Part 18:

Welcome Home



Disclaimer: I own nothing. No Buffy, no Spike, no nothing.



*****



Buffy slowly turned from her place on the step. She stood slowly, her legs shaking beneath her. Her head was down and she feared to look up. From the moment his cold palm touched her shoulder she had hoped it was him. She needed it to be him. She didn't know what she would do if it weren't.



She raised her head slowly until her eyes met with his beautiful, deep blue ones. It was him. She stood there, frozen. She didn't know what to say and she couldn't manage to create any sort of expression on her face. It was him.



He watched as she stood there. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. He hadn't seen her in so long and she was amazing. It was only a few seconds but he could bear to do this anymore. She was right there in front of him. Buffy. She was there. He needed her to say something. He couldn't tell anything from her blank expression and the silence was killing him.



"Look, I-" He was cut off.



"Spike." She stated in awe. She was surprised she was able to get the words out, and now that she had she didn't know what to do. All she wanted was to grab him and kiss him, have him hold her. She wanted to tell him that she loved him and how much she missed him. She wanted to hear him say that he loved her and he missed her and how he couldn't live without her, but something told her that wasn't going to happen.



"Spike." She stated again, this time more emotion put into it.



Her voice was shaky and he could see the tears beginning to grow from the back of her eyes. He watched her hand move from her side up to his cheek. He felt the warmth of her flesh against his and he couldn't help but to close his eyes and smile. He had missed this so much. Suddenly her hand jerked away and she was looking at him, her features soft but confused.



"It's really you. B-but you're . . . you . . . I-I . . . oh." She could barely speak now. Now that she had felt him, now that she knew he was really there.



"Look, I see that you busy." He said softly, eyeing Jacob in the background. "I, uh, I don't want to disturb you so I . . . well, you know where to find me." He said. He took a long unneeded breath and slowly walked away. He wanted more than anything to hear her call his name, and for her to jump into his arms and kiss him, but she didn't.



Buffy stood for a moment as he turned to walk away. She yearned to call his name but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Why was she doing this? She loved him. Why was she letting him go?



"Uh, Buffy?" Jacob cleared his throat. She turned around swiftly to face him, tears in her eyes. She cleared her throat also and spoke softly.



"Look, I'm suddenly not feeling well and I-"



"Is he the one from LA?" Jacob asked, knowing what she meant by 'I'm not feeling well'.



"No," she smiled, "he's the dead one."



"He doesn't look so dead to me." Jacob said.



"Well, looks can be deceiving." Buffy told him.



"Look, I can't stop you from going cause, well, it is obvious you have some unresolved issues with him, but uh, maybe a phone number would be good? I mean, I've been to your house but I've never gotten a phone number."



"Oh, sure." Buffy smiled weakly. She looked towards the door Spike had just exited out of and quickly wrote something down. She handed the napkin to Jacob, smiled, and left quickly.



Jacob watched her leave and opened the napkin to read what she had written.



- - 'I'm sorry'- -



Jacob frowned a bit but nodded in understanding. Those two were in love, deeply in love. Even a bystander like him could see it.



*****



He should have known. He didn't know why he had expected her to wait for him. He was gone, what, a year and some? He should have known.



Spike pushed open the door to his crypt and shut it behind him. He looked around a bit and found that everything was as he left it, except it smelled . . . fresher. It smelled like-



"What the hell was that!?"



Buffy.



He thought he had felt her coming but he hadn't been sure. But there she was. Standing in his doorway wearing a face that would have scared even the toughest of demons.



"Buffy," He started quietly, "I didn't mean t-"



"No, Spike. What the hell was that?" She asked. Her voice seemed cold but he could he a slight bit of soft emotion behind it. "Explain, Spike." She said coldly.



She watched as he just stood there, a look of confusion across his face. He wasn't looking at her though; he was looking around his crypt.



"Spike?" she asked, her voice soft this time.



"I don't get it." He said out of the blue.



"Spike, what are you talking about?"



"My crypt. I was gone for a long while, right?" He said looking at Buffy, "a year and a half or so, but-"



"More like 437 days." She cut in. He gave her a look of surprise and she smiled. "Continue." She told him.



"But, why is everything still here. I mean, this is a nice crypt. And you and I both know that there are some pretty nasty demons walkin' around out there lookin' for a place to stay. So why didn't they take it? I mean, they could have at least taken the telly." He stopped for a moment and stared into Buffy's eyes. "Someone must have been stayin' here while I was out." He said cockily.



"Oh no. If you think I stayed in this hole, then you are dead wrong. I would nev-" She was cut off by Spike gently placing two fingers over her lips.



"I can smell you, pet. Your scent lingering everywhere. This place is full of it." He said, cocking his head to the side and smirking.



She hated it when he was right. She hated it even more when he smirked at her. She had to strain to restrain herself from saying or doing something that she would regret. Instead she gently kissed the fingers that were lying on her lips, causing him to flinch a bit. Obviously, that wasn't what he had been expecting.



"So what. So what if it was me? I only came here to get away. Get away from everyone else and be with you. This place was the only thing I had after you left. It was the only thing that kept part of me believing that you were still alive. This was it." She looked around the room. "You left . . . and this was all I had." She said.



His features changed from one of raging ego to one of sympathy.



"Buffy, I'm sorry. You know I never meant to hurt you. You know I left because I- I . . . " he trailed off a bit, hoping she would finish the sentence for him.



"I know." She said. She walked past him and sat on the arm of his chair. She looked back up at him and motioned for him to sit next to her. He didn't need to be asked twice. He sat down and held his arms out a bit. She smiled and slid into his lap, burying her head in his chest. This is what she missed. Being so close to him, smelling his sweet scent, feeling his cold body beneath hers. It was silent for a while. Many minutes passed, both of them so content, but neither of them telling each other how they felt. Buffy was the first to speak.



"Why didn't you ask about him?"



"Who?" He asked blankly.



"Jacob, the guy I was with. Why didn't you yell at him, or me, or tell him to 'sod off' or something?" Buffy asked.



"S'not my place to pry, luv." He told her. That hadn't been what she was expecting. His answer was cold and serious and his voice was stern.



"You can make it yours." She told him. She looked up at him her eyes pleading for him to reply. All she wanted was for him to smile, kiss her, and tell her that he was hers forever. That he loves her more than anything, because right now . . . she wasn't so sure he did.



When he didn't answer she got up from his lap. He looked at her blankly, not knowing what to say.



Buffy got her answer, or at least she thought she did.



"Right." She lowered her head and walked towards the door.



"Buffy . . . " He called out.



"Yes?" She answered quickly.



He thought about whether to say he loved her or not, but then he remembered what she said at the Bronze.



- -'I think I'm ready to fall in love again.'- -



"You look great." He said instead.



She lowered her head once more and sighed. "It was nice to see you again, Spike."



He watched her leave then turned to face the blank screen on the television. Their reunion hadn't exactly been what he expected. She didn't love him anymore and he would just have to deal.



*****



Buffy slowly unlocked the door to her house. She pushed it open and slammed it shut.



"Rough night?" Dawn asked, appearing from the kitchen.



Buffy smiled and through her purse on the floor.



"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."



*****

Part 19:

Reunions



Disclaimer: I own nothing. No Buffy, no Spike, no nothing.



*****



"Oh my God." Dawn stared blankly at Buffy.



"Yeah." Buffy replied to her sister.



"Oh my God." Dawn said again.



"Yeah."



"Oh.My.God." Dawn said once more.



"Okay, this conversation is going nowhere." Buffy slid off of her stool and began walking towards the living room. Dawn followed right behind her.



"Buffy, what are you going to do?" Dawn asked sympathetically, sitting down next to Buffy on the couch.



"Nothing. Things will just go back to the way they were," Buffy looked at Dawn and saw her face light up, "before we got together." She corrected herself.



"Buffy, is that really what you want?" Dawn asked. Buffy picked up the remote and started flipping through the channels, avoiding answering Dawn's question.



"Buffy . . . " Dawn said sternly.



"Yes." Buffy said as she swallowed hard.



"You suck at lying." Dawn said. Buffy shot her a glare, but she just continued. " I saw how you two were together. I saw how happy he made you and how happy you made him. I also saw how crushed you were when he left and I saw how crushed he was too. He has loved you for so long, Buffy. And I know you love him, more than you think you do. Admit it. You've loved him longer than you let yourself think you have. You don't just forget about love that easily, Buffy."



"Well he sure did." Buffy said spitefully.



"Oh how I so don't believe that." Dawn laughed.



"Dawn, listen, you don't get it."



"No, Buffy. You don't get it. He has given up so much for you. He has put aside his fangy evil ways for you. He looked after me for you. He left to save the world from an impending doom for you. He risked loosing your love, the love he had tried so hard to earn for so many year, he risked loosing that just so you could live. Just so your friends, who I know he is not to find of, would be happy." Dawn finished and looked at Buffy, trying to find some emotion in her face.



Buffy slowly felt tears forming in her eyes. Dawn was right. Spike had to love her. They're love was something special and it couldn't be forgotten that easily.



"I'm going to ask you again, Buffy. Is that what you want, to be 'just friends'?"



Buffy looked up at her sister with tears in her eyes. "No. I wanna be with him, Dawn. So badly."



Dawn smiled and hugged her sister. "Good."



*****



The sun would be setting soon. Spike had been back for almost 24 hours and he hadn't seen anybody except for Buffy. He wanted to be with the rest of the Scooby gang. Sure, they weren't his friends, but they were the closest thing to friends that he had. He was almost positive Buffy hadn't told anyone that he was back, except maybe Dawn. He didn't know how to approach them, but he figured 'surprise! I'm no more dead than I used to be' wouldn't really work.



Spike thought for many minutes after that. He looked over and realized that the sun was down. It was now or never. He figured they would be at the Magic Box considering that was the only place they really ever "hung out". Spike grabbed his duster off the back of his chair and left.



*****



"Thank you. Please come back soon." Anya handed a customer a small bag and watched as she left the Magic Box.



"Are we closed yet?" She asked.



"Anya, I thought you liked suckering people into buying stuff. Or as you call it 'giving me money'." Willow said.



"Well, I do. It's just, my feet hurt." Anya walked out from behind the counter and sat on Dander's lap.



"There, all better." She said, smiling at Xander.



"Much." Xander smiled back.



Dawn rolled her eyes and finished stocking one of the shelves. "Anyway, yeah you're pretty much closed. You close early on Thursdays. Remember?" Dawn walked over towards the door to change the sign from 'Open' to 'Closed' when the door suddenly swung open.



"Care to take in one more customer?"



*****



It was 7:13 P.M. Buffy picked up her jacket and got ready to go. Anya closed the Magic Box early on Thursdays so the gang could have a weekly meeting that wasn't so one o'clock in the morning-ish.



She hoped the rest of the gang hadn't heard about Spike already. She asked Dawn not to tell anyone and Dawn always kept her promises. She kinda wanted to sort things out with Spike before anyone found out about him being there. It would just make things easier.



*****



Anya slid off of Xander's lap and stood up in shock. The rest of the group did the same. Xander was the first to speak.



"What the hell?" was all he could say. "No, I'm sorry." Xander quickly slapped his forehead and rubbed his eyes. He blinked hard a few times and his eyes flew open quickly. "Nope, you're still Spike."



"How did you . . . " Giles didn't have the words.



"It's a long story, Watcher. And I will explain, I just . . . " Spike stopped when he spotted Dawn in the corner grinning wildly. Just like he had suspected. Buffy hadn't told anyone, except for Dawn.



Dawn ran and hugged Spike with all her strength. Spike almost fell over when another body lunged at him from the side.



"Bloody hell." Dawn let got of Spike and revealed Willow, her hands thrown around his neck, hugging him tightly.



"What's gotten into you, Red?" Spike asked, confused.



"Sorry. I just . . . I know this will make Buffy happy." She smiled. Dawn and Spike both grew silent and lowered their heads.



"Right, uh, 'bout that. I need to speak with her. Is she uh . . . here?" He asked.



"N-no, sorry. She should be here s-soon though." Tara explained.



"Right. Well, I don't fancy sticking around here, seeing as how you're all doing, well . . . work. So I'll just hea-" Spike turned to leave but was stopped in his tracks by the petite blonde standing in from of him.



Buffy smiled a bit at the expression on his face. "Can we talk?" She asked politely.



She seemed happy. Everything about her was glowing. She seemed completely different from when he saw her the night before. Seeing her made him smiled and as an instinct he took her hand in his. She didn't pull away; as a matter of fact she tightened the grip which made Spike smile even wider.



"Of course, pet. We can talk."



*****

Part 20:

To Be Loved



Disclaimer: I own nothing. No Buffy, no Spike, no nothing.



*****



Spike gripped Buffy's hand as they walked into the training room. He held on tightly, like the world would end if he let go, which, living on a Hellmouth, could possibly happen. The Slayer and Vampire sat down, comfortable in each other's presence.



"What's goin' on, Slayer?" Spike asked.



"Spike," she said hesitantly, "don't call me that."



"Alright, Buffy." He saw a smile creep across her face as he said her name. He, in turn, smiled.



"Look, Spike, we've been through a lot together, and I mean a LOT. You are the most important person in my life right now. You've not only taken care of Dawn for me, and saved my life countless times, you've also loved me like nobody ever has. I-I just wanted to tell you that---"



"Look, Buffy, I know what you are going to say."



"No you don't. Spike I---"



"Buffy, I'm sorry for leaving you. I know I said I never would and I am so sorry. You didn't deserve that. I made you think that I was like all the rest, but Buffy . . . I'm not. I have never loved anyone with such passion and I could neve---"



"Spike?" Buffy interrupted. She positioned herself in front of him and placed her arms up around his neck. "Shut up." She whispered. She pulled him to her and kissed him with a full passion. She felt him return her kiss, equally full of passion and love. It wasn't like anything she had ever experienced before.



It felt as if the room was spinning. Spike never wanted this moment to end. He grasped her waist and pulled her closer, the warmth of her body creating a wave of heat flowing through his. He moaned in disappointment as she pulled away, grasping for breath.



When she regained her composure she lifted Spike's chin so his deep, piercing blue eyes met hers. She slowly began to speak.



"Spike, I love you. I never stopped loving you. I-I know the way I acted might have given you some reason to believe . . . but I do. I love you." Her eyes never left his as she said it and he didn't say anything for quite some time.



He lowered his head a bit and she felt her heart sink. She closed her eyes tightly and felt his cold lips press up against hers. His tongue rolled against her bottom lip and she parted her lips slightly to let him in. Their tongues danced together while hands moved around wildly. It didn't seem rough though; it was soft and gentle.



She felt him move in closer so their bodies melted together. He ran his hands through her hair and down to her neck. He rubbed his index finger up and down her neck lightly, causing her to burst into a fit of giggles. They parted but they didn't go very far. Buffy gently rested her forehead against his and smiled. They stared into each other's eyes for quite some time; both lost in ecstasy.



A few minutes later, Buffy found herself curled up in a ball on Spike's lap, his arms wrapped protectively around her.



Spike kissed her hair gently and rested his chin on the top of her head.



"I love you." He whispered. Buffy picked up Spike's hand and kissed it gently.



"I know." She whispered back.



*****



"Look at him." Buffy said. She was seated at a table at the Magic Box surrounded by books, her eyes locked on Spike's figure across the room. He was standing at the counter; his chin rested on his elbow and his left leg was slightly elevated, resting on a small step beneath him. He was talking to Giles about God knows what and all Buffy could do was to think-"God, he is so sexy."



"Okay," Xander commented, "that goes on my list of the 'Top 10 Things I Never Want to Hear Again As Long As I am Breathing'."



"Oh, did I say that out loud?" Buffy felt her cheeks grow red and she smiled a little. "Sorry. It's just . . . everything seems right again. Everything feels so new and safe. It's like starting all over again, just like the beginning of our relationship before he left, only better. This time I know . . . I everything is going to be okay. I mean he came back. He is the only one who ever came back. Even after the prophecy said he wouldn't-but he's here. I know it's gonna work this time." Buffy was grinning like an idiot after she finished talking.



She looked up to find four different faces holding four different emotions. Willow was happy and grinning just as wide as Buffy, Tara was smiling a weak smile with a splash of dazed and a side of confused. Anya was staring at Buffy, her eyes were wide with a look that read 'you need to get a life', and Xander was staring at the ceiling his face crawling with confusion.



"Xander?" Buffy asked.



"What oh, uh I was just . . . that whole prophecy thing." Xander turned his head and look at Spike. "How'd ya do it, Spikey?" He said a tad condescendingly.



Spike turned and faced the five that were sitting at the table. "Oh, well, like I was telling the Watcher I-" Spike stopped when he felt someone staring at him. He turned his head and caught Buffy looking him up and down. He cleared his throat and her head quickly jerked up. She didn't blush; instead she smiled at him and laughed a bit. Spike shook his head and smiled. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, though. She had that sort of power over him. He felt himself get lost in her smile and suddenly everyone seemed to disappear. It was just them, alone. He was torn from his thoughts at the sound of Xander clearing his throat. The two broke their gaze, and if it had been possible Spike would have been blushing.



"Right. The watcher and I were 'avin a conversation."



"Yeah, we got that Spike." Xander interrupted. Spike glared at him and began to speak again.



"As I was saying. I went over the prophecy with him to point out what I had known all along. The prophecy said 'one shall be dead in the fight' not 'one shall die in the fight'." He finished speaking and was greeted by five confused faces.



"Bloody hell. I'm already dead. 'One shall be dead in the fight', right? That's me. Dead. Fighting. I am a vampire and vampires are dead, so there you have your 'dead' part of the prophecy. I was fighting that Clan of Nancy or whatever; there is your 'fight'. So put it together and you have-"



"'One shall be dead in the fight'. And you were already dead." Buffy spoke as she arose from her seat.



"That's m'girl." Spike smiled as he watched her walk towards him.



"Ooohhhhhhhh." Was all Xander said.



"Well that was a mighty deceiving prophecy. Y'know they should really make those things clearer so we can avoid things like . . . this." Anya said as she waved her hand around the room.



"You knew." Buffy whispered softly as she walked towards Spike. "B-before you left you knew. You knew that you were coming back. Y-you did know, right?" She asked Spike.



"Yeah, I knew." He held out his hands to her, but she didn't take. She just stood there, her eyes locked on him. Spike looked at her hard and then realized that she wasn't happy. Her eyes were wide with fear, anger, betrayal.



"Buffy, I didn't---"



"How could you not tell me?" She asked her voice almost at a shout.



"I-I didn't want you to worry. I knew you would. I couldn't have you sitting at home worrying whether I was coming back at that very second or in a week. I couldn't stand the thought of you shutting yourself out, breaking away from everybody else, because Buffy . . . I know you. I know that that is what you would do. You would act happy and smile every now and then, puttin' on a show for your Scooby pals. But inside you would worry and you would keep it all to yourself. And everyday, more and more you would become distant from the people that need you. I couldn't do that to you, or your mates for that matter." Spike paused for a second and looked at the people around him. "Besides, what if I tripped and fell on a twig." He said with a weak smile.



"So, instead of letting me 'break away from the people that need me' you let me think you were dead!?" She shouted, tears forming in her eyes.



"Yeah. S'what I did. But Buffy, you know I did that for you, don't you? That's not what your upset about." He took her hands and pulled her close to him. "C'mon, pet. Talk to me."



*****

Part 21:

Here with You



Disclaimer: I own nothing.



*****



Neither of them had said anything for several minutes and everyone who had previously been in the room had cleared out slowly. He just stood; his chin rested on her head, as she cried. Her breaths were deep and shaky and it was unbearable knowing he had been the one to cause this.



"Buffy." He whispered. "C'mon, pet. Talk to me." The only reply was her muffling something into his shirt.



Spike took his hand and cupped her chin, lifting her head so their eyes met. "Talk to me." He whispered while wiping away her tears from under her eyes. She lowered her eyes a bit, reluctant to speak, but looked up at him again as she felt his cool lips press against her forehead.



"I wanted to hate you." She whispered her voice still a bit shaky. He was taken back a bit by her words, but never let go of her. He wrapped his arms around her waist more tightly, to let her know he understood and to continue.



"I so badly wanted to hate you. I needed to hate you. In the beginning, after you left, I tried to tell myself that I hated you. That I never loved you. I couldn't, though. And it hurt, so bad. Y-you left me, Spike. You promised you never would. And I couldn't help to think that it was my fault, that I did something wrong. I wanted to hate you for making me feel that way. But then I saw you, in dreams and you told me . . . told me that I shouldn't blame myself. That no one was to blame. I knew you were right, God I knew it. "



She paused for a few minutes and took in a few deep breaths. Spike still held her gently and lightly pushed a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear.



"You left again, though." She continued. "In my dreams. And I-I felt that you were really gone Spike. Like, poof . . . gone. It killed me and it pained me and the only thing I could do to make it easier was try to hate you." She paused again, not really wanting to go on. She knew she must have sounded like an idiot to him, pathetic even. She wished she could take back everything she had just said to him. His thumb rubbed her arms slightly and she smiled.



"Then you came back, just like you promised. You're the only one who ever came back, y'know. Everything happened so fast after that, I didn't really have time to hate you. I don't know," she said with a slight laugh, "I guess, after promising to myself that I would hate you, I just kinda wanted to be mad at you. It's completely insane, I know."



"It's not insane, luv. I know you, Buffy. I knew you would be upset, or mad. I also knew you wouldn't tell me right away. I'm glad you did, pet." Spike told her.



"But it's ridiculous, Spike. Me wanting to hate you so I make this whole 'I knew there was a loophole in the prophecy' thing sound like some evil sin. I'm insane Spike, admit it." She said to him with a smile.



"Maybe you are, a little. But of course that is why I love you. As a matter of fact, it makes me love you even more." He said softly, and then placed a soft kiss on her lips. They stood there for a moment, more content than either of them had ever been. It was weird, actually. They had just had this big emotional, confession of sorts and now they were so unbelievably happy with each other. So calm, and quiet.



"Those tears went away quick, luv." Spike said out of the blue.



"Yeah, they were just stress tears. Needed to work out some of my inner turmoil."



"Well, next time, could you possibly find a way to worn me ahead of time. At least then I'll be able to get some tissues so you can wipe your slobber and snot somewhere other than my shirt." He said playfully.



"Hey!" Buffy said defensively.



"Oh it's cute snot." He said, wrapping one arm around her waist and walking towards the door of the Magic Box.



"And what about my slobber?" The blonde asked as they exited the shop.



"Your slobber is a much different story." He said before shutting the door behind them.



*****



"You think they're okay?" Dawn asked, sitting nervously on her couch.



"Well, either they've worked out their issues and are doing things I do not want to know about or mention, or one of them has beaten the other to a bloody pulp." Xander commented.



"Nice. Very reassuring." Anya said while patting Xander's arm. Xander smiled up at his wife as the door to the Summer's house opened slowly.



Dawn grinned as Buffy and Spike walked in together wrapped in each other's arms.



"So I'm guessing, by the body language, that you guys are okay?" Dawn asked anxiously.



"Yes, Dawn. We're fine. It was just me and my stress wreaking havoc on poor Spike here." Buffy said as she looked into her lover's ice blue eyes.



Dawn squealed with delight at the news. "Okay, well, I will be upstairs and Xander and Anya will leave so you two can be alone."



Dawn moved quickly from the couch to the stairs, stopping on the way to give Spike a hug.



"I'm really glad you're back." She said. He squeezed her tightly, showing that he felt the same.



Xander and Anya left quickly as well, both knowing that Spike and Buffy needed their time alone.



"So, alone again." Buffy grinned at Spike who still had his arms wrapped protectively around her.



"Right, pet. But I better be going." Spike said as he slowly began to loosen himself from her comfortable embrace.



"Why?" Buffy asked, tightening her grip.



"I just figured you'd wanna be alone, s'all luv."



Buffy walked over to the sofa, pulling Spike along with her. She plopped down and forced Spike next to her. She positioned herself so her head was on Spike's lap and the rest of her body was sprawled out over the sofa.



"Now, why would I want to be alone when I could be with you?" She said as she snuggled deeper into his lap.



*****

Part 22:

Morning and Missing You



Disclaimer: I own nothing. No Buffy, no Spike, no nothing.



*****



Buffy slowly woke to the sweet sound of silence. The house was still and quiet and her undead boyfriend lay next to her, not breathing. This was perfect. This was how she wanted it to be every morning.



"Buffy!"



With the exception of the screaming sister, this is how she wanted it to be every morning.



"Buffy!" Dawn yelled again from the top of the stairs. Buffy just rolled her eyes and placed he head back in Spike's lap. She wanted to see how long Dawn would continue before realizing that she wasn't going to move.



"Buffy!" It was more of a weak whine this time and Buffy began to feel guilty. She could just see the puppy dog eyes and pouty lip that got her every time.



"Buffy." Spike whispered softly into her ear. She looked up and smiled at the vampire lying next to her.



"Mornin' sleep head." Buffy whispered before giving him a kiss.



"Nibblet's callin' you." He said softly. "I think you should go see what she wants."



Buffy rolled over so she was facing him. She lazily drew circles with her finger on his chest and asked in an innocent voice "Do I have to? Cause there are more important things I'd rather be doing."



"Like what?' He asked more loudly this time, for now he was interested.



"Like this." She said softly as she pressed her lips to his. She parted from him and he just stared at her. She started back and bit her lower lip almost as if she was embarrassed. She drew back from him a bit but then he grabbed the back of her head and crushed his lips on hers.



Spike smiled as their tongues battled and his hands danced around her body as hers did his. Spike slowly ran his finger along her spine and she moaned a little as his other hand came up her thigh.



Buffy moved into a position where she was straddling Spike and she placed her hands on both sides of his face.



"I love you." She whispered. Spike's eyes lit up as if he had never heard her say those words before and he flipped her over so she was under him. Buffy laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck.



"Say it again." He said wearing a grin on his face.



"I love you." She said, louder this time. "More than ever." She added quietly after nibbling his ear a bit.



"M-hmm." Spike said almost in a seductive way. He slowly began to unbutton her shirt and she wrapped her legs around his waist.



"Spike." She moaned a bit. "I want you."



"I know. I want you." He said quietly.



"No," she managed between kissed and moans from both her and Spike. "I- I want you to st---"

"Buffy!!" Dawn shouted.



Buffy and Spike both sighed in annoyance and fell limp, Spike's body loosely lying on hers.



"God!" Buffy yelled in annoyance. "I swear I am going to strangle her one of these days."



"S'alright, luv. Go see what she wants." He said while sitting up and buckling his pants.



"No. It's not all right. I mean, you've been home for what? A week and some? And we still haven't, well . . . y'know with the . . . we haven't---"



"I know, pet. It's okay. I have you for the rest of my life." He said with a smile on his face.



"Well aren't we the confident one." She laughed.



"Well, it's obvious you're nuts about me. And as long as you don't leave and I don't leave . . . "



" . . . then we'll be together." Buffy finished his sentence for him before heading towards the stairs. There, she found Dawn wrapped in a towel her hair soaked.



"What are you doing? And what do you want?" Buffy asked annoyed.



"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I interrupt your extremely rousing game of tonsil hockey with your undead Billy Idol wannabe boyfriend?" Dawn asked.



"No." Buffy said defensively after crossing her arms.



"Whatever. Look, I can't find the shampoo." Dawn said.



"You interrupted my extremely rousing game of tonsil hockey with my undead Billy Idol wanna boyfriend for that!?" Buffy shouted.



"Ha! I knew it." Dawn laughed.



"Under. The. Sink." Buffy said slowly. "Now go. You're dripping. Oh, and it's not Billy Idol," she leaned a bit forward and lowered her voice, "It's Billy Joel."



"Hey!" Spike shouted from the other room.



"Go, go." Buffy waved her arm at Dawn and Dawn quickly left.



"You promised." Spike said as he came up next to Buffy, shock and horror written across his face.



"Oh calm down." She said teasingly. "She already knows. She used to listen to your CD's while you were gone."



"Bloody just great." He muttered under his breath.



"Oh, it's no big deal. You've been caught with more embarrassing things. Remember the Buffy Bot?" Buffy asked.



"Trying to forget it." He replied. "Look, I better shove off. Got some work that needs to get done."



"O-oh." Buffy said, trying to hide her disappointment.



"I can stay if you want?" Spike asked.



"No, it's okay. You've been here for almost two days so just go back to your crypt. Ill, uh, I'll see you later."



"You sure, pet." He asked while he cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand.



"Yes." She kissed him tenderly and pushed him away from her slightly. "Now go before Mr. Pointy gets a little frisky."



"Ooooh. Scary." He said sarcastically. He threw his duster over his head, opened the door and left.



And he was gone. And she was alone, for now at least. She missed him already, kinda like one of those lovesick girls, from the movies, that can only live if they have a boyfriend. Ever since he had come back she couldn't bear to be away from him. Even for that first week when she had been pretending to be mad, she still needed him. He was too far away. She would have to do something about that, but for now she would have to settle for later.



Later couldn't come soon enough.



*****

Part 23:
Suprises



Disclaimer: I own nothing. No Buffy, no Spike, no nothing.



A/N: I am so sorry this took so long. I know I promised that it would be up soon but we had a family emergency of sorts and I just didn't have the energy and encouragement to work on it. But it is here now so thank you all for being so patient. I love you guys! Also, this doesn't take place right after last chapter. It takes place a few weeks later. Plus (aren't I so annoying) I really have no clue when Dawn's birthday is, but I am making it in August. She is turning seventeen cause in season five she was fourteen, season six she was fifteen, then Spike was gone for a year so when he came back she was sixteen and so now she is turning seventeen, right? Oh who cares! It's my fic I'll do whatever I want! ;)



*****



"You didn't have to do this." Buffy said as she looked at the gift in her hand. "She's not even your sister."



"Yeah, but she's yours. And you are the most important thing in my life, which makes your family important to me too." Spike said.



"Well if you put it that way . . . " She smiled and pulled him into a deep kiss.



Dawn entered the hallway and smiled at the sight of Buffy and her peroxide boyfriend. She stood in the doorway waiting for them to let up, but they never did. She didn't know why she had expected them to stop on her account. Those two were more in love than anybody she had ever seen.



She cleared her throat and Buffy and Spike parted and turned their heads towards Dawn. Dawn smiled and then smiled ever wider when she saw the present in Buffy's hand.



"Oh, present." She said.



"Not yet." Buffy replied as she gripped the present tighter.



Dawn frowned. "Whatever. It's not like you ever get me good presents anyway."

"Hey!" Buffy squealed.



"Well, actually, that present is from me," Spike said to Dawn. He then turned to Buffy and quickly added, "and she's right, pet."



Buffy opened her mouth to protest but was cut off by Dawn.



"Spike, you didn't have to do this. I mean, I'm not even your sister. Just because you are doing Buffy doesn't mean you have to get me a present."



"That's exactly what I said." Buffy smiled, but received furrowed brows from both Spike and Dawn. "Oh, well, without the 'doing Buffy' part. Which, by the way . . . very inappropriate. I would scold you . . . but I'm too happy to scold." She said looking up at Spike. Spike smiled back and wrapped his arm around her waist.



"Look, I didn't get you the present just because I'm doing Buffy." Spike looked down at Buffy who shot him a glare. He smiled and continued. "You're important to me, Bit. You're almost like a sister. And you were the only on who accepted me way back when." He said.



"Thank you, Spike." Dawn said, practically glowing. She walked up to Spike and hugged him tightly.



"Happy birthday, Nibblet." Dawn smiled at him, walked towards the door, and left to go meet her friends.



"Have fun!" Buffy called after her.



"You are amazing." Buffy turned and told Spike.



"I know." He said.



"How is it I was able to find a guy like you?" She asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.



"Well, technically I found you and then lured you in with my sensitivity and charm. Not to mention my good looks and undying love for you." He added with a grin.



"Mmm, I like the undying love part." She said softly her lips only millimeters away from his. She lingered there; teasing him while she seductively licked her lips. She looked into Spike's eyes and she could see him. Every part of him. His vulnerability, his love for her, desire, passion. She could see him, not his demon. She nibbled on his bottom lip and pulled back. Again she lingered there, waiting for him.



She moved her lips closer and whispered, "I love you."



Her warm breath danced over his lips and he crushed his own on top of hers. He ran his hands through her hair as her fingers played with the buckle of his belt. Buffy moaned as Spike explored underneath her shirt. She giggled as he slammed her up against the banister and she pushed his coat off of his shoulders. She began to breathe heavily as his kisses moved from her neck down to her chest as he was unbuttoning her shirt.



Buffy suddenly pushed Spike off of her sending him flying into the living room and landing on his back. Buffy ran towards the door and locked it quickly. Then she slowly walked over towards Spike and watched as his face changed to one of confusion to one of pleasure as she straddled him.



"It's about time we were alone." Buffy said seductively. Spike grabbed her arms and flipped her over onto her back. She breathed heavily underneath him and he smirked at her.



"I know the feeling." And with that he crushed his lips on top of hers once more.



*****



"Buffy?" Willow called as she entered the Summer's home.



"Buffy I brought your key for Sp---" Willow stopped in her tracks as she looked around the house. The sofa cushions we sprawled around the room, lamps were broken, some candles and books were strewn around the room. It was a mess. Willow immediately thought trouble. Seeing as how this was Sunndayle, full of evil and such, and seeing how Buffy was the Slayer . . . what else was there to think?



Willow spotted Spike's duster in a ball next to the banister, which had a few small cracks in it. Willow's fear subsided as she heard moans and giggles coming from upstairs. This had only been the aftermath of the passion of the world's strangest and most ironic couple. It was sweet, but kinda gross at the same time.



"Note to self," Willow said outloud, "clean and sterilize the Summer's home before Dawn gets home," she walked into the kitchen and then paused, "but after a snack."



*****



Buffy and Spike lay in bed, their sweaty bodies entangled with one another's.



"Mmmm." Buffy sighed as she snuggled up closer to Spike, kissing then burrying her head in his chest. "We've got to do that more often." She mummbled.



"Mm-hmm." Spike replied, tightening his grip around her waist.



"I think you wore me out." She said.



"You think?" He asked.



"Well, I've never really been worn out before, so that is saying something for you." She said, a huge smile plastered across her face.



Spike laughed and ran his fingers through her hair.



"Not one." He said softly.



"What? Not one what?" Buffy asked.



"Not one knot in your hair. You'd think after all of that you'd at least have one knot." Spike said, disappointedly.



She shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe it's because of my new conditioner."



"Or maybe it's because you are just that perfect." He said to her. She smiled at him and kissed him tenderly.



"Oh god," she groaned, "I have to get dressed, but I don't wanna leave." She said, stroking his cheek with her thumb. Spike didn't say anything for he didn't want her to leave either, but she had too. So he just let her decide.



"Ugh, phooey." She said while pushing herself up and out of bed. She looked back at Spike who looked so adorable laying there, his head propped up on his elbow. She almost blushed as his eyes scanned her body. She picked her robe off the floor and lazily wrapped it around herself.



"I'll be back." She sighed and she moved out of the room. She moved, she didn't walk. It seemed almost a combination of prancing and floating. He had only seen her move like that once, which was after they had first kissed. Even though he had jumped to conclusions and then dismissed her, she still moved with such beauty.



God he loved her.



*****



"Dawn?" Buffy asked as she came down the stairs a few minutes after getting dressed.



"Yeah, it's me. Here's a note from Willow." Dawn handed her the note.



"Willow? I didn't hear her come in. Huh. Must have been while Spike and I were . . . uh . . . nevermind." She quickly grabbed the note from Dawn.



---Buffy,

I cleaned the house a bit for you. No need to thank me. From the looks of things I am guessing you had fun. The key for Spike is underneath this note.

Love, Willow---



"Key? Key, key, key." Buffy repeated as she searched through the mail, which Dawn had thrown on top of Willow's note.



"Key." Dawn stated as she held the key in her hand. "What is it for?" She asked.



Buffy grabbed the key, smiled, and put it in her pocket. "Spike." She simply stated.



"What did you buy him a car or something?" Dawn asked.



"Look, just think of it as a surprise birthday gift for you. But, I need you to go to Spike's crypt and pick up some things."



"Oh, right. A surprise present for me, but I am the one getting the supplies. Sneaky." She said.



"Dawn." Buffy said frustrated.



"Alright, I'll get it. What do you need?" Dawn asked.



"Thank you." Buffy said before telling Dawn exactly what she wanted.



*****

Part 24:

Welcome Home, Spike



Disclaimer: I own nothing. No Buffy, no Spike, no nothing.



****



"Spike." Buffy whispered into his ear. "Spike, time to wake up." She whispered again. Nothing. Buffy leaned over, lifted his head and passionately began to kiss him.



Spike slowly wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her down towards him. He responded and deepened the kiss. Buffy parted soon for lack of oxygen.



"Best wake up call ever, luv." Spike grinned.



"Your welcome." Buffy smiled.



"What time is it?" He asked.



"Eight-thirty. We're going to the Bronze at nine so get up and get ready." She told Spike.



"The Bronze? What for?" Spike asked.



"Dawn's big birthday bash. Gonna be fun." She said.



"You sure about that, luv?" He asked, sarcastically.



"Honestly, no." She said with a laugh. "But she is my sister. Now get dressed." She told him before giving him a quick kiss and exiting the room.



*****



It was a nice night. Dawn was happy, dancing, surrounded by all her friends and her family. Xander was there with Anya, Willow with Tara, and Buffy safely snuggled in Spike's lap. Plus, no vamps. The night was perfect.



"Buff?"



Buffy turned to face Xander, "Yeah?"



"Where's Giles?" Xander asked.



"Oh, well he stopped by the house this afternoon to wish Dawn a happy birthday and to tell us he wasn't gonna make it tonight. He said he had loads of work to do, but I just think he doesn't feel like being the only one here who was alive when the Beatles were still together." Buffy finished.



"I was alive then." Spike said proudly.



"Yeah, but you don't count." Buffy said with a smile.



"And why not?" Spike asked.



"Cause, you were all with the evil. You probably didn't even like the Beatles." Buffy told him.



"I did too." He said defensively.



"Wow, Billy Joel and the Beatles. You really are the big bad." Buffy said with a smirk.



"And don't you forget it." Spike said looking around at everybody at the table.



*****



"Feel like dancin'?" Xander asked Anya.



"Sure, why not." Anya said as she hoped out of her chair.



"You guys wanna come with?" Xander asked Willow, Tara, Buffy, and Spike.



"Nah. I think I'll sit this one out. It's late, kinda tired." Buffy told Xander.



"Me too." Willow said.



"Well, I feel like dancing." Tara said.



"I'll go with you, pet." Spike said. He gently pushed Buffy off his lap and took Tara's hand.



Willow leaned over and commented to Buffy, "There are two people you rarely ever see together."



"Yeah," Buffy astonishly replied "and they're dancing. Spike never dances with me." Buffy complained.



"Well, theirs is a forbidden love." Willow sarcastically said. Buffy laughed and turned towards Willow.



"Thanks for cleanin' the house today. You know you didn't have to." Buffy said.



"It was no problem. Kinda used a little magic to move it along a bit faster." Willow smiled. "You guys looked like you had some fun." She grinned.



Buffy immediately blushed but was unable to stop a smile from creeping across your face. "Yeah. I-I don't know what came over me. It was just, he was there and I was there and we were there. It was just us, together and I just---" Buffy moved her eyes from the dance floor to Willow. "Did you ever realize just how lucky we are? I mean we have this love and even though we found it in such weird, unthinkable places it's just so amazing. I never thought this would happen. I thought, by now, I would be dead-well I mean, I was dead, but . . . nevermind. Just, did you ever think this would happen?" Buffy asked.



"Yes, Buffy. I knew you were going to fall in love with a soulless vampire, Xander was going to marry and ex-demon, and I was going to become a lesbian witch and fall in love with another lesbian witch." Willow said sarcastically.



"No, well, yes but no. That's not what I mean . . . kinda. Did you ever imagine us here, alive, together with each other and happy? Plus, on top of that . . . we're in love. I mean, for living on a hellmouth that's-"



"Pretty damn lucky." Willow chimed in.



"Yeah," Buffy said with a smile, "luck . . . or fate. Take your pick." She said, moving her eyes back to the dance floor where Spike was . . . gone.



"W-where's---" Buffy smiled as she felt his cold hand slip into hers.



"May I have this dance?" Spike asked.



"Lame," Buffy spoke, "but yeah." She got out of her seat and looked back at Willow who was being asked the same question by Tara.



Once on the dance floor, Spike placed on arm on her waist and the other in her hand. Buffy placed her right arms on Spike's shoulder and the two gently swayed to the mellow tune.



"You two looked pretty comfy out there." Buffy said.



Spike thought for a minute until he realized she was talking about Tara. "Jealous, pet?" He asked, a smirk crossing his face. Buffy just looked up at him, her face soft but her eyebrows raised.



"Don't worry, luv. She's not really my type." He told her. "Besides, I don't think I'd be happy with any other woman. This is what I've wanted for three years, pet. And now that I have you I am one hundred percent devoted to you. Trust me, I am never leaving. You are my life."



Buffy brushed away the tears that were beginning to form behind her eyes. How could she not have seen him before? The way she treated him a few years back will haunt her for the rest of her life. He loved her and she drilled him into the ground with insults and dismissals. Staking him would have, most likely, been less painful for him. Yet, he still continued to help. Even when he didn't have her he was one hundred percent devoted to her.



Buffy freed her hand from Spike's and wrapped both arms around his neck. She felt his free hand move around her waist and pull her into him. Buffy placed her head on Spike's shoulder and closed her eyes.



"And you're mine." She whispered so lightly that no one, without vampiric hearing, would be able to hear her. Lucky for Spike . . .



*****



"Is Dawn here?" Spike asked as they both entered the Summer's residence.



"Umm . . . no. She left the Bronze early to go with her friends." Buffy told him.



"That explains why I never really saw her after midnight." Spike said.



"Sure does." Buffy replied. For some reason things seemed awkward for a moment. They didn't know what to do or where to go. It was two in the morning and neither of them were tired, not really.



"Come, sit." Buffy said, taking his hand and leading him to the sofa. They both sat, their fingers laced together. Buffy rested her head on Spike's shoulder.



"When did you clean this place?" Spike asked, noticing the neatness of the room.



"Willow used some of her almighty powerful powers to make it spick and span." Buffy informed him.



"Got it." He said. They sat there, comfortable for a few minutes until Spike let go of Buffy's hand and walked toward the door.



"Uh, w-where are you going?" Buffy asked, obviously disappointed.



"Home, pet." Spike said.



A huge grin crept over Buffy's face, "You already are home." She said.



"What?" Spike asked, confused.



Buffy grabbed Spike's hand and pulled him up the stairs with her, "Come with me." She said.



Once upstairs Buffy took Spike into the bathroom. "Look!" She said proudly.



"It's a bathroom." He said flatly.



Buffy rolled her eyes, "Yeah, but look." She said pointing to his snoopy toothbrush that was placed on top of the sink in one of those cups with numerous holes to place numerous toothbrushes.



"I was wonderin' where that ran off to." Spike said.



"Well, now you know." She said quickly. "Here, come." She pulled him into Willow's old room and he stood in shock. The bed was dressed in his sheets and pillows and a few dresser drawers were open revealing his clothes.



"I figured since Willow and Tara were gone that they wouldn't be needing it. And it would be a shame to let such a big bed go to waste. Our big bed." Buffy said.



"Buffy . . ." Spike started.



"Here, I got you a present." Buffy said, pulling two boxes from under 'their' bed. One was a small box and the other was a large long box. Being Spike he went for the larger on first.



"Tire Pump 2000!" He said.



"Yeah. I, uh, ordered it when you were gone. I was kinda something for me to hold on to. It kinda made me think that if you didn't come back for me, you would come back for it." She said, lowering her head.



"Buffy, I am so sorry." He said, pulling her into a hug.



"No, it's fine." She said pushing him away and handing him the smaller box. She wrapped her arms around his waist as he opened the it.



Spike gently lifted the top of the box and inside was a key. He looked over at Buffy who was smiling up at him.



"It's a key . . . to the house. To our house." Buffy said. Spike stood, amazed. Nothing could have been more perfect.



"Our house." He repeated. Buffy moved her arms from his waist to both sides of his face. She kissed him, soft and tender but passionate at the same time.



"Welcome home, Spike." She whispered.



And home it was. This is where he belongs. His bed, his home, his Buffy.



THE END (maybe . . . I'm thinking epilogue)



*****

Epilogue: For You



Disclaimer: Sadly, nothing is mine.



AN: OH GOD! I am so unbelievably sorry. I know this took an extremely long time to get out, but I wanted to put out a holiday chapter of sorts. I was going to put out a Christmas one, but we were at my grandmothers and her internet is awful and her computer just randomly shuts down so it would have really been frustrating. But I guess it was frustrating for you to wait then, huh? Anyway, this is kinda a different sort of epilogue. It is 2004 (two years after they got back together from when he came back . . .I think. Just go with it.) and Buffy is looking *back* on the last year or so. A tad fluffy. Kinda a song fic/chapter thing. I've never done one before and I plan on never doing one again. (

I just would like to thank all of you for being so patient and so kind in all your reviews! Thank you all so much! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and I hope you have a great New Year!

Oh, the song is "For You" by John Denver. Hehe, I got it from one of Jamie Sale and David Pelletier's exhibition programs.



*****

//Just a look in your eyes again

Just to lay in your arms

Just to be the first one always there for you//

Buffy slowly tinkered with the bleach blonde hair of the vampire whose head lay gently in her lap. Only white lights tangled with garland and the glow of the Christmas illuminated their home. She used to dream of a day like this. The man she loved curled up with her on her couch after a long holiday of fighting evil, and everyone she loved . . . happy.

// Just to live in your laughter

Just to sing in your heart

Just to be every one of your dreams come true //

Xander and Anya were happily married for 3 and ½ years now. They had a daughter, Emily Jane, who was, no doubt, their pride and joy. She had her father's dark chocolate hair that curled at the ends and her mother's eyes. She shared Anya's sense of pride and Xander's sense of humor. She knew about demons, vampires, and deep dark evil and she didn't care. Nothing seemed to scare her and to be honest, Buffy had no idea where that came from. One day, of course, Anya and Xander would have to fill little Emily in on her mother's past life, Buffy's status as the the Slayer not that she is just Strong Aunt Buffy, and the identity of her Uncle William . . . but that could wait.

// Just to sit by your window

Just to touch in the night

Just to offer a prayer each day for you

Just to long for your kisses

Just to dream of your sighs

Just to know that I'd give my life for you //

Willow and Tara were still growing strong. They lived in a small, but comfortable, house just near the old Sunnydale High. It seems they are more in love now then ever before. That could possibly have something to do with the talk of engagement. Miss Kitty Fantastico is also going strong. Having a litter of kittens she is the happiest cat this side of the hellmouth.



// For you for the rest of my life

For you all the best of my life

For you alone, only for you //

Dawn got in to James Madison University, and she was thrilled. It was just the type of school she wanted to go to. Small, a place where you weren't just a number. Buffy hadn't exactly been thrilled by this, at first, but was now seeing that it was for the best. At least she is going to college. Dawn is also currently dating, much to Buffy's chagrin, a junior at JMU. He's a nice boy, smart, funny, and clean minded, but never the less Buffy had trouble approving . . . and so did Spike. Spike had become a brother to Dawn over the past year or so. He paid for most of her college education and looked out for her. Dawn loved him so much, but not nearly as much as Buffy did.



// Just to wake up each morning

Just to you by my side

Just to know that you're never really far away//

Spike was, undoubtedly, the happiest. On March 10th, 2004 it will be a year since he and Buffy wed. He loved her more now than ever and she loved him back, more than ever. She assured him of that everyday. But what really makes him beam is an event that happened a few months back. Angel had arrived in Sunnydale on August 7th, after receiving information from a prophecy that said 'the slayer and the vampire she loves will conceive, a child . . . pure human, on the twelfth day of the eighth month'. Angel seemed happy at the news, but scared that he might lose his soul. Now Buffy, being the loving person she is, decided to let Spike give Angel the good news. The only thing greater than the look on Angel's face when he heard they were married were the words that came out of Buffy's mouth right after.



---"I love him, Angel. Please don't try to tell me otherwise. This isn't some . . . some ploy to avert an apocalypse, or a spell or anything of the sort. He understands me, he accepts me. The Slayer, the woman, the scared little girl inside. He understands all of it. He knows me inside, more so than I know myself. He doesn't try to control me to keep me safe, because he knows I can do that on my own. He completes me. Everything I need, want, and love he has. I love him with my whole heart even the part that . . . that used to love you. This," Buffy motioned with her hands between her and Spike, "what we have is amazing. It is the biggest love I have ever felt. With you Angel, God it was all hurt. Tears, anger, fear. We were both fragile and . . . listen. I could stand here and give you a million excuses why I married Spike . . . why he married me. But what other reason is there than the fact that I love him, trust him, and need him? There is nothing more important than that." An awkward moment went by and Buffy took a deep breath. "I love you Angel. I do. But I'm not *in* love with you. I don't need you anymore. Thank you for coming but . . . but please leave."---

// Just a reason for living

Just to say I adore

Just to know that you're here in my heart to stay //

Spike knew it had been hard for her to say, but he knew that she loved him now. So he was happy, content.



And Buffy, well she was on cloud nine. Her life was in place now. She knew what she had, what she wanted, and what she needed to do. All thanks to Spike. He was her compass.



// For you for the rest of my life

For you all the best of my life

For you alone, only for you //

Buffy was jolted out of her thoughts by the clock's soft, but persistent, dinging. And from the way Spike stirred in her lap he wasn't thrilled by it either.



She lowered her lips to his ear and whispered.



"Happy New Year." Her breath must have tickled his ear because he squirmed a little before groggily replying.



"Yeah. Happy New Year. Now we can all start writing '04 on our papers instead of '03." He said. "Woo-hoo." He added dryly before rolling back over.



"Hey!" Buffy smacked his shoulder.



"What?" He complained as he rolled over, rubbing his shoulder.



"Aren't you going to give me my New Year's kiss?" She pouted.



Spike smirked and sat up, wrapping on arm around Buffy's waist, pulling her towards him. "Now, would I pass up an opportunity to give my Mrs. something she wants?"



Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her lips towards his. "You better not." She whispered. Spike placed his lips on hers and kissed her tenderly. Buffy deepened the kiss and opened her mouth slightly inviting his tongue to dance with his. He moved his other arm around her waist and pulled her even closer so their bodies had no room in between.



Buffy parted from the kiss, a bit breathless. She cupped his cheek in her palm and stroked his pale skin with her thumb.



"I love you." She told him.



"Mhm. I love you too." He said before kissing her briefly. He looked into her eyes and smiled. He slid one arm from her back and placed it gently on her abdomen. "Happy New Year, Buffy." He said. Then he moved from her gaze and kissed her abdomen just below her belly button.



"Happy New Year, baby." He whispered, before replacing his hand with his head and drifting back to sleep.



Buffy smiled at Spike just before he closed his eyes. Yep, things were perfect. This is what she wanted. She was a Slayer, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a lover, a wife, and an expecting mother.



This was her life . . . and she loved it.

// Just the words of a love song

Just the beat of my heart

Just the pledge of my life, my love, for you //

THE END



*****



Hope you all enjoyed! I know it might have been weird, but I kinda wanted something original. Thanks to everyone for everything! Please, as always, review!

Happy New Year! I love you guys!