to her with a gift wrapped box in his hands. He shuffled towards her on his knees, his eyes dancing over her naked body sheltered within the soft folds of his leather coat. She looked gorgeous.

He dropped a quick kiss on her lips and handed her the present. “Here you go luv…open it now,” he said smiling.

She looked at him a little puzzled. “But it’s not Christmas yet.” She pointed out.

“Yes, I know…but some things are better opened before Christmas.”

Buffy sat up fully, pulling the sides of the coat around her as she did. Carefully, she unwrapped the present. She smiled softly as the shiny silver paper gave way and revealed a pretty boxed angel.

“Oh Spike…she’s…she’s…” She hesitated trying to think of the right words to describe the small angel. “She’s lovely…though a little bit…erm…erm…gray,” she tactfully said.

Spike chuckled. “Yeah, she is a bit…which is why I thought she’d be perfect for us,” he said.

“Huh…! Why’s that?” Buffy asked frowning sweetly.

“Well all the other angels were as white as snow…and somehow they didn’t feel right…but this one…well…” Spike took the little angel from Buffy’s hand and looked at it thoughtfully. “Well I just think she suits us…’cause we’re a bit like her…a little worn around the edges…a little weathered…” He brushed a finger over the gray feathers of her wings. “And like her, we’re a little bit gray too…neither wholly good nor wholly bad…just gray…see?” He held the angel up for Buffy to scrutinize.

Smiling, Buffy looked between the little gray angel and Spike. “You know…I think you might be right,” she whispered then leaned forward and kissed him. “And now you have to put her on top of the tree.” She insisted.

Spike grinned and jumped up. He snagged the small step ladder which he hadn’t gotten around to putting away earlier and positioned it next to the tree. Dutifully, he climbed the steps and removed the old battered star and replaced it with the little angel.

Buffy grinned at him. He made quite a sight, standing on the top step of the small ladder butt naked.

Finally satisfied with the angel’s positioning, Spike released her and let his hands drop to his sides. “There…what’d you think?” he asked, smiling happily.

Buffy grinned saucily. “Well it all looks good from where I’m sitting,” she answered cheekily.

Spike shot her a dirty grin and gave her his famous tongue behind his teeth smirk. He wriggled his dark brows and turned slightly on the steps to face her then wiggled his hips, which caused certain other parts to wiggle too. He grinned back at her as she laughed happily.

“You know what luv?” He chuckled.

“No…what?”

“You look right sexy in my coat.” He climbed down the steps.

“Really?” She asked smiling.

“Yeah…really...” He dropped to his knees at her feet and looked at her. “In fact…” He smiled. “I wouldn’t mind seeing what you look like standing up,” he whispered as he crawled towards her.

Buffy smiled and gracefully rose before him, wrapping his coat around her a little more securely. Comically it swamped her, but Spike didn’t seem to mind. His face lit up with a naughty expression as he gazed at her naked beauty draped in all that black leather. In a lightening strike, he grabbed her and pulled her down onto his lap.

She squealed and giggled as Spike attacked. Growling, he swooped at her neck and once more started licking, nipping and sucking her.

Buffy howled with laughter until tears were rolling down her cheeks. Spike relented and wrapped her in a warm embrace.

Kissing her softly, he heard her sweet sigh of contentment. He sighed too and leaned up to look down on her. Gently he brushed a few stray blonde strands of her hair away from her face.

He stroked her face softly. “Happy Christmas Buffy,” he whispered. His voice was full of awe and joy.

Buffy looked back at him…her gaze full of tenderness as she raised a small hand and lovingly caressed him back. “Happy Christmas Spike,” she murmured.

Spike lay down and wrapped her in his arms. Together they lay before the fire…warmed by the glow of the flames. Silently they gazed at the Christmas tree, mesmerized by the twinkling lights and pretty ornaments. Buffy was the first one to drift off to sleep as the combined heat from the fire and the contentment she found in Spike’s arms lulled her senses to a peaceful slumber.

Spike was a little slower in drifting off and before sleep claimed him, he gazed up at the little angel and remembered the prayer of thanks he’d offered up at the crib, and again he offered up another prayer, knowing in his heart that he couldn’t thank God often enough for the gifts he’d been given. Sighing, he kissed Buffy’s brow and settled down beside her.

Happily, they slept on, bathed by the joint light from the fire and the angel topped Christmas tree.

THE END.

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Reviews…are like the baubles I hang on my Christmas tree…each one a little treasure I love to look upon…^8^

For those of you who are wondering what Boxing Day is…it is December 26th the day after Christmas. It was in olden times the day people traditionally exchanged gifts with friends and relatives that they wouldn’t have seen on Christmas day. Today the title Boxing Day still lives on and is used nationwide in Britain as part of our Christmas tradition.