"That I'm a handsome devil who brightens the place up?"
"That you're worth saving."
Spike looked down, a small smile on his face. When he met Fred's eyes she was smiling back at him.
"Someone told me there was a hug in my future."
"I said 'There might be', luv. Don't get greedy."
Fred still looked at him, gaze unwavering.
"Come here", he murmured and opened his arms. She stepped close, and he pulled her even closer. The way she relaxed into his embrace stirred something inside him. She was the best of them. By far.