Chapter 10 - Preparation

For the next year and a half Moralynn fought for its very survival. The overlords wanted to win this land and sent nothing but the fiercest demons to fight its war. As time went by leadership fell to four people with courage and hearts that were true. Eachann, Saoirse, Buffy and Spike. Legends grew of the four friends who were leading a great army. Men and women from all over Moralynn came to this village to serve under them.

Under Eachann's tutelage Spike matured. He learned how not to be so impulsive. Spike observed his friend in battle and at home and strived to imitate him. For the first time in his life and undead life he felt accepted. He no longer needed to put on posturing airs to fit in with those around him. The goodness of William became stronger than the demon. He could see the approval in the eyes of those around him and the ones who served under him.

Saoirse invited Buffy to share her cottage and Buffy accepted. Thus sealing a friendship that grew stronger with time. Saoirse taught Buffy to ride a horse and to understand the ways of this world. Buffy taught Saoirse how to make her body stronger and better swordsmanship. They often started the day out by sparring with each other.

Then it was time to go into battle. The duties of leading were divided by strengths. They set up training of their fighters. The one thing that Spike was adamant about was that in battle he and Buffy would be together. She never said a word to go against his request. It was just understood by all that where one was the other one would be also.

Because they would be leading and fighting together Eachann brought Buffy and Spike together one morning and told them to become attuned to one another. They stood face to face and did everything but look at each other. Eachann barked at them to look into each other's eyes until they could feel the connection. Then once they felt it to mirror each other's movements. They sighed and did as Eachann told them too. It made sense if they were going into battle together that they needed to understand each other.

So they stood in the middle of a field staring into the other's eyes. Spike had always told Buffy that he loved her. She had always told him that it was disgusting but now staring into his eyes it felt different. A warm feeling stole over her as she saw his heart laid wide open in his eyes.

He stood looking down into the depths of her green eyes and saw the hesitation reflected there. But he also saw the gratitude she felt for his loyalty. The friendship that they were building together and the trust she felt with him.

They knew the moment that they were aligned and wondered if anyone else had heard the click that happened between them. Without breaking contact with her eyes he raised his hand and her hand followed in a perfect mirror movement. They went through several moves each following the others. With silent agreement they closed their eyes and went through several more moves. Two halves of the same whole had blended together. Eachann could see it plainly but they were not yet ready to admit it. He chuckled as he watched them. Together they would be an unbeatable team. Tilting his head toward the heavens he silently gave thanks for the two that would help to keep his world safe.

The next day they rode out each with their own battalion. Eacahnn rode north with his, Saiorse rode east and Buffy and Spike rode west. The demons were repeatedly taken out but somehow there just seemed to be more of them. Over the next year and a half they fought battle after battle. But with careful planning the final battle was about to be fought. The demons were surrounded and being backed against the cliffs of Taramin. It was where the land just seemed to stop and open into a gapping hole to the end of the world. The three armies would surround them and try to drive them over the cliffs. If they succeeded than they would be free of fear.

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Chapter 11 - Release

This last campaign had lasted for almost two months and tension was riding high. The fighters were anxious for this to be over so that could return home before winter set in.

Buffy had somehow adapted to this way of life. The constant riding and fighting not having the luxuries that she took for granted at home. But yet it was beginning to eat away at her. There was no time to stop and release her emotions and physical tensions. The night before the final battle she had become playful. She was constantly making wisecracks to Spike. Almost like she was spoiling for a fight. Spike tried to ignore her as much as he could but she seemed to constantly being dancing around his feet. Like she had had too much caffeine. Finally, everyone started to settle down for the night. Spike and Buffy had taken to separate bedrolls now but they still slept next to each other. He lay on his back and was going through strategies for the next day when she rolled onto her side and looked at him.

"I would kill for a slice of pizza right now." She whispered to him.

He looked over at her in puzzlement. How could she be doing this when tomorrow was so important?

"Get some rest, Buffy"

"I miss ice cream and lattes and dancing at the Bronze. What do you miss, Spike?" She had this big grin on her face. Almost like they were anywhere but here.

"Peace and quiet of my own place." He really hoped she would take the hint. But she didn't.

"I miss Victoria's Secret underwear. The stuff here just isn't the same." She told him almost purring the words. . He realized that Buffy was doing anything she could to get his attention. He just hadn't been cooperating so she was starting to become flirtatious.

"So, why don't you let me the judge of that?" He rolled over toward her and reached out his hand for her. She giggled as his hand started to roam her body heading for the stays on her pants.

"You can't."

"Why not?" His hand started to loosen the bow but her next words stopped him cold.

"I'm not wearing any."

He looked up into her eyes trying to read exactly what she was doing. But he didn't see passion in their depths he saw tension, fear and the beginnings of desperation. Her body was wound tight from months of fighting, from constantly being on alert waiting for something to happen. Now, on the eve of their biggest fight she was about ready to explode. She probably didn't even realize what was going on. Her body was going on instinct needing a release from its tension. The scent of her arousal was heavy in the air around them. Shifting his hand from her stomach to her hip, he let his hand wander over her bottom down to her thigh. Gripping her around her thigh he pulled her on top on him until she was straddling his erection.

She started as she felt the length of him against her. Instinctively her hips moved over his erection. She shivered from the feelings coursing through her body. Her head was down against chest and he wrapped his hand against the back of her neck. His other hand went to separate their bodies. Reaching between them he finished undoing the stays of her pants then slid his hand down into her waiting heat. She was already swollen with need. His fingers slid through her wetness to find her aching center. She arched against him, whimpering in her need.

"Shh, baby." He whispered against her hair. They didn't need the other men waking up and finding them like this. He wanted so badly to roll her onto her back and take her. To pound into her warmth unmercifully until their both their needs were sated. But he couldn't and wouldn't do that to her. Not with their troops sleeping only a few feet away. So, he continued to caress her and love her until she found her release. As the release came she bit down on his shirt to keep from crying out. Then she just seemed to melt into him as the tension floated away from her and she was left in this euphoric fog of peace. When it was over he reached down and pulled the blanket up over them. He shifted her until she was curled against him. It didn't take long for her to drift off but he lay there for a while and watched her sleep. He never knew it was possible to love someone this much. It filled him to the very corners of his being and left no room for doubt. He kissed her cheek softly and let much needed sleep claim him.

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Chapter 12 - Victory

The next morning as Spike came awake he realized Buffy wasn't beside him. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he sat up and looked around. He spotted her a few feet away talking to one of the other fighters. Standing he started to gather his bedding to prepare for travel. Already on the ground next to his was Buffy's gear. It seemed she was ready to go. When she noticed that he was up she came to stand beside him. She stood there for a few moments without saying anything.

"Thank you." She told him in a low voice so no one else would hear. Then she turned and picked up her gear and headed toward her horse. A smile stole across his face and he shook his head. The woman constantly amazed him even after all this time. He had been expecting anything but that.

A lone rider came into their camp and told Spike that the other troops were aligned and it was time go. Everyone began to prepare to go. There was a feeling of anticipation that filtered through the troops. Months of preparation had gone into cornering the demons against the cliffs and if everything went the way they planned victory would be theirs today. Spike rode slowly through them talking to them and giving boosts of encouragement where needed. Buffy watched his movements and thought again this couldn't be the same vampire that she had known before. Before his every plan fell apart but here he was almost invincible. His charismatic personality made him a natural leader. He brought his horse to stop beside hers. She looked at him and into his eyes. He looked back.

"You ready?" He asked her but he already saw the answer in her eyes. It was time. He turned back to the troops and hollered out to them. "Let's go, people. Let's kick some demon ass!"

His people responded with cheers and they were off. It wasn't long before they found the enemy and the fighting began. The day passed quickly as they kept pressing them back toward their fate. It was almost like the sensed the end and began to fight almost half-heartedly. Then the three troops met up and joined together. The demons were surrounded and they knew there was no way out. By nightfall it was over. They had either met their doom by falling from the precipice or had died at the hand of the fighters.

The troops shouted out their victory to the heavens. There was hugging and back slapping. Eacahnn quieted everyone down and told them that he was proud of them. That they should be proud of themselves for the victory they had achieved. He said that tomorrow it was time to head for home and rebuild their lives.

When Eachann had finished his speech, Buffy and Saoirse went off by themselves. With a whole month of not seeing each other they had a lot to talk about. They shared their travels and battles. Buffy told her everything but last night. It was too private to talk about right now.

Spike stayed near Eachann but he kept stealing glances at Buffy. She never noticed. After last night and her response this morning he had hoped that this was beginning for them. That they would finally turn from friendship to romance. Now that the war was over they could start building something together. But she didn't even sleep near him that night. By morning her rejection had consumed him and anger had taken over his senses.

Eachann called the four of them together and talked to them of the overlords. He hadn't mentioned them last night because he didn't want to dampen anyone's spirit. When they reached home they would need to devise something to take them out. If they didn't then Moralynn would never be truly free.

Buffy had come to sit beside Spike but he had pulled away from her. When Eacahnn had dismissed them to prepare to head for home she followed him to his horse. "Spike, is something wrong?" She was feeling confused. When she had last spoken to him they had been fine.

"No, why should there be?" He started to swing onto his horse then stopped himself. He swung around to face her. "Yes, as a matter of fact there is something wrong. Summers, you are a selfish bitch."

"Excuse me." Buffy was really getting confounded by his anger; she had no clue what she had done to upset him.

"You always come to me when you need something. Like the other night when you come crawling to me expecting me to make it all better. Like you always do. But as soon as you get what you want you just ignore me." The tears were threatening to fall. The hurt was warring with the anger to take precedence in his heart. "I thought it was different now. That we were at least friends but I guess that is too much for you. Do you every think about what I need?" He had to get away from her. After he mounted his horse he turned from her leaving her standing there looking after him.

The fighters stared at her as she turned and made her way back to her own horse. She ignored the looks and the whispers as she rode up next to Saoirse. During the trip back to the village she found herself following Spike. It wasn't really like she meant to ignore him last night. She had just wanted some girl time with Saoirse. In the last year Spike hadn't told her once that he still loved her. They had been partners and almost joined together at the hip. A deep trust had to be developed between the two in order to survive what they had gone through. At times it had even seemed like a marriage with the two of them working together to keep the troops together. But somewhere along the line she thought he had stopped loving her.

Buffy knew that what she had done the other night wasn't fair. She guessed Faith was right about fighting and feeling horny after a good kill. It had been eating her up inside. She hadn't even recognized what her body had been telling her. She had only known that she needed Spike. So, she had pushed him and pushed him until he gave her what she wanted. But she hadn't thought of him after the act was over. His need had been quite evident but she had just gone to sleep against him.

Then last night she had ignored him. Dismissing him when it wasn't convenient for her. How could she even say she was his friend? Friends didn't treat each other like that. Well, she decided to make things up to him. How she didn't know yet but it would come to her. Along with a big apology.

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Chapter 13 - Waiting for You

It was early evening in Moralynn. The suns were setting over the ocean and a cool breeze drifted through the valley. Saoirse and Buffy were walking to Eachann's for a meeting about the overlords. They had been out in the field for so long that it felt good to be clean again. There was no fear of a battle tonight so they had both worn dresses and their hair loose. It was an attempt to feel like women again instead of soldiers. As they walked they found they still had things to talk about and giggle over. It felt good to be home. Last night after they had cleaned up they had gone on an eating binge. Most of the food that Hannah had brought to them was gone.

They both got more serious as they approached Eachann's cottage. The two men were already at the table discussing matters. Saoirse and Buffy quickly went to join them. Eachann took a few minutes to catch them up on what they had decided. Spike and Saoirse would take a few men and make the journey to destroy the overlords and their power. This was mostly Eachann's decision. He knew that Buffy and Spike both had special gifts and felt that keeping one there was safer for the village. Spike had agreed and suggested that Saoirse be the one to go with him. She was a capable fighter and he felt comfortable with her. Besides he needed a break from Buffy. To see if after being away from her for a long period of time his feelings would diminish. And he also wanted to see if her feelings for him would possibly change while he was away.

When Buffy heard the plan she panicked at the thought of Spike being away from her that long. She was just coming to terms with her feelings for him and now he would be gone. But they wouldn't listen to her protests. Spike wouldn't even look at her and she felt like she had been just been cast adrift. He was what held her together anymore. The only one she could always depend on to be there for her. How would she manage without him?

A hand was waved in front of her face. Eachann was trying to get her attention.

"Buffy, I need you focused"

"I'm sorry. I've got a lot on my mind. What did you need?" She apologized to her friend.

"I need you to stop acting like a schoolgirl with a crush and pay attention." Eachann turned back to his plans and Buffy mortified tried to pay attention but it wasn't working. They weren't listening to her anyway. Finally she stood up and told them that she was going to patrol. And without waiting for a reply she left.

The three watched her go.

"You shouldn't have been so harsh on her, Eachann. She's been giving all she has. I don't know. Something has happened and she won't talk about it." Saoirse told him.

Spike looked up in surprise at her words. But he didn't ask her to explain. He just figured that Buffy was feeling disgusted that she had let him touch her and would probably be happier with him gone.

Buffy spent the night riding through the forest that surrounded the village. Here she was able to focus. There was no Spike to distract her. A few times she thought she had heard something and there was nothing there. Mostly it was her thoughts she had to fight. She knew that she was attracted to Spike otherwise she would never have gone to him for release. Looking back she couldn't pinpoint the moment that she had started to feel this way. Sometimes it seemed like from the beginning there was something between them. But it was wrong, wasn't it? He didn't have a soul. He wasn't human but a vampire. A creature that lived for the kill except Spike hadn't killed in years. He had become a great leader in this world.

Was it love? It wasn't anything like what she had felt for Angel. That had been an overwhelming need to be with him. She knew that she had never really loved Riley. Their relationship had been built on her desire to have a nice boyfriend and live a normal life. The feelings she had for Spike were different. They crept up on her and seeped into her heart. She wasn't sure if she would call it love yet but it was something that she wanted to explore. But he would soon be going away again.

As dawn broke over the mountains Buffy turned toward home. Saoirse was packing a bag as she came into the cottage.

"Are you all leaving this morning?"

"Yes, the sooner we leave the sooner it is over with." Saoirse told her as she continued to pack her bag. Last night after Buffy had left and the plans had been settled, Spike had broken down and told his friends everything. From the beginning outside the Bronze to the night in the forest. He had needed to know what to do. It was something beyond his scope of experience. How to deal with this? How to try to woo someone? Saoirse wasn't angry at Buffy but she wasn't happy with her either. Why couldn't she see the love that this man held for her?

"Are you angry with me too? Do you want to join in and tell me off like the others?" Buffy could sense the feeling coming from her friend. It seemed like in the past few days she had managed to make everyone angry.

Saoirse closed her bag and turned to Buffy. Both of her friends were hurting and only Buffy could ease it for either one.

"No, Buffy, I am not angry with you. I feel sorry for you. How are you going to feel if he doesn't come back? Are you going to be able to live with yourself?" Saoirse grabbed her bag and walked out the door with Buffy at her heels. Neither said a word as they rode to Eacahnn's cottage where the small squad would leave from. The men were already gathered together. Spike and Eachann were deep in conversation. Saoirse approached them and they included her in their talk. Buffy stayed away. She didn't feel they would want her to be there in their way.

After a few minutes they broke it off and Saoirse approached her.

"Take care of yourself, Buffy."

"Saiorse, be careful, okay? I'm going to miss you."

The two friends hugged each other. Then Saoirse turned from her to say good- by to Eachann and Hannah. Spike started for his horse ignoring Buffy. He wasn't going to beg her for any crumbs. But as he was lifting his foot toward the stirrup he felt a hand on his arm. He turned in surprise to find Buffy there. He waited as she gazed at him. Her hand came up to caress his cheek and to run a thumb over his lips. There were knots in her stomach but she couldn't let him leave her without trying.

Her gaze dropped from his eyes to his lips and she took a step toward him. The others waited and watched as this played out. She was nervous and wished she didn't have an audience. She just hoped he wouldn't push her away. She didn't think she could handle another public humiliation. Raising herself on her toes to reach him better she pressed her lips against his. They were as cool as she remembered. Her lips explored his rubbing against them gently. He didn't return the kiss but he didn't push her away either. She sucked his bottom lip into her mouth and nipped at it with her teeth. Her arms went around him and pulled him closer to her. Her tongue ran over his lips separating them so she could have access to his mouth. He groaned as her tongue pushed its way into his mouth. An overwhelming feeling came over him and he couldn't fight this anymore.

One arm went around her to hold her in place and his free hand entwined in her hair. Tugging her head back so that he could return the assault. His tongue wound around hers and then chased it back into her mouth. Where the two battled as to who could give the greater pleasure. They became lost in the sensual haze they were creating. Then Eachann loudly cleared his throat.

"Sorry, kids, it's time to hit the road." Eachann told them grinning.

Spike pulled away from Buffy reluctantly. She leaned her head against his chest for a moment so her heart could slow down. As he went to take a step to move away from her she held him there for a moment longer.

"I'll be waiting for you." It was as honest as she could be right now. Her feelings only confused more by the kiss.

He could see the emotions on her face and knew that she would be. As they rode away Spike didn't look back but as they approached the edge of the forest he hesitated.

"Don't! If you do you will never leave." Saoirse advised him.

"Ha."

Spike nudged his horse on the side making the animal start to gallop. He headed into the forest without looking back. His companions followed him. He never saw Buffy's tear stained face as she watched another man leave her.

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Chapter 14 - Time Alone

Buffy was alone. For the first time since she was seventeen and had run away she was on her own. She spent her days the way she wanted to. Often that was spending afternoons at Eachann and Hannah's cottage. Hannah was trying to teach her to cook. It wasn't going too bad. She would never be great but she could put a simple meal together. Then she told Hannah about pizza and they decided to try to make it. The first few attempts were not going to win any prizes. But they soon figured it out and were sharing it with everyone they could. The next experimentation involved trying to make spicy wings. Buffy knew Spike loved them and wanted to surprise him when he returned.

She filled the rest of her days with reading, walking on the beach or riding. She had come to love the feel of the wind in her hair as the horse ran through the fields. Her nights were filled with patrolling. But she felt adrift. Her mind and body were out of kilter. Her mind never stopped. Constant thoughts of home and Spike filled it. Her body never relaxed and she couldn't seem to wear it out enough to really sleep.

Buffy had been thinking of giving Spike a present when he returned. Something special to show how much she cared. She kept wandering down to watch the blacksmith in the market. She knew that Spike would love to have something made for him. But she would end up turning away and leaving. After her third visit the blacksmith motioned to her to come into his workshop.

"I'm Ian. What can I do for you?" Ian was curious as to why the girl had kept coming by and leaving before saying anything.

"I'm Buffy. I'm sorry but I was thinking of giving a sword to a friend of mine. I haven't decided for sure." She tried to explain her strange behavior to him.

"Is it for Spike then?" Ian had suspected this was Buffy but wasn't sure. He had only seen her from a distance. So if this was Buffy then her friend would have to be Spike. Everyone knew of them.

She smiled and nodded at him.

"Well, come here." He walked toward the back where the furnaces were. Reaching onto a shelf he pulled down a piece of metal and handed it to Buffy.

"Umm, what exactly am I supposed to do with this?"

"Make a sword."

"Oh."

Ian started to explain about heating the metal to the right temperature in the furnace. He showed her how to use the bellows to create the wind that would feed the fire. When the metal was heated to the right temperature he pulled it from the furnace and demonstrated how to hammer the metal down to the shape of a sword. Handing her the hammer he let her began to do the work. Ian explained that it would take several pieces forged together to create the blade.

Over the next week Buffy would show up at the shop to work on the sword. Ian took her step-by-step through the process. He led her from the initial forging to the groove down the midsection for strength to grinding away of the hammer marks.

She was custom making the handle to fit Spike's hand. Ian had laughed when she had used her belly to figure out the size of his hand. Spike often came to stand behind her sliding his hand over her stomach. His touch would leave her skin tingling and she hadn't forgotten where his hand had started and ended.

Then the sword was ready for the final sharpening. She heated it until the metal was red then she quickly plunged into water. After this was completed Ian explained there was one final step. He showed her how to temper the sword by carefully reheating it one last time to reduce the internal stress.

Buffy hadn't thought that she would enjoy doing this but found she did. The work was both physical and mental. When she left here she was ready for sleep. At the start of each day she was eager to return to work.

As a final step she had engraved their initials entwined together on the ricasso of the sword. Ian had told her that on this unsharpened part of the blade was where a maker of a sword would leave his mark. When it was done she lovingly ran her hand over the sword that she had crafted with Ian's help. Then it was time to take it home.

Strangely enough she didn't want to leave this small shop and Ian's company. He had become another good friend. She sighed and went to tell Ian goodbye. Before she could say anything Hans came through the door. Hans was the man who had given and her Spike trouble in the beginning. But after fighting with them they had learned to become friends. Once you got to know him Hans wasn't really a bad guy. He had always been a bully because people expected someone of his size to be a bully.

"Hello, Buffy."

"Hi, Hans, what are you doing here?" Buffy smiled up at the big man.

"Need a new sword. I was hoping Ian would have time to make me one."

Ian stood and shook Han's hand. "Well, I have actually turned my sword making business over to Buffy here." He remained unperturbed as the two stared at him with surprise. "Buffy, show him your work."

Buffy handed the sword to Hans who carefully looked it over. He ran his hands over the blade and tested it's sharpness. Gripping the sword he made several swings through the air. Then he turned to her and asked if she would make him a sword. She reached for Spike's sword and after a moment of thinking it over agreed to do it.

After he found out that she had made the handle specifically for Spike. Hans asked her if she would do the same for him. Most of the swords he used were uncomfortable in his large hands. They discussed what his other requirements were then Ian helped her negotiate a price. A price that would give her currency to live on but would also pay for materials and a percentage to Ian for the use of his equipment. A handshake sealed the deal and Buffy had a new purpose. She laughed when she realized she was a sword maker. Spike would flip when he found out.

When she arrived home she carefully wrapped the sword in cloth and left in on the table. This way she could look at it and think of Spike. The way his eyes would light up when he saw it and the smile that would cross his face. The look of pride he would give her when he realized that she had made it.

In her time alone Buffy learned to feel pride in being someone other than the Slayer. And without Spike she learned that she could be alone and be okay. But it didn't really stop the loneliness that still gnawed at her. Most nights she would lie awake and fantasize of the day he would return. She would run it through her mind a thousand times perfecting each move and nuance until it was just the way she wanted it. Now if he would only come home soon.

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Chapter 15 - His Return

"Damn it!" Buffy cursed and kicked the side of the furnace. For some reason the metal just wasn't heating right. "Ian, help." She held the next piece of Han's sword by a pair of tongs. Turning it over as she saw where it had unevenly heated. It wasn't the metals fault but hers. Her mind hadn't been on her work today. A feeling of nervousness had taken resident in her stomach. Something was up and she didn't know what. She dropped the metal on the edge of the furnace and sat down. Reaching up she pushed her hair from her face and grimaced as she realized she had just covered her face in soot.

"Eew." This was just what she needed to make her day better. The day was hot with a lingering dampness in the air. Everything and everyone felt grimy.

"Buffy, Buffy come quick" Eachann's son came running into the shop at full speed. At first Buffy thought something bad had happened. "He's here. They're home. Spike is back."

Then turning the boy ran back the way he had come. News was spreading fast and people were pouring into town to greet Spike and the others home. Buffy looked down at herself and groaned. Well, so much for her fantasies. Ian had come to watch the people make their way down the road.

"What are you waiting for girl? Go! Greet your young man." Ian practically pushed her from the shop.

Buffy followed the throngs of people to the circle of people greeting them home. Saoirse greeted her first and came to give her a big hug. The two friends stepped back and looked at each other and laughed. They were both filthy again.

"Buffy, why is it you and I can never stay clean?" Saiorse asked her through her laughter.

Spike turned to look for Buffy. He was beginning to be irritated by the people surrounding him. All he wanted was to see was she. Then he saw her standing next to Saoirse. She was trying to look over the heads of the people to find him. Then their eyes met and the world seemed to stop around them. He moved through the crowd to get to her side. It was just the two of them. She waited for him to make a move. Her body trembled at the thought of being close to him again. His eyes raked over her body and came back to look her in the eye again. He reached a hand up and dragged his thumb across her face.

"What have you been doing in my absence? Rolling in the dirt." Spike was only joking in his nervousness but it came out as a criticism. As the words slipped from his mouth he saw the hurt in her eyes. She pulled away from muttering something about seeing him later after she had cleaned up. Every night for the past six months he had dreamed of her. Dreamed of the kiss they had shared and the feel of her body against him. And every day he had been afraid that a dream was it all it was. That when he returned she would have forgotten all about him.

Buffy shoved her way through the people without giving him a chance to apologize. Then he was hit in the chest. Saoirse was glaring at him.

"How could you be so stupid? All you have done is whine about coming home to her and as soon as you do you insult her. If she never talks to you again I certainly won't blame her." Saoirse finished telling him off and took off after Buffy.

The pain gripped at her heart. She couldn't believe it. It had happened again. She had left her heart wide open and it had been stomped on. The faster she ran home the stronger the tears came. All she wanted to do was hide. Curl up somewhere so she could lose herself in the pain. Why was it every man she cared about ended up hurting her? Maybe one day she would learn. As she came through the door of the cottage she saw it. The sword she had made with love. Crossing to the table she carefully unwrapped and ran her hands down it's length. So many expectations on this day and it had all turned to failure. Buffy turned to look as the front door opened. Saoirse walked over and hugged her.

"What's this?" She asked as she stepped back from Buffy.

"It's a present for Spike. I made it." Then she briefly explained about her new endeavors.

"Well, you have been busy while we have been out there beheading bad guys."

The two women sat down and began to catch each other up on everything. The expedition had been a success the overlords were no more. Saoirse told Buffy about the trip.

"Did he miss me?" Buffy asked as they reached a pause in their conversation.

"Does the sun shine? Yes, he missed you. I don't know what happened to him today. Must be the fact that he is a man." They both laughed. "Come on, let's get cleaned up. And you and Spike can start over, okay?"

Buffy stood in front of the mirror and turned to look at herself. The grime was gone and she felt clean. The dress fit well. The bodice and the sleeves both had a touch of lace. It was a delicate sky blue. Spike had once told her that he loved her in that color. Besides it matched his eyes. Her hair was down for him. She had planned everything tonight to please him.

She wandered out to the main room again as she waited for Saoirse to finish getting ready. The sword was still out so she wrapped it back in its cloth. She glanced up as Saoirse came out carrying a bag.

"Where are you going?"

"I am going to spend the night at my grandparents. I think you and Spike need some alone time." Saoirse told her with a grin. "Don't argue. My mind is made up. If the two of you don't get together soon I am going to die of frustration myself."

"Thank you." Buffy was touched by her gesture. It would be nice to have Spike alone. Provided she could find him and they could work things out.

They thought that Spike would be at Eachann's, but when they got there Hannah told them that the two of them had gone down to the pub.

"Maybe I should just wait until tomorrow to see him."

"No!" Both women told Buffy. Saoirse grabbed her hand and led her down to the pub. When they reached there she pushed her toward the door.

"Go get him Buffy! Claim what is yours before someone else does." Saoirse told her as she shoved her through the door.

The pub was full of celebrating men and women. The noise was almost deafening. A drunk brushed by her giving her a leer. Where was he? She rose up on her toes to get a better look. He was at the bar with Eachann. They seemed to be telling tales with each. Eachann felt her gaze and looked at her. He raised a hand to wave at her and Spike turned to see what he was looking at. She had come. Even after he had been an ass. His original plan was to give her time to cool off then go make amends. She looked like an angel that had gotten lost in hell. She was radiant and beautiful. As he moved to join her a woman who had been trying to get his attention all night wrapped her arms around him. He quickly pulled her off before Buffy saw but it was too late. She was already turning to leave. Shoving his was through the crowd he fought to make his way to the door. But it was too late. When he finally got out the door she was already gone. Running his hands over his face he sighed in exasperation. It seemed he couldn't get it right today. She kept coming to him but he kept messing up. There were only a few places that she would go so he set off to try to find her. To see if he could make things up to her.

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Chapter 16 - From Here to Eternity

He had found her. A nymph in the moonlight. She was standing ankle deep in the surf. Her dress held up by one hand to keep it from the seeking waves. The wind gently played with her hair golden in the night. Her tears gently falling to join the sea.

Slowly and quietly he slid down the last of the path to the beach. He pulled his shoes from his feet and rolled the bottom of his pants up. His eyes never left her as he made his way across the sand to stand beside her. The water was cold as it slid over his feet. He dug his toes in and tried to figure out a way to say he was sorry. Somehow to make her believe that hurting her was never his intention.

"It wasn't supposed to be this way." Her voice was as soft as the night around them. As heartbroken as the night's last gasp before giving way to the dawn.

"How was it supposed to go?" He had turned to look at her.

"I've imagined it in a thousand ways. And every time it was perfect. Romantic, you know?" She swallowed as she tried to keep a sob down. A hand wiped a tear from her cheek. Then fell to caress the dress that she wore. "I had this dress made for tonight. I chose the color because you said you like it. You were going to see me in it and think I was beautiful."

"You are beautiful. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen." It was breaking his heart that he was the one to do this to her. He had waited so long for her and now he had ruined everything.

She laughed.

"It doesn't count now."

He sighed and turned back to look out over the ocean. Then she began to speak again.

"It was going to be like the movies. We'd see each other across the field. I start running and calling your name. You'd turn and see me. Then start running to me. You'd grab me and swing me off my feet." She looked away from him and down to the water at her feet.

"Then there would be a big fade out on the kiss, huh?" If he hadn't been so stupid this afternoon maybe that would have been how it went.

"I guess I'm a bit naïve and foolish." Her toes began to create a wave around her.

"Never foolish, pet. A little stubborn and self-righteous maybe."

She laughed at his teasing and swatted him across his arm. Then he smiled at her. A soft sly and sexy smile.

"There is this movie thing that I've always wanted to do. If you're still into doing the movie thing."

She looked up at him searching for a sign of his intentions but he only grinned at her. The thoughts of porn movies flitted through her mind.

"And what movie would that be?" She asked him cautiously.

Spike reached out and ran the back of his hand across her cheek. Then the fingers gently under her chin till he was cupping her other cheek. Taking a step closer to her he bent down and whispered in her ear. "From Here to Eternity. I want to do that with you."

Buffy was surprised that he would pick something so romantic. She felt her stomach clench as the image of them wrapped in each other arms while the surf rolled over them drifted through her mind. He was still standing so close to her. She was breathing him in as he continued to caress her cheek and ran his thumb over her lips. He waited while she thought it over. Waiting until she pushed him away. She slowly turned herself around so that her back was facing him. Reaching a hand up she pulled her hair off her back.

"I don't want the dress to get ruined. Would you unbutton it for me?"

Spike reached trembling hands toward the top button. With fumbling fingers he began to undo her dress. His fingers gently following her back as he moved from button to button. The bottom one rested just above the curve of her buttocks. His fingers reached down to caress the flesh there. Then his hands followed her waistline down to her hips then further down to grasp the hem of her dress. He pulled it from her body leaving her in petticoat and camisole.

Turning he took her dress back to the rocks and laid it from harms way. Her scent clung to the material and teased him with what was to come. Glancing back at her to make sure she was real he quickly discarded his clothing into a pile on the sand.

He made his back to the water's edge while she watched every step he took. With bold eyes she followed every muscled move he made. Laying claim to what her body soon would. Her eyes widening as she took in her first sight of his growing manhood. It seemed to take life of it's own almost as if it knew she was hungry for it. When she realized she was staring she broke contact and made her way back to his amused eyes.

"Do you like what you see?" His voice was deep and husky.

"Ummm, I think I will like it better when I can feel it."

He blinked for a moment and then groaned. A groan filled with all his need and love. He took a step closer so that he was a breath away from her. All she had to do was sigh and their bodies would make contact. Their nerve endings screaming that what they wanted was so close. But neither took a move to be closer. Her breasts threatened to spill from the top of her camisole yearning to make contact with his chest. Looking down into her passion filled eyes he bent his head closer. Every dream he had carried for years was about to come true. The anticipation was coursing through him. Nothing would be the same after tonight.

Still he didn't bring his lips to hers. Waiting he listened to her breath and felt it on his face. Then she sighed in frustration and they made contact. The softness of her breasts and the hardness of her nipples feathered lightly against him. They were both startled at the jolt of lightening that coursed through them at the contact.

She gasped softly. Then it wasn't enough anymore and she leaned forward. Until her breasts were resting on his chest and her belly pressed against his.

He stood there as she came to him. Taking her weight against him. Their eyes made contact again and her lips seeked his. He pulled back then leaned down until his lips were just above her. She moved restlessly against him. Her hands came up to rest against his waist. His tongue flicked out and tasted hers. Just a small taste of what he wanted so badly. She whimpered at his teasing. Then her tongue reached out to his mouth. She followed the curve of his mouth and dipped between his lips. Requesting entrance to his mouth. Opening his mouth to allow her in he waited for her. Feeling the coolness of his mouth she explored the planes of his teeth and tongue. She could taste the whiskey he had drunk earlier. As she started to slip from his mouth, his tongue reached for hers and invited it to mate with it. As their tongues danced together a groan filled the air but they weren't sure as to who had made the sound.

He pulled her to him so there was no room between them. Hands winding through her hair holding her head so that she wouldn't leave him. One step closer and they were standing thigh to thigh. His manhood pressed to her belly. Instinctively moving so that her heat was ground against him. She strained forward still not close enough to his body. Her hands roamed over him. Nails dug into his shoulder as he cupped her bottom to bring her closer to him. Their mouths only breaking contact so she could take in oxygen.

Wrapping an arm around her waist he bent her backwards until she was resting in the sand. The water lapped around their legs. A mewl of protest as he his lips moved to her neck. Nipping and sucking staking claim. They burnt a path down to her breasts his face rubbed against them feeling the softness of them against him. He listened to her heartbeat and her labored breathing. Her hands entwined them in his hair. Arching upward as he took her nipple into his mouth and suckled. A hand engulfed her other breast so that it wouldn't feel neglected. The nipple rolled between adoring fingers. She moved restlessly under his ministrations.

"Spike, I need you." Her plea came out on ragged breath.

He drew back as his hands drew the skirt of her petticoat to her waist. His head bent down to the bow holding her pantaloons together. Grasping the bow in his mouth he gently pulled it loose. His face buried between her legs he breathed in the scent of her arousal and gently lapped at the outside of her undergarments. Drawing back he pulled them from her body. His eyes feasting on what he had just felt. As her feet rose for him to finish removing them he held them as he tossed her underwear onto the beach. Gently separating her legs he moved between them. Her legs wrapping around his waist as he let go of them. Reaching between them he guided himself into her waiting warmth. A moan came in response to him filling her and stretching her walls to accommodate him. The heat of her was close to overwhelming him. Keeping himself propped on his hands so he could watch her every expression. He pulled back and thrust into her. As he came back into her she opened her eyes and stared up into the blueness of his.

As they became lost in the movement between them the water began to lap higher and higher around her body. The higher the water came to her the harder and deeper he moved in her. Her hands slipped from his waist and fell into the water. Creating a splash of water across her heated flesh. She dug her fingers into the sand as he pounded into her. He watched as the water spread across her belly and breast. Turning the white of her camisole transparent. Her nipples puckered from the cold of the water shone darkly through the material. Bending his head he took a taste of the salt water against her skin. She screamed as his tongue circled her areola sending her into an explosion of pleasure. His eyes darkened as he watched her come undone beneath him. Then her walls clamped down around him squeezing him as he growled in the sensation. He shuddered as the feelings overwhelmed him and he collapsed against her releasing his seed into her waiting depths.

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Chapter 17 - Do You Give?

He buried his face in her shoulder as she panted beneath him. At first he thought he was panting in time with her then realized he was sobbing. He was on sensory overload from what had just happened. This moment was all he dreamed about when he closed his eyes at night. Her eyes had haunted him for the last six months. Now it had come to be truth. Making love to Buffy was more than he had thought possible. Her body giving more pleasure than anyone he had held before.

Raising his head he wiped the tears from his face. Not sure of how she would react he was trying to come up with something to cover his embarrassment. But the fates must have been listening as he looked down at her a wave came up and over them. They both scrambled up laughing as they wiped the water from their faces.

"Well, I guess we had better get up to the house. Get you warmed up."

She was shivering in the night air. Her sodden undergarments clung to her every curve showing every crevice and valley. He reached a hand out to push a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. They walked in silence to where his clothes and her dress were. Holding out his duster she slipped into it. Pulling it tight around her to cover her and bring warmth to her frozen body. She looked away as he slipped on his pants. Gathering up the rest of their things he held a hand out to her. At first she hesitated then slipped her hand in his. They walked back to the cottage. Both hesitant to be the first to start talking.

Buffy was overwhelmed that he had cried after they had made love. This moment was something she had been looking forward to. The chance not to be alone anymore. It felt good to be loved again. To have someone to hold onto. To tell her that it would be okay. But she knew that it meant more to Spike than it did to her. She cared deeply for him. He had been a good friend and someone that she could always count on. But to label it love was something she was afraid to do. What if he left like everybody else? Without a soul would he turn on her?

When they reached the house she left him by the fire. She wanted to wash the salt water off of her. But more importantly to be alone for a few moments. To figure out what was going on with them and with her. As she stepped out from the water she reached for the towels she had left on the cabinet. But they were gone.

"Spike, did you take the towels?" She called out to him. "If you did it's not funny. I'm freezing. Damn it."

She turned to try to find something else to wrap around her when she heard him behind her. A warm towel was wrapped around her.

"I warmed them up for you. Knew you would be cold." He explained to her as he held out the second towel for her hair.

Buffy looked up at him and her heart fell apart. Reaching up she pressed her lips to him. A gentle kiss of gratitude.

"Thank you."

"Is it okay if I wash up?" He made a gesture toward the tub behind them.

"Of course." Buffy turned and went into the bedroom to wait for him.

When he came into the room she was sitting on the bed combing out her hair. He hesitated in the doorway for a moment unsure of what to do next. She looked up at him admiring him. His naked form softly defined by the candlelight. Smiling at him she patted the bed next to her. Padding across the room he came to sit behind her. His legs stretched out on each side of her. She handed him the comb and he began to work through her tangles.

They both sat quietly while they adjusted to their new circumstances. Neither had thought they would end up sitting on a bed together with him nude and her wrapped in a towel. She looked around slowly to look at him intently combing out her hair. Leaning forward he planted a quick kiss on her mouth. Turning back around she laid her hands on his shins. His hair was coarse and springy beneath her fingers. Slowly her fingers made their way down to his feet. Softly caressing his toes. His feet were incredibly soft for a man.

"I like to have my toes sucked." He whispered in her ear.

"Eew." She dropped her hands from his feet drawing them back into her lap. "Spike, do you regret being a vampire?"

It was a question that had been nagging at her and decided just to ask. His hands froze as she asked. Then he slowly returned to his task.

"If I wasn't a vampire then I never would have met you, pet."

It wasn't the answer she was looking for. How could she be with him if there was no regret for what he had done in his past?

"Do you ever regret the things you've done?" She tried another approach.

He sighed and leaned back against the headboard. Her questions weren't something he wanted to deal with. He was who he was. What was done was done. Didn't the fact that he was doing good now count with her? If he didn't have the past that he did he wouldn't the person he was now. He understood where she was coming from though. She was the Slayer. The Chosen One. For her to be with him went against everything she stood for. Had fought for. Died for. But he didn't want her to justify being with him. He just wanted her to be with him because it was what felt right.

She didn't look back at him as she waited for his reply. Drawing her legs up to her chest she bent her head and laid it on her knees. What if he didn't regret it? What if he was just waiting for the chip to come out so he could kill again? It was hard for her to accept that would be the case. He was so different from the vampire she had met so long ago.

His hands came to rest on her shoulders. Squeezing them gently until he slowly brought them down her back and to her sides. She jumped at the tickling movement.

"You ticklish, Love?" He almost purred the words.

His hands came back to her sides and his fingers began to torture her. Pulling away from him she tried to roll to other side of his leg. But she ended up missing the bed altogether and landed on her back on the floor. Her towel stayed behind in his hands. Laughing he crawled off the bed and knelt on his hands and knees above her.

"Okay?" He asked her.

She was laying there on her back with her eyes closed. Opening her eyes slowly she looked up at him then down. Suddenly she was convulsed in giggles. He looked down at her perplexed. He hadn't thought her falling off the bed was that humorous. Her hand came up and she pointed downwards. Tucking his head down he looked to where she was pointing. His penis was hanging there between them. And she couldn't stop giggling about it.

"It's not nice to laugh at a man like that." He said in mock seriousness.

"I'm sorry." But she kept on giggling.

Reaching a hand out to her he started to tickle her again. She rolled and started to crawl across the floor. He slapped her bottom as she took off. Then he started off after her.

Then there was: tickling, kissing, fondling, tumbling, grabbing, toe sucking, licking, biting, rolling and caressing.

Somehow they made it all the way into the main room. Spike pushed Buffy off of him where she had been licking his belly button. Sliding across the floor she fell into a small table against the wall. The vase on top of it started to topple.

"Oh, shit! Spike, grab the vase!"

He went to make a grab for it but it slipped past his fingers and shattered on the floor. Shrugging he started after her again which just made her start crawling again.

"Buffy to the right there is broken glass on your left."

She went to move to the right but it was too late. There was a piece of glass wedged in her knee. Flipping over on her bottom she went to pull it out. But Spike was there and pushed her hand away. He quickly pulled the offending object from her. There was blood dripping from the wound. He bent over her leg and brought his mouth to the cut. As he began to suck on it a feeling of intense pleasure overwhelmed Buffy. She didn't want to wait any more and just wanted him inside of her now.

Glancing over her shoulder she noticed the rug was only a few feet away. If she could make it to there then neither of them had to deal with the stone floor. Placing a foot on his shoulder she shoved him back against the wall. Flipping back over she made a beeline for the rug. Just as she had crawled into the center of it his hand reached out to grab her ankle. With a whoosh she landed on her stomach. He crawled toward her. Licking the back of her knee, nipping on her bottom and finally pushing her hair out of the way before coming to lie on top of her. He kissed her neck right below the jaw line while his hand rested on her hip.

"You give?" He asked her as his tongue ran around her ear.

"I give. Do you give?"

"I will in just a moment."

He moaned and slid down so that he rested between her legs. Buffy tried to flip over but Spike held her down.

"Stay where you are." He told her as he guided her to curl her leg up.

Resting on one elbow he directed himself to her moist center. Then surged forward to fill her. As he drew himself back to thrust again her hand shot around to grab his buttocks.

"Spike, stop."

"What's wrong? You not ready?"

"I'm sorry. I am still sore from earlier. I need you to be gentle this time." She was embarrassed to explain this to him. But she felt raw and couldn't take him being rough again.

"Was I too hard on you?"

She glanced around to see if he was being arrogant but all she was concern in his eyes.

"No, it's just.well, it's been a long time and umm you're more than I'm used to."

"Really?" He couldn't believe she had just said that.

"Really."

"Than anyone?" He just needed verification.

She laughed.

"Spike, don't make it sound like there's been dozens. There have only been three. And by the way while you are basking in your manhood I am losing the mood here."

"Well, I guess we'll have to take care of that."

He then proceeded with his hands and mouth to bring her back into the mood. And when she was his basking manhood joined in and led her to the edge of the precipice. Then he tumbled with her into the abyss.

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Chapter 18 - Reality in Daylight

The sunlight drifted across the room and across the couple sleeping in the bed. Dust danced along the sunbeams that tickled the man awake. After all this time of being able to be in the sunlight he still couldn't sleep in it. He rose from the bed trying not to disturb her. She was beautiful lying there. Her only covering was the sheet that was caught on the rise that led down to her rump. Sleeping on her stomach her head resting on the pillow. Her hair was spread out golden in the sunlight. She was an angel that had fallen from grace because she had come to love a soulless vampire. At least he had assumed that she loved him. He sighed and rubbed the sleep from his eyes as he made his way to the front room.

He had told her over and over of his love last night. Not once had she returned the words. She said it in her touch and her murmurs of pleasure. But it still left a feeling of unrest in his stomach. He crossed to the table and picked up the wrapped sword. As he pulled the cloth from it he thought that Buffy would probably be angry that he was looking at it. But curiosity won out and he dropped the cloth on the table as he pulled the sword from it's protective covering. He wondered whom it was for as he ran his fingers along the blade. The entwined S & B carved on the ricasso caught his eye and he held it up so that he could make sure that was what it was. But the thought of it being for the two of them was quickly dismissed. It had to stand for Buffy Summers.

"It's for you. A welcome home present to let you know how proud I am of you."

He turned quickly at the sound of her voice. She came into the room wrapped only in a sheet.

"Thank you. It's beautiful." He bent to kiss her on the cheek. It was incredibly touching that she had given him such a gift.

"I made it."

"You what?"

"I made it. You are looking at Ian's newest apprentice." She was proud of her new status and hoped he would be too.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Can you make a sentence that is longer than one or two words anymore?" Laughing up at him she brought his face down to hers for a kiss.

Spike somehow got the sword back to the table before she pulled him down to the floor. And for a while neither of them spoke.

Later in the morning they had gone separate ways. She was going to go and visit with Saoirse while Spike went to see Eachann. They had kissed in the road before they separated. Eachann was glad to see his friend. They hugged while they slapped each other on the back. The two men talked about the trip that Spike had just returned from. Once Eachann had been completely filled in the conversation turned to a more personal level.

"So, you and Buffy are together now?'

"Yeah, I guess you could say that." Spike told him with a grin on his face. "Did you see the sword she made me? It's a real beaut."

"I saw it. She worked on that thing real hard. Must really have cared about the man she was making it for to put that much work into it." Eachann told him slyly. He was glad that his friends had finally gotten together. He had never seen a man as happy as Spike was this morning.

Hannah came bustling into the room bringing them tea.

"So, Buffy decided to go ahead and claim you before someone else did?" She asked Spike.

"What do you mean?" His heart had done a thump at her words.

"You're like a hero in these parts. All the single women have been talking about you. I guess Buffy decided not to give you a chance to get away. That's all." Hannah laughed. She knew that no one else would have a chance with Spike. His heart only belonged to that girl and she had finally come to her senses.

Spike left their home a short while later. He needed to be alone and headed for the cliffs. Standing there with the breeze blowing about him his mind went over what Hannah had said. It would explain Buffy not telling him that she loved him. She had come to him so she could keep him dangling until she made up her mind. A part of him told him that he was crazy to think that way. The sword alone proved she cared. But the part of him that had always been insecure held onto it. He remembered Cecily and Buffy both saying he was beneath them. Drusilla had left him saying he wasn't good enough for her anymore. Even the ditz Harmony had left him. Fear clutched at him at the thought that Buffy would leave him one day. That she was just keeping him on the line until something better came along.

Buffy left Saoirse's grandparent's house determined to finally tell Spike her feelings. She was ready to say, I love you, to him. Her questions from last night hadn't been answered. But he had to regret it didn't he? How could he not when he looked back on what he did? As she approached the cottage she could see him standing on the cliffs looking out over the ocean. Her stomach got more tied up in knots the closer she came to him. He turned his head to look at her. She smiled at him.

"Spike, I want to tell you something."

"Buffy, I think we should get married. I don't want people to think that you're just my mistress or something." He spoke without giving her a chance to finish. He had to ask before he lost his nerve. If she wanted to be sure of holding onto him then she should be willing to take the step to ensure it. He was willing to call her bluff and see what she did with it.

Buffy stared at him in surprise. He seemed almost angry or hurt. There was a wall of some sort between them that hadn't been there this morning. She was afraid if she said no she would lose him forever. It seemed to be an unspoken ultimatum. She remembered when Willow had done that spell on them. Spike had been so solemn when he had asked her to marry him then. They had been so happy. She wanted it that way again. Not this tension filled proposal. But it just didn't seem meant to be that way.

"Yes, Spike, I will marry you."

She saw his eyes widen. He was surprised because he didn't think she would say yes. She walked toward him and he pulled her toward him. They stood wrapped in their own insecurities. He was hoping that she loved him and she was hoping that he was what she wanted him to be.

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Chapter 19 - Love, Honor and Obey

The morning broke sunny and clear. The sky was its brightest blue and only white fluffy clouds dotted its landscape. Flowers were blooming everywhere.

Saoirse woke to the sound of crying. She scrambled from her bed and rushed to Buffy's room. Buffy was sitting in the middle of her bed sobbing.

"Honey, what's wrong? It's your wedding day, you're supposed to be happy." Saoirse rushed to her side and engulfed her in a hug. Buffy just kept crying as her friend rocked her.

"It wasn't supposed to be this way. Willow was supposed to be my maid of honor. And Dawn and Anya were supposed to be there. Giles was going to give me away." Buffy was finally starting to calm down. Saoirse smiled at her and wiped her tears away with the corner of the sheet.

"I'm sorry. I wish they could be here for you."

Buffy realized that she had probably had hurt her new friend. Saoirse was going to stand up with her today. Hannah was going to be there too.

"Saoirse, it's not that I don't want you there." Buffy stammered out.

"I know. It's hard when you spend your childhood dreaming of how your wedding will be and it doesn't happen that way." Saoirse thought of her own broken dreams and the wedding that hadn't happened. She turned her head to look out the window.

"Oh, Saoirse, I'm sorry. I am grateful that this is happening. Besides even at home it wouldn't happen that way. They would refuse to be involved if I was marrying Spike." She hugged her friend back. Saoirse was a good friend. She could never take Willow's place but it was close.

She looked around at her room. Tonight it would be Spike's room too. Saoirse was moving in with her grandparents and leaving the cottage to the newlyweds. It had been built for marriage and she said that it should be filled with love and happiness.

"Well, I guess it's time we start getting ready." Buffy stood up and reached for her friend's hand.



"Where in the blazes is Spike?" Eachann was questioning Hans. They were both standing up with Spike on his wedding day. But he was missing. Everyone was in place. Buffy and the girls were in the tent waiting for the ceremony to start. Buffy was about ready to fall apart. Saoirse and Hannah kept trying to keep her calm by telling he would show. Something had to have happened. He had been there earlier but had disappeared a little ago without telling anyone where he was going.

"He's coming. He's coming." Someone yelled out and heads turned toward the road. Spike was running toward the gathering. His hair was loose and flowing behind him as he ran. A big grin was across his face as he stopped near Eachann.

"Sorry, I had to do something for later. It took longer than I thought." He explained to his friends.

"Ready?" Eachann clapped him on the back and directed him toward the priest.

"Yeah, let's get this done."

Hannah told Buffy he was back and it was time. She picked up her bouquet and walked out first. Saoirse followed. Finally Buffy started down the aisle on Ian's arm. Spike turned to look at his bride to be and if his heart were beating it would stop at the sight of her.

Her hair had been curled and she wore it loose. A wreath of spring flowers encircled her head. She wore a sleeveless white dress with an empire cut. Embroidered on the bodice in gold thread was a design that had no beginning and no end. It was to symbolize the eternal love of the couple.

As she walked down the aisle her eyes never wavered from Spike. There was no doubt in either mind that this was what they wanted.

Spike said his vows with a quavering voice. The tears kept threatening to spill from his eyes but as long as he kept his eyes on Buffy's smile then it would be all right.

She said her vows in a strong voice promising to love, honor and obey. Though she did giggle when the vows asked her to promise to be bonnie and buxom in bed.

In the two weeks from the time that Spike had asked her to marry him and now they had not been together again. Not even to kiss so when they were pronounced man and wife Eachann practically had to pry them apart.

The rest of they day passed in high spirits. There was a huge amount of food because everyone in the village had wanted to contribute something. At the cutting of the cake Spike had been respectful and not shoved in her face. She seductively sucked the icing from his fingers.

After everyone had eaten it was time for the dancing. She had never known Spike to dance so she figured they wouldn't do much but he surprised her. They spent the afternoon trying to follow the dances of Moralynn and showing them other dances. Buffy was surprised at how comfortable Spike was on the dance floor but as he twirled her across the floor she fell in love all over again.

The day passed in a haze of happiness. Nothing could have brought either Spike or Buffy down. They had pledged to be together forever and were surrounded by new friends. But soon it was time for the festivities to end. They hugged their friends goodnight and made their way home. Spike insisted on carrying Buffy over the threshold. As they came through the doorway he put her down. Kissed her quickly and stood there smiling.

"Turn around." Spike put his hands on her shoulder and turned her toward the large wall in the main room.

When Buffy turned toward the wall tears came to her eyes.

"That's what I was doing before the wedding. Hanging those up. I wanted them to be in place when you got home." He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her.

Hanging on the wall were sketches. The large ones in the middle were of her mother and Dawn surrounded by smaller sketches of Giles, Willow, Xander and Anya. It was his wedding present to her. Their faces had been fading even from his mind and didn't want her to ever forget.

Buffy still crying turned to hug her husband.

"Thank you, Spike. That was so sweet. Thank you." She ran her hand down his cheek and pulled him down to kiss him. She was touched that he would be so thoughtful. "I think you get to choose first tonight."

"Yeah, Love?" He scooped her up into his arms and headed for the bedroom.

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