:. Chapter Nine
AN: Yes! Only one chapter left. This is my favorite chapter, besides the one where Spike kicks Angel's butt. I never get tired of that. This goes out to Lee! Merry Christmas, dude!
:. Buffy
"I suppose it is time to bring my tale to a conclusion." The woman said. I looked eagerly to the pond.
Spike drove the same car he had before into a large city. I laughed. Cleveland Ohio. We had made the same mistake. But Giles had realized it had to be wrong. Hellmouths usually showed up in small towns. Big cities were more prone to evil on their own without Hellmouthy assistance. Then I realized it, he was looking for me.
"Spike went to the wrong city, and looked all over until he finally found out from a passing demon the Hellmouth was in Cleveland, Iowa, and that's where you would be. He hurried as fast as he could, avoiding all tickets by giving out Angel's name, address, and everything." the woman narrated. I rolled my eyes. Figured. Once a grudge, always a grudge.
I turned to the pond. I saw Spike driving into town. He drove through the streets, then stopped and closed his eyes. His face lit up, and he drove onward to Morningside Drive. He turned down until he came to a familiar blue house. The snow was falling as he got out. He stood a moment like he used to at the house on Revello Drive in Sunnydale. Then he walked forward to the window, looking in. I did a double take as I watched the events from this evening replay. But I mostly watched Spike. His expression softened and he had a faint smile on his face as he watched. Then the whole look melted, like it had every time I rejected him, and he turned, walking away.
I frowned as he got back into the car and drove to the (amazingly) new and relocated Willy's Place. I looked at the old woman.
"He was here." I said in wonder. My Slayer senses were right. I had felt him after all. But I didn't understand why he left.
"Yes." the woman said matter of factly.
"But. . .I don't get it." I said.
"You don't understand why he came?" the woman asked. I pouted at her slightly. How was it that she knew everything else about me, but she didn't know about this question. I mean, I wasn't having the easiest of times putting this into words. The least she could do was read my mind or something.
"No! I get that. But why didn't he stay? Why didn't he want to talk to me?" I asked.
"Oh, of course." The woman replied, as if she was just realizing it. I stared.
"Yeah. So? Why?" I asked impatiently, more than a little annoyed.
"I do believe he is ready to tell you himself." The old woman replied. My eyes widened. She smiled and pointed. I looked across the pond, and there he was. He was studying the pond, an odd look on his face.
"Spike?" I gasped. His head shot up, blue eyes wide with surprise.
"B-Buffy. . ." he stammered.
:. Spike
I stared. I couldn't believe it. There she was, looking exactly as surprised as I felt. I think I stammered out her name, but I couldn't remember. All my senses were focused on the beautiful sight before me.
Slowly I began walking towards her, as if in a dream. She began moving towards me as well. All of a sudden, I was sitting on the ground. I looked down in surprise. Oh. Right. Ice. I tried to get up, but slid and fell back to the ground. I looked sheepishly up at Buffy, somewhat embarrassed. Okay, very embarrassed. She looked at me a moment, and then she started giggling. I gave her a hurt look, but I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing, and then we were both just frozen there, laughing like lunatics. Suddenly, Buffy's feet were swept out form underneath her, which only made us laugh harder.
We slipped and slid, trying to get up and to get to each other, but every time we fell back to the ground, giggling even harder than ever. Finally, we made it to our feet, and to the center of the pond. We both stood a few feet apart, laughter subsiding. For a long moment, I just stared into her hazel eyes.
"Spike. . ." Buffy said again. And then she was in my arms. We just stood there, holding each other tightly. I knew I wasn't going to be letting go anytime soon. And by her tight grip, neither was Buffy. Unfortunately, there were issues that needed to be resolved. Finally I pulled us apart, but we kept a good hold on each other's hands.
"Buffy. . .I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner. I've been back for a while, but-"
"Shh." She shook her head and pulled herself into back into my embrace, resting her head on my chest. "I know. I know. I don't. . .It doesn't' matter." I looked down at her in surprise, then across her head to the old man. An old woman was standing next to him. The old man winked at me. I smiled, then kissed the top of Buffy's head; my world was perfect again.
"I missed you." I whispered.
"I missed you too." Buffy mumbled into my chest.
"I love you." I tried cautiously. There was a pause. Buffy looked up at me. I realized I had stopped breathing..
"I love you too." She said finally. I slowly smiled at her, once again having that dreamy feeling. But no, this was real. She knew what had happened while I was at Wolfram & Hart. She understood. For once, I actually didn't have to try and explain myself. For once, she already believed me.
"I know." I replied, making up for my denial the last time, the *first* time she had told me she loved me. Her smile appeared, lighting up her whole face, and the entire world, it seemed.
"Promise?" Buffy asked. I raised an eyebrow at her.
"Promise. . .promise I know?" I questioned. Buffy nodded.
"Yeah. I promise I know, and I'll always know." I replied, gently moving a strand of hair from her face. I leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped me.
"One more thing." Buffy said, suddenly serious. My heart sank again, and I wondered exactly what she wanted. What flaw did I need to fix, what more did I need to convince her of.
"What's that?" I asked, a little wary.
"Promise me you'll never let go." She said. I relaxed, once again smiling at her.
"Never. I don't think I could, even if I tried." I replied. Buffy returned the smile.
"Good." She replied. I knew I had permission now, so I leaned down and kissed her softly.
There were absolutely no words to describe that one kiss. It was magnificent, beautiful, something I thought existed only in fairytales. The kiss lasted for an eternity, but it was over in a millisecond. It was better than anything I had ever imagined. Better than anything that had ever happened between the two of us in the past. It was full of love, pure and true. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced. When it was over, Buffy and I just stared at each other.
"It. . .um. . .it's snowing again." I commented lamely, breaking the agonizing silence. Buffy glanced up distractedly.
"Oh. . .wow." she said, looking back at me, eyes sparkling. "wow. . ." I gave her one of my special trademark smirks.
"Bet you Angel couldn't kiss like that. Like, ever." I said mischievously. Buffy frowned at me. I only raised an eyebrow. She sighed, then shrugged.
"I give." She said. I laughed, and she joined me, this time only out of pure joy.
We walked (okay, more like slid; a little more involuntary giggling resulted form the trip) over to the bench near the pond and sat there, talking about what had happened this odd night. Finally, we kind of ran out of things to say, that and it was getting rather late.
"Um, do you have a place to stay?" Buffy asked. I shook my head.
"Been just a little on the busy side. Guess I'll have to find somewhere. . ." I grinned humorously. "Know any good basements?" Buffy looked down at the ground.
"Um, well. . .I was kind of hoping. . ." she said uncertainly. I looked at her, though her eyes were still on the white snow below.
"Hoping what, luv?" I asked. She said something not even I could hear. I tilted her head up. "Buffy. . ."
"I was kind of hoping. . . do you want to stay with us?" Buffy asked, the question coming out really fast. "I mean, we don't have any extra rooms or anything, but I guess you can sleep on the couch, no, too un- comfy, I guess you could sleep in my bed if you want, I don't mind. . ."
"Buffy!" I cried, laughing. I couldn't help it. She was beginning to sound like Willow. She stopped and grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry. . ." she said. "But, uh, do you want to?"
"Yeah, after your enchanting invitation, how could I stay anywhere else?" I teased. We stood up, brushing the snow off each other's coats. Then we started walking to the Summers residence, arms around each other. Halfway there, I remembered something sort of important.
"Um, Buffy?" I said.
"hm?" Buffy looked up at me.
"What about the car I st-brought?" I asked.
"What about it?"
"It's still at Willy's." I replied. Buffy shrugged.
"I guess it'll still be there tomorrow." She said. "If you think I'm letting you go tonight, you're insane."
"All right then." I replied easily. I had absolutely no argument. In fact, I had been wondering if she would let me stay.
We walked on again in silence. When we reached the house, Buffy walked inside. I kind of stood at the doorway.
"Um." I said, making my presence and hopefully my need for an invitation known. Buffy turned and smiled.
"Oh, right. Sorry." She said. "I kinda forgot. Come in, Spike." I walked through, wondering exactly what she forgot; that I was a vampire, or that I needed an invite. I smiled at her.
"And now you're permanently stuck with me." I said. She laughed.
"And my world is as it should be." She replied. She began the trip upstairs. I looked after her a moment, then moved to walk into the livingroom. Buffy turned.
"Aren't you coming?" she asked. I shrugged.
"I don't think it would be the best way to make my presence known in the Scooby World by coming down from your room." I replied. Buffy sighed.
"Oh, you're right, I guess. Okay. Let me get you blankets and stuff." She said, running up the stairs. I walked into the livingroom and looked around. Nothing was familiar. Then I noticed two pictured on the fireplace mantle. One was of Joyce, and the other of everyone. I frowned. I was in that picture somehow. It was in the previous Summers' livingroom, I was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, Buffy was sitting on the couch, flanked by Xander and Dawn, Willow was cross-legged on the floor, bent over a book with Giles, and Anya was sitting in a chair, pouting at Xander. I guessed it was taken by the kid, Andrew, just before everything happened. That was his kind of thing.
"Hey." I turned. Buffy was standing behind me, arms full of blankets and pillows. I took them and began creating my own personal throne on the couch. I flopped onto it when I was done. Buffy sat down next to me.
"You'd better get to bed, pet." I gave her a grin. "Or else Ol' St. Nick won't be bringing your little presents." Buffy leaned over and hugged my arm.
"Already got my big gift this year." She replied. I smiled and we kissed good-night. Buffy gave my arm one last squeeze, then began to go upstairs. Then she turned.
"Don't be gone in the morning." She said, then walked to her room. I sighed happily, kicking off my boots and stretching out onto the couch. I had no intention of going anywhere for a long time. As I drifted off to sleep, I kind of wondered what everone else would think tomorrow morning, but I really didn't care. I had my big gift too. The biggest gift I was ever going to get.
I fell asleep, happy, and close to Buffy. Finally.
:. End Chapter Nine
See? Worth waiting for? I stayed up until 3 AM writing it, and then looked over it today, after some more *ahem* pressing matters were taken care of. But I'm finally happy with it. Tomorrow's chap is fun, though I'll probably try and post it tonight, if possible.
Review Addressing Time:
Celtic Cat: My goodness, yes. I am totally the hopeless romantic. Just ask Faye. Between the two of us, we could totally win some major awards. If we had money. But, once again, my favorite is Spike and Buffy. Though I really want to try a Willow/Xander. I just keep getting distracted wif my favorites.
Nicki-Boo: I'd wrap this all up and give it to you, but that's rather impossible. Merry Christmas!
Michelle: I've got a great sedative Faye often uses on me if you need it. You're about as insane as me. But you know, I'm not so sure anyone is as insane as me.
Y'all who said I'm evil: Yes. I am. And I enjoy it. But give me candy and I'm sweet as anything.
The normal message to everone. The whole thing where thx and do keep enjoying. Yeah. That one. Now I pass out candy canes (like the one I'm sucking on at the moment. Mmm) and bid you all a Merry Christmas-Eve.
AN: Yes! Only one chapter left. This is my favorite chapter, besides the one where Spike kicks Angel's butt. I never get tired of that. This goes out to Lee! Merry Christmas, dude!
:. Buffy
"I suppose it is time to bring my tale to a conclusion." The woman said. I looked eagerly to the pond.
Spike drove the same car he had before into a large city. I laughed. Cleveland Ohio. We had made the same mistake. But Giles had realized it had to be wrong. Hellmouths usually showed up in small towns. Big cities were more prone to evil on their own without Hellmouthy assistance. Then I realized it, he was looking for me.
"Spike went to the wrong city, and looked all over until he finally found out from a passing demon the Hellmouth was in Cleveland, Iowa, and that's where you would be. He hurried as fast as he could, avoiding all tickets by giving out Angel's name, address, and everything." the woman narrated. I rolled my eyes. Figured. Once a grudge, always a grudge.
I turned to the pond. I saw Spike driving into town. He drove through the streets, then stopped and closed his eyes. His face lit up, and he drove onward to Morningside Drive. He turned down until he came to a familiar blue house. The snow was falling as he got out. He stood a moment like he used to at the house on Revello Drive in Sunnydale. Then he walked forward to the window, looking in. I did a double take as I watched the events from this evening replay. But I mostly watched Spike. His expression softened and he had a faint smile on his face as he watched. Then the whole look melted, like it had every time I rejected him, and he turned, walking away.
I frowned as he got back into the car and drove to the (amazingly) new and relocated Willy's Place. I looked at the old woman.
"He was here." I said in wonder. My Slayer senses were right. I had felt him after all. But I didn't understand why he left.
"Yes." the woman said matter of factly.
"But. . .I don't get it." I said.
"You don't understand why he came?" the woman asked. I pouted at her slightly. How was it that she knew everything else about me, but she didn't know about this question. I mean, I wasn't having the easiest of times putting this into words. The least she could do was read my mind or something.
"No! I get that. But why didn't he stay? Why didn't he want to talk to me?" I asked.
"Oh, of course." The woman replied, as if she was just realizing it. I stared.
"Yeah. So? Why?" I asked impatiently, more than a little annoyed.
"I do believe he is ready to tell you himself." The old woman replied. My eyes widened. She smiled and pointed. I looked across the pond, and there he was. He was studying the pond, an odd look on his face.
"Spike?" I gasped. His head shot up, blue eyes wide with surprise.
"B-Buffy. . ." he stammered.
:. Spike
I stared. I couldn't believe it. There she was, looking exactly as surprised as I felt. I think I stammered out her name, but I couldn't remember. All my senses were focused on the beautiful sight before me.
Slowly I began walking towards her, as if in a dream. She began moving towards me as well. All of a sudden, I was sitting on the ground. I looked down in surprise. Oh. Right. Ice. I tried to get up, but slid and fell back to the ground. I looked sheepishly up at Buffy, somewhat embarrassed. Okay, very embarrassed. She looked at me a moment, and then she started giggling. I gave her a hurt look, but I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing, and then we were both just frozen there, laughing like lunatics. Suddenly, Buffy's feet were swept out form underneath her, which only made us laugh harder.
We slipped and slid, trying to get up and to get to each other, but every time we fell back to the ground, giggling even harder than ever. Finally, we made it to our feet, and to the center of the pond. We both stood a few feet apart, laughter subsiding. For a long moment, I just stared into her hazel eyes.
"Spike. . ." Buffy said again. And then she was in my arms. We just stood there, holding each other tightly. I knew I wasn't going to be letting go anytime soon. And by her tight grip, neither was Buffy. Unfortunately, there were issues that needed to be resolved. Finally I pulled us apart, but we kept a good hold on each other's hands.
"Buffy. . .I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner. I've been back for a while, but-"
"Shh." She shook her head and pulled herself into back into my embrace, resting her head on my chest. "I know. I know. I don't. . .It doesn't' matter." I looked down at her in surprise, then across her head to the old man. An old woman was standing next to him. The old man winked at me. I smiled, then kissed the top of Buffy's head; my world was perfect again.
"I missed you." I whispered.
"I missed you too." Buffy mumbled into my chest.
"I love you." I tried cautiously. There was a pause. Buffy looked up at me. I realized I had stopped breathing..
"I love you too." She said finally. I slowly smiled at her, once again having that dreamy feeling. But no, this was real. She knew what had happened while I was at Wolfram & Hart. She understood. For once, I actually didn't have to try and explain myself. For once, she already believed me.
"I know." I replied, making up for my denial the last time, the *first* time she had told me she loved me. Her smile appeared, lighting up her whole face, and the entire world, it seemed.
"Promise?" Buffy asked. I raised an eyebrow at her.
"Promise. . .promise I know?" I questioned. Buffy nodded.
"Yeah. I promise I know, and I'll always know." I replied, gently moving a strand of hair from her face. I leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped me.
"One more thing." Buffy said, suddenly serious. My heart sank again, and I wondered exactly what she wanted. What flaw did I need to fix, what more did I need to convince her of.
"What's that?" I asked, a little wary.
"Promise me you'll never let go." She said. I relaxed, once again smiling at her.
"Never. I don't think I could, even if I tried." I replied. Buffy returned the smile.
"Good." She replied. I knew I had permission now, so I leaned down and kissed her softly.
There were absolutely no words to describe that one kiss. It was magnificent, beautiful, something I thought existed only in fairytales. The kiss lasted for an eternity, but it was over in a millisecond. It was better than anything I had ever imagined. Better than anything that had ever happened between the two of us in the past. It was full of love, pure and true. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced. When it was over, Buffy and I just stared at each other.
"It. . .um. . .it's snowing again." I commented lamely, breaking the agonizing silence. Buffy glanced up distractedly.
"Oh. . .wow." she said, looking back at me, eyes sparkling. "wow. . ." I gave her one of my special trademark smirks.
"Bet you Angel couldn't kiss like that. Like, ever." I said mischievously. Buffy frowned at me. I only raised an eyebrow. She sighed, then shrugged.
"I give." She said. I laughed, and she joined me, this time only out of pure joy.
We walked (okay, more like slid; a little more involuntary giggling resulted form the trip) over to the bench near the pond and sat there, talking about what had happened this odd night. Finally, we kind of ran out of things to say, that and it was getting rather late.
"Um, do you have a place to stay?" Buffy asked. I shook my head.
"Been just a little on the busy side. Guess I'll have to find somewhere. . ." I grinned humorously. "Know any good basements?" Buffy looked down at the ground.
"Um, well. . .I was kind of hoping. . ." she said uncertainly. I looked at her, though her eyes were still on the white snow below.
"Hoping what, luv?" I asked. She said something not even I could hear. I tilted her head up. "Buffy. . ."
"I was kind of hoping. . . do you want to stay with us?" Buffy asked, the question coming out really fast. "I mean, we don't have any extra rooms or anything, but I guess you can sleep on the couch, no, too un- comfy, I guess you could sleep in my bed if you want, I don't mind. . ."
"Buffy!" I cried, laughing. I couldn't help it. She was beginning to sound like Willow. She stopped and grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry. . ." she said. "But, uh, do you want to?"
"Yeah, after your enchanting invitation, how could I stay anywhere else?" I teased. We stood up, brushing the snow off each other's coats. Then we started walking to the Summers residence, arms around each other. Halfway there, I remembered something sort of important.
"Um, Buffy?" I said.
"hm?" Buffy looked up at me.
"What about the car I st-brought?" I asked.
"What about it?"
"It's still at Willy's." I replied. Buffy shrugged.
"I guess it'll still be there tomorrow." She said. "If you think I'm letting you go tonight, you're insane."
"All right then." I replied easily. I had absolutely no argument. In fact, I had been wondering if she would let me stay.
We walked on again in silence. When we reached the house, Buffy walked inside. I kind of stood at the doorway.
"Um." I said, making my presence and hopefully my need for an invitation known. Buffy turned and smiled.
"Oh, right. Sorry." She said. "I kinda forgot. Come in, Spike." I walked through, wondering exactly what she forgot; that I was a vampire, or that I needed an invite. I smiled at her.
"And now you're permanently stuck with me." I said. She laughed.
"And my world is as it should be." She replied. She began the trip upstairs. I looked after her a moment, then moved to walk into the livingroom. Buffy turned.
"Aren't you coming?" she asked. I shrugged.
"I don't think it would be the best way to make my presence known in the Scooby World by coming down from your room." I replied. Buffy sighed.
"Oh, you're right, I guess. Okay. Let me get you blankets and stuff." She said, running up the stairs. I walked into the livingroom and looked around. Nothing was familiar. Then I noticed two pictured on the fireplace mantle. One was of Joyce, and the other of everyone. I frowned. I was in that picture somehow. It was in the previous Summers' livingroom, I was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, Buffy was sitting on the couch, flanked by Xander and Dawn, Willow was cross-legged on the floor, bent over a book with Giles, and Anya was sitting in a chair, pouting at Xander. I guessed it was taken by the kid, Andrew, just before everything happened. That was his kind of thing.
"Hey." I turned. Buffy was standing behind me, arms full of blankets and pillows. I took them and began creating my own personal throne on the couch. I flopped onto it when I was done. Buffy sat down next to me.
"You'd better get to bed, pet." I gave her a grin. "Or else Ol' St. Nick won't be bringing your little presents." Buffy leaned over and hugged my arm.
"Already got my big gift this year." She replied. I smiled and we kissed good-night. Buffy gave my arm one last squeeze, then began to go upstairs. Then she turned.
"Don't be gone in the morning." She said, then walked to her room. I sighed happily, kicking off my boots and stretching out onto the couch. I had no intention of going anywhere for a long time. As I drifted off to sleep, I kind of wondered what everone else would think tomorrow morning, but I really didn't care. I had my big gift too. The biggest gift I was ever going to get.
I fell asleep, happy, and close to Buffy. Finally.
:. End Chapter Nine
See? Worth waiting for? I stayed up until 3 AM writing it, and then looked over it today, after some more *ahem* pressing matters were taken care of. But I'm finally happy with it. Tomorrow's chap is fun, though I'll probably try and post it tonight, if possible.
Review Addressing Time:
Celtic Cat: My goodness, yes. I am totally the hopeless romantic. Just ask Faye. Between the two of us, we could totally win some major awards. If we had money. But, once again, my favorite is Spike and Buffy. Though I really want to try a Willow/Xander. I just keep getting distracted wif my favorites.
Nicki-Boo: I'd wrap this all up and give it to you, but that's rather impossible. Merry Christmas!
Michelle: I've got a great sedative Faye often uses on me if you need it. You're about as insane as me. But you know, I'm not so sure anyone is as insane as me.
Y'all who said I'm evil: Yes. I am. And I enjoy it. But give me candy and I'm sweet as anything.
The normal message to everone. The whole thing where thx and do keep enjoying. Yeah. That one. Now I pass out candy canes (like the one I'm sucking on at the moment. Mmm) and bid you all a Merry Christmas-Eve.