Chapter 35
Buffy cried in Spike's arms, being careful and keeping her hands to herself, rather than hugging him back like she had wanted to do.
Spike noticed this and was grateful that she wasn't pushing. He wanted nothing more than to hold her, but at the same time his skin crawled just having her so close to him.
"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault." Buffy said through tears.
"Hush baby. How could anything that happened be your fault?" Spike asked puzzled as he pulled her back to look into her eyes.
"I woke up.....I heard a noise and woke up. She was coming up to the side of the bed. Before I could scream, she covered my mouth, then I saw the knife coming down. I don't remember anything after that until I woke up in the hospital. It happened cause I couldn't wake you up, I couldn't warn you." Buffy said as she buried her face in her hands.
"None of that Buffy. It was not your fault. It happened, it just happened." Spike said as he pulled her hands from her face.
"If I had been stronger, been faster, moved differently. I see it happen, every time I close my eyes, but I save you then, every time I save you. Not when it counted, but I always save you." Buffy replied as the tears streamed down her face.
"It wasn't your fault Buffy. In that split second when I opened my eyes, all I saw was blood, your blood. You were so still, so quiet, then nothing, I never even had a chance to see if you were alive or ......." Spike couldn't bring himself to say it. " I thought you were.......I thought I was never going to see you again. So you see, you did save me. You being here now, alive, you're saving me. I couldn't be in this world without you. You're my world, without you, there's nothing." Spike said quietly as his hand caressed her cheek. "You're my reason to be."
Spike fought against his reaction to push Buffy away and instead pulled her down to lay with him on the bed, holding her in his arms.
"I don't ever want to without you. Never leave me. I couldn't bear it." Spike said quietly.
Buffy raised he head slightly to look into his eyes. She could see all the emotions he was fighting, the pain he was going through, yet she saw his concern for her outweigh all the others.
"Could never leave you. I could spend the rest of my life with you, it still wouldn't be enough. I want forever. I want eternity." Buffy replied.
"I think I can do that." Spike said then dipped his head and placed a small kiss to her lips. "Eternity it is." Spike said quietly as he pulled back, laying his head on his pillow.
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Giles walked back to the room to see Spike and Buffy, sleeping in each others arms.
Giles walked over and gently nudged Spike's shoulder.
"William." Giles said softly.
When Spike heard his fathers voice his eyes opened and he turned his head to look over his shoulder.
"I spoke to your doctor. Buffy can stay, no visiting hour regulations will apply to her." Giles said with a small smile. "Do you want me to stay?" Giles asked worriedly.
Spike nodded but didn't say anything.
"I'll go tell Joyce to go on home then. I'll be right back." Giles said quietly.
Again Spike just nodded, then laid his head back down and closed his eyes.
Giles walked back out to the waiting room to Joyce.
"I'll be staying here. You should go on home and get some sleep. Come back tomorrow after you've had some rest." Giles said bringing her to her feet and enveloping her into his arms.
"Are you sure? I could stay." Joyce replied.
"I know you could and I love you for it. But it's best if you get some rest. You're exhausted and need to sleep." Giles replied. "They're sleeping right now. Did you want to check in on them?" Giles asked with a small smile.
Joyce nodded and followed Giles to Spike's room and walked in behind him quietly.
Joyce wiped away tears as she looked at the two of them sleeping. Knowing what's happened in the last couple of weeks, knowing the repercussions they'll be facing. The sadness and the loss they'll experience, was more than Joyce could take as she looked at them.
"One day." Giles said as he watched them. "They will know nothing but happiness. I'll make sure of that." Giles said as he led Joyce out of the room.
Giles walked her out to the car and waited until she was out of sight before going back into the hospital.
Giles sat in the chair and watched over them as they slept, never closing his eyes, never turning away. He was going to make damn sure nothing was going to happen again.
Spike awoke for what felt like the hundredth time, each time always looking over to see Buffy sleeping by his side and his father, sleeping in the chair by the side of the bed.
He tightened his hold around Buffy when he felt her body shake and her breathing increasing. Not long after his embrace tightened, her body relaxed and her breathing evened out as she shifted herself even closer while she slept. Spike would keep his eyes open awhile longer before casting a final glance at Giles, knowing he was there, Spike was able to relax a little more and go back to sleep.........for a little while anyway.
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It had been almost a week since Spike had been brought to the hospital. Giles had finally started going home at night on Spike's insistence. But Buffy stayed, she wouldn't leave the hospital until Spike was being discharged.
Willow and Buffy sat outside in the courtyard by the cafeteria. Willow made sure she went to the hospital everyday to keep an eye on Buffy and to see how Spike was doing.
They sat there quietly as they watched doctors and nurses come and go, taking quick breaks from their rounds.
"How is he really?" Willow finally asked as she kept her head lowered.
"Pretty good considering..." Buffy replied. "He's definitely ready to come home."
"Yeah, can't blame him there. I was more than ready when I finally got to go home." Willow replied.
"I'm sorry Will." Buffy said quietly.
Willow's brows crinkled as she looked at Buffy. "For what? You didn't do anything." Willow replied.
"About.........about the baby. I'm sorry about the baby." Buffy replied her voice catching in her throat.
Willow just looked up to meat Buffy's eyes as her face paled. Willow couldn't keep eyes contact and looked away as her lip started trembling.
Willow just sat there for a few minutes before she started to say anything, still looking away from Buffy.
"I didn't want the baby." Willow replied as he voice caught in her throat.
Buffy looked at Willow, not judging her, just trying to be there for her.
"At first, I mean." Willow said as she continued. "I thought I was too young. That I wouldn't make a good mother. I mean I'm still in school, the relationship is new. I mean I love Lindsay, but in reality, we've been together not even a year." Willow said as she raised her hand to wipe her tears away. "But then when it happened, all I could think of was...what's going to happen to my baby if I don't get out of there." Willow said as her shoulder started to shake slightly.
Buffy just got up and went over and put her arms around Willow, rocking back and forth, comforting her.
"I think you would have been an amazing mother. Someday, when it's the right time, you'll find that out for yourself." Buffy said with a small smile.
Willow nodded as leaned her head on Buffy's shoulder.
A small tear slid down Buffy's face when she thought about it. One day, all of her friends would be able to experience having a child. That's one thing Buffy couldn't do, Buffy will never be able to have a child of her own, would never be able to give Spike a son or daughter of his own.
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"Yes, thank you." Giles said quietly into the phone as he sat in his study. "You're sure none of this will show up in the paper or tabloids." Giles asked keeping his voice low. "Thank you again. Yes, I'll bring William to visit soon I promise. Bye mum." Giles said as he hung up the phone.
"That was your mother?" Joyce said as she looked at him from across the desk. "It sounded like a business call rather tan a call to your mom."
"My mother is....how shall i say it..........
"British." Joyce replied.
"Very." Giles said with a small smile.
"She has the power to keep what happened out of the paper and news. How can she have that much power?" Joyce asked.
"Yes. She's been keeping everything quiet from the beginning, that's why there's been nothing on the news or in the papers." Giles replied.
"If you don't mind me asking, how can she have that ability?" Joyce asked.
Giles let out a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Well.................. my family owns the largest import/export company in England. Our first ship was given to us by the Queen herself as a gift to one of my ancestors, Louis Giles. He worked very hard and built up his company and made himself very wealthy. The business has stayed in the family, passed down, now my mother and father run it." Giles replied.
"Your ancestor was given a ship from the queen?" Joyce asked smiling.
"Yes, we are related after all. Of course it's more of a distant relation now than it was then." Giles replied.
"Your royalty?" Joyce asked with a shocked expression.
"Well, I'm not exactly in line for the throne, but our blood is tied to the royal family, yes." Giles replied.
"Why didn't you ever tell me any of this before?" Joyce asked a little dismayed.
"I was given the choice by my parents, a choice my mother was never given. I could be raised to learn the family business or I could have a life that I really wanted. I chose this. This is what I wanted for my life. A job I love, my son, that's all I wanted. However, I was raised in the business, so I do know how to run it when it comes my turn, but my mum also gave me the choice of stepping in or passing it to another member of the family." Giles replied. "Ive never wanted for anything, but I always chose to do things on my own rather than use the family fortune. Obviously I have unlimited funds at my disposal, but it's rare that I use it. William is the same. He prefers to do it on his own as well, he has always known what was available to him. Never hid where we came from from him. Can you understand why I didn't tell you?" Giles asked.
"Yes, I can. I might have done the same thing. You wanted to make sure someone loves you and not your money." Joyce replied.
Giles just nodded. "Are you angry with me?"
"No, a little disappointed that you didn't trust me enough to tell me, but I'm not angry." Joyce replied.
"So when it comes time, what are you going to do?" Joyce asked.
"When the time comes..........I'm going to take over the family business. I was allowed to have the life I wanted and I appreciate my parents for giving me that. I think I owe them that much." Giles replied.
"It won't bother you too give up what you love?" Joyce asked.
"I'll be sad to see it end yes, but it's my choice to do so. They're not asking me too. They don't even know that I'm planning too." Giles replied with a small smile.
"You're a good son to do this for you parents." Joyce replied with a smile as she came around the desk and sat down on Giles lap.
"I try to be." Giles replied as he held her tight.
"So none of this will make headlines anywhere then?" Joyce asked.
"No. It'll be like it never happened. Only the ones involved will really know what happened." Giles replied.
Joyce just leaned into his arms as they fell into a comfortable silence.
"Is it almost time?" Joyce asked.
"Yes, we should leave soon. He's being released at noon." Giles replied.
Joyce left his embrace as they both began to rise from their seat positions and prepare to pick up Spike from the hospital.
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Spike was spooned in behind Buffy as they slept peacefully, his bedroom door closed, shutting out the rest of the world, so it was just them remaining.
Spike started to stir when he felt Buffy moving to lay on her other side, laying her head on the crook of his shoulder, her body melding into his as she continued to sleep.
Spike relaxed and closed his eyes when she stilled, following her back to sleep.
Giles closed the door quietly as he made his way back down to the kitchen, joining Joyce at the table.
"Still sleeping?" Joyce asked.
Giles nodded as he took a sip of his tea.
"They've hardly been out of the room in over a week." Joyce said quietly.
"They will. They just need time." Giles replied.
"I know. I just feel useless, not being able to do anything." Joyce replied.
"So do I." Giles replied back.
"Any coffee left?" Angel asked as he came into the room.
"Sit down, I'll get you a cup sweetie." Joyce said as she got up from the table.
"Thanks." Angel replied.
"Did they get off alright?" Giles asked.
"The plane was late in leaving but yeah." Angel replied.
"Is Faith going to call when she gets in?" Joyce asked.
"She said the minute the plane lands she'll be calling." Angel replied.
"They were all more than welcome to stay. Not like there isn't enough room." Giles said.
"They all thought the less people around, might make it easier. Faith's ticket is a return though, she'll be back next week. She just wanted to get back and take care of a few things. We'd like to spend Christmas here with you." Angel said as he took a sip of his coffee.
"I think that's a marvellous idea. I would love to have you and Faith her for Christmas." Giles said.
"I think it's great we'll all be together for Christmas." Joyce said.
"We're all going to be together for Christmas?" Willow asked as she came through the back door.
"Faith and Angel are staying for Christmas." Giles said happily.
"That's great." Willow replied as she threw her jacket on the back of the chair and sat down. "Lindsay's father is actually coming here this year. I guess they usually alternate holidays." Willow added.
"So you won't be going home?" Joyce asked hopefully.
"My parents aren't much in the Christmas spirit being Jewish and all, so I don't really celebrate........bur I am looking forward to the turkey, oh and the mistle toe." Willow said smiling. "Don't ever tell my mom."
"Your secrets are safe here." Joyce said giving Willow a smile.
"Where is Lindsay?" Giles asked.
"He said he had some errands to run for his mom and then he had to meet her for dinner tonight." Willow said.
"So we get to have you to ourselves today do we. Maybe we could do some shopping." Joyce said.
"Shopping?" Willow said smiling.
"Oh dear god." Giles said under his breath. "You will be leaving the stores intact when you leave I hope." Giles said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"It's only a small shopping trip. Don't be so dramatic." Joyce replied.
"Shopping?"
Everyone turned to see Buffy standing in the doorway to the kitchen.
"Yeah, me and your mom are heading out soon. Wanna come?" Willow asked with hope.
"I..........I don't......"Buffy started to say hesitantly.
"Go. Go with mum and Red." Spike said quietly as he came up quietly to stand behind her, putting his hand gently on the small of her back. "They need to be with you too. I'll be fine until you get back." Spike said quietly so only she could hear what he was saying.
"I want to stay here with you." She whispered back.
"I know baby, I want that too. Do this for them okay luv." Spike replied.
Buffy nodded her head and leaned into his arms.
"Maybe dad and Angel and I could pick up a few things today too." Spike said as he turned his attention the people all sitting around the kitchen table.
"Well I guess we could. Haven't done any Christmas shopping yet." Giles said.
"Neither have I. I want to get something nice for Faith. Maybe mum and Will can help me out when it comes to ideas." Angel said.
"Ideas for what?" Lindsay said as he came through the back door.
"Hey." Willow said as she accepted a kiss from him when he bent over and placed a kiss to her cheek.
"Hey baby." Lindsay said with a smile.
"I thought you were going out?" Willow said.
"Actually I am. But I found this and thought you might need it." Lindsay said handing her her cell phone.
"I thought I put it in my purse." Willow said shrugging as she took the phone and put it into her bag.
"Guess not." Lindsay said chuckling. "Ideas for what?" He asked again.
"We're going out Christmas shopping." Joyce replied.
"Why don't we all go for lunch then go our separate ways after. Us girls one way, you guys the other." Willow said looking around too everyone.
"That's a good idea." Lindsay said as he hands massaged Willow's shoulders.
"I thought you had to go?" Willow said as he brows scrunched.
"It was kind of a lie. I had planned to go Christmas shopping yesterday, but we ended up spending the day together so..... I thought I'd do it today. I just didn't want you to know what I was doing." Lindsay replied.
"Awww, you were going shopping for me. That's so sweet. But I don't celebrate...."
"I know, but I do and I wanted to get you something anyway. Just look at it as a gift, it doesn't have to stand for Christmas." Lindsay said.
"I think I can manage that." Willow replied.
"I would have been totally lost by myself when it comes to shopping. I'm glad I'll have company now." Lindsay said smiling.
"So where are we going for lunch?" Willow asked.
"Luigi's." All the men stated at the same time.
"Well I guess that's settled." Joyce said laughing.
"Well, it's quiet there and the food is bloody amazing." Giles said.
Joyce smiled and looked shocked at the same time. They all stood there, mouths open slightly.
"Now you can see where I get it from." Spike said smirking.
"Oh William do shut up." Giles replied as they all got up and started getting ready to go out.
tbc.
Chapter 36
They all talked and laughed during their lunch at Luigi's. Buffy and Spike had been seated in the middle of the booth, still a little weary when people walked by.
"You were right, the food here is amazing." Joyce said as she pushed her plate away.
"I don't know if I can move. That was alot of food." Willow replied.
"I don't think I've ever been this full." Buffy said patting her stomach.
"I could go for a piece of pie." Lindsay said as he finished Willow's plate.
"Sounds good." Angel said as he signalled the waiter.
Lindsay ordered lemon pie, while Angel picked apple. Giles settled on mincemeat while Spike opted for a thick slice of chocolate cake.
"I don't know where they can put all that food." Buffy said to Joyce.
Joyce just shook her head.
"We should get going." Willow said as she grabbed her purse.
Buffy and Joyce grabbed their bags too, as everyone stood up so the girls could get away from the table.
"Can you get any more whipped." The waiter said to the other as they looked over to see Lindsay, Giles and Spike all handing credit cards over to their better halves.
"Wouldn't be me, would never give my girlfriend free reign over my money. That's just insane." the other waiter replied.
"Don't come home with the entire store." Giles said wincing slightly.
"Do yo think they'd do that?" Lindsay asked his face going pale, watching Willow leave the restaurant with his credit card.
"Of course not. He's just being overly dramatic." Spike said as he looked to see Angel shaking his head and laughing.
"Right?" Spike asked as he turned to look at Giles.
Giles just let out a deep breath and shrugged.
"Bugger." Spike said as he looked at his cake sitting in front of him.
Spike started smiling as he took a big bite.
"What's so amusing?" Giles asked.
"I'm gonna get a good prezzie then." Spike said as he took another bite.
"You do realize you'll be paying for your own present." Angel replied.
"Doesn't matter. My money is hers anyway." Spike said shrugging his shoulders. "The fact that she's spending time to pick something out that she thinks I might like. That's what means more. I'll love anything she picks out." Spike said shoving another forkful into his mouth.
"You're right." Lindsay said feeling better as he finished eating his pie.
"Since when does a son know more than a father." Giles said ruffling Spike's hair.
"Watch the hair." Spike said trying to smooth the curls back down.
They finished their desert then they all got up and left, paying the bill on the way out.
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Giles and Angel stood in the middle of the store with Spike and Lindsay standing at their back, staring in the opposite direction.
"Which way do we go?" Angel said looking all around as his brows crinkled seeing all the people rushing from rack to rack.
Giles didn't answer he just looked around, overwhelmed and not sure which direction to start in.
Lindsay and Spike smiled at the same time as their eyes found the same location in the store.
"There. That's where we need to go." Spike said pointing to the back of the store when Angel and Giles turned around.
"I... hardly think that.....that that's the proper gift...." Giles said stuttering slightly.
"It's perfect." Angel said smiling. "At least for starters."
"Damn right. It's the gift that keeps on giving." Spike said as they grabbed Giles and dragged him to the back of the store and into the lingerie section.
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"Can I help you?" The sales lady said as she came over to Spike and Angel.
"I'm trying to find something for my fiance. I like this one, do you think she'd like it?" Spike asked holding up a red silk teddy with lace trim. "This ones nice too." Spike said as he pulled a little black number off the rack. It was a sheer black top that laced up the front with matching panties.
"I think they're very good choices. We love getting lingerie, but most men don't ever buy it for us." The sales lady said. "What size do you need them in?"
"Well, this is for me too." Spike said smirking. "Size?"
"Yeah, is she a five or six, smaller, larger?" The sales lady asked.
"Uh.....I'm not sure." Spike replied.
"Okay...................is she my size?" The sales lady asked.
Spike looked her over. "No.....she's more.......petite." Spike replied looking around the store. "She's like..............her." Spike said pointing to a woman who started to walk by. "Miss?" Spike asked causing the woman to stop and look over. "Can you come her for a second?"
The woman looked a little curious and came over to Spike.
"She's this height..............do you mind?" He asked the woman.
She shook her head wondering what her was going to do.
Spike put his arms around her, holding her against him. "Yeah, perfect, this is her, this is her size. Spike replied as he released her.
"Would you mind if I asked you what size you wear?" The sales lady asked looking at the amused young woman.
"I'm a size three." The woman said chuckling slightly.
"My girlfriend looks like you."Lindsay said to the the sales lady as he came over.
"My wife looks about your size too." Angel replied.
"Okay, you'll need to find something in a five." The sales lady replied smiling.
"Thank you." Spike said the young woman with a hint of red in his cheeks.
"Anytime." The woman said smiling flirtatiously as she turned to walk away.
"Can I help you?" The sales lady said as she came over to Giles who was looking around, his face very red.
"Um, thank you, but no. I've already made my decision." Giles said as he pulled a two satin nightgowns from the rack. "I'll take these."
"You're sure on the size?" The sales lady had asked.
"Quite, thank you." Giles replied.
"How can you be sure?" Spike asked, smirking as he looked over at Giles.
"When she knew we were going shopping, she wrote down her sizes, just in case I went to the clothing department. I hadn't planned on it, but here we are." Giles said still looking at all the lingerie. " I thought maybe a vacation, somewhere warm perhaps."
"Hey, that sounds like a good.........just a sec." Angel said as he pulled out his phone.
"Hey honey. You just landed?" Angel asked. "Yeah, that would be great if you could come back earlier." Angel said smiling. "I love you too.......Okay, call me later. Bye." Angel said as he put his phone away.
"They're back home I take it." Giles replied.
"Not yet. She will be soon though." Angel said quietly. "She's going to see if she can get things done sooner, you know so she can come back earlier. If not then she won't be back until Christmas eve."
"Well let's hope she gets it all done right quick then." Spike said clapping Angel on the back.
Angel nodded and smiled slightly.
"So........besides these, what else should we get them?" Lindsay asked.
"Not sure really." Spike replied.
"A day at the spa?" Angel asked as he looked at everyone.
"That's a good idea.'' Lindsay said. " But I just figured out what I should get Will." Lindsay said as he put his lingerie in his basket and left that department of the store.
"I think I know what to get Buffy. But I can't get it here. I'll have to go out later. There's a really good shop a few blocks from the house, I'll go there tomorrow." Spike said.
Angel, Spike and Giles left the lingerie section and followed behind Lindsay as he headed for the electronics section of the store.
"I could get Faith a new camera." Angel said as he caught up with Lindsay.
Spike and Giles looked around while Lindsay and Angel picked out there gifts.
Lindsay had picked out a new laptop for Willow.
Angel picked out a new video camera and a regular camera with all the accessories.
They left the store and headed back to the house. When they arrived, the girls still hadn't made it home.
"Well, since we still have time, I think I'll go to the shop now." Spike said as he handed his bag to his father.
"Would you like some company?" Giles asked.
"Sure." Spike replied.
Giles took the bags and put then in the back of the storage closet under the stairs.
Giles and Spike left the house and walked down the street to the shop Spike had wanted to go to.
Spike looked at all the art supplies, not sure what she really needed.
Spike saw a starter kit on display. He took the biggest one, several canvases, extra paints and brushes, easel and frames.
"Do you have everything?" Giles asked.
"Uh, not sure. But if I missed anything I can always take her shopping after Christmas right?" Spike asked.
"I think she'll be happy with what you picked." Giles replied with a nod.
Spike smiled widely as he and Giles carried everything up the smiling cashier.
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"Damn, they're back." Spike said as they neared the house.
"Go around back. I'll get the out to the living room, you can come in and take it right down to the basement." Giles said.
"Okay." Spike said quickly.
But there was too much for him to carry alone, he wasn't able to do it.
Spike smiled as he pulled out his cell.
Angel grabbed his cell off the table and looked at it questioningly when Spike's number appeared on it.
"Hey Spike, is something wrong?" Angel asked slightly worried.
"Yeah mate. Look out the window." Spike replied.
Angel turned around and looked out the window to see Spike and Giles there, loaded down with bags.
"The girls are home." Angel said as he looked toward the kitchen.
"Why do you think I'm calling you. I need you to keep the in either the kitchen and I'll come through the front or get them to the living room so I can go through the back." Spike replied.
"The back let's you go to the basement. Give me five and I'll have them into the living room." Angel said.
"Thanks." Spike said as he closed his phone and put it in his pocket.
"Let's start towards the back so they don't see us." Spike said as he grabbed a few of the bags.
Giles grabbed the rest of the bags and followed Spike.
"What did you want us to come in here for?" Willow asked as they all followed Angel to the living room.
"Just look." Angel said as he opened the curtains, taking a quick look before opening them wide.
"What?" Buffy asked confused.
Lindsay was the last out of the kitchen and looked back to see Spike and Giles peeking through the window. When he saw the bags they had he quickly ushered Joyce from the kitchen behind Buffy.
"What are we supposed to be looking at?" Willow asked.
"The snow." Lindsay said quickly, glad it had started snow since they had arrived back at the house.
"Well.........it does look pretty. Big fluffy flakes." Willow said as they went closer to the window.
"Yeah, it does doesn't it." Buffy said agreeing with Willow.
"How about a walk?" Lindsay asked.
"Sounds good." Willow said as Lindsay went to grab their coats.
Spike and Giles put the presents in the corner of the basement.
"Lock the door." Spike said as they were going back up the stairs.
"That's really not necessary, no one ever comes down here." Giles said quietly as they came back up and into the pantry.
"Lock it anyway." Spike replied.
Giles rolled his eyes slightly as he took the key off the top shelf and locked the door, putting key back up where it had been sitting.
Spike and Giles casually walked into the living room to see Willow and Lindsay putting on the coats.
"Where are you two off too?" Spike asked.
"Going for a walk." Willow said. "Hey, why don't we all go. We can walk around.............get some hot chocolate, walk around some more, look at the Christmas lights." Willow said.
"Actually that sounds nice. Rupert?" Joyce asked.
"That does sound like a nice way to spend a day." Giles said as he grabbed Joyce's coat from the closet.
Spike went over and grabbed Buffy's coat and threw Angels over to him.
"Thanks, but I think I'll sit this one out." Angel said putting his coat on the back of the chair.
"You're coming." Spike said picking up his coat and handing it back to him. "No arguments." Spike added ending the conversation.
Angel shook his head and chuckled to himself as he put his coat on.
"Besides, Red said hot chocolate comes with the deal."
They all headed out the door and down the steps and out to the side walk.
All the couples holding hands while Angle walked beside Spike, feeling a little out of place being there by himself without Faith, but still enjoying the feeling a happiness being with his family and friends.
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"I think that's it." Faith said as she looked across the table to Cordelia.
"Yeah, everything is cancelled.'' Cordelia replied as they scratched the last thing off the list."Do you think we did the right thing though? I mean we didn't tell them we were doing it."
"Yeah, it was the right thing to do. With everything that happened. I think the last thing on their mind right now is getting married. Especially since they'll be staying there for Christmas." Faith replied.
"I guess. Kind of sad that I won't see any of you over the holidays." Cordelia said taking a drink of her coffee.
"With all the parties you have to go to, you really wouldn't have much time anyway." Faith said smiling.
"I would have just dragged you all with me." Cordelia said shrugging her shoulders.
"Well we'll be back for New Years. So plan on partying then." Faith said.
"Already planned." Cordelia said smiling.
"What time is your flight tomorrow?" Cordelia asked.
"Noon. You gonna see me off?" Faith asked.
"You don't' even have to ask." Cordelia replied.
"Come on, let's go out for dinner." Cordelia said as she stood up.
"Sounds like a plan." Faith said standing up and following Cordelia.
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"There she is." Spike said pointing to Faith as she came through the doors.
"Faith." Angel shouted as he made his way to her, pushing through the crowd at the airport.
Faith smiled as she ran to Angel, jumping into his arms and crashing her lips into his.
Angel lifted her off the floor as he held her tight, kissing her demandingly.
They broke apart breathing hard as thy locked eyes.
"Missed you." Angel said quietly.
"Missed you too." Faith replied, placing a more gentle kiss to his lips as he set her back on the floor.
"Come on, we can't stay here all day long. Got things to do." Spike said smirking.
"Yeah, definitely something to do." Faith said winking at Angel as they entwined their fingers and started heading towards the parking lot following behind Spike.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They all sat in the living room, paired off as they watched the flames dance in the fireplace.
They all talked and laughed, but mainly just sat watching the fire and enjoying being together. The twinkling of the lights on the tree also added to the comfort of the room. Tonight, as they all sat together, the rest of the world melted away, all the problems, the pain, everything just seems to be locked outside in the bitter cold as they stayed warm in each others presence. The light sounds of Christmas music could be heard in the background as they opened the curtains and watched the falling snow, lightly covering the ground.
The tree was overflowing with gifts, wrapped and sitting below, brightly coloured packages with strings and ribbons adorning the gifts.
They all stayed up until the early hours of the morning before going to bed, completely at peace. Wrapping themselves around each other, feeling as though they were surrounded by love.
tbc.
The women all sat downstairs as they waited for the men to come down. They had all tried to get into the dining room, to the chagrin of Jarred, who sat there laughing at the almost child like display the women had been exuding.
Finally giving up they joined him in the living room and talked happily as they got to know Jarred and Helen better.
"Dad, you want to help us do the last part?" Lindsay said as he came in through the kitchen doorway, dressed in a dark navy blue suit, matching tie, with a white shirt that had the barest hint of blue colouring in it. "And before you ask, yes I locked the house up." Lindsay added with a smile as he looked at his mom.
Helen just smiled, knowing she was just about to ask him that very question.
"Love too." Jarred said as he got up and walked over, joining Lindsay as he started back towards the kitchen.
"We have to get the food set out." Joyce said as she stood up. "You have to unlock those doors."
"We'll take care of that." Giles said from the kitchen. Joyce looked completely shocked when she heard his voice as well as Spike in the kitchen. How in the world did they get down here with out her seeing them come down the stairs.
"Just keep relaxin', we'll come get you when we have it all ready." Spike said quickly as they closed the kitchen door after Lindsay and Jarred walked through.
All the women sat back down finally giving up on the whole situation and just decided to enjoy each others company.
After about a half hour of hearing the men going back and forth from the kitchen, through the adjoining door to the dining room, Spike and Angel came out to the living room. Spike made his way quickly to Buffy's side, placing a kiss to her lips and sitting beside her on the sofa.
Angel followed suit and placed a kiss on the top of Faiths head as his hand rubbed her shoulders as he stood behind her.
Lindsay soon came out and went to Willow, lifting her from the chair she was sitting in. He then sat down and brought Willow down to sit on his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist.
Giles and Jarred finally came out of the room, carrying a bottle of wine and ten wine glasses.
Giles poured the wine and Jarred handed out the glasses.
"First I would like to wish a Merry Christmas to all of you. I am the happiest man in the world today. To have all my loved ones here, with me is the best gift I could have ever wished for." Giles said as he raised his glass in a toast. "To my family." Giles said as he took a sip of wine, everyone followed suit.
"So, on to dinner now." Spike said standing up and grabbing hold of Buffy's hand, leading her to the dining room door.
Lindsay and Jarred stayed with the women while Spike, Giles and Angel went in through the kitchen and unlocked the door from the inside.
"Okay, open the doors." Giles yelled from behind the doors.
Lindsay turned and grabbed the handles to the doors and opened them simultaneously.
Spike, Giles and Angel stood behind the table with smiles waiting for their reaction.
The women slowly walked into the room, mouths open as they looked around, not missing anything.
The room had been transformed completely. The chairs all had white slip covers on them, matching the white table cloth. There was also a white lace table cloth with a red runner up the centre of the table. Everyone had a four piece place setting that were white with holiday trim. Crystal glasses were set set out. The food had been set out on platters and in bowls and arranged on the table. All the curtains had been taken down and replaced with heavy red velour curtains. The mantle held pictures of everyone with red and white candles taking up any empty spaces. The two arm chairs by the fireplace had been replace by a set of wingback chairs. An old candle chandelier had been hung from the ceiling above the table, all it's candles lit.
Giles and Angel lit the candles the were in the placed in the middle of the table in sets of three. One set at each end, the other in the centre, one big red candle, 2 small white ones on either side. Spike went over to shut of the lights, leaving the room glowing from the candles. In the far corner they saw a tree, fully decorated, standing about seven feet tall. Presents seemed to spill out from the bottom. Old tapestries and paintings adorned the walls, giving the room a feeling of old.
"This is beautiful." Joyce finally said as she came over to Giles still looking around at the room.
"You guys did all this?" Buffy and Faith said in unison.
"Do you like it?" Spike asked as he came over to stand beside Buffy.
"Are you kidding. This is amazing. What made you do this?" Buffy asked.
"Not that it's not great..........cause.....wow." Willow said in awe. "But I would never have though of this in a million years."
"It was dad's idea really." Spike said.
"He said he was showing Joyce some pictures of how his family estate looked at Christmas time while he was growing up." Lindsay said.
"Oh...........I remember now." Joyce said as she looked around. " This looks almost like that one where you were six years old." Joyce said as she looked at Giles.
"It's as close as I could get it. But you loved the decorations, so I thought I'd give it to you." Giles said smiling.
"Oh, that's so sweet." Willow said cooing as Lindsay chuckled and pulled her into an embrace.
"It's really beautiful Rupert." Helen said. "All you boys did an amazing job."
"Thanks mom." Lindsay said as he smiled.
"You know, I have plans for the apartment back home." Faith said as she looked at Angel.
Angel laughed as he hugged her tightly. "Anything you want."
"Before we mess up this beautiful table, I want to get a picture." Joyce said as she wiped a tear away running to get her camera.
"I'll be right back, should have thought about this before." Faith said as she ran from the room.
Angel chuckled shaking his head, knowing hat Faith was doing.
Joyce was running back into the room with the camera when she heard the doorbell ring.
"I got it." Faith yelled as she went to the front carrying her video camera that Angel had given her for Christmas.
"Hi, can I help you?" Faith said as she looked at the older couple standing on the steps.
"I should hope so young lady. We're here to see Rupert and William." The older woman replied.
"I didn't know Giles was expecting anyone. Can I have your name please?" Faith said be a little cautious.
The older couple smiled. "Mr. and Mrs. Giles dear." The older man said.
Faith took another look at the couple. Now seeing the resemblance, Giles does bear a striking resemblance to his father. When you look into Mrs. Giles eyes, you can definitely see Spike. Her eyes weren't as blue as they had once been, but still held a bit of fire.
"Now I see where Spike gets his eyes from." Faith said stepping back to let them in, closing the door behind them. "And Giles' good looks." Faith said winking as she took their coats.
"How is Liam doing? Did you tame him yet?" Mr. Giles asked smiling.
"Gentle as a puppy." Faith replied, receiving a laugh from the couple.
"You're just as beautiful in person as you are in the pictures. Of course your choice in apparel today seems a little more...........conservative." Mrs. Giles said.
"Yeah, thought I'd try something new." Faith said with a smile.
"Well, you look beautiful........either way." Mrs. Giles said patting the girl on the arm.
"Now, where's my son and grandson?" Mr.Giles asked.
"Do you mind if I tape this?" Faith asked.
"Not at all dear. Do I look okay?" Mrs. Giles asked as she started primping her hair.
"You look beautiful as always." Mr. Giles said trying to usher his wife forward.
Faith turned on the camera and walked backwards, leading the couple to the living room.
Faith directed them to the dining room and followed closely to catch Giles reaction on tape.
"Hey Giles, you have guests." Faith said.
Giles and Joyce turned around to face Faith.
"Mother.............Father. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Giles asked as he walked around the table towards them.
"Rupert dear, this room looks beautiful." Mrs. Giles said as she met Giles half way and gave him a hug.
"Thank you for sending me the decorations." Giles said quietly to his mother.
She just smiled and and rubbed his back. "That's what mothers are for dear." She whispered back.
"Wouldn't be a surprise if we told you now would it?" Mr.Giles stated as he looked at his son.
"Now I know where you get it from." Buffy said smiling as she looked at Spike.
Spike chuckled as he gave Buffy a peck on the cheek.
Giles hugged his father then pulled back to make the introductions.
"No need son. Let's see if we can get this right from all the letters, calls and photographs. Faith, which we've already had the pleasure of meeting." Giles father said as he smiled at Faith who had the camera pinned on him.
"Liam, nice to see you again my boy." He said as Angel came over to greet them. After hugging them both Angel went back to Faith's side.
"This has got to be Buffy. The one girl that managed to steal my grandsons heart." He said as the older couple came over to Spike and Buffy.
"Welcome to the family Buffy." Mrs. Giles said embracing Buffy and then Spike.
"Thank you." Buffy replied quietly.
"Great legs son, she's a keeper." Spike grandfather whispered in Spike's ear before he pulled back.
Spike just looked at him a little stunned before a smile crept onto his face.
His grandfather just winked at him as he made his way over to Giles.
"This must be Joyce." He said extending his hand and taking hers. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the woman that was able to make my son settle down." He said placing a kiss to the back of her hand.
"Stop flirting you old fool." Mrs. Giles said hitting him in the arm playfully. "Now let me see my future daughter in law." She said practically shoving her husband away.
Joyce watched in amusement as they carried on in front her.
After a couple of minutes, Giles made the rest of the introductions.
"This is Helen and Jarred. Lindsay's parents."
Mr. and Mrs. Giles walked over and shook their hands in greeting.
"This has got to be Lindsay and Willow." Mrs. Giles said as she came over to the last couple.
"Nice to meet you." Willow said quietly.
"Ma'am, sir." Lindsay said taking their offered hands.
"Pleasure to finally meet you Willow." Mrs. Giles said hugging Willow gently.
Willow just smiled shyly.
Angel and Spike rushed around, adding to more place settings and two more chairs. Once everything was set, they all sat down together.
Mrs. Giles winced inwardly as she saw Willow limping to her chair, knowing what had caused it.
Joyce and Giles insisted that his parents sit at each end of the table, which is reserved for the patriarchs.
Everyone took their time, making the dinner last a good two hours as they all talked and laughed more than actually eating anything.
The whole day was perfect. The food, the wine, the gifts...........but most of all, because they were all together.
"This is going to take a long time to clean up?" Faith said as she put her napkin on the table, pushing her plate away.
"We could do the dishes and then the clean up can be your job." Giles suggested.
"No." Joyce said practically flying out of her seat, remembering all the broken dishes from the last time Giles had suggested this. "I mean, you did the dishes the last time. It's only fair that we do them this time." Joyce said quickly.
"Oh, well okay. If that's what you want." Giles said agreeably.
Mrs. Giles his a smile behind her napkin and looked away for a minute, knowing what Joyce was concerned about.
All of the girls got up and started to clear the dishes away, carrying them out to the kitchen.
Mrs.Giles got up and started taking some dishes out to the kitchen.
"No, you and father go relax, we won't be long." Giles said at Joyce's urging.
"You expect us to sit while you're all cleaning up. Not Bloody likely." Giles father mumbled as he started picking up a platter of food to take out to the kitchen.
Giles just shook his head laughing as they all joined in together to get everything done.
When the dishes were cleaned and packed away in the boxes and the dining room was closed up, leaving it decorated for the time being, they all relaxed in front of the fire in the living room, sipping tea and brandy as they talked and got to know Giles' parents better.
At the end of the night, Spike took his grandparents to the back of the house on the main floor to the guest room.
Willow and Lindsay had left with Helen and Jarred.
Joyce and Giles had retreated to their room as well as Angel and Faith.
Spike came back downstairs and joined Buffy on the sofa, bringing the blanket from the back of the sofa over to cover them as they laid down, slowly watching the fire die out.
"Do you want to go to bed luv?" Spike asked quietly.
"No. I'm comfortable right where I am." Buffy said letting a small yawn escape, pushing herself back further into Spike's arms.
"Love you Buffy." Spike said whispering as he placed a kiss on her neck before closing his eyes.
"Love you." Buffy replied as she closed her eyes.
They both drifted off to sleep as the last of the embers went out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What about the presents under the bed?" Buffy asked as they both sat up slowly.
They had slept on the sofa but had woken up when it started to get a little colder. Spike grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around Buffy as he helped her stand up, still slightly groggy himself.
"I think we'll leave them for another time." Spike said quietly as he ushered her towards the stairs.
"What? Why?" Buffy asked as she stumbled a little, tripping over the corner of the blanket that was dragging the floor as she climbed the stairs.
"Careful luv." Spike said catching her and keeping his arm around her as they went up the remaining steps.
"Why can't I have them?" Buffy asked again as they went to their room and closed the door behind them.
"Look, we're both tired, let's talk about this in the morning and just get some sleep okay." Spike said placing a kiss to her forehead as they approached the side of the bed.
"But I want them." Buffy said pouting, her lip coming out, making Spike chuckle.
Spike sat Buffy on the bed and sat on his knees in front of her.
"You know I'd do anything for you, give you the world if I could. But baby, I really am tired. Could we discuss this tomorrow?" Spike asked quietly.
"Okay. Tomorrow is good." Buffy said as she leaned over and captured his lips in a gentle kiss. "I am pretty tired." Buffy said agreeing with him.
Buffy crawled up further on the bed as Spike got up and walked over to the other side and sat on the edge. Spike kicked the gifts further under the bed as he ran his hands through his hair as he let out a long silent breath.
He laid down. spooning Buffy from behind, closing his eyes, but not being able to get back to sleep.
He listened until he knew Buffy was sleeping before getting up quietly and grabbing his smokes from the night table and grabbing his robe off the back of his door as he left the room quietly.
"What are you doing down here?" Spike asked as he closed the back door.
"Same as you I expect. Couldn't sleep." Giles said as he looked up from his seated position on the back steps.
"You're smoking." Spike said as he lit his cigarette and sat down beside his father.
Giles gave a small smile and chuckled quietly. "I suppose I am." Giles replied.
"Thought you quit years ago." Spike said as he looked out into the darkness of the back yard.
"I did. But every once in a while...........I have the urge." Giles said as he brought the cigarette to his lips and took a drag.
Spike just nodded as he continued to look at the yard absently.
"You should be wearing more than your housecoat. It is winter." Giles said.
"I'm fine." Spike replied shrugging his shoulders.
"Something wrong?" Giles asked as he rolled his cigarette in his fingers.
"What makes you think anythings wrong?" Spike asked taking another drag.
"Because you're my son and I know when something is bothering you." Giles replied.
Spike rubbed the back of his neck as he looked at Giles.
"Thanks dad, but it's nothing you need to worry about. I can handle it on my own." Spike replied.
"Are you sure?" Giles asked.
"Yeah........I got it. No worries." Spike replied with a brief smile.
"I'm here if you change your mind." Giles said as he stubbed his butt out on the ground, then placing the butt in a can he had by the railing.
"Thanks." Spike said as Giles patted his back as he went back into the house, leaving Spike alone with his thoughts as he closed the door.
Chapter 39
Spike woke up slowly when he felt Buffy moving out of his arms and off the bed.
"Where are you off to luv? We’re supposed to sleep in today. No running around, nothing specific to do today other than to just spend the day together." Spike said quietly as he rubbed his eyes and started to sit up.
"And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Just a few presents left to open." Buffy said grinning as she came over to his side of the bed and started pulling them out from under the bed.
Spike reached out and grabbed her arm stopping her from pulling out the wrapped gifts from under the bed.
Buffy looked up surprised and the smile left her face when she saw Spike’s jaw tightening slightly as he closed his eyes momentarily, before loosening his grip.
"Spike? What is it? What’s wrong?" Buffy asked worriedly as she looked at him through hooded eyes.
"Buffy I………" Spike started to say then shook his head as he slowly sat up and threw his legs over the edge of the bed. "I shouldn’t have bought them. I wasn’t thinking clearly when I picked them out. I don’t want you to open them. Please." Spike said painfully.
Buffy looked down at the packages and played with the ribbon on top of one of them.
"So you think I won’t like them? I’ll love anything you give me Spike." Buffy said trying to reassure him.
Spike shook his head. "It’s not that. I know you would have, in another lifetime and maybe further down the road still. But right now……." Spike shook his head again. "It’s not the right time, for either of us. I’m sorry I should have realized, at the time I just didn’t seem to think much about it." Spike said very quietly.
"That’s why you wouldn’t let me open them yesterday morning." Buffy said as she started to push the packages back under the bed. "Can you at least tell me what they are?" Buffy asked as she hid the last one beneath the bed.
Spike took a deep breath wondering if he should answer then let it out knowing he was going to tell her the truth.
"It’s lingerie." Spike said softly.
Buffy looked up quickly and then stole a glance at the boxes hidden beneath the bed as she brought her hand up to cover her stomach.
"I know luv. I’m sorry." Spike said quietly as he reached out for Buffy and pulled her into his arms.
"I can’t wear……..I mean it’ll show the……" Buffy said as she started to cry quietly.
"Shhh, luv, it’s alright. You know I don’t care about that. You’re alive and with me. That’s all that matters." Spike said as they rocked back and forth. "Honestly, I don’t know why I bought them. It’s way to soon…………….for either of us." Spike added quietly with choked voice.
Buffy just kept her head buried in his chest as her cries subsided.
"I’m sorry." Buffy whispered.
"What are you sorry about?" Spike asked in a soothing voice as his hand continued to caress her back.
"Because I can’t …….. I don’t want you to see me, the way I look." Buffy replied not able to look at Spike.
"Is that what you think? That I don’t want to give you these because we haven’t ………… been together since before it happened." Spike asked sadness rolling over him in waves.
"Buffy." Spike said as he turned her to look him in the eye. "Buffy, luv ….. I didn’t want to give them to you for both of our sakes. For you because I know you’re not ready. " Spike said as he brought the pad of his thumb up to wipe away a tear slipping from the corner of her eye. "For me ………… because I know I’m not ready. Buffy after what happened to me……. To both of us it’s going to take some time for us to come to terms with it all." Spike said softly. "But I’m not running away, I want to deal with this, cause if I don’t I’ll lose you." Spike stated. "I can’t bear the thought of living my life without you in it." Spike said as his voice cracked.
"I’ll always be here Spike. I’m not going anywhere, I could never leave you." Buffy replied as she leaned back into him burying her head in his chest once again. "You’re my world Spike." Buffy added softly.
"I love you Buffy." Spike whispered.
"I love you too Spike." Buffy replied just as quietly.
Spike slowly stood up, pulling Buffy to her feet he led her over to the bed. They both climbed in and lay down; holding each other tightly, but never said another word to one another.
They had never talked about how they were feeling or how what had happened had any impact or influence on how they behaved with each other or others around them. Since leaving the hospital they hadn’t been intimate with each other. Spike made himself hold her, touch her and kiss her, but never anymore than that. It just wasn’t possible for him. Although he wanted to make love to her, just the thought of all that physical contact made his skin crawl and made his stomach turn in revulsion.
Buffy felt almost the same way. With the rather large scar on her stomach she hadn’t been able to undress in front of Spike let alone let his hand linger in that area when he had his arms around her. Spike still hadn’t been told that she wouldn’t be able to give him the children he wanted in the future. She had told everyone to keep it to themselves and that it was her place to tell him. But how could she tell him she wasn’t a real woman anymore? That she wouldn’t be able to do something that almost every woman in the world was capable of doing. While all her friends would be having children, she would have to always settle for being Aunt Buffy. She would never give birth or hear that child call her mom.
"I’m going to start counselling again." Spike said in a soft voice. "Once the holidays are over. " Spike added as an afterthought.
"What about the band?" Buffy asked as she shifted off his lap to sit in front of him.
"I think I’m going to have to take a break from it. Large crowds……..that’s a nightmare waiting to happen if I perform right now. The band will either have to go on hiatus for awhile or replace me." Spike replied as he lowered his head.
"I doubt they would replace you. You helped get them this far, they won’t abandon you." Buffy replied.
"Yeah ……. maybe. If they do I’ll understand though." Spike said as he gave her a small lopsided smile before looking back down and listening to the silent room.
"I think I can small pancakes cooking. Care to join me for breakfast?" Spike asked changing the subject.
"Okay, that sounds good." Buffy replied as she stood up with help from Spike as he grabbed her hand after he rose to his feet.
They quietly padded out of the room through the hallway and down the stairs and into the kitchen, which was empty.
"Hey I thought you said there were pancakes." Buffy said as she looked at the clean and tidy kitchen. No sign that anyone had been cooking or even been in the kitchen that morning.
"Well I needed a topic change. Besides I intended to make you pancakes, so it wasn’t really a lie." Spike said smirking slightly as he got the pancake mix and the bowl from the cupboard.
"Okay, I’ll let it go this time." Buffy replied with a small eye roll. "I’ll take a quick shower while you’re doing this. I won’t be too long." Buffy said as she placed a small peck on his cheek.
"I’ll eat them all if you’re not back on time you know." Spike said as he grabbed the spoon and the measuring cup.
"I’ll be quick, I promise." Buffy said as she went up the stairs quickly.
Spike smiled and shook his head as he watched Buffy scurry up the stairs quickly before he turned and started pouring the batter mix into the bowl.
"You’re up early this morning William." Spike’s grandmother said as she slowly made her way into the kitchen. "Here I was thinking I would actually get up and make breakfast for everyone."
"You make breakfast?" Spike asked as he smirked at her.
"Yes. I know it’s not something I do often ……….. or at all, but I felt like making breakfast for you this morning. It’s been a long time since I’ve ventured into the kitchen. Not too long that I think the concept of making pancakes has changed all that much."
"No, I’m sure they’re still made the same way." Spike said as he handed over the bowl to his grandmother.
"Is Buffy still asleep?" His grandmother asked as she started the task of making pancakes.
"No. Buffy actually just went up to take a shower. She’ll be down shortly." Spike replied.
"I really like her dear. She’s so sweet and obviously very much in love with you." His grandmother said as she glanced his way smiling.
"I’m glad she is …… I couldn’t live with out her. When I’m with her ….." Spike said shaking his head and shrugging his shoulders. "My world makes sense …….. every thing seems to feel right. Never really felt that before." Spike replied quietly.
His grandmother just smiled and rubbed his back as she went to the fridge to take out the butter.
"Hey." Faith said through a yawn as she stumbled half asleep into the kitchen and over to the coffee pot.
"Morning dear. Is Liam still sleeping?" Spike's grandmother asked as she cut some butter and dropped it on to the griddle.
"No he's awake. He'll be down in a minute uh......." Faith said not sure how to address her.
"Cora dear, just call me Cora." Cora replied to Faith with a smile.
"Cora." Faith said with a smile as she poured coffee into the mug.
"Hope you're hungry. I think I'm making enough to feed a small army." Cora said as she finished mixing the batter.
"I'm sure I can pack away quite a few." Faith said even though she wasn't a breakfast person. "Would you like some help?"
"After the dinner you all put on yesterday, it's the least I could do." Cora said politely declining the offered help.
Over the next twenty minutes everyone had slowly made their way to the kitchen ..... always reaching for the coffee pot which when ever it started to run low, Spike would quickly make another pot.
Faith, Buffy and Joyce set the table and Spike, Giles and Angel brought in the platters of food and set centren the center of the table. Willow who had come over from Lindsay's carried in the juice and crescents setting them at one end of the table. Cora camdining room diningroom, followed by Mr. Giles carrying another tray of crescents and juice. "Henry, put those at the far end of the table." Cora said to her husband.
"Yes dear." Henry said as he walked to the end of the table and set them down.
"Let's see. Pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, crescents, fresh fruit, yogurt.........I think that's everything." Cora said smiling as they all began to sit down.
"Thank you mother, you have really out done yourself." Giles said as he sat down next to Joyce.
Cora waived him off as her face took on a reddish tinge.
They spent an elaborate amount of time for breakfast, it wsocializingailizing than eatieveryone eveyone hglorious glorius time laughing and talking as they languished over the meal.
Once clean up was finished they all separated to get dressed and ended up back in the living room watching movies and enjoying each others company in silence.
"Are you sure you can't stay awhile longer?" Joyce asked as she helped Cora pack her suitcase.
"I wish I could dear, but the business doesn't run itself..........at least not for long." Cora said giving Joyce a wink. "But you're more than welcome to visit us anytime you like." Cora said suggestively.
"I definitelyately take you up on that." Joyce said smiling.
"Good, then it's settled. As soon as Rupert can get thing settled down here, then you two will come for an extended visit. I wouldn't mind if you were all to come. Give me a chance to show off my daughter in law........and all the new additions tfamilyfamly." Cora said as she placed her hand on top of Joyce's.
"We're not.......married." Joyce said quietly.
"Not yet." Cora replied. "Rupert loves you very much. You love him too. I can see it in your eyes when you look at him. I look forward to the day that I cofficiallylly call you my daughter." Cora said as she wiped a tear that began to slip down Joyce's cheek.
"Now let's get this to the car shall we." Cora added as she went topickh up the suitcase.
"Let me get that for you." Joyce said as she grabbed the suitcase and followed Cora out of the room and to the living room where Henry was waiting.
They all walked them to the car and put the suitcases in the trunk.
They stood and watched until the car rounded the corner and was out of their sight.
Slowly one by one they all made their way back into the house and settled in for the remainder of the night.
The next week passed by with quiet notice. Other than Christmas shopping, Buffy and Spike hadn't ventured outside. During the week leading up to New Year's, they had begun taking small steps. Sitting on the front steps or in the backyard, eventually they started taking small walks around the block.
When New Year's arrived, they all opted to stay in and ring in the new year together. With the exception of Faith and Angel. They had left the night before to go back home. They would be spending New Year's eve with Cordelia.
Willow was going to the New Year's party that Lindsay mother was having. They had been invited, but politely declined preferring the quiet celebration they would have.
Buffy and Spike along with Joyce and Giles cooked an intimate dinner for the four of them.
After dinner they relaxed in the living room, listening intently as Giles would tell tales of his childhood and of his rebellious years. Joyce and Buffy laughed along with Spike when the heard the nickname 'Ripper' that Giles had been dubbed with as a teen.
Just before midnight they went their separate ways, Giles and Joyce to their room and Buffy and Spike to theirs. Celebrating the new year in private.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spike and Buffy wandered out the door into the backyard and over to wooden chairs in the middle of the lawn. Spike sat down and pulled Buffy down to sit on his lap. Buffy leaned into him as they sat in silence and enjoyed the silence.
It was several minutes before Spike began talking breaking the comfortable silence between them.
"I have to head back soon." Spike said quietly as his finger tips made circles on the back of her hand.
"When?" Buffy asked as she closed her eyes.
"Day after tomorrow." Spike replied.
"I wanna come with you." Buffy said as she opened her eyes and shifted herself so she could see his face.
"Buffy ....... you have school, you can't leave." Spike replied as his fingers came up to brush the hair away from her eyes.
"I don't want to be here with out you." Buffy replied. "I can go to school there."
"Are you sure about this? What you're giving up." Spike asked.
"You're more important. I don't want to be away from you again." Buffy replied. "Do you not want me to come with you?"
"Always want you with me Buffy. Just wanted to make sure this is what you really wanted. You were so happy when you were accepted at your college, just thought you might want to stay is all." Spike replied.
"No, I need to be near you." Buffy said as she placed her head on Spike's shoulder.
"Alright, it's settled then. I'll get ahold of the airlines and see what's available." Spike said as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"I don't know why I never thought of this before." Giles said from the doorway causing Spike and Buffy to look over in a little shock, thinking they had been alone.
"Thought of what?" Spike asked confused.
"Your grandparents have a private plane. It's always been at our disposal, but never needing it before, it actually slipped my mind." Giles said chuckling to himself as he thought of all the money they had been spending in travelling back and forth when it was unnecessary.
"I guess I'll call her rather than the airlines." Spike said as he laughed under his breath, the same thoughts going through his mind.
"Did you tell your mother you'll be leaving?" Giles asked Buffy.
"No. I had just decided to go. But I will." Buffy replied.
"I'm really going to miss having you here Buffy." Giles said as he started turning around to go back into the house.
"I'm going to miss you too Giles." Buffy replied as she watched him close the door behind him.
"Since we can use my grandparents plane, I guess we can leave anytime. I was supposed to go Thursday, but we can wait until the weekend if you'd like." Spike said looking at Buffy.
"How about we leave on Sunday and spend as much time with mom and Giles as we can. Maybe even .............. go out to dinner on Saturday night." Buffy replied going a little paler at her own suggestion.
Spike's complexion had gone pale as well.
"Bad idea, forget I said anything." Buffy said she she tried to calm herself down.
"It was a good idea, at least you're trying. I thought the flight back was going to be hell, all those people around me and I'd be stuck there, wouldn't be able to get away. Was thinking I'd probably be right crazy by the end of the flight." Spike said a little calmer. "But I think we can do a dinner. There are smaller more intimate places, we could go to one of those. They wouldn't be crowded and it would be quiet." Spike said. "What do you think luv? Up for it?"
Buffy took a calming breath before nodding her head in agreement.
"Okay, I'll talk to dad, he'll know which one to go to." Spike said as he tightened his hold on Buffy. "How about a walk?" Spike asked in a whisper as he placed a small kiss to the nape of her neck.
Buffy stood up and took Spike's hand and followed him out of the yard and down the street.
tbc