Chapter 7:

Spike sat on the edge of the couch and watched Buffy as she sat beside him and dressed his wounds. She cleaned him up and bandaged him in silence only looking up at him when she wanted to make sure that she wasn't wrapping his arm up too tightly. She wanted to be sure she wasn't hurting him in any way.

Her mind started to drift about hurting him in the past. First physically, then emotionally. She continued to look downward at his wound but lifted her eyes up so she could stare at him without being too obvious. When she looked at him now she didn't see the same person that threatened to kill her and almost did on parent-teacher night during high school. She thought back to how she felt about him then and almost couldn't remember. There was not one shred of hate left in her toward him. She remembered when the thought of him made her so mad that she would use that when it came time to fight because it gave her more energy.

She thought back to when she found out about his crush on her and she went totally ballistic. Remembering the hurt look on his face when she tried to tell him that there was nothing between them made her heart hurt. How could she have been so totally wrong about him? When he had kept the fact that Dawn was the key from Glory, she saw a whole other side to him. He sat there bruised and battered and almost got himself killed simply because he couldn't bear to see her hurt if anything ever happened to Dawn. She had never wanted to kiss anyone as badly as she did at that moment. He had done something so noble for her and it had touched her more than anyone would ever know. She never regretted that kiss for one single second.

There were however, other kisses that she remembers regretting. She felt like she was a bad person for developing feelings for a soulless demon but he had been so sweet to her no matter how bad she treated him. Everything went to hell after that but no matter what happened she could never forget what it felt like whenever they had sex. Her mind would disappear into a world of complete bliss. She could feel nothing but his hands upon her and her racing heart as he brushed his lips over every part of her body.

Buffy suddenly felt her face flush and she hoped that Spike didn't notice. She looked up at him and smiled as she finished up with the bandages. She let go of his sore arm and patted his jean-clad knee.

"All better." She said and rose from her seat.

He grabbed her hand before she got the chance to walk away from him.

"Thanks, Buffy." He said with appreciation.

She squeezed his hand and smiled. He released his grip on her and she walked into the kitchen just as the teakettle started whistling. She took it off the stove and poured the steaming water into two mugs that sat on the island. She took out packets of hot chocolate mix and a bag of mini marshmallows and made the drink she promised her mother she would make for him in her dream.

Realizing what she was making, Spike stood up and made his way over to the kitchen and sat on a stool across from her. She gently placed a mug full of hot chocolate in front of him. He saw the tower of mini marshmallows settled on top of the warm liquid and smiled.

"I promised my mom I would make this for you." Buffy smiled.

"You did? And when was that, luv."

"The other night. In my dream."

"So, you're telling me your mother came to you in a dream just to tell you to make me some hot chocolate?" He looked confused.

"I've been having these dreams. That's how I knew you were still alive. Each dream gave me hints on how to find you. I was beginning to think that I was just dreaming what I wanted to see. I was so scared that I might never find you." Buffy admitted with a trembling chin.

Tears rolled down her cheeks and Spike immediately went to her and wrapped his arms around her. She held on to him tightly and tucked her head under his chin.

Seeing her cry gave him mixed feelings. He hated to see her like this but at the same time, her reaction to his return touched him deeply. He never thought in all the time he has spent on this earth that anyone would have ever been this happy to see him.

"You ok, pet?" Spike asked in a whisper.

"I am now" Buffy smiled.

Spike leaned forward and placed his lips on her brow. She closed her eyes and drowned in the warmth of his lips. Warmth. That is something she wasn't exactly sure she'd ever get used to. She never would have guessed in a million years that the man standing before her would end up with a warm body, a heartbeat and a soul. The soul was shocking enough but this was beyond her wildest dreams. She felt like she wanted to hold him forever and never let him go.

He pulled away from her and the loss she felt almost made her start crying again. They sat back down on the kitchen stools to finish their cups of hot chocolate before they got cold.

"Uh, we should really get started on training tomorrow. I've found I can hold my own in a fight against psycho but human ex-boyfriends but when it comes to demons, I've never felt so weak."

"Not to worry." Buffy said. "We'll have you back to your old big bad fighting self in no time. I promise."

"I really appreciate this, Buffy."

She reached her hand across the table and held onto this hand. She couldn't stop staring at him. At that moment she realized how Spike must have felt when she had been brought back. She remembered seeing the tender look on his face the first time he saw her. He automatically assumed that she was the buffybot. Why wouldn't he? The chances of something like that happening once was beyond the realm of reality but for it to happen twice was almost unimaginable. For that reason, she stared intently at him with complete fear that she will suddenly wake up and the moment will be over.

"Buffy? Are you sure you're ok?" He asked after noticing her staring at him.

"Yeah. Sorry. I know I'm staring but I just need to make sure you're really here."

"This isn't another nightmare, Buffy. I really am here."

"They weren't nightmares. A dream with you in it could never be a nightmare." Buffy admitted softly.

Spike blushed slightly. It was a vision Buffy was surprised to see. The slight redness on his cheeks made him look boyish and vulnerable.

"It's been a long day." Buffy said, interrupting his embarrassed expression. "We should get some sleep. We've got a lot of work to do tomorrow."

"Right. Just point me to the way of the sofa and I'll be out like a light in no time." Spike grinned.

"Uh, I was kind of hoping that you'd stay in my room tonight." Now it was Buffy's turn to look embarrassed. "When I realized you might still be alive, one of the first things I thought of were those nights we spent just holding each other. I can't even begin to tell you how much I've missed that."

"Lead the way." Spike said, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Buffy stood and held her hand out to him. He took it and entwined their fingers as they made their way to the bedroom.

"I see you finally got rid of those New Kids On The Block posters." Spike chuckled as he looked around her new bedroom.

"Yeah, well I remembered how nice you decorated your crypt and I opted for a more sophisticated look." She took his hand and led him over to the bed.

She saw how his eyes had been fluttering closed and she knew he was just as exhausted as she was. Neither of them wanted to even bother changing out of their clothes. They lay upon the bed and wrapped their arms around each other. She felt like he was still too far away, so she moved as close as she could to him. They finally felt at peace when their arms were tightly snug around each other's backs and their legs comfortably entwined.

He could feel her warm breath on his neck and she could feel his. She slightly pulled back and settled her forehead on his and looked deeply into his eyes. Her lips find his in a gentle and sweetly soft bedtime kiss. After pulling away, he made the move this time and kissed her again just as softly has she had kissed him.

"Goodnight, Buffy."

"Goodnight, Spike"

With that, they fell asleep together silently wishing that there would be a thousand more nights exactly like this one.

To Be Continued.....

 

Chapter 8:

Dawn and Willow stood in the doorway to Buffy's bedroom watching her and Spike sleep. They were cuddled together, their arms and legs entwined and they looked completely peaceful and content.

"They look so sweet!" Dawn said, continuing to watch them.

"They really do." Willow agreed.

Dawn's head tilted when Buffy's body shifted slightly and her arm slid further up Spike's back and her head became tucked under his chin.

"Did you see that?" Dawn said tugging on Willow's shirtsleeve. "They are so cute!"

"I agree but don't you think we should leave them alone now? I don't think they would be too happy if they woke up and found us staring at them."

"I guess you're right." Dawn agreed.

They both meant to move out of the doorframe and find something more productive to do but they just couldn't seem to get their legs to work. Even though they both agreed to stop with the staring, they couldn't bring their eyes away from the touching scene in front of them.

Buffy stirred and her eyes opened. She looked over at Spike's sleeping form and smiled sweetly. She hadn't yet noticed the audience of two watching their slumber like it was some great romantic drama. Buffy studied his face and ran a gentle hand through the curly platinum locks on his head, which were disheveled from sleep.

Dawn sighed happily at the gesture and at the sound Buffy turned her head to see Dawn and Willow staring at her in awe.

She knew she should have been mad at the interruption of a private moment but instead she grinned. Nothing could bring her down now that she finally found the person she was hoping for but never actually believed she'd ever see again.

"Sorry, Buffy." Willow said immediately. "We just saw you all comfy and cuddled and we couldn't tear ourselves away." She added, slightly shame faced.

"It's ok. Why don't you guys come on in?" Buffy said.

Slightly surprised, Willow and Dawn entered the room and stood beside Buffy's side of the bed. All three girls looked at Spike as if he were a newborn baby taking a nap, waiting to see the next move he would make.

Spike suddenly opened his eyes to three pairs of female ones watching him intently.

"Uh, why is everyone looking at me?" Spike asked.

"Because you're so adorable when you sleep." Buffy answered.

"I thought I was adorable all the time." He pouted. "But if it means that much to you, carry on then." With that he closed his eyes once more and the three girls continued watching him, much to his surprise.

When he heard them all sigh he opened his eyes again. He glared at the girls, rolled his eyes and got up out of bed. That followed by three female groans of disappointment.

"Show's over ladies. There will be another showing tonight at bedtime." He walked out the door and headed to the bathroom to take a shower.

"Buffy, this is so great!" Dawn yelped.

"Yeah, I'm amazed." Willow added. "I can't believe you actually found him.

Buffy looked at them both with a huge grin plastered across her face.

"I know! I can't stop smiling!" Buffy said, not remembering when she ever felt this happy.

"You guys are never gonna believe this." Buffy continued. "Spike is human now! He can still fight with vampire strength and speed, although he does need a bit of practice, but he's human!"

"Oh my God!" Dawn and Willow chorused together.

"You mean he can go out in the sun now? His cross and holy water allergies are over?" Dawn asked brightly.

"Absolutely." Buffy confirmed.

"How did this happen?" Willow inquired.

"Apparently, the Powers That Be thought that he would be of some great use here and that leaving him dead was such a waste. They believe that he can do great things to help the universe. I just wish that someone would have informed me of that decision so I could have had him back a long time ago." Buffy grinned sheepishly.

"Wow!" Dawn squealed. "Wow! I'm gonna go make him breakfast. He's probably starving! What do you think he likes? Eggs? Pancakes? Waffles? What should I make?"

"I'm sure he'll love whatever you make him, Dawn." Buffy said.

"Ok!" Dawn left, practically skipping out the door to make Spike some food.

"Do ya think she's excited?" Willow asked, sarcastically.

Buffy chuckled, then her expression turned serious.

Willow noticed the sudden mood change and became concerned. "Are you ok? Is something wrong?"

"No. It's just....I'm scared."

"Of what?"

"Everything is going so well. I've never been happier. I'm afraid it's all going to end or that it's going to be taken away."

"Don't think like that, Buffy. The man that you love is back in your life. It's like some kind of miracle. Don't ruin it for your self by thinking you are going to lose him again." Willow thought for a moment. "Speaking of which, have you told him yet?"

"Told him what?" Buffy asked, bewildered.

"That you love him, of course. Isn't that the one thing that was bothering you the most? You said he didn't believe you when you told him the first time. You wanted to make sure that he knew the truth."

"No. I haven't told him yet." Buffy admitted softly.

"What are you waiting for?"

"I don't know. I guess I'm just nervous."

"Buy why? You already know how much he loves you. It's not like you could have some big fear of rejection or anything because you already know exactly how he feels about you. Just tell him. You have a second chance to make it right. Don't wait too long this time."

"I'll tell him. I promise. I just need a little more time. Things are weird right now. He has to adjust to his new life and I don't want to make things worse by moving too fast."

"Ok, Buffy." Willow sighed in disappointment. "But you never know what tomorrow may bring. You better let him know how you feel before it's too late."

A few hours later, Buffy dragged Spike into the training room. They set a room aside that was set up with a punching bag and some work out mats. It was no where near the size of her old one but it served its purpose.

"All right, show me what you got." Buffy said, immediately getting into a fighting stance.

Spike nodded and advanced on her. He started by throwing a few punches, which she easily blocked.

"Come on, Spike! You can do better than that!" She taunted him, trying to get him to fight harder.

He threw another punch that she blocked just as easily then crouched down and tried to kick her legs out from under her. She jumped over the incoming leg and when he stood up she copied his move. Unlike him, she made contact sending him sprawling to the floor where he landed on his rear.

"Spike, you have got to try harder!" Buffy said with irritation.

Spike continued to sit on the floor and look defeated, his head and shoulders slumped toward the floor.

"I can't. I can't do this. I'm not strong enough anymore."

"That's nonsense and you know it. When we were at the Angel's hotel, I saw you punch him across the room. The strength is there. You just have to find it."

"I don't know how."

"Of course you do! You've always known. You can't just forget something like that. You were one of the greatest fighters I've ever known. You can't give up now."

Spike continued to look at the floor as if he was too tired to even argue. He appeared to have given up completely.

Buffy crouched down in front of him and grabbed his hand.

"Spike look at me." He finally raised his eyes. "I know what this is, Spike. You're not weak, you're scared. The only thing that is stopping you is fear. I know you have the ability to fight just as well as you used to but you are afraid because you know you are vulnerable now. You are human and very capable of getting hurt but if you don't try and build up your strength, you will get hurt and I can't bare to lose you again."

Touched by her words, a lone tear fell down his cheek but he still made no move to stand up and try again.

"Spike, I need my partner in crime back. We fought so well together. I need you by my side. What happens if I get into a situation that I can't get out of? What if a demon gets the best of me and I have no way out? Are you going to be satisfied standing in the sidelines helplessly and watching me fight? That's not you. That will never be you."

Spike suddenly stood looking determined. "I will never let anyone hurt you."

"I know." Buffy smiled sweetly. "Now please, let's try this again. Give me everything you've got and more. Show me what you would do to anyone that tried to hurt me."

Spike nodded and immediately threw a punch that Buffy just barely blocked. His fists flew furiously and it was almost impossible to keep up with him and block all of his punches. His fist connected with her shoulder and she stumbled back. He sent a back kick to her abdomen and she was knocked down onto the floor mats. She landed with an oomph.

Spike knelt down beside her, looking concerned. "I'm so sorry, Buffy. Did I hurt you?" He asked, looking her over.

Buffy smiled the brightest of smiles. "You did it!" She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a hard kiss on his soft lips.

She pulled away, suddenly realized what she had just done. It seemed so natural to pull him into a kiss. They shared some soft kisses last night but this one made her feel the passion that she had missed terribly by not having him around.

They locked eyes and a sudden seriousness swept across both their faces. They leaned into one another until they could feel each other's breath on their lips. The sound of a throat clearing filled their ears and they simultaneously turned to the offending noise.

"Am I interrupting something?" The visitor said in a harsh voice.

Buffy glared in shock and anger. "Angel?"

To Be Continued...