Spike tapped his pencil nervously against his desk. Mr. Giles stood in front of the class, holding a large stack of deadly papers in his hands. He passed the packets out one by one, glancing at the clock when he was finished.

"Alright, class. You have approximately one hour to finish your tests. Good luck," he said, and made his way back to his desk.

Spike looked down at his exam, thankful that he knew his name because it was worth two points. He scribbled it down and began to browse over the actual questions. As his eyes roamed over the source of his future, a pang of fear pierced his heart. He was nervous. He had never been nervous taking a test before. Hell, he used to not care if he even graduated or not.

But now he did. Why? Because he didn't want Buffy to think he was a failure.

Taking one last, deep breath, he gathered his wits and put all of his concentration into question number one.

1) Who killed Stonewall Jackson?

With a smile, he penciled in option B. Stupid bugger.

~~~

Buffy walked with Willow out to her friend's car. Finals had started today, so students were extra happy to be leaving school.

"Two more days," Willow mused, hopping up onto the hood of her car. Buffy followed suit, and they sat together, watching their fellow classmates exit and enter the familiar building.

"Tell me about it," Buffy sighed. She was fairly certain she did well on all of her exams. She hadn't had much time to study lately, but test taking came easy to her. "I wonder how Spike did on his history final. He seemed kinda nervous about it this morning."

"I'm sure he did great! You were his tutor afterall."

"Too bad we didn't get much tutoring in," she mumbled in regret. "I hope he does okay."

"I wouldn't worry about it. He's going to graduate, right?"

Buffy shrugged sadly. "No clue. Every time I bring it up, he gets all defensive on me."

"I think he's just embarrassed. He's got an Alberta Einstein for a girlfriend, and he's barely going to finish high school. Can't be too good on the manly ego," she explained.

"I am no Alberta Einstein. I just apply myself is all. If Spike did, he'd be just as smart as me."

It was then that Spike finally emerged from the emptying building. He smiled at a few of his jock friends and high-fived a couple of the punks. He looked around the crowded parking lot, squinting his eyes against the harsh light of day.

Buffy and Willow waved their arms about, quickly getting the blonde's attention. He jogged over to the two girls, grinning from ear to ear.

"What are you so smiley about?" Buffy asked, wrapping her arms around her boyfriend. He leaned down to kiss her, the grin never leaving his face.

"Nothing," he replied.

Buffy and Willow shared an "I'm not convinced" glance.

"Come on, Spike. You're practically glowing," Willow noted.

"What? The sun is bright today."

Again with the glance.

Spike sighed. "Alright. Here." He took a folded packet out of his jacket pocket and handed it to Buffy. She snatched it and immediately looked it over. Her smile soon matched the one Spike was wearing.

"Spike! You got a B+ on your history final!" she exclaimed. "You did awesome!"

"Wow," Willow agreed. "That's great!"

He shrugged. "I studied a bit after you left last night. Looks like I'm going to graduate afterall."

Buffy's eyes teared up. "Spike, I'm so proud of you," she said, pulling him close and hugging him tightly. "I knew you could do it."

"I guess it just took some motivation on my part," he reasoned. "I want to be all that I can be for you." He continued to hold her, running a hand through her long hair.

Willow smiled at the display. At that moment there was no doubt in her mind that Spike loved Buffy, just as much as she loved him. But actually getting their stubborn asses to admit that to one another was something else entirely...

~~~

Buffy chewed on her bottom lip, as Spike drove her home that afternoon. She had been meaning to bring up the topic of college to him, but wasn't quite sure where to start. Last time the subject came up, he stormed away all pissed off at her. And she was fairly certain this wouldn't be any different. Especially considering what she was about to say...

"Spike?" she finally said.

"Yeah?"

"I, um... I-I think I want to go to Yale."

This was almost enough to make Spike slam on the breaks. He wasn't expecting her decision so soon--especially if it didn't involve him. He didn't say anything for a while, trying to gather his racing thoughts. Finally, he spoke. "You do realize Yale is almost 3000 miles away, don't you?"

Buffy looked down, a sad expression on her face. "I-I know. It's just... they have this really great art program and..." Give me a reason to stay, give me a reason to stay--tell me you love me, give me a reason to stay... "And I think that's what I want to do." She looked over at him and could see the muscles in his jaw twitching.

What the hell was he supposed to say? No, you can't go? I want you to sacrifice your future for your pathetic excuse for a boyfriend? He had no right to tell her what to do.

But he couldn't lose her. He just couldn't bloody lose her...

"Spike, I know this is a lot to process, but I think it's the right thing. Sunnydale has nothing for me here."

The anger in him started to surface. "No? So I'm nothin' to you then?"

"Of course you are! I just mean--"

"Yeah, I know what you mean, Summers. You want to travel the world, learn new things. Get a new life." He glanced at her. "And I'm not a part of that life, am I?"

She swallowed. How could she possibly express how much she wanted him in her life? She loved him so much. But if he didn't feel the same way about her, why throw away a perfectly good opportunity? "Spike..."

"Don't even bother. You made your choice."

"But you didn't."

He frowned. "What?"

"If you want me to stay, then give me a reason to stay."

"I thought I did! I thought I was the reason. But obviously that's not bloody good enough for you!" he shouted. His hands clenched the steering wheel, his knuckles going white. He could practically feel the tears welling up in his eyes, but he forced them back. She wouldn't see him cry--not again. It was stupid of him to think that a measly test score could change her mind. She was so smart and perfect and everything that he could never be. Why the hell should she give up her future for him?

But it still hurt. It hurt so much...

Buffy looked away from him, fresh tears shining out through her eyes. She stared out the window and said nothing, noticing that he passed up his street. "Where are you taking me?" she wondered.

"Back to your place."

"But I thought--"

"What? That you'd suck my dick again and everything would be alright?"

Her eyes went wide, a stunned expression on her face. The sting of his comment bit into her, and she was unable to stop the flow of tears any longer.

Spike closed his eyes briefly, cursing to himself. "Buffy, I didn't mean that. I'm sorry--"

"Stop the car."

"What?"

"I said stop the car! I'm getting out here," she said, trying to keep her voice calm. On the inside she felt like screaming her heart out.

He obeyed, and slowly brought the car to stop along the adjacent sidewalk. If he ever had the smallest chance of changing Buffy's mind, he totally just blew it.

She quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and threw open the door, swinging her legs out into the hot sun. When she was finally standing on the curb, she reached down to shut the door.

"Please, love. Wait. I--"

"Shut up, Spike," she cut him off. "And just for your information, I didn't "suck your dick" just to make everything alright again. I did it because I love you."

And with that she slammed the door in his face, leaving Spike alone and in a state of shock.

It was the end.

The end of a generation--the end of an era.

The end of high school.

Buffy sauntered into the building that held so many memories, both good and bad, feeling downright depressed. She hadn't gotten much sleep the past two nights, and the little energy that she did have, was put into her testing. Thankfully, she passed all of her exams with flying colors, grateful that the extra stress was finally lifted off her shoulders. Now all she had to deal with was getting through this final day of school and graduating tomorrow morning.

That, and a boyfriend (ex-boyfriend?) who she had yet to speak to.

"Buffy!" Willow was already by her locker, leaning against it with a huge grin on her face.

Buffy forced away the grey cloud that loomed over her, determined to make this day special. "Hey, Wills. Where's the gang?"

"Xander is currently making up the calculus final that he got a 33% on, Tara is talking to Ms. Calendar about colleges, and Jonathan is coming in late," she explained, smile still firmly in place. "What about you? Where's your adorable blonde accessory?"

"Who now?"

"Spike, silly!"

Oh. She forgot that she had decided not to fill Willow in on the boyfriend drama.

"He's, uh... coming in late too," she lied. The truth was, she had no idea what Spike was up to. She hadn't talked to him since their fight on Wednesday. And since Willow didn't have any finals yesterday, she didn't know that her and Spike were currently on avoidy terms.

"I see! Well, I was thinking we'd all go out for ice cream after school. You game?" Willow offered.

"Sure. Ice cream sounds good."

"Great! Meet me at my locker after the bell rings."

"I'll be there," Buffy nodded.

The two friends smiled at each other and went their separate ways.

~~~

It was a weird feeling to realize that this was the last time she would ever walk through these hallways. Friends were hugging, crying, saying their goodbyes. Signing yearbooks and swapping phone numbers. Buffy even felt the sting of tears when she opened up her locker to gather her things. It was the last time she would ever open it. And as much as she was excited to finally be finished with high school, it didn't make it any less painful.

"Um, Buffy?"

Buffy frowned and turned around, immediately recognizing the voice. There stood Cordelia, lacking something that always made her stand out from the others: a nasty smirk.

"Hi, Cordelia. Did you want something?" she asked, warily.

"Oh, um, no. Not really. I was just..." She paused, looking fairly sheepish. "I'm sorry, okay? For the past four years. I know I was a real bitch to you and stuff. So... I'm sorry."

Buffy had to take a moment to register this new information. Cordelia Chase was apologizing? To her? "Oh. Well, yeah, you were. A bitch, I mean."

Cordy nodded. "I just feel like the whole popularity thing is pointless now, considering high school is over. I mean, half my friends I'm never even going to see again. But something tells me that I am going to see you again. And when I do, I don't want it to involve you getting revenge on me for making your life miserable, you know?"

She smiled, thinking that was probably the worst apology she'd ever heard. Still, she shrugged. "What the hell. You're forgiven."

"Really?" Cordy wondered. "So when I'm rich and famous, you promise not to dig up some really embarrassing story about me and use public humiliation as a revenge tactic?"

"Cross my heart."

"Great! You're the best," she smiled, and then pulled out her yearbook. "Oh. Here."

Buffy took it hesitantly and then handed Cordelia her own. After a few minutes of thoughtful scribbling, they returned the respected books.

"Thanks, Buffy. It's cool we made amends," the brunette smiled.

"Yeah. Good luck."

"You too!" she replied, before turning around and skipping off.

Buffy sighed, watching as the cheerleader disappeared down the hall. Then, curious, she opened up her yearbook to see what she had written:

Buffy-
Thanks for not hating me and stuff! You're kind of cool for being such a loser.
-Cordelia Chase =)

Some things never changed.

~~~

Spike stepped out of chemistry, crumbling the failed test in the palm of his hand. Luckily, his grade in that class had been hovering around C, so he shouldn't get any lower than a D on his report card. And it's not like he expected to pass--he hadn't taken a single note all year. But it still made him feel pretty damn crappy.

Gritting his teeth together, he tossed the wrinkled packet of paper into a nearby garbage can. When he looked up, Buffy was standing on the opposite side of hallway, a sympathetic look in her eyes. But as soon as he spotted her, she quickly looked away and made a hasty exit down the hall.

Spike sighed, watching her retreat to Willow's locker. He knew he deserved every ounce of cold shoulder she threw his way. He had been a massive prick. But not being able to hold her, or touch her, for two whole days was driving him nuts. And her words. What she said to him that day--how she told him that she loved him. Part of him didn't believe it. He didn't believe that a person like Buffy Summers could fall in love with someone like him.

But then part of him knew it was true. Just the way she would look at him sometimes--her eyes wide and filled with passion, adoration... love. And in those moments when she would look at him, that emotion shining out through her endless, green depths, he knew.

He knew he loved her too.

But the fact that she told him--that she came right out and told him that she loved him...

Bloody hell. It was all so complicated. He hadn't been able to sleep since she said it. The words echoed in his mind, every time he tried to close his eyes.

I did it because I love you.

Gah! How was he supposed to face her now? Especially after what he said to her?

What? That you'd suck my dick again and everything would be alright?

His fists unconsciously balled up at his sides, furious with himself. He didn't know why he said it. He was just so angry and frustrated that Buffy was going away to college and that he wasn't going to be a part of her life anymore. He hadn't meant to hurt her. He just...

Sod it. This had to be settled.

Swallowing his pride, he made his way over to where Buffy and Willow were standing. "Buffy?"

She whipped around at the sound of his voice. He was standing there, his eyes red and tired. Looks like she wasn't the only one not getting any sleep. She was about to snap at him, but then realized that Willow was watching the blonde duo intently. Not wanting to worry her friend, she kept her cool. "What is it, Spike?"

He glanced at the red head and she smiled brightly at him. "Hey," he acknowledged, before returning his attention back to Buffy. "Can I talk to you for a minute, love?"

Buffy nodded and smiled at Willow apologetically. "I'll just be gone for a second. Don't leave without me?"

"Of course not!" Willow replied, sensing the tension. She could tell that Buffy was trying to hide it, but it was obvious the two lovers were on the outs. "You guys talk. I'll be here."

"Thanks," she said, before following Spike into an empty classroom. He shut the door behind them and Buffy regarded him with a cold stare. "What the hell do you want?" she demanded.

Spike practically flinched at the tone of her voice, but he proceeded nonetheless. "To apologize."

She rolled her eyes. "I don't want to hear it."

"You have to," he insisted. "Buffy, I'm sorry about what I said. You know I didn't mean it."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "It doesn't matter--"

"And you didn't mean it either, did you?"

"What?"

He swallowed, almost afraid to hear her answer. "What you said to me. When you left."

Buffy glanced up at him. "Spike, I meant every word of what I said. I love you."

The unwavering look in her eyes told him, more than ever, that it was true. "Buffy--"

"But I don't think that's enough for us."

Spike frowned. "What?"

"I said, I don't think it's enough for us. We're too..."

He nodded his head slowly, knowing exactly what she was going to say. "... different," he supplied.

She looked away. "Yeah."

It was deadly silent for a while, as the two came to terms with what was being said. Spike was about to say something, but Buffy quickly cut him off.

"I think we should break up."

He stared at her for a moment, trying to register what she was telling him. "Buffy, no. We've only been goin' out since Monday! So we had a fight--all couples do."

"Spike, I'm serious. I think it's for the best. I-I mean, I'll be leaving in August anyway. And even if I wasn't, we can't even make it a week without breaking each other's hearts. What kind of relationship is that?" she explained, trying to convince herself in the process.

"One that obviously needs time to develop before it just... ends."

"It'll be a waste of time."

"That's bloody wonderful! It's great to hear how much I mean to you," he snorted. "First you say you love me, then you say I'm not worth your time. Make up your bleeding mind, Summers!"

"Me? You make up your mind!"

"I have! I want you, pet. I want to be with you."

"No," she said. "That's not what I mean."

He looked at her quizzically for a moment, but then he realized. She wanted him to say it.

So, why didn't he? What was he so afraid of?

Before his mind even had time to puzzle through its thoughts, Buffy was already shaking her head.

"Forget it," she told him. "Just forget it."

"Buffy, please..."

"I can't." She was shaking her head back and forth, tears threatening to spill. "Spike, I'm sorry, but I just can't... I-I can't do this anymore. Fuck..."

And then she was out the door, leaving it swinging back and forth on its hinges. Fellow students cast him a few questioning glances as he stepped out of the classroom, but then quickly returned their attention back to their own matters.

Spike sighed and leaned against the wall of lockers, itching for a smoke. He jumped in surprise when Willow touched him on the shoulder. She had a regretful look in her eyes.

"You heard?" he wondered.

She nodded. "I heard."

"Bloody hell. I don't know what to do, Red. She drives me crazy, but I..." His voice trailed off.

"Do you love her?" Willow asked.

He didn't say anything, and just stared ahead of him, swallowing back the lump in his throat. She repeated the question.

"Do you love her?"

This time he didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Willow smiled and gave his arm a delicate squeeze. "Then tell her."

And then she walked off.

Spike nodded, leaning his head back with a sigh. She was right---he had to tell her. Buffy had to know how he truly felt.

He just hoped that he wasn't too late.

Buffy sat on her bed, her finger tracing slowly down the glossy photograph. Her mother had gotten the Prom pictures developed, and Buffy had decided to look through them before she went to sleep. Her focus was currently on the one of her and Spike.

He looked so good in his tux. So sophisticated, so mature... so unbelievably hot. His arm was wrapped around her waist, pulling her to him. They both had smiles on their faces, despite their relationship at the time. To be honest, they looked like a regular happy couple.

Buffy sighed, setting the picture down next to her bed. She didn't know why she decided to break up with him. He was right in saying that their relationship needed time to develop before things fell apart. But she was just so frustrated with him. One minute he was looking at her like she was his world, and the next...

Well, Buffy didn't like to think about that other stuff. It only left her feeling empty and miserable. Kinda like how she was feeling right now.

She sighed again, leaning back on her bed. She tried to force her mind to think of non-Spike related thoughts, but it was no use. He plagued her brain, with his bright blue eyes, his rich British accent, those soft, full lips...

"Mmm," Buffy cooed, picturing those lips doing delicious things to her overly willing body. Just the way he said her name sent a million and one rebellious shivers down her spine. And the memory of him standing in his room, clad in only a white towel, watery droplets traveling down his smooth skin at a tantalizingly slow rate? Just another vision to fuel the fantasy.

But it shouldn't have to be a fantasy, damnit! If she hadn't been so stubborn, he could be here right now, making sweet love to her. But of course she had been stubborn, so all of her thoughts of him right now, were in fact, a fantasy.

Growling in frustration, she kicked off her covers in a huff. She felt like crying, but didn't think there were anymore tears left in her to cry. Thankfully, she had played it cool with her friends. They had gone out for ice cream, just as they planned, and had great time. Willow only asked her once if she was okay, but Buffy had just told her it was the whole end of high school thing finally taking it's toll on her. The red head had shrugged, and they went back to their previous discussion about what they were going to do after Graduation tomorrow.

Buffy was incredibly nervous about it. And not about Graduation, itself, but the fact that Spike would be there and she wouldn't be able tell him how proud she was of him. She could, of course, but that would mean losing her stubborn side for a few moments, and Buffy didn't know of she was capable of doing that. Maybe after things cooled down a bit, she would give him a call to see how he was doing. She then thought back to the memory of him saying that he would show up naked to Graduation. Buffy giggled at the thought. He had been so sure of himself, saying how he never backed down from a dare. Yeah, right. He probably didn't even remember...

Besides, Buffy didn't think she would be able to stand seeing him naked in front of all those people. It was hard enough to keep her cool around him when they were alone. She just knew she would probably drool all over herself... or something even more embarrassing...

She smiled, picturing that perfectly sculpted, naked body in her mind. He was just so gorgeous! Lean and toned and just too damn sexy for his own good.

Feeling a bit naughty, Buffy's hand started moving down her stomach, as if it had taken on a mind of its own. Thoughts of naked Spike were definitely getting to her. In all honesty, she had never... touched herself like that before. She used to find the thought revolting and obscene. But Spike somehow brought out the Kink Queen inside of her, and if he wasn't there to pleasure her, himself... then why not?

Taking a deep breath, she slipped her right hand underneath the elastic band of her pajama shorts. She sighed contentedly, when her fingers came in contact with the pulsing flesh beneath. Just as she was about to push one of her fingers into her hot core, a velvety voice broke into the silence of the room.

"All you had to do was call, love."

At first Buffy thought maybe it was her mind conjuring up more fantasies, but when she looked up, Spike was standing in her doorway.

"Oh, my god! Spike!" she squealed, immediately removing her hand and diving under the covers, flushed with humiliation. He had seen her! He had seen her doing... that. Oh, god.

"Summers, you don't have to hide," he said, approaching her bed. He reached out his hand and quickly threw the blanket from off of her. Buffy was lying beneath it, face redder than ever.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to make her voice sound like he didn't just catch her masturbating on her bed.

"To tell you something," he told her.

"How did you get in?!"

"Your mum let me in. She just left."

Thanks a lot, Mom! she inwardly screamed. Too embarrassed to look him in the eye, she quickly climbed out of bed and stood by the wall, hands covering her face.

Spike stared at her, perplexed. "You alright, pet?"

"Don't look at me. I'm too ashamed."

He grinned. How could one person be so bloody adorable? Unable to stop his feet, he walked towards her, pulling her hands away from her blushing face. "You don't have to be ashamed, Buffy. Masturbation is a natural thing."

"Spike!" she gasped, turning even redder.

"What? It is," he shrugged. "I do it."

"Yeah, but you're a guy! And why are you even here? We broke up, remember?"

He sighed. "Yes, I remember."

"So, go home. You have no reason to be here."

"I bloody well do have a reason."

"What? A quick roll in the hay?" Buffy was trying to keep her voice steady. His hands were still wrapped around her wrists, as he cornered her against the wall. Somehow she knew that she wouldn't be disappointed if he answered yes to that question...

Spike could tell that his nearness was having an affect on her. Her breathing was labored and she had that familiar wide-eyed expression. "That's not why I'm here," he explained. "But I'm certainly up if you are." He nudged his erection between her thighs.

Buffy let out a tiny squeak, before shaking her head. "Spike, we-we can't. We're not... together anymore, so we shouldn't--"

"Were you thinking about me?"

She swallowed. "What?"

Spike's own breathing was starting to become erratic. He leaned his face in closer to hers, their lips barely touching. "Were you thinking about me while you touched yourself?"

Her breath caught in her throat at his words. She wanted to deny him. She wanted to say, no, absolutely not. But she couldn't. Hell, all he had to do was look at her to know the truth. So she slowly nodded her head, before whispering: "Yes."

That was the only incentive Spike needed. He wasted no time in closing the gap between them, and crashing his mouth against her parted lips.

Buffy let out a "hmmph", as their faces came together. And at that moment, she knew that she was lost to him. Any fight she was willing to put up completely drained from her, as her arms rose up from her sides and immediately latched around his neck. She opened her mouth to him, moaning as his tongue slipped inside to explore.

Spike had never yearned for any other woman like he yearned for Buffy Summers. All she had to do was look at him with those beautiful emerald eyes, and he was no longer Spike McAlister. He instantly became Spike "I am Buffy's willing sex slave" McAlister. Although he definitely wasn't complaining. In fact, he preferred that name much better.

"Need you," she suddenly whimpered. Their mouths were still connected, tongues attacking with a fierce urgency. "Need you now."

He groaned when he felt her hand start to rub him through his jeans. "God, Buffy..."

Buffy quickly reached down to pull her cotton pajamas shorts down her legs. She squirmed out of them, kicking them across the room when they finally hit the floor. She then jumped up and wrapped her legs around Spike's waist. He immediately pressed her against the wall, lowering one of his arms underneath her bottom to hold her up.

Spike pulled his lips from her for only a second to look down and unfasten his pants. His hands were practically shaking, as his fingers quickly unbuttoned and unzipped the black jeans. Buffy noticed his ministrations and automatically reached down to help him. Soon they were undone, and Spike brought his mouth back to Buffy's, as she pushed the jeans down to his knees.

His cock sprang free from its restraints, pressing against Buffy's dripping entrance. She gasped at the contact, instinctively rubbing herself against him.

"Please..." she murmured, reaching down to grip his raging hard on in her tiny palm. She positioned him at her hole. "Want you, Spike."

He closed his eyes for a moment, just relishing in the feel of her warm hand around his cock. But he quickly opened them back up, wanting to see her face as he entered her. Taking in a ragged breath, he pushed inside--slowly, needing to feel her take him in inch by inch.

Buffy sighed, her eyes fluttering closed as he slipped inside of her. Considering this was only their second time together, she was still tight for him. Her inner walls stretched to accommodate his girth. Just as he began to move within her, he stopped suddenly.

"Wait! No!"

Her eyes shot open. "What? What is it?"

It was taking all of his willpower not to pound her into the wall. He gritted his teeth together, before replying. "Protection. I almost forgot."

She jut out her bottom lip. "Can't you just... you know, pull out or something when it's time? I love the way you feel inside of me..."

Spike groaned, as she wiggled her hips against him. "Sorry, pet. Don't feel like bustin' a nut all over your wall."

"Ew."

He sighed, and reluctantly pulled out of her. "I've got some condoms in my wallet." He then reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out the black wallet. Opening it up, he took out a small condom package and quickly tore it open. It was on him in no time. "Get on the Pill, alright, love? Then we won't have to do this anymore."

She nodded, as he positioned himself again. "Okay."

Spike then slid into her once more, his jaw clenching as her inner muscles clamped down around him. "Feels so good," he sighed, leaning down to kiss her on the nose.

Buffy smiled up at him, holding onto his shoulders, as he began to push in and out of her. She missed the way he felt without the condom, but Spike was right. They shouldn't try this any other way until she got on birth control. It was too risky.

The pace he set was much like it was during their first time together--slow at first, and then more hurried. Buffy mewled, throwing her head back, as he pumped in and out of her.

"Spike, yes! Don't stop," she pleaded, tightening her hold on him.

He thrust into her with heated strokes, reaching down to hold her legs up. When he looked at her, he noticed that her eyes were closed. "Look at me, Buffy."

Her eyelids opened slowly, as their bodies slammed together.

As soon as their eyes locked, Spike spoke: "I love you."

Buffy's eyes widened. And then she came.

Spike was surprised when he suddenly felt her body begin to quiver around him, her mouth open in the shape of an "O".

"Uhhhnnn... Spike!" she cried out, her body continuing to spasm with release.

He immediately began to pump into her more quickly, his strokes becoming harder, faster. It wasn't long before he felt his own orgasm take him over and he buried his face against her neck. "I-I love you, Buffy. Yes... god, I love you..."

When they finally came down, Buffy was staring up at him. She lightly touched his face, running a finger down his jawline.

"You mean it?" she asked, still breathing heavily.

He swallowed and nodded. "More than anything."

Buffy's eyes filled with tears, as she brought his face down to hers. Their mouths collided once more, the passion immediately re-igniting. "I love you, too," she breathed against his lips. "Love you so much."

Spike grinned, realizing that those were his new favorite words. "That's the reason why I came over tonight," he admitted. "To tell you that."

"Then I'm glad I didn't send you packing," she smiled back. "I was going to, but then your lips sorta got in the way of the plan."

"They are a bit persuasive, aren't they?"

"You have no idea," she giggled, hugging him close to her.

He closed his eyes, breathing deeply of her scented shampoo. She smelled like wildflowers. "Let me stay the night, Buffy. I want to make love to you 'til morning."

"Mmm," she sighed. "What about my mom?"

"You said she pulls all-nighters every Friday."

Her face brightened, as she looked up at him. "You're right," she realized. "You're totally staying." Then she leaned back up and kissed him thoroughly.

Spike realized that he was still buried inside of her, and was already starting to harden again. "Bed?" he wondered, running his tongue along the roof of her mouth.

Buffy nodded. "Bed."

When Buffy awoke the next morning, it was in sharp contrast to the last time she woke up in bed with Spike. Instead of being shaken out of a nightmare and then getting her heart broken, she was spooned against her lover, his arm draped over her side in a protective embrace. She smiled and leaned back into his touch, his chest grazing over her bare back. Spike unconsciously tightened his hold on her in his sleep, and Buffy sighed contentedly.

"I love you," she whispered softly, her eyes fluttering close.

"Love you too, baby."

Buffy's eyes shot open at the sound of his gravelly, oh-so-sexy voice. She then turned over to face him, and noticed that he was awake and smiling at her. "I thought you were still sleeping," she said.

"Was. But then something woke me up," he explained. "I blame it on the hot, little blonde who was ticklin' me with her toes."

Buffy giggled. "Oops. Sorry."

"S'alright, pet." Spike yawned and pulled her on top of him, so she was splayed out across his chest.

She leaned down and kissed him lightly on the lips. "So, we're okay now, right?" Buffy wondered, resting her forehead against his.

"I would hope so," he said, gazing up into her lush, green eyes.

"Good. Because I still want to go to Yale."

Spike did the familiar clenching of his jaw, but didn't say anything. He had told Buffy to do what made her happy, and if education was that important to her, she should go for it. It was her future, not his. "If that's what you want to do, love."

"It is," she told him. "Besides, I've never been to Connecticut. We'll have fun there."

Yeah, fun. Maybe if--wait. "Wait."

Buffy arched a brow. "Waiting..."

"You said we'll have fun there."

"Kudos to Ear Boy. He can hear words," she grinned.

"I'm serious," Spike insisted. "You want me to go with you?"

"Of course, silly. Why wouldn't I?"

"I just never thought of it from that perspective, I suppose."

She smiled. "So you'll go?"

"I'm not sure," he sighed. "Goin' to Yale will open up so many opportunities for you, Summers. And I just don't see how I would fit into any of them."

Buffy quirked an eyebrow and suddenly reached down to grasp his semi-hard cock in her hand.

Spike's eyes widened. "Ahhh..."

"I think you would fit into them just fine," she grinned, positioning herself over him.

"Buffy, love, maybe we should discuss this before we--oooh, bloody hell..." he hissed, as her hand began to pump him up and down.

She leaned down to kiss him. "I've always wanted to have morning sex," she breathed, leaning over to pluck the last condom packet off her nightstand. She pulled it out of the package and carefully slipped it over his erect penis. When it was secured, she slid down onto him. They both sighed.

Spike immediately reached out to grasp her hips, as she began to move up and down on his cock. This was the first time she had ever been on top, and watching her ride him, head thrown back, was an image he never wanted to forget.

"Mmm," she moaned, placing her hands on his chest for leverage. "Please come with me."

"I will, baby," he groaned.

Buffy giggled. "I'm not talking about that," she said. "Come with me to Connecticut."

"Oh..."

"Will you?" She began to pick up the pace, her heart rate accelerating and her breathing becoming more labored.

"Y-Yes," he said, moving his hips in time with hers.

"Yes, you'll go? Or are you saying that because you're currently in the throes of passion?"

Spike grinned. "Both."

Buffy smiled back, relieved. "You won't regret it."

"Somehow I don't doubt that I will."

~~~

"Shit!" Shit, shit, shit!

"What is it?" Spike wondered, a half an hour later. He quickly pulled out of her, after noticing her worried expression.

Buffy rolled out from under him and frantically began searching for her clothes. "Look at the time!"

"It's just past seven. What of it? It's not like we have school or..." Oh. "Bloody fuck," he grumbled.

"God! I can't believe I almost forgot about Graduation!" she squealed, forgetting about her clothes and making a mad dash towards the bathroom.

Spike followed. "We should shower together. It'll save time."

"Spike, you know it won't save time. It'll make us even more late."

"Promise I'll be good," he insisted.

Buffy sighed. "Fine. But we have to hurry! No foreplay."

He grinned.

~~~

"Oh! Spike!" Buffy was pressed up against the shower wall, her left leg over Spike's shoulder. His face was buried between her thighs, as the water jets pelted them. "You... you said you would be good," she reminded, gripping at his hair.

"I am bein' good," he replied, licking up and down her wet slit. "You don't think I'm bein' good?" He sucked on her clit.

"Ahhh! Yes! Yes, very good. Keeping going!"

Meanwhile, Joyce opened the front door, setting her keys down on a nearby table. "Buffy, I'm home!" she called out, hanging up her jacket. Not hearing a reply, she walked towards the staircase and looked up. "Buffy? Are you up?"

"Yes! Yes!"

Joyce smiled and made her way up the staircase. "Good. Because you don't want to be late for Graduation." Turning the corner, she noticed that the bathroom door was cracked open. It was then that she heard the shower running. Shrugging her shoulders, she approached the door in an attempt to close it.

"Ooohh... ahhhh!"

Joyce's eyes went wide, immediately fearing the worst. "Buffy! Are you okay?" Not waiting for a response, she threw open the door, preparing herself to find Buffy unconscious in the tub. With a racing heart, she pulled back the shower curtain and looked down. Only she didn't find Buffy unconscious or bleeding or dead. Instead she found Spike with his face between her daughter's legs.

Buffy and Spike both shot up at the intrusion. Joyce stood there, mouth open in horror.

"Mom! Oh, my god!"

"Bloody hell!" Spike yelled. He stood up so quickly, his legs went out from under him and he slipped, hitting his head against the edge of the tub.

Joyce did the only logical thing a mother would do in this type of situation:

She fainted.

~~~

Ten Minutes Later

Buffy sat on the couch, finding much enjoyment in a piece of lint that was stuck to the rug beneath her feet. Spike and Joyce sat on opposite sides the room, both holding an ice pack to their heads. It was deadly silent, as the awkward situation took its toll on them. Finally, Buffy spoke: "Mom, it's not what it looked like."

Spike and Joyce glanced at her, curious as to what possible coverup Buffy could think of.

She sighed. "Alright. It is what it looked like."

It was silent again, none of them having any idea as to what to say. Could this situation be anymore embarrassing? This was the ultimate, supremo humiliation.

Spike stared at his fingernails, also not knowing what to say or do. The back of his head was throbbing from the fall, and he was sure there was going to be a large bump there the next day. But honestly, that was the last thing on his mind. All he could think about right now was the fact that Joyce would probably never let him near Buffy again after what she saw this morning.

Joyce just sat there, desperately trying to come to terms with the fact that her daughter was sexually active. Oh, and that she just caught her and Spike naked together in the shower. Doing that. "I need a drink," she said, flustered.

"Mom, wait..." Buffy interjected. "I-I'm really sorry you had to see that. But please don't be mad."

"Mad? Buffy, I don't think mad is the word I'd use for it."

"Really, really, really mad?"

"That's four words, honey. And no, I'm not mad, I'm just..."

"Disappointed that I didn't tell you about me and Spike?"

She nodded. "That, and extremely embarrassed. Buffy, what were you thinking? I-In our shower... doing unmentionable things?"

Buffy blushed. "Umm..."

Spike cleared his throat. "It was my idea, Ms. Summers. We woke up late and--"

"Woke up late? Together?!"

"Uh, I mean..." He fumbled for the right words. Bloody hell.

"Yes, Mom. He spent the night."

"I-I can't hear this. I don't think I can ever hear this," Joyce shook her head.

"It's not his fault though! I asked him to spend the night. Mom, please. I love him. I was going to tell you, but--"

"Wait a minute. Now you love him?" She didn't think she could handle any more confessions.

Buffy gulped. "Uh-huh."

Joyce looked at Spike. "And you love her," she said, trying to get the facts straight.

"Yes," he nodded. "Very much."

She placed a hand on her forehead in an attempt to calm her rattling nerves. "Buffy, why didn't you tell me this? Any of this? I'm your mother and you should make time to talk to me."

"I know," she replied, looking down at the floor again. "I'm sorry. But can you please be okay with this? It would mean a lot to me. To both of us."

Joyce took a steadying breath. "I have no problem with you and Spike seeing each other. But I do have a problem with coming home to find you two in the shower together!"

"And again, I'm sorry you had to see that. It won't happen again."

"You are using protection, right?" she asked, looking between the both of them.

Buffy nodded her head. "Yes! I promise. I even have proof. There's a con--"

"Okay!" Joyce quickly interrupted, before standing up from her chair. "I believe you."

Spike cleared his throat again. "I appreciate you bein' okay with us seeing each other," he said. "I promise to take good care of her."

She smiled tightly. "As I witnessed."

Buffy turned fuchsia. Spike stared at his fingernails again.

Joyce sighed. "I really need that drink..."

"I can't believe I'm late!" Buffy said incredulously, dashing through the school parking lot at an unusual speed. She held her maroon hat on her head as she ran, her gown billowing out behind her. As she approached the back of the school, many of the students were still bustling about, chatting with friends and relatives. "Thank god," she breathed, gasping her air.

Immediately spotting Willow, Xander, Tara, and Jonathan all huddled together in one of the grassy isles, Buffy darted over to them. Spike was nowhere to be seen, but she didn't expect him to get there before her anyway. He still had to go back to his place and get ready.

"Buffy! There you are!" Willow greeted, upon spotting her blonde friend. "Thought you weren't coming there for a sec."

"Sorry, guys," she explained, still trying to steady her heavy breathing. "I woke up late. Why hasn't the ceremony started yet? It's almost a half an hour past schedule."

Xander groaned. "Backed up sewers."

She frowned, crinkling her brow. "Huh?"

"Oh, Buffy, it was awful!" Willow blurted. "There were snakes and frogs and other creepy crawlies all over the place! That's why the ground is all mushy." She squished her foot into the muddy Earth for emphasis.

"Gross. Is it starting soon though?"

"Yep! In about ten minutes. Snyder's talking with the Mayor now, trying to clear everything up."

"I hate Snyder," Buffy sighed. "He think he runs this school, when he's just the stupid Dean. Principal Wood is so much cooler."

They all agreed.

"And I hope Spike gets here soon." Buffy blushed and looked down. "He, um, woke up late too."

Willow giggled.

Xander wouldn't have noticed the innuendo if it smacked him in the face.

"So," Tara said. "You guys are good again? Willow told me you were kinda fighty yesterday."

"Oh, right. Yeah, we're good. Better than good, actually." She smiled and told the gang their plan. "He's actually coming to Connecticut with me in the fall."

"Oh, wow! That's awesome!" Willow chirped. "I've decided to go to Duke. Harvard was tempting, but all that law stuff just confuses me."

"That's great, Will. You'll do amazing there."

"Thanks! We'll be so far away though. I'm gonna miss you, Buff."

The inevitable tears began to make themselves known, but Buffy sniffed them back. "I'll miss you, too. We'll have to keep in touch."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," she grinned.

"Yeah," Tara added. "W-We should all have some sort of a get-together every year. Meet back in Sunnydale for old time's sake."

"Good idea! We'll totally have to catch up. Maybe during Spring Break!"

Buffy nodded. "I'd like that."

Suddenly, Snyder's sniveling voice could be heard echoing all around them. "Alright, everyone. Problem solved. Get back in your seats."

Parents gave their children hugs as they headed off towards the bleachers. Buffy looked up to see her mother sitting at the top. She smiled, still embarrassed from this morning. Joyce smiled back, giving her daughter a reassuring wave.

"Guess this is it," Buffy gulped, reaching over to give her best friend of four years a big hug.

The three other friends all leaned in for the tear-filled embrace.

"My house. After Graduation," Willow smiled, sitting down in her seat. Buffy sat down next to her, and watched as the rest of their group departed. Technically, Buffy was supposed to be five seats down from Willow, but her and Samantha Ronalds decided to switch places.

Buffy sighed, flicking the yellow tassels from out of her face. She nervously wiped her sweaty hands on her gown. "I can't take this, Wills. I'm all anxious and out of sorts."

"Me and sorts are kinda on the outs as well. But just think of how great it'll be when this is all over! We'll be ascending to a higher level. Graduating high school--moving on to college. Think of all that freedom! We're practically adults."

She nodded her head, taking in this information. "Yeah, you're right. I have nothing to be worried about. Sure, it'll be a big change... but change is a good thing, right?"

"Yep. And this should be especially exciting to you. You're going to Yale with a cute, new boyfriend to boot!"

Buffy smiled, giddily. But then her smile faded and she quickly began to peruse her surroundings. Spike's assigned seat was next to Tara, a few rows in front of her, but he still wasn't there yet. How could he be so late?! Boys weren't supposed to take that long to get ready. It was just not heard of. But before she was able to continue worrying, Mayor Wilkins approached the podium after shaking Wood and Snyder's hands.

"Here it comes," Willow sighed. "And I hear his speech is a killer. It goes on forever!"

"Joy," Buffy grumbled, restlessly shifting in her seat.

Mayor Wilkins cleared his throat. "Well. What a day this is! Special day. Today is our centennial--the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of Sunnydale. And I know what that means to all you kids: not a darn thing. Because today something much more important happens. Today you all graduate from high school. Today all the pain, all the work, all the excitement is finally over. And what's a hundred years of history compared to that? You know what, kids? ..."

"Oh, my god," Buffy groaned. "I heard about this speech. It does go on forever."

Willow shook her head, sadly. "Man, just graduate us already."

All of a sudden, Mayor Wilkins stopped speaking and glanced up from his note cards. It was completely silent, as his gaze focused right down the center isle.

Students immediately began turning in their seats to see what got the Mayor's attention. In no time at all, the school was in an uproar of laugher and gasps. The students laughed. The adults gasped.

Buffy frowned to herself, and finally turned around to see what all the commotion was about. Her eyes quickly found the source of entertainment and her jaw literally dropped to the floor.

OH. MY. GOD!

Willow turned around as well and her hand darted out to cover her mouth, shocked at the display. Then she burst out laughing.

Buffy couldn't laugh. She couldn't gasp. She couldn't move. She was immobile. And oh, my god, she couldn't believe she was seeing this.

Spike grinned when he saw Buffy's reaction. Thought I wouldn't go through with it, eh?

He boldly took a step forward and began to walk down the grassy isle, wearing nothing but a devious smirk and his maroon cap. The tassels fluttered behind him as he moved, and his gaze never left the dazed blonde gaping at him, mouth hanging open. He was aware that the entire student body and their families had their eyes fixated on him, looks of both amusement and horror written across their faces, but Spike didn't care. He expected as much. And the grin never left his face as he approached Buffy's row and regarded her with the arch of his brow.

Buffy finally stood up on shaking legs when he reached her. She stepped over (and on) her fellow student's feet, as she hurriedly made her way towards the isle. When she was there, she stared up at him, a smile eventually replacing the look of utter shock on her face.

"Spike... you... I-I can't believe you..." What could she say? There were no words.

"I told you, love. I never back down from a dare."

She just shook her head back and forth, incredulously, her eyes wide with merriment. "I thought you would have forgotten by now! I just can't believe you would... I mean..." She took a deep breath. "Spike, you're completely naked in front of hundreds of people!"

He chuckled. "I noticed, Summers. That would be the point."

"You're crazy."

"You dared me," he shrugged.

"Then I'm crazy too."

"Already got the memo." Spike then leaned down to kiss her, but not before being interrupted by a nervous tap on his shoulder.

"Erm..." Mr. Giles stood there, furiously wiping his glasses on his tweed jacket. "H-Hello, there. I, um, have been told to... well, as an authority figure of this school..."

"Lemme guess," Spike said. "As an authority figure of this school, it's your duty to make sure the children don't participate in any sort of public nudity on school grounds?"

"Precisely."

"You got it. But if you don't mind..." He re-focused his gaze to the smiling blonde, his eyes sparkling. "... I'd like to kiss my girl first."

Mr. Giles nodded, and shakily placed the glasses back on his nose. "Oh, yes. Of course." He then smiled at Buffy. "Hello, Miss Summers!"

Buffy giggled, color rising to her cheeks. "Hi, Mr. Giles."

Straightening his tie, he cleared his throat. "Right then. I'll be over here."

Buffy and Spike sighed, returning their eyes to one another.

"I still can't believe you're naked," Buffy laughed, leaning into his embrace.

"And I still can't believe you love me."

Although he was smiling, there was a sense of awe in his voice. Buffy's eyes teared up. "Believe it," she said, and then leaned in to capture his lips in a gentle kiss.

As soon as their mouths met, everyone stood up, clapping and cheering on the kissing couple.

They broke apart, grinning like crazy, and Buffy had to duck her head in embarrassment.

"Alright, alright!" Snyder said, grabbing the microphone in a fit of anger. "Everyone in their seats now! I will not tolerate this kind of disorder." He narrowed his eyes at Spike. "Mr. McAlister. You and me. In my office after Graduation."

Spike rolled his eyes, before pulling Buffy to him once again. This time the kiss was more passionate, their tongues darting out to taste each other. They were gasping for air when they finally pulled apart. Spike had that familiar look of lust in his eyes, and Buffy shivered slightly in his arms.

"You gonna make me sport a stiffy in front of all these people?" he asked, kissing her gently on the nose.

"It'll serve you right for showing off your goodies to all of our friends." And family! she realized, averting her gaze to the bleachers. Joyce sat there, gulping down a small bottle of Jack Daniels. Buffy sighed.

"Jealous, are we?"

"Maybe a little," she pouted. "I'm the only one who should get to see you naked."

He chuckled and gave her another peck on the lips. "Brat," he teased.

Buffy gasped and then smiled. "Jerk."

"Nerd."

"Moron."

"Bitch."

"Butthead."

"Did you just call me a butthead?"

She giggled. "Oh, shut up."

  Buffy gripped her weapon tightly, walking tentatively down the darkened corridor. A shadow moved past her and she froze, her eyes darting every which way. Swallowing hard, she took another step forward, looking around the corner. Nothing. She sighed and continued to walk, all of her senses on alert.

As she came to the end of the long hallway, she stepped carefully inside of the adjacent room. The door squeaked at her maneuvers and she cursed the loud sound that broke through the silence. Taking a deep breath, her foot passed through the threshold.

And then she was tackled. The figure that had been lurking in the hall closet jumped out, and pushed his prey down from behind.

Buffy squealed in surprise, caught off guard by the attack. She tried to squirm out of his powerful grasp, but her efforts were fruitless. And in no time, Buffy was laying on her back, the devilishly handsome man looming over her.

"Got you," he smirked.

"Cheater."

Spike looked appalled. "How did I cheat?"

"You were all... mysterious and stuff. I didn't stand a chance."

"Buffy, you say the same thing every time. I tackle you and you say I cheat. Just because you're helpless against me--"

That did it. Buffy wasted no time in kicking him off of her with her feet.

"Bloody hell! You're the cheater!" he accused, rubbing his sore chest.

Buffy giggled and took off, stepping over him as she quickly exited the room.

Spike growled. "You're in for it now, pet."

She scurried down the hallway, blonde hair bouncing behind her. Need to hide, need a place to hide... Wait, Slayers don't hide. She stopped abruptly.

Spike slowed down when he noticed her come to a halt. "Give up already, love?" he wondered, breathing heavily.

"No," she said, and held up the wooden spoon. He assumed she was going for threatening, but Spike thought it was adorable. "I just decided that there's no point in running from you... when I can kill you right now."

He arched a brow. "Is that right?"

She nodded.

"Alright then. Give it a go."

Her pink tongue darted out in concentration and Spike eyed it, hungrily. He loved this game. It always turned him on.

Buffy took a step to the side, her left foot slowly crossing over the other. She noticed the way Spike was looking at her, his eyes roaming over her curves. A surge of lust coursed through her, but she tried to ignore it. She used to wear leather pants when they played "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (as they called it), but the game always seemed to end in hot sex on the nearest available surface. So they had both decided that she wear a skirt instead.

Studying her prey with a cautious eye, Buffy decided to pounce. With a few swift steps forward, she attempted to catch him off guard. But he was ready for her, as always. He quickly snatched her wrist before the end of the spoon could make contact with his chest.

"Now, now, Slayer," he scolded. "That's not very nice."

She looked up at him, eyes glazed with desire. "I can't let you live, Spike. You're just too evil."

"Evil, yeah?"

"Yes. Very evil."

He grinned. "So what are you going to do 'bout it?"

Her grip on her weapon loosened, despite herself. "I have to kill you."

With the flick of his wrist, the spoon fell out of her hand and clattered to the floor. "Oops."

Buffy gulped.

"Now what?" he wondered, curiously.

She felt his cock begin to harden against her, and she unconsciously gyrated her hips against his erection. He grit his teeth, his eyes darkening. Buffy let out a breathy little gasp, when his arm snaked around her waist, bringing her closer to him. The same thing happened every time. She tried to win--she really did. But she never did. He always ended up seducing her before the game was over.

Slowly, Spike leaned down and took the exposed flesh upon her neck between his teeth. He bit down lightly, eliciting another gasp from her parted lips. His tongue darted out to taste her, and they both groaned at the contact. When he was finished with his ministrations, he smirked at her.

"You lose again, love. How many times is that now? Eleven?"

"Shut up. I don't mean to."

"As I said: helpless."

She was going to argue, but shrugged her shoulders instead. "If you must know."

"Tell me."

"What?"

"Tell me that you're helpless against me," he grinned, reaching his hand down and running it along her outer thigh.

She swallowed. "I am. I'm helpless against you, you fiend."

Spike growled, and pushed his hand farther up her skirt. She moaned when his fingers brushed up against her panties. He could feel the moisture pooling between her legs through the thin fabric. "Always so wet for me," he sighed, leaning down to nibble on her ear lobe.

"Ooh," she breathed out. But then she stopped him. "Spike, it's my 18th birthday. Shouldn't we make it special?"

He continued to suck and nip at her sensitive ear. "It is special. It's always special. 'Sides, we've got all night..."

"Mom will never let you spend the night."

"Mum doesn't have to know."

Her eyes fluttered close. "W-Well... at least let's go to the bedroom. She could walk it at any minute and--"

"She's seen worse," he reminded.

Well, that wasn't a lie. Not only did she walk in on them in the shower that first time, but last week she caught them in bed together. Buffy was happily riding him into oblivion when the door whipped open and Joyce stood there, face aghast. The familiar "oh, my gods" and "bloody hells" echoed throughout the room, which resulted in Buffy turning beat red, Spike staring at his fingernails, and Joyce making a mad dash towards the liquor cabinet.

Buffy cried out when Spike suddenly pushed his finger up into her wet channel. She clutched onto his shoulders as he pumped. "Spike... we-we should really..."

"Need you now."

She nodded. "Right. Let's go." She jumped into his arms, taking Spike off guard. In an instant, they were on the floor, him falling on top of her.

"Ow," Buffy pouted.

"So sorry, baby." He immediately began reigning kisses over her flushed face. "Better?"

"Best."

Spike grinned and quickly hiked up her skirt around her waist. Buffy reached down and began fumbling with his zipper, as he worked on pulling her underwear down her legs. But it wasn't the plain, white, cotton panties he was so accustomed to. She was now wearing a black thong. If it was possible, his cock hardened even more.

"Where did you get these?" he asked, staring at the undergarments in wonder.

"I bought them. Thought you might like."

"I love," he told her. "But you didn't have to buy them for me. I'm perfectly fine with the usual."

"Those are boring and you know it."

"I think they're sexy," he shrugged.

"But you like these?"

"Very much. But..." he pulled them all the way down and tossed them aside. "I like them better when they're off."

Buffy smiled. "Me too."

Spike then descended his head and crushed his mouth to hers. She immediately parted her lips and held onto the back of his head. Their tongues dueled and danced, passion growing to unspeakable heights. Spike continued to undo his pants, taking his hard cock in his hand as they kissed.

"Want you so much, Summers," he panted. "Can never get enough of you..."

"Mmm, me either. I love you, Spike."

"I love you, too." He positioned himself at her entrance. Buffy pushed her hips forward, needing to feel him inside her. His head grazed against her swollen lips, but he resisted plunging himself into her welcoming heat. "Tell me what you want."

"You know what I want."

"Say it."

He was gonna make her beg? Damn him. "Please, Spike. Fuck me."

And he did. They both cried out when he thrust into her.

"Oh god," she sighed, her head falling back onto the floor.

Spike immediately began to move with in her, his hand reaching under her shirt to fondle her breast. Buffy reveled in the feel of him filling her without the condom--birth control rocked.

He continued to touch her, tweaking an aching nipple between his fingers. His pace quickened, as he lifted her shirt up all the way and laved his tongue along her breast, alternating between the two. She gasped, holding his head to her chest.

"Yesss," she said, arching up off the rough carpet to meet his timely thrusts.

"You taste so good, baby. You feel so... mmm..." His voiced trailed off as he plunged in and out of her, raising his head and crashing his lips against hers. He then reached down and wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her to him as he fucked her into the floor. "God, I love you so much..."

She mewled beneath him, crying out when his hand began to massage her clit. "Uhn!"

"That's it. Scream for me, pet."

Her inner walls clenched his cock as her body tightened. And as he grazed his thumb over her clit one last time, she went over the edge, clutching to him desperately.

"Ahhhuunnn!" she yelled, convulsing around him.

Spike couldn't hold it any longer. As she rode out the waves of her release, he exploded, shooting his load inside of her. "Uhhh... Buffy!"

Almost ten minutes went by, and they still lay on the floor, Spike buried deep in her core. It was silent, only the sounds of their steadying breathing audible. Finally, Spike spoke.

"Happy birthday, love."

She smiled, running her hands up and down his t-shirt clad back. "Thanks. It was the bestest Buffy birthday ever."

"It's not over yet," he grinned. "I still need to give you your present."

"But I have my present." She squeezed her inner walls around him, until she felt him begin to harden once more.

"Bleeding hell, Summers. You're going to be the death of me." He quickly pulled out of her, before things got out of hand. Tucking himself back into his pants, he reached out a hand to help her up.

Buffy pulled her skirt down and pushed her hair behind her ears. "So you really got me something?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

She shrugged. "I just figured that lots of sex would be my present."

"That's just a bonus."

"Can I see the real deal?"

"Follow me," he said, walking off towards her room.

Buffy followed excitedly, closing and locking the door as she entered. She didn't want anymore embarrassing run-ins with her mother again. She then strolled over to her bed, sitting upon it when Spike patted the seat beside him.

"Now, let me know if you don't like it. I can always take it back or..." Aww. Big, bad Spike was nervous. "Just let me know if you don't like it," he opted with.

"I'll love it. Now gimme," she squealed, happily.

Spike nodded and reached under her bed to pull out a small box. He handed it to her, swallowing back his trepidation.

Buffy quickly snatched the small, badly wrapped package, and found a velvety, grey box inside. With a gulp, she lifted the lid.

Her breath caught in her throat. Nestled between the smooth fabric, was a small, silver ring. And in the middle was a heart with three diamonds. It was...

"... absolutely gorgeous," she breathed. "Spike, how did you pay for this?"

"I had some money saved up for college," he told her, his eyes fixated on her face. He knew she would probably bitch at him for using the money on her, but as of right now, the words seemed to go right over her head. She just stared at the small treasure, amazed.

"I... I don't know what to say," she said, holding back her tears. She had never seen anything more beautiful.

"It's a promise ring," he explained. "It, um, signifies our love. And basically that when we're older, and much stupider than we are now..." He paused for a moment, wondering if he should continue.

"What?" she whispered, looking up at him with glistening eyes.

He swallowed. "That I'll ask you to spend the rest of your life with me."

A tear fell down her cheek.

Spike shifted on the bed. "But not now," he quickly amended. "We're still young and--"

"I'll say yes."

He stared at her, unable to convey with words how much he loved this girl. They'd only been dating for a little over two months, but it seemed like years had gone by. And Spike fell more in love with her with each passing minute.

"I love you, Buffy. I should have told you the moment I saw you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

She smiled. "We were four then."

He laughed. "Yeah. It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"God, I can't even believe how long it's been."

"Fourteen years..."

"And to think 'I hate you' was the only phrase we knew just a few months ago."

"It's hard to imagine. I feel like I've loved you forever."

Buffy sighed. "Me too. But at least we made it through."

"Always."

She smiled again, leaning in to kiss him lightly on the cheek. She then handed him the box with the ring in it. "Put it on me?"

Spike nodded, and took out the small band. He slipped it over her finger with ease. "Perfect fit."

Buffy looked up at him. "Always."

It was silent as they just gazed into each other's eyes, their feelings growing ever stronger as the seconds ticked by. Buffy then scooted into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She kissed him gently at first, but their emotions got the better of them, and the kiss became urgent and full of need. They collapsed on the bed together, clothes flying every which way, expressing their love for each other through words of adoration and lingering touches. It was a long, hard journey to get to where they were now, and they definitely didn't take the ordinary road. But hell, life was anything but ordinary.

And that's exactly the way it should be.