Set somewhere in the middle of season two.

Buffy and Spike grow close in hard times…

Rating: R

Searching for Heaven

By PassionFish

PART ONE

"Beginnings"

A thin, tired blonde wisp of a woman slowly pushed open the large iron gates to the cemetery. She walked, wood in hand, through the deserted graveyard. Deserted, that is, to the average untrained senses. The wind howled and with a sudden crash, cracked the heavens opened and allowed sheets of rain to cascade down upon the fallen warrior.

Buffy sighed and tried to hold her head up high as she attempted to complete her night’s patrol. This was the last of the 40 cemeteries that Sunnydale had to offer. Normally, she would have been done by now. Hours ago in fact. That was if she had been able to go without her weekly visit from her ex.

She didn't love him. That much she knew. She could never love Angelus. She missed her Angel. All she had was hope. But, as the face of her cherished lover spewed venomous words at her she found it hard to keep up that hope.

The slayer quickened her pace and shook her head in an attempt to keep out the memories of his most recent insults. Not just the insults, but the things he would tell her; about what him and Dru got up to, made her want to be sick. However, recently the knowledge of his latest fucktoys didn't give her quite as much grief. Maybe this meant she was moving on.

*Poor Spike.* She thought absently, remembering the love she'd seen from the blonde vampire to the dark vampiress.

Caught up in her thoughts Buffy didn't hear the near fledgling sneak up on her until it was too late. He quickly relieved her tired hands of her last stake and hurled her into a nearby gravestone, stunning her.

Through hazy eyes she watched as the young male looked evilly down at her before scooping up her stake. She tried to get up, but already exhausted from her fight with Angelus and various other vampires she found herself unable to move.

The grabbed the slayer by the lapels of her jacket, throwing her roughly against the size of a mausoleum. He twisted her arms and both heard a snap.

"Quite a fitting end don't you think?" He snarled.

He lifted up the stake and thrust it towards her heart. The irony was not appreciated. Only Buffy's instincts forced her weakened arms to hit feebly at the stake, allowing it to slam into her shoulder.

She cried out in pain and the nameless vamp grinned, pressing her further into the wall. Dazedly, Buffy thought, so this is how I go, huh? She watched him dive for her neck and winced.

She heard a loud growl and suddenly felt the weight move off her. She looked up in time to see the vampire's head being twisted clean off his body. With an agonised scream the demon dusted. When the dust cleared, Spike stepped forward.

"Hello cutie."

**

Buffy slunk back into the wall with a sigh. She watched, unable to muster any fear, as Spike moved forward, gently wrapping his arms around her waist. He lifted her up, leaning her still against the wall but her weight now entirely off her sore legs.

"What are you..." Buffy breathed.

"Shh, pet." Spike lifted her gently into his arms, mindful of her shoulder. His demon roared to be free at the scent of her blood, but he pushed it back.

They were closest to her house, he realised and began walking in that direction, "Is your mum at home, pet?"

"Away..." Was all she got out before she blacked out from the pain.

*

"Buffy...Buffy?"

"Spike?" Buffy's shocked eyes opened to meet that of her mortal enemy. She jolted in his arms but he shushed her.

"Its okay ducks, I need you to invite me in."

"What?"

"Love, invite me in so I can help you. You're not bleedin' too badly but you need to get bandaged up." His voice was so gentle, so endearing.

So trustworthy.

"Come in, Spike."

*

He lay her gently on her bed and absently brushed some of her hair from her eyes. He ignored the question in her eyes and instead set about careful unbuttoning her shirt. She gasped as he pulled it away from her body.

Spike inhaled sharply at her choice of underwear, or lack of.

"Back in a minute." He moved quickly out of the room, hunting for a first aid kit as he attempted to dull his arousal.

He returned a few minutes later, aid in hand and sat back down. Buffy watched through heavy lidded eyes as her mortal enemy cared for her wounds, only the occasional wince of displeasure escaping her lips when he pulled the bandages tight to seal the wound. His soft apologies for her pain made her head spin but nevertheless seemed to lessen the hurt in her arm.

She regarded him in silent consternation as he packed away the stuff, only finally then did she speak, "Thank you, Spike."

He looked up and allowed her a small smile, "Your welcome, pet." He looked down at his clothing and the deep red colour of slayer blood marring the black silk. "Would you mind if I used your shower - probably not best I return to the clan with slayer blood all over me, people might talk ya know!" He smiled slightly.

"Oh...uh...sure." He got up to leave and Buffy began attempting to undress herself. However, the problems with being badly injured in the arm meant that one was unable to dress and undress oneself.

Her voice stopped him at the door and he turned to find a blushing slayer, her shirt wide open, "Spike, could you...um, help me, please."

"Oh...sorry, yeah." Spike walked back to the slayer, where she now stood by the bed. His eyes nervously avoided hers as he stood in front of her. He reached forward, and with a tenderness she never knew he could possess, pulled away the shirt from her good arm. Moving behind her, Spike carefully pulled away the hanging shirt from her body, mindful of the smaller blood smeared cuts.

Buffy inhaled sharply as the shirt dropped to the ground, feeling her nipples pebble even more then they had from the cold as Spike's hand stayed on her waist. She closed her eyes as she felt a pair of cool lips press against the top of her shoulder, the top of her back, and up the side of her neck.

She jerked slightly as his cool hands slid around her waist, undoing the one button that held her wrap-around brown skirt together. It slid to the ground silent all but for the gasp of silk as it glided through the air.

A tear fell, unheeded, down her face. "Spike..." Her voice was barely heard in the silence, even to their perceptive hearing.

His hands rested loosely around her waist and she tilted her head as his lips continued to tease her neck. The coolness of his mouth was wonderful, driving away the red-hot pain the emanated from her wound.

She turned quickly to face him, but before he could kiss her she hissed at the pain her sharp movement had caused. Spike looked dazedly down at her for a few seconds before making his decision. He gently scooped her up in his arms, moving to the bed. He lay her down, pulling up the covers. He turned to go towards the window.

"Don't go." Buffy's voice, tight with tears halted him.

"I'm not." He returned quietly, he closed the curtains, attempting to keep out the coming daylight before moving back to the bed. He slid in beside her. There was a moment’s hesitation before he pulled her into his arms, mindful of her shoulder wound. Buffy sighed happily, allowing the relaxing motion of his fingers running through her hair to lull her to sleep.

***

Weeks went by like a blur for the slayer and vampire. Nothing sexual had happened between them that night. He occupanied her on patrol; sometimes visibly, at others simply standing near her in the shadows. She always felt his presence and it comforted her to know he was out there watching out for her.

They slowly became friends, and when her mother was away he'd occasionally come round to watch a movie or simply nab her chocolate cocoa. They had kissed twice, though as it was after a long, vigorous demon fight, their timing allowed them to brush away their feelings as nothing more that gratitude that the other was alive; though this tended to confuse the situation more often than not.

Buffy walked calmly through Jackerson Cemetery, absently twiddling a stake. She was alone tonight, at least for now. She hadn't even sensed Spike's presence but she had no doubt that he'd resurface any time soon.

So caught up in her 'spiky' thoughts she didn't even notice Angelus up a head until he suddenly stepped out in front of her.

"Little stressed tonight, lover?" He asked, referring to her tense stance. "Want to come home with me, let me work it all out for you?" His leer only made her hate him more.

"As unappetising as that offer sounds I'm waiting for someone." She flipped her hair, delivering a sharp punch to his stomach before walking away.

"Which little piss-ant is it this time?" Angelus snarled.

"Like its any of your business!"

She made to walk on but he grabbed hold of her arm, delivering a hard kick to her back. She toppled forward, yanking her arm free, turning to face him as he snarled, "You're mine, Buff."

"Please! I wasn't even Angel's, what makes you think you have any sort of claim on me?!" She stood at the ready, though her whole body was shaking slightly in anticipation for the fight to come.

Kicks, punches, flips and sweeps. The ex-lovers fought with a ferocity never before seen. One for her life, the other for the right to claim what he thought his.

Angelus saw an opening and dove for her throat, his teeth gnashing violently. A vicious snarl smashed through the night. Angelus didn't even have any time to react as he was thrown to the ground by his unruliest childe.

Shaking his head dazedly he looked towards Buffy. At first he didn't quite believe his eyes. Buffy, HIS Buffy, was standing (willingly, dare he add) in his childe's arms. Swallowing his anger he forced a sardonic laugh to rumble in his chest.

"So this is why you've been ignoring poor Dru of late, huh, boy?"

"Fuck off, Peaches." Spike snarled, his eyes only briefly leaving Buffy's as he searched her for any visible injuries. From what he could see she was only shaken and tired.

"Tut, tut, William. Such language!" Angelus gave a mocking bow and disappeared into the night.

---

It was raining hard by the time Buffy and Spike made it up the tree outside the slayer's bedroom.

Spike gently placed her on the bed, before shaking off his wet duster. He knelt down in front of the silent girl, and gently began unlacing her shoes.

Buffy stared into space, her brain rejecting everything; every thought, every feeling.

Spike continued to silently tend to her. With gentle hands he removed her soaked jacket.

"I..." For the first time since they'd left the cemetery. "I don't think I love him anymore."

"Pet?" Spike's hands stilled as her eyes met his.

"It's gone." She smiled at him.

"What has?"

"The pain. It's been here for so long...I knew it had been dying - I felt it leave since that night with that vamp, remember?" She looked down at him imploringly. He was too scared to speak, afraid that if he did he'd somehow break her spell and the dream would be over.

"But tonight. I didn't feel any of it. I just...don't like him." She laughed and Spike joined in.

Suddenly she shivered and he remembered that she was soaked through. "Come on, pet, you best take a shower, get warmed up."

"'Kay." Buffy nodded and began obediently heading for the door.

She turned around and found him heading for the window. A fear gripped her, and she forced the words from her mouth, afraid she wouldn't be able to get them out in time. "Spike?"

He turned to face her, "Yeah, love?"

"Be here when I get back?"

"Sure."

With a soft smile she left, closing the door quietly behind her.

Spike sighed silently and sat back down on the bed to wait. A thought struck him and he extended his senses. He could only hear Buffy's movements. The rest of the house was silent. As he knew from past experiences that Joyce snored he figured she was off on one of her many buying/selling trips. A moment later he heard the shower turn on.

He glanced around the dark room, a book on the bedside caught his notice. He flipped it over. It was a romance novel. *Figures.* on the front was a hand drawn picture of an overly muscled man with shoulder length dark hair. In the background stood a woman with long curly red hair, in a emerald dress. It was a historical romance and the characters were dressed accordingly.

Making sure her bookmark was still in place he flipped it over again and scanned the back. *Evil bloke, blah, blah, blah, hates woman's family, blah, blah, blah, has to marry her, blah, blah, blah. Sounds like shit.*

With that Spike flipped on the bedside table lamp and propped himself up against the pillows on the bed and flipped to the first page.

Twenty minutes later the shower turned off and wrapped in two soft towels, one around her body, the other around her head, Buffy padded down the hallway to her bedroom.

She silently opened the door and was about to open her mouth when she took into the picture presented to her. Sprawled out on her bed lay her blonde vampire, his hair was tousled from the rain and it curled slightly behind his ears making her want to run her fingers through it.

She let out a little giggle when she saw what had him so occupied. The sound finally brought his head up and he scowled at her, "How can you read this rot?"

"It's not 'rot', its good literature."

"It's a porn front is what it is." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"I'm not forcing you to read it!" Buffy blushed furiously.

Spike suddenly seemed to realise what she was wearing. His sarky attitude dropped like a tonne of bricks and he rose from the bed in one fluid movement. Buffy backed up at the heated look in his eyes. The towel, which had only been precariously placed upon her head fell, allowing her long shower-curled hair to fall gracefully to her shoulders.

Spike closed his eyes as he leaned in and her scent washed over him. His eyes opened as his hand reached out and curled a lock of hair around his forefingers.

"So beautiful..." He whispered reverently.

"Spike..." She whimpered, she couldn't remove her eyes from the magnetic hold of his.....and she didn't want to.

He leaned forward and gently brushed his lips against hers. She whimpered into his mouth and he pressed into her just a little bit harder.

"Spike..." She panted out his name.

"Are you sure, love?" His voice was tight with the power it took to restrain himself.

"Kiss me..." She breathed, her hands loosing the grip they had on the towel that was wrapped about her body.

"Gladly." With a last smile his mouth came down on hers. His tongue swept into her mouth and as her hands rose to situate themselves in his hair, his wove their way around her body, allowing the towel to finally fall to the ground.

As the sun crested the horizon Spike shifted out from beneath the slayers arm and leg. Carefully he crossed the room, anxious not to catch the morning sunlight. He silently pulled the blinds, bathing the room in darkness once more.

With a content sigh he slid back into the bed. Buffy sighed his name in her sleep but didn't wake. Cool arms slipped around a warm body, and together they slept.

Sated.

---

Buffy gave Spike one final kiss before she sent him on his way. He seemed mildly pissed but understood that she had to talk with her mother - some mother-daughter mortal bonding session thing.

Buffy smiled at his retreating back then gathered her courage for the upcoming discussion. For tonight she was going to face her hardest trail yet.

Introducing the idea of her boyfriend to her parents.

---

"Poor Spike, I see she traded you in for a younger model." Angelus' annoying voice flittered into his room and Spike looked up absently before returning his eyes to the television in front of him, feigning disinterest. But the older vampire's words began to fester in his mind as he recalled his sire's jealousy of the whelp; jealousy that of late had managed to expand into his own.

"Fuck off, Peaches."

"Really William, I would have thought after all these years you would have learnt something about women."

"What?" He asked irritably.

Angelus kept his countenance, "One night away from your little slayer and she's already found herself a new sugar-daddy."

"Bull shit." He stated.

"I shit you not, my childe. Go see for yourself. Last I checked they were practically fucking on the sofa."

"Wha...? She would never...." Spike stood, his sire's sadistic story having grown and taken root inside his brain.

"Go see for yourself." Spike was already halfway out the door, as Angelus continued his taunts, "Really my boy, thought you more a man then this!"

---

Spike vamped out, his yellow eyes shining across the street as he watched his lover reach up on her tiptoes to kiss the forty-something man. Had he been thinking rationally he would have guessed the truth off pat, but all he could see was HIS slayer in another man's arms.

He waited until Buffy had gone back into the house and the man had begun walking away from the road. He darted through the non-existent traffic and within seconds stood in front of the other man.

"Yes?" His voice was mildly interested and gentle. Spike could smell the slayer all over him and he growled, not bothering to speak he reached forward, cleanly snapping his neck.

He threw the body onto the porch before moving round the back of the house, he scaled the tree outside his lover's bedroom window.

---

"Hello, love." Spike stepped in through the open window, his entire body coiled tight in preparation for a fight. His eyes were a hard, icy blue but the slayer didn't appear to notice.

"Hey! I'm so glad you're here. Maybe we can catch him!"

Spike frowned his anger momentarily stunted, "Who?"

"He doesn't always show but I said it was important - you were important, and he promised he would and he did!" Buffy squealed, not having heard his question.

"Who?" Dread filled Spike, his mouth went dry as he watched her collect her coat, preparing to leave.

"Hmm?" Buffy asked absently, she stepped up to him kissing him soundly on the mouth.

His lips responded to her touch automatically but his brain was frozen, "Th...the man." He clarified.

"Oh..." She smiled, "It was my dad."

*

PART TWO

"Repercussions and Reprieves"

"Spike! What is it?!" Buffy cried as she watched her lover fall to his knees. She dropped next to him, his cries haunting her. She tried to touch him, to draw him to her. She cringed as he flinched from her touch. "What is it? What's wrong?!"

After what seemed like a lifetime he finally looked at her, "Spike?"

New tears formed in his eyes, "Buff-y, I'm s-s-so s-s-sorry."

Buffy forcefully pulled him into her arms only to have him push her away, "No, I d-d-don't deserv-ve it."

"What is it? What’s happened?"

"I didn't kn-know, p-p-please you have to bel-believe me."

"What?" Buffy cried, tears leaking into her voice.

"The m-man downstairs. I didn't know. Angelus said..." He couldn't finish but at the mention of her old lovers name Buffy knew what he was saying.

"No..." She moved away, sliding on the floor until her back hit the bed. "...No, Spike, please..." Her head shook as the tears streamed down her face, trying to deny what was happening. *No, not Spike. He wouldn't do that. No, he cares for me. I love him. He wouldn't....Angelus.*

Her thoughts paused at the despised name. Angelus. He'd done this. He'd probably taunted Spike, lied about who her father was. Yeah....Spike wouldn't have done this. If she had even doubted him, his reaction to the news made it obvious.

Without a word she wiped the tears from her cheek and grabbed the stake from her nightstand. She passed Spike and slipped out of the open window. Making sure not to pass where she was sure her father's body would lie she left in search of vengeance.

*

"Why hello lover, out for a late night walk?"

She didn't respond, merely drew her stake out from her waistband and stood in a fighting stance.

Angelus regarded her. She looked as beautiful as ever. He could see tear tracks and his grin widened at the knowledge of her pain. Her face was totally devoid of emotion. That almost worried him.

Almost. "How about a goodnight kiss?"

Buffy simply continued to stare at him. Her eyes cold, dead almost.

"Alright then, lets play."

He lashed out with his right fist, surprised when Buffy blocked it and slugged him back harder than ever before. He staggered but quickly righted himself in time for Buffy's sharp roundhouse kick to his head. He tumbled to the ground, on to his knees.

He anticipated her next move to be to punch him and he waited so he could pull her to him.

He was wrong.

Buffy kicked him again, once in the head then as he was left dazed she lead with her left before slamming her booted right foot into his groin. Angelus howled in pain, reaching down to cup himself. Her foot shot out again, knocking him onto his back.

He looked up at her, eyes full of pain melting to humour when she paused, "You can't do it, you can't kill me."

Buffy shook her head slowly in defeat, lowering the stake. Angelus relaxed and in that split second Buffy slammed the wood into his chest.

"Wrong." His shocked eyes met hers and she smiled, a grin of pure hatred and evil. "I don't think you got it. I love Spike. Nothing you could have done would take him from me."

"Buffy..." Angelus exploded into dust.

Buffy calmly replaced the stake up her sleeve and turning on her heel, walked out of the cemetery.

***

Buffy watched dispassionately as the rain-drops slid down the window pane, slipping down the roof, to finally flow along the gutter, splashing into the street below.

She tried to think of something. To think of anything. But she was just numb inside. Nothing anyone did seemed to matter to her.

And nothing seemed to change.

Never had she felt so alone.

*

He could hear the thunder roar outside, the sharp sheets of rain slamming into the few windows that were left in the mansion.

The water poured inside, splashing to the cold, indifferent stone floors below.

Spike was curled up on the bed and tried to think, tried to reason with himself.

But his usually active brain was silent. The voices that had, at times, unnerved him, had deserted his skull.

His whole world was silent.

Never had he felt so alone.

***

"Spike?"

"Buffy?" Spike raised his tortured eyes to hers, staring at her with such sorrow.

It had been two weeks. Buffy hadn't returned that night to her home. She'd gone to Giles and told him that she'd killed Angelus and that Angelus had killed her father. Her mother returned immediately.

The ceremony had been simple. Her friends supportive. But all she wanted had left her.

"I'm so sorry." He chocked, lowering his eyes.

Buffy rushed to the bed, pushing herself into his arms as she cried. Spike looked shocked, wrapping his arms around her as he pulled her further to him. She moved so that she was on the bed, lying in his arms. The tears continued to flow, from both of them. Buffy crying from her two losses of the past two weeks. Spike weeping for the one thing he never thought he'd experience again.

Pure Bliss.

It was a whole two hours before Buffy finally raised her head, looking up into his misty blue eyes, "I missed you so much."

"I missed you, too. I'm so sorry, I didn't know...."

"Sshhh..." Buffy murmured, pressing her lips to his. The past two weeks had been hard, loosing two of the men she loved. While she knew what he'd done, she knew who really had committed the atrocity. She'd already lost one person she loved. She wasn't about to loose another.

*

Hours later Buffy lay, wrapped in his cool embrace, listening as he purred.

"I love you, so much, Buffy."

"I know you do."

*

"How, how can you forgive me?" Spike eventually asked.

"Because I know it was Angelus' fault. I know what he said to you."

"I should have trusted you. You shouldn't forgive me, you deserve better." His arms tightened around her, unwilling to let her go though that was precisely what he was telling her should happen.

"I love you. I can't stand it without you. The last two weeks have been..."

"Hell." Spike completed and Buffy murmured her agreeance. "I never want you away from me, ever again."

"Never." Buffy whispered softly in return. A few moments passed before Buffy plucked up the courage to ask something that had been bothering her since she'd arrived at the mansion.

"Spike?"

"Hmmm?"

"Where is everyone? The minions, Drusilla?"

"Minions are dust and I think she left." Spike answered quietly, he didn't really want to talk about death in case it made her remember what had happened, and made her realise that actually she didn't forgive him.

Buffy raised a hand to caress his cheek, "And you don't mind, about Drusilla I mean?"

"She doesn't mean anything to me anymore."

"What?" Buffy gasped.

"Since 'us' I realised that we, me and Dru, never had anything other than...an understanding. She was fine to run back to daddy when he returned." He reached up and brushed a lock of hair from her face.

"To be honest with you, love, I haven't even noticed her the past few months."

"Why?" Buffy asked, softly.

"Because I'm hopelessly, completely and irreversibly in love with you, my pet."

Buffy giggled as he purred at her and snuggled back on his chest, "My giant kitty-cat." She whispered, closing her eyes.

*

PART THREE

"Love and Life"

A fortnight, a month, two months, three passed in no time for the Scooby Gang, slayer and her vampire mate. Buffy was slowly healing from her loss, but Spike was with her the entire time aiding in her recovery. His support meaning more to her then anyone else's.

Her friends still didn't know about them and frankly whilst she knew it would be easier if they did Buffy was glad they didn't. She was more scared then ever to tell them, especially what had happened the last time she was intending to tell all. It was hard explaining absences from after school Bronzings and shopping trips but her friends accepted that may be she just needed more time alone.

Buffy had told them that Angelus had killed her father. It was the truth in her heart anyway and it aided in her swift dusting of the brown-haired vampire. Everyone had been great, even Principal Snyder was reasonably lenient, though Buffy had a sneaky suspicion that Giles' inner ripper had plenty to do with that.

Since Buffy had sought Spike out in the mansion their relationship had continued in its' intensity and thier bond grew stronger every day. Buffy knew Spike was still careful around her and not a day went by when she didn't curse Angel and Angelus for what they'd done to her, to them.

*

"Spike!" Buffy rushed to the window, eagerly embracing her lover. She felt his arms hug her tightly back.

"I missed you." Spike whispered into her hair and Buffy smiled. It was Monday. Things were always harder on a Monday, since they'd spent the whole weekend, as usual, pretty much solely with each other. Then the arrival of Monday and school, the lengthy absence from one another pained them more than either could say.

"I missed you, too." Buffy kissed him, tugging him towards her bed.

*

"Tell me about your day." Spike requested, gazing down from his position on his side to Buffy, who was laying on her back.

"Run-of-the-mill boring Monday." Buffy stated, smiling at him. "Giles is getting that look in his eye again - the one just before he goes on a mad training kick. I know it’s a bad sign when he reopens the chest of weapons in his office!" Buffy giggled and Spike chuckled in return.

"Oh, Cordy and Xander are back together again." Her eyes absently scanned her room as she spoke.

"Already? I thought the queen of hairspray would make him wait at least a week!"

"She was gonna but then she has some dinner she needs to dress him for on Friday, hence the early make-up." Her eyes moved back to his. "What about you? What did you do today?"

"Oh, run-of-the-mill boring Monday." Spike smiled as Buffy giggled. "Actually, my day was very productive."

"Slept through it, huh?" Buffy asked, a knowing look on her face.

"Uh huh!" Spike declared proudly.

*

"We've seen it like a billion times, Spike! Don't you ever get tired of watching it?" Buffy's exasperation shone clearly through her voice.

"No! You can never tire of a good action movie."

Buffy sighed, not wanting to get into this discussion again and relaxed as Spike settled her against him as the famous opening credits for James Bond TM flashed on the screen.

"Do you want to come Christmas shopping with me?" Buffy asked, half an hour later. She'd been thinking how good it would be to get all her friends presses in LA, also her mother had offered her card and permission to let her go so why not take her up on the offer? No reason why Spike couldn't take her, anyway the extra time would be nice. Even though they were careful she never felt truly safe when they met up in Sunnydale, her bedroom being the exception what with the strong lock on her door.

"Say what, pet?" Spike asked, not removing his eyes from the chase seen on the television.

"You. Me. Shopping. LA. Money." She stated.

"Yeah, sure, when d'ya wanna go?" His eyes darted briefly to Buffy before fixing back on the screen.

"Next weekend? Will you take me?"

"Gladly." Spike growled lustfully, rolling her on to her back as he began to kiss down her neck. One of the many love scenes that featured in the OO7 film played in the background.

"Spike!" Buffy giggled, pushing half-heartedly at his shoulders, "That’s not what I meant. Will you drive me there?"

"Oh yeah." Spike moved over her, sliding into her. He had every intention of 'driving' her there.

*

"Thanks mom, I really mean it." Buffy smiled at her mother as Joyce retrieved her credit card from her bag.

"Well, I figured you could do with a break and anyway I know you can take care of yourself." Buffy had decided to tell her mother about her being a slayer after her father had died. Joyce had been accepting slowly, but Mr. Giles had aided in any extra information she required.

"Don't be back too late." Her mother called as Buffy grabbed her coat.

"I won't!" Buffy called back.

"Guess I'll see you after midnight then!" Joyce muttered good-naturedly to herself then involved herself in categorizing art.

*

"Hello, pet." Spike reached across and opened the door of his blacked-out Desoto when Buffy stopped by the open window. He was parked a couple of blocks away from the slayer so as not to arouse Joyce's suspicion. Though Joyce knew Buffy was dating someone there hadn't been a formal introduction. Joyce had seen him briefly when he 'dropped' Buffy off for the night.

"Hey." Buffy got in and was immediately slid over to her lover as his lips came down on hers.

*

"What do you think of this?" Buffy held up an old, tattered magic book.

"Hmm?" Spike glanced up from his perusal of the shelves. He shook his head at the infamous book in front of him. "I doubt red would appreciate the darker side of the dark arts."

Buffy pouted, "Well, what should I get her, O' Sultan of the Undead?"

Spike reached forward for the book that had been next to it, "How about this?"

Buffy looked at the choice and smiled. It was a demon removal spell book. "Perfect." She reached up to kiss him softly.

They walked over to pay for their choice. Buffy frowned when the man behind the counter hissed as Spike came close and whipped out a crucifix.

"Hey!" Spike objected loudly while Buffy snatched the cross away, scowling at the old man.

"We'd like to buy this." Buffy placed the book on the counter, the man took it carefully then typed in the price on the register.

"$35 please." The man held his hand out for the payment, still watching Spike uncomfortably. Spike raised an eyebrow, half-considering vamping out and eating the little man.

With an evil grin his face rippled into it's true form and he pulled back the slayers' hair from her neck. He ducked his head and scraped his fangs lightly across her jugular.

The man behind the desk jumped back with a cry, holding the book in front of him protectively.

"Spike..." Buffy chided, turning her head to kiss him. His human mask dropped back down and she broke the kiss. She handed the man her mother's credit card and watched him swipe it through.

Buffy retrieved her mother's card and took her purchase, "Oh, here you go." She handed back the crucifix.

"Miss, maybe you should keep that." The man's eyes darted to Spike as he pushed the cross away.

"I've got my own." Buffy placed it on the counter, taking Spike's hand as they left the shop.

*

"What was he?" Buffy asked once they were outside.

"Dunno, pet. Smelled human. Probably one of those second sight blokes or your everyday warlock. Those buggers can usually tell if you’re not human. Or it could have been the big mirror behind us that I didn't reflect in."

Buffy burst out laughing and Spike chuckled, letting go of her hand so as to light a cigarette.

Buffy looked up at the designer shoe shop and then at the no-smoking sign hanging in the window. "Why don't you meet me in here when you're done."

"Okay, love." Spike watched as she placed a quick kiss to his lips before heading inside. His eyes crossed to the jewellery shop across the road and he smiled. It was time to do some of his own Christmas shopping.

*

Spike quickly tucked the jewellery box away into his duster as Buffy emerged from the shop with a bag of her own.

"You know, I'm not sure I even wanna give Cordy a Christmas present, I mean I LOVE these shoes and she'll probably hate them." When Spike only smiled lightly Buffy sighed, "I know, you're right. Okay, so I've got Xander, Oz, yours, Wills and Cordelia's. Just Giles left."

"What about your mum?" Spike asked, "And did you just say you'd got me a present?"

"I got hers in Sunnydale and yes, I got you one."

"When?! I've been with you the whole time." He tried tugging at her bags but she shoed his hands away with an amused smile.

"Spike! No. You'll have to wait. You're still coming round on Christmas eve aren't you?"

"Of course." Spike answered immediately then frowned, "What about your mum? Won't she be home?"

"Since when has that stopped you?" Buffy asked and Spike smirked. She rolled her eyes and continued. "And, she's actually going to Caroline's for Christmas."

"Caroline?"

"My aunt in Colorado."

"So I have you all to myself." He asked eagerly.

"Yup." Buffy smiled at his tone and Spike pulled her to him, kissing her soundly on the mouth.

"Hmmm." Buffy hummed with a smile as he broke it off.

"Good."

*

At five past midnight the Desoto pulled up two blocks from Buffy's house. Buffy gave Spike one quick kiss then told him to meet her in her bedroom once he'd taken the car back.

Buffy got in and spoke briefly with a just-going-to-bed Joyce, who looked more than relieved to see her baby safe and well. Buffy had kissed Joyce goodnight before fixing herself a hot drink and taking it and her bags, travelled upstairs. She opened her bedroom door and smiled at Spike who was sat on the bed.

Spike glanced at the clock as she walked over to him. It was nearly one am, they still had four hours before he had to go.

*

PART FOUR

"Propositions and Revelations"

Buffy smiled at the notation at the top of the page of her diary.

Today was their sixth month anniversary. Six months ago they had discovered a whole new world together. *Not bad for mortal enemies.* she thought with a smile.

Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and her mother had left this afternoon, meaning that Spike would get to stay the full three days.

Buffy couldn't help the twinge of sadness that her mother wasn't spending longer away, but she knew she should be grateful for what they had.

She considered it another stroke of luck that Willow was away over the festive holidays; her parents deciding that what a young Jewish girl needed around the time of Christmas was family. Another stroke of luck actually came in the form of Cordelia, who had decided to take Xander to her parent’s annual Christmas day feast for the rich and clueless.

Buffy had been slightly panic-stricken at the thought of having to make a whole Christmas lunch on her own, but Joyce had prepared the whole thing before she left so that all Buffy would have to do is set the cooking timers and wait.

Buffy looked up from her thoughts when Spike tapped on the window that he'd just climbed through.

"Hi, what’s that?" Buffy asked, referring to the black duffel bag.

"Oh, clothes." Spike answered tossing the bag into a corner of the room.

"What? You mean you own more than one set?" Buffy asked in mock surprise.

"Funny." Spike said, grabbing her by her waist and hauling her over to him, her smashed his lips down on hers

***

"SPIKE! What are you doing?!" Buffy screeched, shooing him away from the box in her cupboard that contained all her Christmas presents.

"Nothing!" Spike hurried backwards towards the bed as Buffy darted forward from the doorway, slamming the box of wrapped presents shut.

She turned to face him, a half-scowl on her face as she shook her finger at him, "No. Wait until tomorrow."

"Fine." Spike sighed then frowned, "How come there’s Xander's and Cordelia's still in there. And the watcher's?"

"Oh, damn." Buffy hurried back to the cupboard and scooped up all the presents, putting them into a large black bag. She shut the door and locked it, pocketing the key. "I'll be back in an hour. Don't touch."

She walked to the door but stopped at Spike's voice, "Don't I get a kiss goodbye?"

She sighed good-naturedly. "If I must!" She whined and walked back to him, screeching as he grabbed her, pulling her on to the bed, on top of him. After several minutes she stopped him, said a quick kiss-free goodbye and left hurriedly for the library where she'd said she'd meet her friends ten minutes ago.

**

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late." Buffy said as she walked into the library to find a pretty miffed looking Cordelia and two harried looking guys.

"God Buffy, you know I have to dress Xander for tonight, you've left me like only five hours! Could you be more self-centred?" Cordelia whined and Buffy rolled her eyes.

"I won't keep you then, I'm sure you're raring to go!" She directed her comment at Xander who cringed. She placed her bag on the table and sifted out the whelps', watcher's and prom queen's Christmas gifts then after a few minutes of general chitchat and gift exchange, Cordelia finally got sick of playing nice and dragged Xander out by the ear.

Buffy laughed then turned to face Giles' as he chuckled quietly behind her. She smiled at her watcher then frowned as he turned into his office. He emerged with a small box that was wrapped in gold paper and had a little bow on top.

He held it out to her and she took it with a smile, "Giles, you shouldn't have."

He smiled softly at her, a parental expression on his face, "Merry Christmas, Buffy."

Her beeper went off and she looked down in confusion. <COME HOME, FANG'S MISSING YOU> Flashed across the screen and Buffy mentally giggled.

"I'll see you after Christmas?"

Giles nodded, "Bye."

"Bye." Buffy gave a little wave then grabbed her empty bag and left for home.

***

"What's this?" Buffy asked with a smile as Spike gently shook her awake the next morning, indicating the breakfast tray.

"Breakfast."

Buffy smiled at him and he leant down to kiss her, "Happy Christmas, Buffy." He whispered against her lips then nudged the box on her tray, drawing her attention to it.

"What's this?"

"Present."

Buffy opened the black velvet box and gasped at the diamond ring that was attached to the soft material.

"Will you marry me, Buffy?" Spike whispered, gazing down into her eyes.

Buffy's eyes shot to his and gave him a shocked smile, "What?"

"Will you?"

"Are you serious?" She asked in an awe-filled voice.

"Of course I'm bloody serious!" He exclaimed, his apprehension getting the better of him.

"Oooh!" Buffy squealed and jumped into his lap, her mouth finding his. She pulled back, fighting for breath and lay her forehead against his.

"I love you."

***

"Good evening Mrs Summers." Spike greeted the slayer's mother formally, offering her a winning smile as he held out a small bouquet of flowers.

Joyce returned the smile of the nervous young man, looking him over speculatively as she took the flowers, "Thank you, Spike, please come in."

And thus the much-feared evening by all partners began.

It was time to meet the parent.

***

PART FIVE

"Show and Tell"

Three weeks later....

"I wanna tell them." Buffy stated suddenly. They were at the mansion on a Sunday afternoon. The diamond ring proudly adorned her finger. Spike had been extremely pleased and shocked that she hadn't hidden it. Not that he thought she was embarrassed but since thier involvement was a secret he figured she wouldn't wear it. But she did.

"Tell who what?" Spike frowned, lifting his head from her neck.

"The gang, about us." Buffy explained, brushing the back of her hand across his cheek.

"Oh....what brought this on?" Spike sat up, staring down at her.

"Willow asked me about the ring the other day."

"What did you say?"

"Well, she didn't actually ask me, just said it was nice." Buffy sat up, leaning back against the silk covered pillows. "It got me thinking'......I love you and I wanna tell them..." She suddenly got a scared look in her eyes, "...you don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all." He leant over and kissed her, Buffy smiled and pulled back.

"Good, we're meeting them tonight, at eight."

"What!"

"What?" Buffy pouted, sticking out her lower lip as she made puppy eyes at her lover.

Spike growled good naturedly, leaning over, sucking her lip in to his mouth as he kissed her.

***

"Ready?" Buffy asked Spike as they stood a few meters away from the library doors. They could hear the four slayerttes and one watcher inside. Her palms were all sweaty and her heart was beating a mile a minute as her stomach flip-flopped all over the place. Butterflies did not even begin to describe it.

"Yeah, pet." Spike cupped her heated face in his cool hand, bringing her lips up to meet his. Buffy's tension drained away, as did her surroundings, as he kissed her.

Pulling back, Spike watched as she took several deep breaths, marvelling at the pleasure written across her face.

"Okay." She composed herself, "Lets go."

Buffy took Spike's hand once more, which she'd dropped to hold him to her during their kiss. She stepped forward and pushed open the library doors, pulling Spike behind her.

"B-B-Buffy?" Willow stuttered as Oz stepped slightly in front of her protectively and the whelp and prom queen whipped out crosses.

"Hi." Buffy smiled shakily.

***

"Buffy, may I speak with you a moment?" Giles asked quietly.

They had listened with few interruptions - even with Xander and Cordelia being in the room. Buffy had explained and then explained again. Her and Spike were together. She loved him. Had done for months. Before Angelus' overdue death.

Buffy felt Spike's hands slip around her and tighten possessively. She nodded and after a brief glance to the vampire the watcher walked into his office. Her hands gently tugged Spike's from her waist and she turned, pressing her lips to his briefly before whispering, "Be good."

Spike nodded and let her go. He sighed, his eyes momentarily flittering to the evidently terrified teenagers before leaning against the wall. He retracted his cigarettes and lighter and lit one up as he waited for the slayer to finish with her watcher.

***

"Giles..."

"Buffy..." Giles took a deep breath. "...need I remind you of Angel? Of what happened?" He spoke gently but Buffy felt greater pain then if he'd shouted the words at her.

"Of course not. Giles, I....I don't know what to say to convince you. Spike's different then other vampires. Surely you can see that. He loves me."

"Demon's can't love." Giles scoffed, his face a mask of confusion and pain.

"He does Giles.....please, you know how much you matter to me, and I...he's...." She paused and the watcher looked at her curiously.

"Buffy?"

"He's asked me to marry him."

<Thump!>

**

Spike was the first to enter the room, his supernatural speed and fear for the safety of his mate propelling him faster then the other humans present. He stared at Buffy, then at Giles and then back to Buffy.

"Pet?"

Oz and Willow entered the room, shortly followed by a heavily breathing pair of Xander and Cordelia.

"I told him."

"Told him what?" Xander and Willow asked simultaneously.

"God, Buffy, what did you do now?" Cordy asked, not really having been listening but seeing Giles unconscious on the floor.

"You told him? Everything?" At Buffy's nod Spike chuckled, "And he fainted." Buffy scowled at him as Willow moved to tend to Giles who was just waking up. "Wonder what he'd do if you were pregnant." Spike mused.

"What?" Six voices assaulted the vampire at once.

"What?" He asked, confused.

"Hate to break it to you evil-undead, but you can't make little demon spawn." Xander spoke maliciously whilst hiding behind Cordelia.

"Who says?"

"Um, everything?" Buffy suggested.

"Yeah, or I'm sure there'd be lots of baby Dru-Spike combo's walking around." Xander added, receiving glares from most present at the mention of the slayer's current vampire's ex-honey.

"Hey, dumbass, vamps can knock up humans. Well, slayers."

"You can?"

"Yeah, ask your watcher, love."

They all turned to Giles who shook his head, "I've never heard of such an occurrence."

"Well, vampires who get involved with slayers generally don't tell the girls' watcher. Here mate, you should consider yourself privileged."

"Yes, quite." Giles responded, his mind ticking away on the implications of the vampires words.

"I think I may be off major train-mode, thanks." Buffy smiled at the vampire, whose arms were once again around her waist.

Spike leant down and kissed her, "No problem."

In the background Xander and Cordelia gagged as the group quickly exited the room.

***

"Mom?"

Joyce turned towards her fidgeting daughter, her body immediately wary at the tone the girl had used, "What did you do?"

"Nothing! No...its just...you remember that guy I was seeing?"

"Yes...Spike?"

"Yep, that’s the one." Buffy took a deep breath and squinted her eyes. "I'minlovewithhimandhe'saskedmetomarryhim."

"Pardon?" Joyce frowned, not having caught a word that her daughter had spoke.

Buffy took another breath, "I'm...in love, with him and....and he'saskedmetomarryhim."

Joyce shook her head, taking what she could understand first, "You're in love with him?"

Buffy flushed and ducked her head bashfully, "Yeah, I am."

Joyce gave her daughter a little smile when she looked up at her, "How long have you been dating now?"

Buffy grinned a little, "Eight months."

Joyce's smile only grew at the happiness on her daughters face, "And what was that last bit?"

"He'saskedmetomarryhim." She whispered in a rush, looking down again.

"Buffy." Joyce sighed patiently.

Buffy took a deeeeep breath and counted to five, closing her eyes, "He's asked me to marry him."

Joyce stumbled a little in shock as she continued to stare at her daughter. "What?"

"He's um, well..."

Suddenly, Joyce's eyes fell to her daughter’s left hand and she gasped again. Buffy followed her eyes and smiled wanly, then walked to sit next to her mother. She held out her hand and Joyce took it with misting eyes.

"Oh."

Several minutes went by before Buffy found the courage to speak again, "I said yes."

Joyce laughed lightly, "So I see."

"Mom, it only happened a few weeks ago. At Christmas."

"Are you having sex?"

"Mom!"

"I'm serious Buffy, do you use protection?"

"That's the other thing..."

"Oh my god, you're pregnant."

"No, uh, Spike, he's well, different."

"Different?" Joyce raised her eyebrows.

"He's a..." Buffy swallowed heavily, "He's a vampire."

"I know, but I didn't realise that meant you couldn't have children."

"You know?!" Buffy shrieked in shock.

"Of course, what do you think Spike and I talk about while he's waiting for you to get ready?"

"I don't know, art? Hot chocolate? The seventies?" Suddenly Buffy calmed, "So you know, and you're alright with it?"

"I'll admit I was shocked at first but Spike assured me of his love for you and that he'd never hurt you or do anything to hurt you. He had such conviction in his eyes I couldn't not believe him." Buffy nodded and Joyce continued. "I'm happy for you honey."

"Yeah?" Buffy beamed.

"Yeah." She fingered the diamond ring on her daughter's finger, "It's beautiful."

"I know."

***

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