Chapter 12

Willow was excited to hang out with Buffy. She had seen her around school for a few months and felt strangely connected to her, but Buffy always stayed at a distance. There were rumors that she had just gotten out of drug rehab, or juvie, or a psychiatric facility—Willow knew it was something else though. She was always in class and turned her homework in on time, she just seemed sad, not addicted or crazy or violent. She stood with Xander outside the Bronze, he was shifting his legs around anxiously. He had seen Buffy around too and, just like all the other guys in their class, couldn't help staring. She was pretty, everyone knew it. She was just a little strange is all. Besides, focusing on Buffy helped Xander keep his mind off Willow, who he really wanted.

Buffy walked up to them, "Hi Willow. Xander." She smiled up to her eyes, genuinely excited to see them.

"Hey Buffy!" Willow chimed as she hugged Buffy, "I'm so glad you made it. Let's go inside and find a table."

Xander looked on sheepishly, "No hugs for Xander." Buffy laughed at his pout, "Yes, hugs for Xander too."

They hugged and walked inside, Xander tried to hide his smile.

It was loud inside, there was a live band playing covers on stage and people playing pool. There were many people sitting at tables near the edge of the dance floor, more actually dancing. Upstairs, people lounged on couches looking down at those dancing below them. Buffy was absorbing her surroundings and she was impressed, "This place is awesome."

Willow squinted her eyes and yelled, "What?!"

Buffy said it again closer to Willow's ear, "This place is awesome!"

Willow smiled, "Yeah, it's pretty cool." Her long red hair swished behind her as she moved around searching for a table to claim. Buffy followed, Xander close behind her. She looked around noticing a lot of kids from school, it seemed this was more of a high school hangout than a college hangout. There were some older people hanging around the pool tables and upstairs though.

They found a table and sat down. "So this is where you hang out for fun huh?" Buffy asked Willow.

"Sure is. We're the coolest," Willow said sarcastically.

"I think you're pretty cool, in fact I'm labeling this the cool table from now on. Here sit we the cool people."

Willow liked Buffy, she made her feel like she wasn't some invisible geek.

"So, I've heard some things about you Buffy. Spill. What's the truth?"

Buffy leaned back surprised at Willow's question, "What have you heard?"

Just then Xander walked up with their hot chocolates and sat down, "You know, that you're addicted to drugs, had run ins with the law, or maybe were in the nuthouse. The usual." Buffy started laughing really hard, causing Willow and Xander to laugh too.

"Really? Well, that's all garbage." She wiped her eyes, "Well, maybe not the law part. I unfortunately played a part in burning down the high school gym last year, which is why I got expelled. No fun. It was a total accident. There was something way wrong with that gym." She put on her serious face.

Xander just stared at her, confused, "There was something wrong with the gym, so you burnt it down? What, did the bleachers offend you? Or was it the Go-Fight-Cheer murals everywhere, because you know those will send anyone over the edge?"

Buffy started cracking up again, "No, nothing like that. I promise to tell you both sometime. For now, I want to get to know you two. How long have you two known each other?"

Willow answered first, "It feels like forever, we went to pre-k together and we've had a love hate relationship ever since he broke my yellow crayon." She glared at Xander.

"Oh, not the yellow crayon again. Come on Wills, we're in high school now. If I broke your computer it would be a different story."

"Oh yes, Mr. Harris. That would be quite a different story, one ending with your untimely death."

Buffy giggled at the two of them play fighting with each other, "You're too cute together, have you ever dated?"

The small amount of hot chocolate Xander had in his mouth sprayed out onto an unassuming bystander, "What?! No." He was overcompensating for how he really felt about Willow, he always had a crush on her, but he kept it to himself and just pretended to like everyone else.

"What Xander meant to say, was 'No, Buffy, we're just best friends'," she mocked his deep voice as she said it.

They didn't know anything about Buffy so Willow followed her line of questioning and asked, "Why Buffy, are you dating anyone?"

Buffy looked down at her cup, the hot chocolate steaming up at her and the little marshmallows melting into small white dots. She blushed and replied, "Kind of. I just met this guy, he's older, in college."

Xander waved his head around and exaggerated his swooning teenage girl impression, "Oooo, college guy. What's his name?"

"Spike."

Willow gaped at her, "You're seeing an older college guy named Spike? Sounds romantic, in a biker and leather chaps sort of way."

Buffy's memory of Spike all leather and bourbon and with the motorcycle, she couldn't help but find the irony in Willow's statement.

"Ha ha, Willow. You'll get to meet him, he might drop by later." The truth was Buffy knew he was already there, watching her. She felt him as soon as she walked in. He was at a billiards table winning money off some poor high school kid. She longed to look over at him, but it was more fun letting him watch her.

Spike went in through the side door and got a beer from the bar along with some hot wings. Then he planted himself near the pool tables, facing the front door. She looked beautiful and happy when she walked in with her friends. She deserved to be happy and he smiled as he saw them laughing together. He started playing pool with some cocky kid looking to show off to his friends—too bad he was losing, badly. At least the poor git's stupidity paid for the hops and wings. The music changed to something upbeat and he saw Buffy, Willow, and Xander get up from their table to go to the dance floor. Spike watched on with interest as Xander and Buffy practically dragged Willow by her arms to dance with them. Her smile was infectious, she could probably convince anyone to do anything for her. The three of them finally made it out to the dance floor and started dancing together in a loose circle.

They fell into an easy flow, the music washing over them. She finally felt like she was living, out with friends, dancing, listening to cool music. My undead soul mate watching me from across the room, she grinned to herself as she lifted her arms above her head grooving to the music. Xander was watching Willow closely, trying to be nonchalant about it. Buffy noticed it though and wondered how things would turn out for them this time around—only time would tell. The beat changed and the band started playing something slow and romantic. The three of them stopped still, not sure of what to do next. Xander looked anxiously at Willow and then away.

"Come on Xander, let's have a dance." Xander was excited to feel Willow's slender arms wrap around his neck. Buffy was glad to see them getting along, even if Xander was hiding how he really felt.

Willow looked at Buffy and she moved her head, suggesting Buffy look behind her. Buffy didn't have to look, she knew he was there before he even touched her shoulder. When she turned around, she was face to face with Spike, his crystal blues eyes staring at her.

"Shall we dance, luv?" She nodded and placed her arms around Spike's neck, her fingers rubbing softly against his neck.

"You smell incredible," he whispered to her with his face buried in her hair. "It looks like you're having a good time."

Buffy met his eyes with hers, "I really am. Even though it took me a while to get out here with them, I'm glad I did. I need these connections to the world."

Spike nodded in agreement, "Yes, you do. And they need you Buffy, they don't know it yet, but you all need each other." She leaned her into his chest as they swayed to the music.

When Xander caught a glimpse of Buffy and her dancing companion he gulped, "Willow, do you think that's the guy? I know she said older, but she didn't say anything about the cheekbones. And he sounds British to me, do you hear that? Gah. Girls love accents."

Willow laughed at him, "Ah, Xander. I would say that is him, supermodel cheeks and all." She was secretly cheering her new friend on, Spike was gorgeous, older yeah, but Christ, look at him! The two pairs danced comfortably to the music near each other and when the music ended, they moved back to the table.

They all leaned on the high top table and Willow and Xander stared at Spike suspiciously.

Willow spoke up first, "So, Buffy, who's blonde bombshell here."

Spike laughed a deep laugh, "Hi Willow, I'm Spike."

His British accent caught her by surprise. "Buffy, you didn't say he was Mr. International over here." Buffy shrugged apologetically.

He reached out his hand to shake Willow's and she noticed it was unusually cold, "Leather doesn't quite hold the temperature does it? Maybe you should look into wool or a space heater or something."

Spike rubbed his hands together, "Yeah, it's a bit drafty in here. And you're Xander?"

Xander perked up at his name, "Sorry, yes. Xander is me. I was distracted by the 1980s floating around you, is that back in or something? Should I be using peroxide, maybe that's why I never get any dates," Xander shook Spike's hand and shook his head.

"You're both funny, you know that? I like your chaps Buffy."

Buffy smiled and Willow jumped in, "Besides your British, 80s rocker thing you have going on, what else should we know about you Spike?"

Spike figured they would ask so he came up with a story already, "Well, I've been taking classes over at the college."

Willow loved school and the thought of going to college excited her more than most things, "Ooo, college. What types of classes?"

"I started taking classes back in England, they really nurtured my love of writing and reading, so naturally I started taking courses on literature and English when I arrived here a few years ago. Specifically, I enjoy poetry and 19th century literature. I write a lot, I'm actually taking a break this semester since I need to catch up on my writing."

Willow and Xander were seemingly enthralled by Spike's tale, and perhaps his accent. Buffy couldn't help but be enthralled by him too, he was dripping with sex and intrigue, and I get to go home with him! And I've seen him naked, more than once..kind of! Buffy was doing her happy dance inside her mind, her smile huge on her face.

Spike looked at Buffy noticing her beaming at him, impressed. Spike coughed a little and put on his concerned eyes, "Buffy, what time did your mom want you home? It's getting kind of late."

Buffy looked at her watch, it was 11:30pm, "You're right Spike, ever the gentleman this one. I've had a wonderful time you two, this place is awesome. We should come here again."

Willow nodded excitedly, "For sure, Xander and I are here a lot. We also do movie nights sometimes, you're both totally welcome."

Buffy was excited about the invitation, "Willow that sounds great. I need to catch up on my movies anyhow. We can make plans at school." Buffy walked over to Willow and Xander and hugged them both, Spike shook their hands and said how glad he was to have met them.

"We'll hang out again soon, and I'll see you in school tomorrow," Buffy said as she and Spike walked away from the table.

As they walked back to Buffy's house, Buffy couldn't stop talking about Xander and Willow. "I mean they're so great. They get me, we're like on the same wavelength. Not just because I know we were meant to be best friends, but they are super awesome. I'm so glad I went. They don't need to know about me being the slayer quite yet, I'll get around to it. I'm just so happy they're finally in my life."

She looked at him as she was frantically waving her hands in excitement and he was smiling at her. He was so beautiful. Buffy grabbed his hand in hers intertwining their fingers together.

"I'm so glad you're finally in my life," then she stepped up to kiss him. The feeling of his cool lips on hers was exhilarating and she deepened the kiss for a moment before he pulled away.

"Come on luv, let's get you home." He didn't fancy the idea of some vampires sneaking up on them kissing in the middle of the street. He clasped her hand in his as they walked.

Joyce's jeep still wasn't in the driveway when they got home. When they entered the house, Buffy slipped off her shoes by the door and padded over to check the answering machine. There was a message from her mom saying she was going to be another few hours and probably wouldn't be home until after 2am. Spike was leaning against the wall, one ankle propped on the other and his arms crossed in front of him. Buffy yawned, it had been an incredibly long and exciting day for her.

"You tired pet?" Spike walked over to her kissing her forehead.

"As if the yawn didn't give me away. Yeah, but I'm not ready for you to go yet." She pouted at him.

"Who said anything about leaving?" he smirked at her and lifted her into his arms. He carried her upstairs and deposited her softly onto her bed.

She was watching him intensely, wondering what he was going to do next. Spike shrugged off his leather jacket and placed it by the window. When he came back to the end of the bed, he crawled up the bed leaving small kisses all over her clothed body. He planted a hard kiss on her lips before he flipped to the side to gaze at her.

"So, how do you usually get ready for bed? Do you have a naked rule too?" Spike's tongue pressed the back of teeth as he grinned naughtily at her.

Buffy turned on her side to face him, "No, I don't Spike. At least not yet."

"Is that right? I'll just have to persuade you then," Spike turned onto his back and propped his head back on his arm, and grabbed Mr. Gordo with the other. Buffy rubbed her hand over Spike's chest, feeling his muscles under his thin black t-shirt.

"I'm going to go get ready for bed, are you going to be here when I get back?" she stood up from the bed and moved to the side where he was laying.

"Only if you want me to be."

Buffy leaned forward and kissed him firmly on his mouth, "I fully expect you to be right here when I get back." Spike watched her skip off and held on to Mr. Gordo a little tighter, relief smoothing the worry lines on his face. She wants me to stay.

Buffy went to the bathroom and closed the door. She leaned on the counter and stared at herself in the mirror. She looked tired, but so much happier than she was two days ago. Her life was finally coming together, it wasn't going to be all darkness and battles anymore. She could have joy and friends and love—love. Her eyes brightened at the prospect of love, a consuming and total love. Spike. Do I love him? What's not to love?

She started fighting with herself in her mind as she brushed her teeth. Christ Buffy! You've only known him for a few days, come on now.

Sure, a couple of days, but I have years of knowing him from before. Sure, we're different in some ways, but I still know a lot more about him than most other people get when they meet someone. I have a cosmic background check at will in my brain. When he looks at me I know what it means, when he kisses me I can feel what he feels. This is way more than love, this is destiny.

Whoa, destiny? You were balking at destiny when it made you the slayer, but now that it makes you the hot undead's girlfriend you're like yippee? Way to stay consistent Buffy.

She shook her head in frustration. It wasn't about being rational, it was about being human and living her life to its fullest, right?

She didn't know what was right or wrong, she just knew that being with Spike felt so good, so perfect. She changed out of her clothes and slipped on her long nightshirt that splayed off her shoulder slightly and then tied her hair up in a loose bun. Buffy looked at herself one more time in the mirror, I hope you know what you're doing Summers.

She flipped off the switch and walked back into her bedroom. Spike was lying where she left him. He had only removed his boots and his belt, his shirt was now untucked. Buffy stood in the doorway as Spike shifted his gaze to her.

"There you go again, almost as bad as the towel. You're going to sleep in that are you?" Spike sat up in her bed and hung one leg off the side as he placed Mr. Gordo on the nightstand.

She nodded, "Are you going to sleep like that?"

Spike looked amused, but hesitant, "You want me to sleep here?"

Buffy nodded again, "Just listen for my mom and be scarce if she comes to open the door. You can stay as long as you want to though. I want you to stay."

"Okay, Buffy. I'll stay. I'm going to leave before the sun rises though, okay? I don't want you waking up to a pile of dust." She understood, but was sad that she would wake up alone in the morning.

Spike stood and walked over to her. His arm moved behind her to shut the bedroom door, turning the lock just to be careful. "How do you want me to sleep Buffy?"

His eyes were dark and intense as they locked on hers. Buffy reached her hands down to the hem of his t-shirt and started to lift it up. He raised his arms up, keeping his eyes locked on hers as she lifted the shirt up and off him. She tossed the shirt to the ground as she scanned her eyes down his finely chiseled chest and abs, her fingers itching to touch him. She returned her eyes to his and her hands found their way to the top of his jeans. As she started to undo the button, Spike inhaled an unneeded breath and closed his eyes, willing himself to calm down. She stilled her hands for a second before he opened his eyes and nodded. She unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, pulling them slightly down off his angular hips, careful not to touch the waistband of his briefs. Spike finished kicking off his pants and they stood in front of each other nearly bare and unsure of what to do next.

Buffy couldn't help herself. Her fingertips traced the lines of hips and moved up along his stomach muscles to his chest, her palms rubbing against his pecks as she traveled up to his face.

When her eyes met his again, she whispered, "Spike," her voice was heady with longing—it sent him over the edge.

His hands darted to her hips and he pulled her body to his, his hands reaching down to her ass lifting her up, her legs wrapping instantly around him. His fingers dug into her thighs as he held her to him, he could feel her small breasts trapped against his chest. His lips crushed hers and his tongue thrust into her mouth, no longer exploring, but claiming. Her hands were feverish in his hair, around his neck, gripping his face to hers. He walked them over to the bed and laid her down, he settled between her legs as he followed her onto the mattress.

Spike's hand ran along the outside of Buffy's thigh as her nightshirt rode up her hips. She was wearing lace boy shorts and when his hand grazed her bare ass cheek he continued moving it up under her shirt, gripping her bare hip and stomach. Their kisses deepened as Buffy's hands clutched at his back, moving down to grip his ass. She loved the feeling of his muscular cheeks in her hands as she squeezed him hard. She could feel the impressive length of his erection pressing into her leg through his briefs, her pussy was getting wetter at the feeling of him gyrating against her core. Spike reached his hand down between them and cupped her clothed pussy, pushing the heel of his hand into her clit. Buffy moaned softly into his mouth, she had never been touched that way before and it was amazing. Too tempted he brought his hand back to her stomach with the fingers of his other hand entangled in her hair. He stopped kissing her and rested his forehead on hers, stilling his body above hers. Buffy's breathing was erratic and her skin flushed as she opened her eyes to his. His eyes were hooded, heavy with longing.

"Buffy, we should stop," Spike said quietly. As much as they both wanted to continue their salacious dry humping, they knew they had to pause for a bit. Neither of them was ready yet—ready to cross that irrevocable line. Soon, they both thought, but not today.

Buffy pressed her lips to his quickly, "I know."

He rolled to the side, still keeping his hands on her and wrapping his arm firmly around her waist as he pulled her back to his front. She reached over to the nightstand, set her alarm, and turned off the light. She settled back into Spike's arms, her body warming his.

He kissed her shoulder near her neck and nuzzled her ear, "Now that I have you, I'm never letting you go."

She nestled back into his spooned form and responded softly, "Don't ever let me go. My life makes sense now that you're here, I couldn't bear to lose you. Not now, not ever. "

Spike was relieved at her admission, "We're together now, we belong with each other."

The feeling of her against him, soft, warm, and safe, was incredible. He wanted to stay here forever, but he knew they had obstacles ahead, battles to fight and lives to live. He didn't have all the answers, all he knew for now was how good it felt to have her in his arms. They closed their eyes and for the first time in their lives, they felt complete.