Walking up the stairs Buffy smiled at her accomplishment and couldn’t wait to share the news with Dawn. Everything was working out as she hoped and she silently wished her father had more time to spend in Sunnydale. As she reached Dawn’s bedroom door she remembered Spike and that he still didn’t know that she loved him. She heard hushed voices and knocked softly.

“Dawnie, its me. Can I come in?” Buffy said through the door.

“Yeah, Buffy c’mon in.” Dawn said looking at Spike, wondering what had happened.

Buffy opened the door and saw her new family before her. Both Dawn and Spike had wondering looks on their faces and about 20 questions to ask. But from Buffy’s smile they could tell it wasn’t so bad.

“I know you both have a lot of questions right now but I promise everything is ok and it will stay that way. Before I say anything else I need you both to come with me downstairs.” Buffy said taking Dawn’s hand.

“What’s going on, love? Tell me Pops is still alive down there.”

“Spike…you’re so bad. Yes everything is fine. You have no idea how fine things are.” Buffy said giving Spike a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.

“You didn’t tell him about Glory, the superbitch, did you?” Spike asked softly into Buffy’s ear.

“No. But it’s on my mind. I just said that there are reasons I can’t explain. It seemed to be enough for him.” Buffy answered back.

Buffy led them both down the stairs, almost pulling Dawn’s arm out of the socket. She came to a halt when she saw Hank anxiously waiting at the bottom. She stood next to her father, beaming with joy.

“Let me tell them.” Buffy pleaded to Hank.

“By all means honey. I think they’ve been in suspense long enough.”

“Tell us what???” Dawn begged.

“Ok ok…Dad has decided to let me keep full custody of you. But there are some conditions. First, I have to get a job, well that’s a given. Second is that we have dinner together, like a family. Or try at least. Third is that I promised to keep better touch, make the monthly phone call, write letters, the whole deal.” Buffy said, rushing out all the conditions in one breath.

“I want us to be closer Dawn, close to both my girls. I don’t want to lose you again.” Hank interjected.

“I want the same thing Dad, I’ve missed you so much. Ummm Dad does that include Spike too. He’s like part of the family.” Dawn asked, raising her eyes in hope.

“Umm Nibblet?” Spike said feeling uncomfortable.

“Yes, Spike. I want to apologize for my behavior earlier. Buffy and I had a rather intense conversation and she opened my eyes to some things and I see how much she cares for you. One day when you become a father, maybe you’ll understand why I reacted the way I did.” Hank said putting a hand on Spike’s shoulder.

Spike felt touched by his gesture but lowered his head at the sting of the reminder that he will never know the joy of his own children. Buffy felt the same twinge because she shared a similar fate as Spike. From what she studied from Giles’ journals, she knew that a Slayer’s life would never include children.

“Mr. Summers, I said some things that were indeed uncalled for but the love I have for your daughters is eternal.” Spike said after clearing his throat.

“Thank you Spike. Dawn, it’s getting kind of late. Would you like to come back to the hotel with me? We could order room service, rent some movies, and spend some quality time before my flight leaves.” Hank asked.

Dawn quickly turned to Buffy and she gave a nod, indicating it was alright. She silently thanked her dad for giving her some alone time to go patrol without suspicion. And of course time alone with Spike. Dawn raced up the stairs to pack some overnight clothes while Hank called the hotel. Spike walked up to Buffy and took her in his arms.

“So I take it we’re patrolling tonight after all?” Spike asked, hoping to get more quality time alone.

“Yeah I really should. Hmm gimmee a kiss.” Buffy whispered in his ear and placed a sensuous kiss on his lips.

“I missed those lips, so soft and full, tastes like strawberries.” Spike smiled running his tongue across her bottom lip.

“Spiiikkee! Stop that. Somebody could just walk in here. But feel free to continue that when we’re alone.” Buffy teased, already feeling the heat between them grow stronger.

“I can’t help myself when I’m around you love. You look so happy. I want to feel that happiness with you. But you’re right, self control is a key factor here. Where did you hide the weapons.?” Spike suddenly asked, noticing the chest was gone from the living room.

“I hid them all in the basement, on a tippy top shelf, under some blankets. Couldn’t take any chances.”

“Alright, good thinking pet. As soon as the little bit and Pops leave, we’ll do a quick walk through the stone gardens and then come straight home for some well deserved...much needed…hot…steamy….lovin’. How about that?” Spike said, playing with the button on her jeans.

“Since you put it like that….I patrolled last night. My shoulder feels 100%. I can skip a night for some Buffy and Spike quality time under the sheets.” Buffy responded back with a light scraping of her nails down his back.

“Now, now I know you’re all hot for me, as you should be, but duty comes first. And I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth. I have to stop hanging out with that Watcher of yours.”

“Oh my God, I have to call Giles.” Buffy said giving him a quick kiss.

She released Spike from her arms and rushed into the kitchen to fill in Giles about the situation with Hank over the phone. Spike plopped down onto the couch and turned on the television. His head turned to face Hank who was standing in the archway.

“Dawn will probably take a year deciding what clothes to bring, you might as well sit down and wait.” Spike said, trying to lessen the tension that was still between them.

“Sounds like you know my girls pretty well. Tell me more about how you came into their lives. I’m curious about that since I never heard Buffy speak of you before tonight.” Hank said trying to get some answers.

“Well see, me and Buffy weren’t always…friends. She hated me, I hated her but one day I realized that all that anger was just some sort of mask for what I was really feeling for her. I couldn’t be away from her, followed her everywhere. You can say that I fell in love with her. Everything about her makes me crazy. But in a good way. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her. I just wish that she felt the same way, ya know. But that’s not possible, Buffy could never love me.” Spike confessed to Hank.

“Spike, from what I could see today, I think that you should have faith in my daughter. I see the way she looks at you, the way she defended you and forced me to apologize. That says a lot right there. If you have hope, I think it will be worth it.” Hank said, not wanting to give away the secret he already knew.

Spike looked at him and gave a small smile. Hope, he thought. Their bonding was interrupted by the distant sounds of Dawn and Buffy. Dawn came down the stairs with her overnight bag and jacket on, ready to go. Buffy gave a her a long hug, not wanting to let go of her sister. Buffy released her and Spike gave her a wink and a smile. They said their goodbyes and Hank promised to drop Dawn off in the morning and to call as soon as he lands. As soon as the front door was closed, Buffy breathed a huge sigh of relief and took Spike’s hands to retrieve the weapons from the basement.

With the rain showers over, the air was filled with the smell of fresh grass, they walked side by side through the cemetery. Still afraid of running into the Scoobies, Buffy refrained from taking Spike’s hand. She hoped he wouldn’t notice that she was all business but he had. Things took a 180 turn when they left the walls of the Summers’ house. Buffy could be all touchy feely when no one was watching but if she left the comforts of home she clammed up, always on the lookout. Hoping her eyes permanently locked into Spike’s wouldn’t give her away. But Spike understood the hesitation. He could still feel the magic between them even if there was no contact. It’s the electricity that brings it to the skin. It was a slow night of slaying, only two vampires crossed their path. They were quickly taken care of by the teamwork of Spike and Buffy. They watched each other’s backs and perfected a routine. After spending an hour hunting for fresh graves, the blondes looked around at the peaceful Greenlawn Cemetery and decided to pack it up and head home. Slaying really wasn’t on either of their minds anyway.

“C’mon love, lets go home. I want to ravage you….now.” Spike whispered in her ear and wrapped his arm around her waist.

“We’ve come a long way haven’t we Spike? This time last year we weren’t even friends. But now I can’t imagine you not being here with me. How did that happen?” Buffy asked walking along with him.

“I’m not quite sure but I don’t want it to end. So far so good, right?”

“Yeah, so far so good. And now onto the better.”

They walked along Revello Drive, looking up at the gray clouds making way for the twinkling stars and knowing the stars were shining for them. Spike gentlemanly took her keys from her and opened the front door for her. Buffy flicked on the foyer lights and discarded her denim jacket, while Spike took their weapons back down to the basement. Buffy closed her eyes for a moment and decided this was the night she was gonna tell Spike the truth. The feelings for him she tried so hard to resist. I have to tell him I love him, Buffy thought to herself. When she reopened her eyes, he was staring at her with a huge smile on his face questioning her.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Spike asked taking her hand.

“Like you don’t already know.” Buffy smirked back at him.

“What would you say to a hot bath, vanilla bubbles, and me washing your back? And whatever else you can’t reach.” Spike said with seduction.

“Sounds heavenly.”

Buffy led him up the stairs and told him to draw the water while she undressed in her room. Spike moaned with disappointment and let go of her touch as he entered the bathroom. Buffy skipped into her room and slowly undressed tying her robe around her waist. She applied the smallest amount of lipgloss and pinned up her blonde hair. Satisfied, she walked into the hall and could see the steam escaping from the closed door. The scent of vanilla was already flowing around her and grew stronger once she reached the door. She opened it and saw Spike already in the tub, surrounded waist high in bubbles. The overhead lights were dimmed and exsensuated only by a few candles placed on the vanity. The entire room glowed with candlelight and filled with the scent of lilacs and jasmine. Buffy was amazed at how he could make the littlest things appear magical and romantic. She never knew there was a romantic side to him and ached to learn more.

“Where did you find all these candles?” Buffy said, undoing her robe teasingly.

“Love, they were all under the sink. Thought they would be appropriate. Now come in here before I have to come out and get you.”

Buffy let the robe fall to the floor and Spike smiled at the sight of her naked body. Her round and voluptuous breasts glistened with a fresh layer of steam. Her long, tanned legs gently submerged into the warm water as Buffy lowered herself in front of him. Spike reached from behind her and pushed bubbles to cover her thighs and her arms. Buffy ran the bubbles up her arms and rested them on Spike’s thighs while he grabbed the loofah. He saturated the sponge with water and bubbles and began to work the muscles in her neck and shoulders. She closed her eyes to breathe in the vanilla aroma and ran her fingers up and down his legs. He was so gentle as he brought the loofah around Buffy’s waist and started to work her wet and soapy thighs. Lathering them up with his strong hands, caressing every inch of her skin.

Buffy moaned in delight as his hands worked up to her breasts, cupping them and fingering her nipples. Feeling them become hard and peaked by his motions, Spike lightly brushed the tip of his teeth against the soft flesh of her neck. Buffy looked around for the nearest object to leverage her growing arousal. She felt for the shower curtain and gripped it tightly, almost ripping it off its hooks. Hearing her heartbeat quicken and pulse beneath him, Spike grew more aroused and turned Buffy around to face him. Buffy wrapped her legs around him as water sloshed in waves around them from her sudden movements. She knew she had to stop him before something happened beyond her control. She wanted to make love to him and he had to know her heart would not get in the way.

“You know there was a time when I really hated you.” Buffy said, resting her hands on his shoulders.

“Nice way to kill the mood there, Slayer. Trip down memory lane, no thank you.”

“What I mean is that I don’t see you that way anymore. I was too busy wanting you dead and all, to realize how I feel about you. There’s something I think you should know, Spike.”

“Buffy, you don’t….” Spike tightened his hold around her as her emotions became more serious.

“No I want to. I need to say this. I love you William. I tried not to but I do. I don’t know for how long but I know in my heart that this feels right. What is destined to be. When I was downstairs earlier with my Dad, rambling on about you and how good you are for me and Dawn, it just hit me. I told him that you were deserving of my love and how much I hurt you when I said you were beneath me. It just felt so good to say it out loud. I love you, Spike. I love you I love you I love you.” Buffy cried out with relief.

“I never thought, I hoped and I prayed but….I-I…oh God I love you so much.” Spike told her as he took her head in his hands and caressed her face.

He brought her lips to his and slowly reached up to the clip holding her hair up and unpinned her blonde waves. Buffy arched her head back as he ran his hands through her locks and wrapped her arms around his neck. Spike lifted her out of the soapy water, gently and carried her into the bedroom laying her onto the soft sheets. He quickly got up shutting the door and locked it. He fell back into bed and grabbed her again, pulling her closer.

She felt his soft tongue running across her neck and held on waiting for more. He began kissing his way down her tanned stomach. He looked up into her eyes and smiled hungrily. She closed her eyes with pleasure as he ran his hands down the inside of her thighs, separating them. Buffy welcomed his body on top of hers and wrapped her legs around his waist.

“I love you, Spike”

“I love you more, Buffy.” Spike whispered as he inched lower down her body.

Spike pressed his hands on her knees and spread them wider so he could gain access to her center. He placed small kisses on the inside of her legs, starting at her soft knees and stopping right below her belly button. Wanting to make this moment last forever, Spike avoided the one part of Buffy’s body that needed the most attention. He teasingly planted his lips all around her stomach and her ticklish sides. Buffy cried out to be touched and lifted her hips slightly to signal his movement to her core. She ran her hands through his platinum hair to push him where she wanted him to be. Buffy’s skin radiated vanilla and grew stronger when Spike satisfied her and gave her the pleasure she waited for. He gripped her thighs and began licking her center, softly at first, taking in all the sweetness.

“I love the way you taste, so sweet. Like vanilla ice cream.” Spike said licking his lips.

“Uh, Uh…oh God Spike…don’t stop.”

He darted his tongue in and out of her at a quicker pace and felt her knees start to quake around his head. He firmly placed his right hand on her rising hipbone to steady her as he entered two fingers inside her bringing her closer to the edge. Buffy felt sensations flow through her head and shoot out her hands. Spike looked up at Buffy’s flushed face as her muscles tightened around his fingers.

“I can’t take anymore….please. I need you inside me.” Buffy pleaded.

Spike simply smirked and returned to her swollen nub, taking it into his mouth. Sucking it playfully, then quicker and faster. As Buffy’s moans grew louder and closer together Spike knew she was close to going over, giving in to her desire. Spike could feel the throbbing of Buffy’s core on his tongue and was rewarded with her sweet juices that he drank lovingly like the finest wine. Buffy threw her head back and tried to catch her breath after Spike’s performance. She grabbed his shoulders and pulled him to her lips, smearing her juices over her mouth. Tasting how amazing Spike made her feel Buffy was suddenly aroused once more and wrapped her legs around his waist.

“I want you Spike…. I want you now. I can’t wait anymore.” Buffy said with anticipation.

“I love you, Slayer.” Spike said as he guided himself into her warm, wet center.

Buffy felt a glorious rush when she felt Spike enter her and she slowly began to rock with him. Spike intertwined his hands with hers and looked deeply into her eyes. He saw love looking back at him and kissed her soft lips. Their bodies molded into one, created for each other. Their movements slow and gentle. Feeling her body wanting to give over to the pleasure, Buffy began to quicken her hips and tighten her hold. Spike gripped her hand harder as he felt himself reach closer to coming.

“Buffy, I have to slow down or I’m gonna…” Spike said, looking for breath he didn’t need.

“Then come with me.” Buffy said rocking him faster and pulling him deeper into her.

Not able to hold on any longer, Spike felt Buffy’s body shake and her muscles tighten around him as he released his dead seed into her. Making themselves complete and joined at the heart. Spike’s professions of love silenced Buffy’s cries of ecstasy. Spike moved within her a few more times till he was sure Buffy was satisfied and kissed her hard and mingled his tongue with hers. He gently eased off of her and she curled up next to him, resting her head on his chest. Spike wrapped his arms around Buffy’s waist and absently began stroking her arm that draped over his stomach.

“You have to promise me that from this day forward, every time will be like that. Spike, you are amazing. You make me feel so…so alive.” Buffy said breathlessly.

“Love, the things you do to me. I can’t get enough of you.”

“Spike.” Buffy said.

“Yes Love.”

“When Mom died I didn’t think I could feel anything again. I didn’t want to give back feelings but the more I tried to push you away, in my head, in my heart you wouldn’t walk out the door. You had no obligation to stay, so why did you?” Buffy asked.

“Well you didn’t try too hard, Slayer. You do have super powers and all. You could have thrown me out. But you didn’t want to, and you needed someone. Besides you know I love you. I couldn’t bear to see you in pain.” Spike said with a smile.

Buffy had to admit that was true. He turned her life around, gave it meaning, and gave her hope. Hope that was tested today and will continue to be challenged. But Buffy shrugged off her doubts once and for all and welcomed it with open arms. She knew with every kiss, every embrace that Spike’s love for her knew no boundary. His love was eternal. His faith in her gave her a reason to let the mystery of love fill her heart once again.

“I like to think that knowing you and falling in love with you has made me a better man. I will prove it to you Buffy. Every day….till the end of time. I just want to give you peace, be the man you deserve. You gave me kindness that I never deserved.” Spike said feeling the words choke in his throat.

“I just want to feel happy again, feel the little joy I have left in my life. Having you by my side, you give me those things. I will always be grateful for that.” Buffy confessed to him.

“You deserve the sunshine, meadows, butterflies, and all that fluffy stuff. Not the shadows where I am. I will never let you fall down that way. But when I’m with you my dark world brightens and I feel all shiny. Like those stars out tonight, they shine down for us, ya know.” Spike said kissing her forehead.

Buffy felt his words dance around in her head and pulled him closer. She could feel his breath on her neck and eagerly waited for his lips to touch her skin. He planted soft kisses around her scars, careful to avoid the marks made by Angel.

“You are my whole world, the stars I stare up to at night are your eyes. The golden rays of the sun lighting the horizon is your hair. The candles I burn, engulf me in vanilla steam. And then you appear to me, like a vision. My goddess. From the depths of your heart, carry this promise: I will never leave you, Buffy. Never. I will always love you.”

As Spike whispered sweet nothings and played with the loose strands of hair around her face, Buffy felt like floating and her eyelids became heavier. When Buffy’s eyes remained shut, Spike leaned over and placed a kiss on her lips before drifting to sleep.

Six months had past and Buffy was happy that she made the right decision. Spike had moved into the Summers' house permanently after deciding that this was his home now. Not wanting to keep her happiness a secret anymore, Buffy announced her relationship to the Scoobies. Giles was the least shocked, since he had his own suspicions when Spike moved in, that this would happen. But his doubts were subsided when he saw first hand the love in each other’s eyes whenever they walked into a room. Willow and Xander didn’t take it so smoothly. Each coming up with 20 questions and talking over each other made Buffy regret even opening her mouth. But just as he did with Giles, Buffy explained how the last few days changed her life and the promises they have made to each other. Willow had smiled sweetly, accompanied by a few aww’s, but Xander still refused to accept it. Buffy decided not to push that one and let him and Spike just get used to each other. Buffy secretly had a feeling that deep down, they kinda liked each other, but of course they would die before admitting it out loud.

Buffy had found a full time job working at the Express Store in the Sunnydale Mall. Which was the best job for her, being the shopaholic she is, the 25% discount would definitely get a lot of use between her, Dawn, and Willow. While she was gone during the day, Spike did household chores and made sure to be there when Dawn came home at 3 o’clock. Usually Buffy would walk in just as dinner was on the table. Still taking lessons in Spike’s Desoto, Buffy reluctantly took the city bus every night but it safely left her on the corner of Revello and Main St. After tearfully selling her Mom’s Explorer, Buffy decided to buy something a little more her style when she got her license.

Buffy arrived home one night, Spike and Dawn were setting the table and talking about her day at school. Buffy threw her pocketbook down and peeked in the oven to see a roasted chicken browning nicely. She hugged Dawn hello and gave Spike a loving kiss. She turned to open the fridge when she noticed a letter stuck up with magnets. It was a letter from Hank, asking about all the newest details happening in Sunnydale. Buffy felt tears form in her eyes, at the thought that he kept his promise to write. She reached up to her lips, kissed her fingers, and placed them on the paper.

One night, Buffy was just about to leave the store for the night when she saw Spike through the glass. She smiled and waved hi. Signaling to her watch to wait 5 minutes, Spike stepped back and sat at the nearest bench. She came out and wrapped her arms around him.

“What are you doing here? This is a nice surprise.” Buffy asked.

“Well, I was thinking since Dawn has her sleepover tonight and it’s just you and me for dinner, that I would take you somewhere special.” Spike said kissing her lips.

“Hmmm I could use a romantic dinner with the man I love. And one of your massages couldn’t hurt. And you have to use the oil this time.”

“First I thought we’d go see an old friend.” Spike said taking her hand, leading her out to the parking lot.

“Old friend?” Buffy asked with wonder.

“You’ll see.” Was all Spike would answer.

Driving through the streets of Sunnydale, Buffy saw the familiar route to Restfield Cemetery. She knew where he was taking her and why. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to visit her Mom’s grave since the funeral. But Spike explained how he wanted to mark this occasion, six months to the day that he moved into Buffy’s home, and her heart. He parked the car on the gravel road and reached into the backseat for the bouquet of white roses he bought earlier. They left the car and walked arm and arm to Joyce’s tombstone. Buffy took a long look before falling to her knees and reaching out to touch the engraved letters. She picked up her letter, faded by rain and the sun, and began to rip the envelope open when Spike stopped her.

“Leave it for her, Buffy.” Spike said, bending down next to her and discarding the wilted bouquets.

Leaving the fresh roses propped up on the stone, Spike put his arms around Buffy, who was silently trying to keep her sobs to herself. She knew coming to the cemetery would be difficult for her but it seemed right to honor her mother, the person who would be so happy to see her and Spike here together and in love. Buffy knew Joyce was somewhere laughing, thinking she had a small role in her daughter’s happiness. Just as the thought escaped her mind, Buffy felt a sudden chill and grabbed Spike’s arms to hold her tighter.

“Did you feel that?” Buffy asked, looking around for moving tress.

“Feel what? I didn’t feel anything. Why, are you cold?” Spike asked rubbing her arms for warmth

“I felt something but there’s no wind. I ….I think it was Mom.” Buffy said with uncertainty.

“I wouldn’t be surprised, love. Mum is always around us. I feel her every time I can’t find the can of cocoa. But I’ll look again and there it is. Like she planted it there in front of my eyes. It’s little things like that, helps keep them alive in our hearts.” Spike said reassuringly.

“I just miss her so much.” Buffy said wiping away tears from her cheek.

“It’s ok to miss them. That’s how their memory stays with us, forever. When we stop to think about a good memory, its’ like they’re there to share it with us. So don’t ever feel bad about missing them.”

“When did you get so insightful”? Buffy said through her sniffles.

“When you’ve been around for 120 years like I have, you see things and I know people. I maybe without a soul but I still feel human emotions. Like love, happiness, and today a little sadness. But I always think of the happy times we had, and I laugh at how it infuriated you.” Spike said with a small smile.

Buffy lightly punched his arm and laughed. She told Joyce how Hank had come back to Sunnydale and the mending of her relationship with him. She whispered that she loved her and that she would not wait so long to visit again. Buffy leaned in to kiss the tombstone goodbye and took Spike’s hand as they walked to the parked car together.