AUTHOR'S NOTE: I wrote this story awhile ago but it was done and even though it is holiday related I thought I'd post it.
Spike stood in the darkness of the street, his cigarette glowing in the night. He dropped it to the floor and put it out. He stared at the house in front of him, the lights were on and the house radiated warmth. He walked towards it and on to the porch, where he looked in through one of the windows.
It had been 15 years since they had closed the hellmouth, 8 since Buffy had gotten married.
Through the window, Spike could see the slayer and her family and friends. They were all gathered around the Christmas tree, exchanging presents and drinking hot coco. Spike watched as Buffy scooped her daughter, Emma into her arms. She was beautiful, a small replica of her mother with blonde hair and bright green eyes.
"Come here, Emma," Dawn said, beckoning her niece over. Buffy's husband got up from his seat to go make some more hot coco. Spike was happy for her. She had a husband now who was able to give her the things he never could. She had someone to grow old with and have a family.
"Buffy, you missed one," Willow said handing her friend a small box wrapped in blood red paper and decorated with a black velvet bow.
"Who's it from?" Buffy asked Willow.
"Doesn't say," Willow shrugged, turning towards Xander, whom she was begging to do the snoopy dance.
Spike watched as Buffy ripped off the paper and opened the box. She smiled, inside was a very familiar silver lighter. She picked it up and felt the cool metal caress her skin. She smiled pocketing the lighter.
Spike walked away and into the night, content that his slayer was happy. He knew she wouldn't like it: that he thought of her as his slayer but he couldn't help it. She would always be his. He would love her for the rest of his life, for eternity.
It had been 15 years since they had closed the hellmouth and he had come to visit her every Christmas for 15 years.
THE END
