Buffy sighed, tromping through the graveyard. Tally another day onto the
break. Asshole. And he was trudging along silently behind her. It
almost made her more angry. Honestly. Why was he here? Because she'd
DIE again if he wasn't? He needed to keep an eye on her, because of
course, Buffy needs to be watched, and coddled, and she mustn't be out
after dark alone. No. She might break a nail. She sighed again. What?
Did the vamps KNOW she was mad? Were they AVOIDING her???
Spike kicked at a rock. Damn rock. Damn grass. Damn the whole bloody graveyard. WHERE were evil things when you really needed to dish out an ass kicking?
A fledgling came from nowhere to growl threateningly at Buffy. She grinned ferally, and decided baby wanted to play. She toyed with it a few minutes, kicking and punching, before finally growing bored, and staking it absently.
Spike, meanwhile, had wandered in the direction that the fledgling had come from, and found two more. Unfortunately for them, Spike played with them before dusting them. By the time they went 'poof', each of them had several broken bones... And one of them.. well, if he'd been human, he'd never have been able to have children.
She followed after him with bright eyes. "Any more?"
He brushed the dust off his jacket and snorted out some he'd inhaled. "Not now."
Buffy frowned in consternation. "None? Can you smell any more? Anywhere?"
He snorted. "Do I look like a bloodhound, Slayer?"
She rolled her eyes and walked off in the opposite direction. "Nevermind."
Spike growled softly and followed her.
They stalked another graveyard, this time with no results. Buffy stood in the center, turned a small circle, her hands in the air. "Come on, you big bads! Slayer, right here!!!! Try me on for size! FIGHT!"
Spike leaned against a large headstone, watching the Slayer's display. "Almost makes me wish *I* could take you up on that, Slayer."
She debated a moment. She was really angry. And he was offering. "Wanna fight, then?"
He cocked his head at her. "Spar, you mean?"
She smirked. "Sparring is playing nice."
He moved toward her. "An 'all out', then, you mean?" That old smirk finding it's way to his lips.
"If you can handle it."
Snorted. "I'm more worried about *you*, Slayer. It's been awhile since you've faced an opponent of MY caliber."
"Mm... Been a while since you've had any REAL action yourself." She unbuttoned her jean jacket, the small white tank top under it gleaming in the moonlight. She draped the jacket over a gravestone. "Well?"
He growled softly, excitedly. Shrugged off his duster and put it on a stone near hers. "Let's dance, Slayer." Vamped.
She threw the first punch. Hard. At his nose. But she didn't break it. Mostly because he dodged and set up a quick punch that caught her stomach. "Gotta guard better than tha-" A hard right hook into his jaw.
She grinned as she circled him. "Gotta be able to walk and talk, Spikey."
A roar, and a return punch that sent her reeling was his only response.
As she went down, she used her legs to fell him as well, using him to break her fall.
He growled, and went into a forced roll, pulling her with him, jerking both of them to their feet, and throwing her a good five yards.
She came back, after a quick headshake, landing a kick to his stomach, and a backhanded punch to his cheek.
His turn to fly backwards, but he wasn't as lucky as her. He hit a headstone, and broke it, flipping over it backwards.
She stood impatiently, knowing he was fine.
Spike climbed to his feet. Moved toward her, more cautious this time. He sneered at her. "Got a bit of an observation for you, Slayer."
She stood, fists raised. "Yeah?"
Flew at her, letting her block his punches, expecting them. "If you were as good a lay as you are a fighter, you might not have so many relationship problems," he sneered, eyes flashing.
She faltered a moment.
What he'd needed. Hard punch, sweeping kick, pounce, fangs grazed her neck. "And even with that, you lose."
Her knee slammed up between his legs.
Moan of excruciating pain, and he rolled off her. Growling through the sudden bluriness of his vision.
"That," she panted, "from a man cheaper and more kinky than a whore in France, who can still get left by the craziest slut in Europe?"
He growled, but it didn't have much power behind it, seeing as how he couldn't get up. "Leave her out of this, Slayer."
"Oh, so sorry, did that low blow hurt?" She got up, rubbing her sore ribs.
He just looked at her, eyes back to their normal blue. Growled again, quietly.
She picked up her coat off the gravestone, limped slightly towards the entrance of the cemetery. "Spike?"
He was up to his knees, holding a headstone, legs still unable to hold him. "What?"
"I'm glad we're on a break. I'd hate to make you fake it just for me."
Bloody hell. Things said in the heat of battle.. "I never fake anything, Slayer." Retrieved his duster and stood on shaky legs, moved toward her. "Especially not with you."
He was close, now. Close enough that she could smell him, feel his chest move with the unnecessary breaths he took. She stared up at him.
He looked at her. "I didn't mean that, Buffy. Heat of the moment, and all that."
Nodded nonchalantly, but her eyes screamed reproachful, sad, unsure. "Right. Me, too." Elegant shrug.
He sighed. "I am sorry, Buffy." His eyes said that he was telling the truth. And his eyes never lied to her. Ever.
She gave a sigh of her own. Shook her head, ran her fingers through her hair. Didn't know that it was the simple things like that that enticed him. "... I'm going home."
He shrugged. Followed her. "I might as well, too. Seems you and I are the only Big Bads out tonight."
She nodded. Felt at a bruise at the corner of her mouth, looked at his split lip. "I better not get in trouble for this bruise tomorrow."
He gave a half hearted snort. "It'll be gone by the time you leave tomorrow, Slayer. You know that. You heal faster than I do."
"Yeah, by like... half a day." She was already planning her clothes for tomorrow though. Long sleeves, cover the scratches, random bruises she might miss.
Spike followed her quietly, still partially on the alert should anything decide to show itself. Except that nothing did. "Death takes a holiday," he muttered to himself.
"You're still here, aren't you?" She tossed over her shoulder.
He gave a half chuckle. "Not really feeling up to killin' anything right now, Slayer."
"I am. Just... wanna kill something. Something big and ugly. Which means I'll have to settle for nothing."
He sniffed a little. Yuck. What was that sme- "Big and ugly.. like that?" Pointed.
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, for God's sake. A dumpster demon?? I haven't seen one of those since tenth grade." She left Spike behind and tapped the thing on the shoulder. Smiled, waved, and spoke for a moment, pointing at her shoe. The demon knelt, and Buffy grabbed it's head. Decided against killing it. She shook it, wagged a finger sternly in its face, and pointed off in the distance. It ran.
Spike came up next to her. "Thought you wanted to kill something, Slayer. What happened?"
She sighed, disgusted with herself. "They're not really smart, and they're not mean at all. They play with little kids at the park at night, then walk them home. How do you kill that?"
Chuckled softly. "Usually decapitation." Held up a hand. "Kidding, Slayer." Held his nose for a moment. "Whoo. How can the kids stand that smell, though?"
She gave a sad smile. "They don't have anyone. They're the... sad kids. The one's whose parents just don't care? Any friend is a good friend. Go back to the house."
"You're not coming?"
She shook her head. "I'm going to Willy's. Gonna give him some trouble."
Concern clouded the vampire's eyes. "Slayer or not, you shouldn't go in there alone. Let me come with you."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm just gonna beat up some thuggy demons."
Spike shook his head. "You're going to go attack demons. Fine. But don't do it in a bar FULL of the bloody things! Those odds are *not* in your favor, luv."
The endearment, the first of it's kind in at least a week, sent a shiver through her. It took so little where he was concerned... "I just wanted a high body count tonight. Guess we'll have to make do with kicking each other's asses, huh?"
An 'almost' smile. "Enough for me. I'm gonna be sitting crooked for the next three days."
Huffed. "Good."
He gave a chuckling snort and turned to walk out of the alley. True enough, his usual swagger had a bit of a... wobble, to it.
She hid a snicker at his... less than manly walk, then resumed her limp beside him.
They moved on in silence for a few moments, and Spike cleared his throat. "How are we going to explain this to Bit? It's been weeks since either of us has come back limping."
"We ran into a couple of Bads. Or we could tell her we beat the hell out of each other. Whatever you want to."
He gave a half chuckle. "She doesn't like it when we fight verbally, luv. She'd kick both our asses if we told her that we spent the better part of an hour beating the crap out of each other. For no reason."
"There was reason!"
He looked at her. "Okay. There *was* reason. We're pissed at each other. That's reason. But still. I'd won, and you shouldn't have kneed me like that."
Simply shrugged. "Shouldn't have said I'm bad in bed."
"I didn't mean it, Buffy."
"No. And I'm sure Angel didn't either. I don't care. I really don't." Lies, lies, lies.
He sighed. "I am sorry, luv. You know what happens when we're fighting. When that rush hits you, and you'll do anything, say anything, to win. You've been there before, too, you know."
She nodded. She had. "You know that was a below-the-belt?"
"Yes. And you responded in kind." Gestured to his slightly duck-like gait.
She smirked. "It was beautiful. So arrogant, then... " Clapped her hands sharply. "Down for the count."
He snorted at her. "If you'd played by the rules, you wouldn't have had the chance. I had you. You were supposed to be *dead*."
"It takes longer than one bite to kill someone. You have to suck for a while. They struggle."
He snorted. "Not all of 'em."
"The one's who wanna live do."
Smirked. "No one ever has before." Circled around her, breathing on her neck. "They say, that a bite is a very erotic experience..."
Her breath caught in her throat, and a chill took her body. He had never tasted her.
Spike got close enough that his lips brushed her skin as he talked. "What do you think, Slayer? Ever gonna let that death wish we've discussed catch up to you? Gonna slip and let some nasty have a taste? Like me..."
Her head tilted, involuntarily to the side, just an inch or two. He wove a spell around her, darkly spoken words, silky, soft, deep...
A soft, yet deeper than any she'd ever heard before, purr rumbled from the vampire as he stopped his circling to stand behind her. Brought one hand up to touch her hair. Glide over the smooth skin of her neck. "Say the word, luv..."
She was shaking now, eyes closed. An affirmative noise passed her lips on a sigh.
He bent to her neck, fangs glistening. Closer.. closer.. Planted a soft kiss on her neck, right above the vein that would've killed her. Barely pricked the skin and quickly closed the wound with his tongue.
One hand slid, of it's own volition, to the back of his head, held him to her. Arched her neck more, her breathing hitching, body still quivering.
Still vamped, still purring, he moved his mouth along the vein, alternately making very small wounds and closing them. Then kissing and licking at the spots.
She let out a whimpering moan. More. She always wanted more of him. It was never enough. The more she had to fight her craving, the more she wanted. She could never get enough of him. And that's what scared her so much wasn't it?
Slowly, Spike stopped. His face returned to normal, and he placed one last soft kiss right under her ear before pulling away. "Still on a break, though, aren't we?"
Her eyes opened slowly. It took her a minute to blink away the desire in them. "I guess we are."
He gave her a smile, and they started walking again. A slight difference though. Spike's duck-walk was a little more... pronounced, now. Ouch.
Buffy noticed, and smiled. Good. At least it wasn't one sided.
========================================================================== =============
Buffy adjusted the skirt in her mirror one more time. Wiggled out of it, and into a pair of low riding lacing, tight khaki's. The low-cut red top was classic, and alluring. She liked it. Slipped on red boots to match, checked her hair again.
Dawn sat on Buffy's bed. "Where are you going?"
"Well, I made a friend at work, and we're Bronzing it."
"Ooh! Friends! Named?"
"Jesse."
"She nice?"
"She-" Buffy paused. Who was she to correct her? "Yeah. Really nice." Her hair was done like it had been that first night with Spike, tousled, different sized curls, smoky eyes and candied lips. An onyx pendant hung from her neck, and she dabbed on perfume carefully.
"So... why so much effort?"
"Because it's the first time we've hung out. I don't wanna look like a scrub. Besides. Working Buffy never gets to go out."
Dawn smiled. "Hope you have fun, Buffy. Remember. I'm staying at Michele's tonight. She lives on Fifth Street. The number's by the phone."
"All right." She kissed Dawn's forehead, hugged her, and picked up her purse. "Have fun, and behave. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
Dawn watched Buffy plod down the stairs in her red boots and she went to her room to pack.
Buffy came down the stairs, encountering Spike watching TV.
The vampire glanced up from the CSI rerun he was watching. That show had some of the best fake blood he'd ever seen. At least, he hoped it was fake. Took in Buffy's appearance. "Where're you off to, luv?"
Shrugged. "Bronze."
Cocked his head. "Alone?"
"Just meeting a friend I made at work."
He nodded, accepting that. Turned back as his show came back from commercial. Ooh. The autopsy. How fun.
She gave a mental, "Whew",and let out the breath she had been holding. "I, um... I look ok?" When she had his attention again, she turned a slow circle.
He smiled. "Beautiful. As usual. Sure you don't want me to tag along?"
"Yeah. It's no big. Just a friend from work."
He shrugged. "Have it your way, luv. Have fun." Internally, he sighed. He would have the house to himself tonight. That had all sorts of potential. And for the unlife of him, he couldn't figure out a thing to do other than watch a few movies and sleep. How the evil have fallen.. up. Now he knew he was tired. That made absolutely no sense.
She smiled and nodded, opened the door. "Night."
"Night, luv," he called after her, stretching out on the couch. When the door swung shut, it pushed a bit of her scent in his direction. Absently, he sniffed. Wait a minute... Perfume? Why would she...? Oh well. He'd all but given up trying to figure that girl out. Returned to his show. It wasn't like she was going on a date or something... Right?
Dawn came down the stairs, a bag over her shoulder. "Hey. Couch Buddy. I'm heading to Michele's."
He sat up. Looked her up and down. Good. For one thing, it wasn't that Janice bint. For another, she was wearing a tee shirt and jeans, which probably meant there'd be no males around. Sniffed. Just her usual perfume. All this in two seconds or less. "Got everything you need, Bit?"
"Mmm... CD's, pictures, magazines, hooker clothes, candy-"
He jumped up with vamp speed and grabbed her playfully, pulling her into a semi-headlock. "Your *what* clothes?"
She laughed, wriggling free. "I was just kidding. I mean, I've got the silky negligee and peignoir..." Grinned cheekily at him.
He play growled and moved to grab her again.
Giving a giggle she dodged. "Spongebob jamma pants and tank top."
He managed to grab her bag by the strap and pull it to him. "I think I'll just see for myself."
She rolled her eyes, a grin haunting her face. "Geez.. what an invasion of my privacy."
He gave her a snort. "Yeah, yeah. I remember finding someone in the basement, rooting through my stuff." Unzipped the bag.
Innocent whistling. "Just curious. And I was doing laundry."
He chuckled. "Yeah. I believe you." Pulled out a video. "Interview With The Vampire? Oh, come on, Bit!"
"Hey! Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, AND Tom Cruise! Who can complain? Besides, Armand is just dreamy."
He half hazardly tossed it back into the bag and handed it back. "Totally unrealistic. And very wrong for a fourteen year old."
She laughed. "Why's that?"
He looked at her. "Hello? The rating alone tells you that you shouldn't be watching it. Does your sister know you have that?"
She snickered. "It's Buffy's copy."
Spike laughed. "Bloody hell... Go. Go before I decide that I want company tonight and tie you to the couch."
She smiled, and stood unnecessarily on her toes to kiss his cheek. "Have a good night."
He grinned, gave her a quick hug, and locked the door after her. "Night, Niblet. Have fun."
"Yup!"
He went back and situated himself on the couch again with a yawn. Oh. How fun. Alone, with the telly. Ooh. Terminator 2...
========================================================================== ===========
Buffy smiled up at Jesse. Who looked incredible in a cream shirt with jeans, ya know, if she was noticing. "You really don't have to walk me home. We're only about four blocks from it, and you're in the opposite direction and-"
He was shaking his head. "Nope. I'm walking you home, and that's that. Do you even look at the papers in this town? The obituaries take up more than the sports and comics combined. There's no way I'm letting you go home, at night, alone."
She wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it. Be careful!! The Slayer can't walk home at night. She quelled the urge to laugh, said graciously, "Thank you."
He grinned. Apparently quite proud of himself. "You're welcome. But it's nothing, really." Offered her his arm.
She grinned back and hooked her arm through his. "Have fun?"
He nodded. "Oh yeah. But, I have to say, spilling that coke on that girl was an accident. I swear."
"Uhhh huh. She had a white shirt on, Jesse, you pervert."
He chuckled. "If you do something *subconsciously*, it is still an accident. That's male logic."
She laughed and swatted his shoulder gently. "Yeah yeah. I had fun."
Grinned. "Good. You, uh.. want to do it again, sometime?"
Gave him another smile. "Guess you'll just have to come hit on me in line again to see."
He exaggerated a defeated sigh. "But I'm broke now! I don't have anything to buy anything with!"
She gave him a droll glance. "Daddy owns the Electric Company... Poor little orphan... Hey. How'd your mom like her present?"
He chuckled. "Won't know till day after tomorrow." He fidgeted. "I hope I wrapped it right. I suck at artistic crap."
She smiled and leaned her head against his arm. "You're her son. She'll love it."
He smiled. "Yeah. I know. But still.. You know how it is with parents. I could probably have wrapped a rock in tin foil and she'd love it."
Buffy laughed. "That's about the gist of it. You know she'd brag to her friends too. 'See the lovely rock my son got me??'"
Jesse laughed. "Yeah. That sounds like Mom. She'd probably take it in the car and use it as a paper weight." Chuckled. "Maybe I should've gotten her a rock. Saved my 150 bucks."
"I could think of better things to spend it on... but... it's your mom, ya know?"
"Yeah. Exactly." Realized where they were. "Oh. This is your house, right?"
"Yup. This is me."
Laughed quietly. "Funny. It looks like a house."
She blushed a little bit.
He bit his lip for a moment. "So.. See you around?"
Smiled. "Of course."
Fidgeted. "Okay then... Good night.." Leaned toward her, gently brushing her lips with his. A chaste kiss, pulling away. "Night," he said again, blushing slightly.
She smiled, leaned up on her toes to kiss him back.
That was a bit of a surprise. He laid one hand gently on her shoulder as they parted again. "Bye, Buffy."
"Bye, Jesse." Brushed his black hair out of his eyes. "Be careful going home, ok?"
He stood tall, puffed his chest out. "Who, me? I'm fearless."
"Yeah yeah... you hear anything funny, run in the other direction."
"That's not fear. It's self preservation. A very useful skill."
"Very useful. Promise me?"
He nodded. "Don't worry, m'lady. I shall be christened the Knight Of The Quick Legs, the moment I hear *anything*."
She laughed. "Good idea, oh knight."
A bow and a salute, and he turned to leave. "I'll see you later, Buffy."
She waved a little. "Ok. Night." She made her way up the sidewalk, repressing the urge to wipe at her mouth. That had been wrong. Being with Jesse. Not that he wasn't what every guy SHOULD be, geez. Tall, dark, handsome, a little shy, a little bold, kind, sweet, funny. But... not for her. He could never have adjusted to everything in her life. And so much of that was what she was. He was nice. And his kiss was nice. But that was all. No heat, no overriding desire. No insistent desire to keep him close at all times. To want to kiss and kill him at the same time. He made her laugh, but didn't arouse her passions, like- She sighed. Why not say it? Like he did. Like Spike. She slipped in the door, quietly as possible, nonchalant in her movement. As if nothing earth-shattering had happened to her twenty feet outside that door.
And nearly walked right into a scowling, half growling Spike standing in the entryway.
"Oh. Hey." Set her purse on the desk.
He had seen through the window. He could *smell* that wanker's scent on her. The growl rumbled louder. "Slayer." Moved toward her. "Out with a friend from work, huh? Do you kiss all your co workers, or was this something special." Anger, rage, and more than a hint of betrayal rung in the dangerously quiet voice.
Half step back. "Don't do this tonight." Almost pleading.
"Should've thought about that before you *kissed* that little wanker, Slayer." Eyes narrowed. Same tone as before, the growl underscoring the words.
"His name," she ground out, "is Jesse."
Spike's breathing sped up, looking almost like a bull preparing to charge. If he were human, there might have been worries that he'd hyperventilate. "Is he the only one, Slayer? Or is there one for every night?"
She glared defiantly at him. "Why shouldn't there've been? This was YOUR idea, Spike. The break? Us having nothing to do with each other? That was all you. Maybe YOU'RE the one who should have thought about this. I mean... YOU'RE the one who WANTED it, so damn bad. This was always an option. The only restrictions on anything was NOTHING with US. I could have screwed him twice every night this week."
"I never said.." Deep breaths still, every exhale an almost snort. "That I wanted us to have *nothing* to do with each other. I never agree-" His growl reached a crescendo and cut his words off as his eyes flashed back and forth between gold and blue.
In all the years she had known him, fought him, all the punches, and hurtful lies, and fighting words, all the ass-kickings they'd ever given each other... never had he seemed so close to snapping. And never had Buffy cared less. "He was nice. He thought I was beautiful."
"You ARE bloody beautiful. He'd have to be BLIND not to see that!" Spike let out a snarl and turned around, his back to her. Had the weird feeling that if he kept facing her, he was going to attack. "I can't believe you would do this."
"I can't believe you expected me to sit in my room and... what?? Come around? Just... agree with everything you said?? I can't... be... ignored like that, Spike." She walked around until she was facing him.
He looked at her. "Can't do what? Can't do what *I've* been doing? I sit in this bloody house, day in, day out, doing NOTHING! The highlights of my existence are patrolling with you, on the off chance that you may actually be in a good mood." Growled again, or had he never really stopped? "I never thought you'd go and... Go on a bloody DATE with someone else." The tone was showing a little more of the betrayal and hurt now.
"You could have gone out, too! And you haven't exactly been Mr. Sunshine! I tried to be happy and you were just... rude to me!! God! It didn't MEAN anything!!!!"
He growled. "Oh, so it didn't *mean* anything, eh, Slayer? You do shit with people that doesn't mean anything? That's news." Turned his back on her again, anger and pain rolling off him in waves.
That struck her, hard. Especially with her newfound depth of feeling. Her mouth moved a moment before the words spilled out, tears stinging her eyes. "You prick." She turned, walked out the back door.
He growled and followed her out onto the back porch. Grabbed her arm.
She shook her arm, hard, jerking, trying to dislodge him. "Get OFF me." Her face was contorted, into a hard scowl that was her front to hide tears, but those shining in her eyes betrayed her.
He shook his head, keeping his eyes narrowed in order to hide the prevalent emotions. "We're not *through* yet, Slayer."
"Yes. We are. I am done. I am sick and tired of it. I don't want it anymore. Because nothing I do MEANS anything. Because realizing I LOVE you, you STUPID DUMBASS, is nothing. So.. Leave me the hell alone. Just.. go.. And the break was your fault in the first place. Why the hell shouldn't I work? And, ya know, it's called the women's lib-"
Out of that whole rant, Spike had heard exactly three words. "You love me?" The growl had stopped, and his eyes were wide and slightly confused now.
She stomped her red-booted foot on the porch. "Shut up! God!" She slammed down the stairs.
He followed her, in a semi-stunned silence. Part of him wanted to grab her and kiss her. And the other part was leaning toward grab her and *shake* her. Hard.
She stomped back and forth in the yard, muttering and glaring at him. She totally ignored his presence, cursing and calling him every type of fool, bastard, and *man* there was.
That was enough. And he was getting dizzy. He moved forward in one smooth motion, seizing her by the shoulders and shaking her slightly. "You can't see this from my point of view, can you? Can't feel what I feel? Buffy, do you have any idea what you just said?!"
She glared tearfully at him. "Yes I can! I just DID! And it really sucks! I said it, didn't I, Spike?? Do I look HAPPY about it?? It REALLY REALLY sucks!"
Growled softly. "Now you've got a hint about how I've felt for the last year, Slayer. Not fun, is it?" Shook his head, releasing her. "I don't *want* you to work. But I'm not going to bloody *stop* you! I want you to be freakin' HAPPY for God's sake! I want nothing more than for this family, this whole soddin' group to have a 'happily ever after', even though I KNOW that's impossible. I try to help where I can. To make it work, though. All I want is for you to give me a chance to help. Really help. Not just sit on the sidelines and cheer you on. I want to go to the stupid magic shop and research with the rest of 'em. I want to be included in your little group things. I've never felt the way you make me feel, Buffy. Never. And I doubt I ever will again. This is new. And, to be honest, it's more than a little bloody scary! I just..." Trailed off, sinking down and sitting on one of the porch steps. "I don't know. I just don't know."
She swiped at the little traitorous tears tracking her cheeks. "I don't either. I don't know. Just... not touching you? It's not helping any. It just makes it worse."
He was rubbing the bridge of his nose, his elbow resting on his knee. "Have we sorted it out, then?"
She snorted. "Will we ever?"
He looked up at her. Must have been the bad lighting that made his eyes glisten like that. "I meant the original problem. My trying to force you not to work."
One hand swiped at her nose. She looked like a dejected little girl. "Are you done trying that?"
A sigh. "I think I've just said as much. I don't want you to work, but I'm done trying to stop you. I stopped a couple of days ago." Looked up at her. "You've been.. happier, lately. Since the job. If it.. If it makes you happy, I'm not going to stand in the way."
Her arms were folded across her chest defensively, still smarting. "I really enjoy working there. But it hurt to come home."
Rubbed at his nose again. "I'm sorry, luv. I am. I'm finished trying to stand between you and what you want." Looked at her again. "Did you mean it?"
She puzzled over his words. Said, just as defensively as her stance, "Yes."
He stood, slowly. No aggressiveness in his posture. "You love me?"
Dropped her chin, her arms slipping to wrap around her waist. "Yes."
Took a step toward her. "Break over?"
She looked at him. "It bloody well better be." His inflection, his words, filtering through her lips.
He gave a very soft laugh, and closed the distance between them, cupping her cheek gently. Wanting- No. *Needing* to touch her. For her to touch him.
Her eyes drifted shut, and the smallest smile curled her lips. One hand slid to his side, up his chest, over his neck, and her thumb stroked over his bottom lip.
He purred softly at her touch, and leaned toward her, resting their foreheads together. That same gesture. And yet, somehow, this time it meant more. To both of them. "I love you, Buffy," he whispered. "And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for standing in your way. And I'm sorry for wanting to rip that wank- Jesse apart and use his various internal organs for fish bait."
Her eyes had glossed over again, shining with tears she was embarrassed to shed. Watery laugh. "He's really nice." She was silent a moment, then quietly, slowly, "I love you."
He knew she could feel his muscles go limp for an instant. How long had it been since someone had said that to him, in this context, and meant it? And *not* been insane? Too long. Far too long. Possibly never. He said the first thing he could think of, even though he knew it sounded stupid. "Thank you." Still resting their foreheads together, his own eyes shining back at her.
She cast her eyes down a moment, and shrugged. "Your fault."
"How so?"
Small smile. "Ruined me for anyone else... it's... just going through the motions... doesn't... touch me, shake me, scare me, arouse me like... like you do. No one else's kiss can do that."
Her words had several effects. One being a major increase in the volume of his purring. Another being an uncontrollable urge to cup her cheek, and stroke his thumb over it gently. "If it helps, you've done the same thing to me. I may live to be a thousand, but I'll never feel like this about anyone else. Ever."
He could feel it, that small tremble that moved through her when he touched her. The way her eyes closed again, lips parted slightly.
The break was over. Time to make it official. He moved slowly and captured her mouth with his. After over two weeks, it was like fireworks went off in his mind the moment their lips met.
Her small hands came up to frame his face, fingers tracing all the details they could find, her mouth opening slowly under his. Pulling in his bottom lip, biting gently at it.
And another round of fire works launched. In his heart this time. His hands roamed her upper body gently, reaquianting himself with her as their tongues began the now familiar dance.
She pulled back fractionally to murmur against his lips, "... love you..."
Oh god. Oh help. That pushed him over the edge. He lost all semblance of conscious thought. When he regained control, they were inside... and upstairs.
Buffy stumbled when they reached the entryway to her room, tugging at his shirt.
He, meanwhile, was busily making a trail down her neck and around the collarbones with his mouth and tongue.
She whimpered, tugging him inside with her, pulling at her own shirt, coaxing him to the bed.
Spike was growling softly, and he quickly got rid of both their shirts. With such speed that it left Buffy wondering when exactly hers had left. But that stopped quickly when he returned to his previous attentions around her neck. With the shirt gone, however, he was free to go a bit lower.
She sighed, arched against him, her fingers sliding in his hair. "I love you."
She felt that same weakness in his muscles, and he pulled his mouth away from her skin long enough to say, "I love you, Buffy. Always you. Only you.." Growling softly, a sound of pure arousal and love, he went back to his nibbling and licking, focusing on a spot that he'd only just discovered before the break. Right where her neck curved to meet her shoulder. Nipped and sucked at it
Low sound of pure want. Her hands streaked over every available piece of his flesh. "Always... only..." Her breathing was erratic, her hands fumbling, shaking as she tried to unbuckle that stupid belt he always insisted on wearing.
One of his hands stopped playing on her side where it had been and moved to help her with his belt. For a moment, their eyes locked. Both showing all emotions. All feelings. From arousal to love. Spike growled softly again. "Mine."
Buffy nodded slowly. "Yours." She kissed him, hard, and pulled back, her eyes shining, and she said fiercely, possessively, "Mine. Always, and only mine."
Instead of going limp at this, Spike felt as if fire was flowing through every muscle in his body. He locked eyes with her again. "Yours...", he agreed, his slow nod mirroring hers from a moment before.
A statement. A fact. Something that would never waver, never change. Never again. And both of them knew it. Always. And only. They belonged together. With each other.
They belonged *to* each other.
Spike kicked at a rock. Damn rock. Damn grass. Damn the whole bloody graveyard. WHERE were evil things when you really needed to dish out an ass kicking?
A fledgling came from nowhere to growl threateningly at Buffy. She grinned ferally, and decided baby wanted to play. She toyed with it a few minutes, kicking and punching, before finally growing bored, and staking it absently.
Spike, meanwhile, had wandered in the direction that the fledgling had come from, and found two more. Unfortunately for them, Spike played with them before dusting them. By the time they went 'poof', each of them had several broken bones... And one of them.. well, if he'd been human, he'd never have been able to have children.
She followed after him with bright eyes. "Any more?"
He brushed the dust off his jacket and snorted out some he'd inhaled. "Not now."
Buffy frowned in consternation. "None? Can you smell any more? Anywhere?"
He snorted. "Do I look like a bloodhound, Slayer?"
She rolled her eyes and walked off in the opposite direction. "Nevermind."
Spike growled softly and followed her.
They stalked another graveyard, this time with no results. Buffy stood in the center, turned a small circle, her hands in the air. "Come on, you big bads! Slayer, right here!!!! Try me on for size! FIGHT!"
Spike leaned against a large headstone, watching the Slayer's display. "Almost makes me wish *I* could take you up on that, Slayer."
She debated a moment. She was really angry. And he was offering. "Wanna fight, then?"
He cocked his head at her. "Spar, you mean?"
She smirked. "Sparring is playing nice."
He moved toward her. "An 'all out', then, you mean?" That old smirk finding it's way to his lips.
"If you can handle it."
Snorted. "I'm more worried about *you*, Slayer. It's been awhile since you've faced an opponent of MY caliber."
"Mm... Been a while since you've had any REAL action yourself." She unbuttoned her jean jacket, the small white tank top under it gleaming in the moonlight. She draped the jacket over a gravestone. "Well?"
He growled softly, excitedly. Shrugged off his duster and put it on a stone near hers. "Let's dance, Slayer." Vamped.
She threw the first punch. Hard. At his nose. But she didn't break it. Mostly because he dodged and set up a quick punch that caught her stomach. "Gotta guard better than tha-" A hard right hook into his jaw.
She grinned as she circled him. "Gotta be able to walk and talk, Spikey."
A roar, and a return punch that sent her reeling was his only response.
As she went down, she used her legs to fell him as well, using him to break her fall.
He growled, and went into a forced roll, pulling her with him, jerking both of them to their feet, and throwing her a good five yards.
She came back, after a quick headshake, landing a kick to his stomach, and a backhanded punch to his cheek.
His turn to fly backwards, but he wasn't as lucky as her. He hit a headstone, and broke it, flipping over it backwards.
She stood impatiently, knowing he was fine.
Spike climbed to his feet. Moved toward her, more cautious this time. He sneered at her. "Got a bit of an observation for you, Slayer."
She stood, fists raised. "Yeah?"
Flew at her, letting her block his punches, expecting them. "If you were as good a lay as you are a fighter, you might not have so many relationship problems," he sneered, eyes flashing.
She faltered a moment.
What he'd needed. Hard punch, sweeping kick, pounce, fangs grazed her neck. "And even with that, you lose."
Her knee slammed up between his legs.
Moan of excruciating pain, and he rolled off her. Growling through the sudden bluriness of his vision.
"That," she panted, "from a man cheaper and more kinky than a whore in France, who can still get left by the craziest slut in Europe?"
He growled, but it didn't have much power behind it, seeing as how he couldn't get up. "Leave her out of this, Slayer."
"Oh, so sorry, did that low blow hurt?" She got up, rubbing her sore ribs.
He just looked at her, eyes back to their normal blue. Growled again, quietly.
She picked up her coat off the gravestone, limped slightly towards the entrance of the cemetery. "Spike?"
He was up to his knees, holding a headstone, legs still unable to hold him. "What?"
"I'm glad we're on a break. I'd hate to make you fake it just for me."
Bloody hell. Things said in the heat of battle.. "I never fake anything, Slayer." Retrieved his duster and stood on shaky legs, moved toward her. "Especially not with you."
He was close, now. Close enough that she could smell him, feel his chest move with the unnecessary breaths he took. She stared up at him.
He looked at her. "I didn't mean that, Buffy. Heat of the moment, and all that."
Nodded nonchalantly, but her eyes screamed reproachful, sad, unsure. "Right. Me, too." Elegant shrug.
He sighed. "I am sorry, Buffy." His eyes said that he was telling the truth. And his eyes never lied to her. Ever.
She gave a sigh of her own. Shook her head, ran her fingers through her hair. Didn't know that it was the simple things like that that enticed him. "... I'm going home."
He shrugged. Followed her. "I might as well, too. Seems you and I are the only Big Bads out tonight."
She nodded. Felt at a bruise at the corner of her mouth, looked at his split lip. "I better not get in trouble for this bruise tomorrow."
He gave a half hearted snort. "It'll be gone by the time you leave tomorrow, Slayer. You know that. You heal faster than I do."
"Yeah, by like... half a day." She was already planning her clothes for tomorrow though. Long sleeves, cover the scratches, random bruises she might miss.
Spike followed her quietly, still partially on the alert should anything decide to show itself. Except that nothing did. "Death takes a holiday," he muttered to himself.
"You're still here, aren't you?" She tossed over her shoulder.
He gave a half chuckle. "Not really feeling up to killin' anything right now, Slayer."
"I am. Just... wanna kill something. Something big and ugly. Which means I'll have to settle for nothing."
He sniffed a little. Yuck. What was that sme- "Big and ugly.. like that?" Pointed.
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, for God's sake. A dumpster demon?? I haven't seen one of those since tenth grade." She left Spike behind and tapped the thing on the shoulder. Smiled, waved, and spoke for a moment, pointing at her shoe. The demon knelt, and Buffy grabbed it's head. Decided against killing it. She shook it, wagged a finger sternly in its face, and pointed off in the distance. It ran.
Spike came up next to her. "Thought you wanted to kill something, Slayer. What happened?"
She sighed, disgusted with herself. "They're not really smart, and they're not mean at all. They play with little kids at the park at night, then walk them home. How do you kill that?"
Chuckled softly. "Usually decapitation." Held up a hand. "Kidding, Slayer." Held his nose for a moment. "Whoo. How can the kids stand that smell, though?"
She gave a sad smile. "They don't have anyone. They're the... sad kids. The one's whose parents just don't care? Any friend is a good friend. Go back to the house."
"You're not coming?"
She shook her head. "I'm going to Willy's. Gonna give him some trouble."
Concern clouded the vampire's eyes. "Slayer or not, you shouldn't go in there alone. Let me come with you."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm just gonna beat up some thuggy demons."
Spike shook his head. "You're going to go attack demons. Fine. But don't do it in a bar FULL of the bloody things! Those odds are *not* in your favor, luv."
The endearment, the first of it's kind in at least a week, sent a shiver through her. It took so little where he was concerned... "I just wanted a high body count tonight. Guess we'll have to make do with kicking each other's asses, huh?"
An 'almost' smile. "Enough for me. I'm gonna be sitting crooked for the next three days."
Huffed. "Good."
He gave a chuckling snort and turned to walk out of the alley. True enough, his usual swagger had a bit of a... wobble, to it.
She hid a snicker at his... less than manly walk, then resumed her limp beside him.
They moved on in silence for a few moments, and Spike cleared his throat. "How are we going to explain this to Bit? It's been weeks since either of us has come back limping."
"We ran into a couple of Bads. Or we could tell her we beat the hell out of each other. Whatever you want to."
He gave a half chuckle. "She doesn't like it when we fight verbally, luv. She'd kick both our asses if we told her that we spent the better part of an hour beating the crap out of each other. For no reason."
"There was reason!"
He looked at her. "Okay. There *was* reason. We're pissed at each other. That's reason. But still. I'd won, and you shouldn't have kneed me like that."
Simply shrugged. "Shouldn't have said I'm bad in bed."
"I didn't mean it, Buffy."
"No. And I'm sure Angel didn't either. I don't care. I really don't." Lies, lies, lies.
He sighed. "I am sorry, luv. You know what happens when we're fighting. When that rush hits you, and you'll do anything, say anything, to win. You've been there before, too, you know."
She nodded. She had. "You know that was a below-the-belt?"
"Yes. And you responded in kind." Gestured to his slightly duck-like gait.
She smirked. "It was beautiful. So arrogant, then... " Clapped her hands sharply. "Down for the count."
He snorted at her. "If you'd played by the rules, you wouldn't have had the chance. I had you. You were supposed to be *dead*."
"It takes longer than one bite to kill someone. You have to suck for a while. They struggle."
He snorted. "Not all of 'em."
"The one's who wanna live do."
Smirked. "No one ever has before." Circled around her, breathing on her neck. "They say, that a bite is a very erotic experience..."
Her breath caught in her throat, and a chill took her body. He had never tasted her.
Spike got close enough that his lips brushed her skin as he talked. "What do you think, Slayer? Ever gonna let that death wish we've discussed catch up to you? Gonna slip and let some nasty have a taste? Like me..."
Her head tilted, involuntarily to the side, just an inch or two. He wove a spell around her, darkly spoken words, silky, soft, deep...
A soft, yet deeper than any she'd ever heard before, purr rumbled from the vampire as he stopped his circling to stand behind her. Brought one hand up to touch her hair. Glide over the smooth skin of her neck. "Say the word, luv..."
She was shaking now, eyes closed. An affirmative noise passed her lips on a sigh.
He bent to her neck, fangs glistening. Closer.. closer.. Planted a soft kiss on her neck, right above the vein that would've killed her. Barely pricked the skin and quickly closed the wound with his tongue.
One hand slid, of it's own volition, to the back of his head, held him to her. Arched her neck more, her breathing hitching, body still quivering.
Still vamped, still purring, he moved his mouth along the vein, alternately making very small wounds and closing them. Then kissing and licking at the spots.
She let out a whimpering moan. More. She always wanted more of him. It was never enough. The more she had to fight her craving, the more she wanted. She could never get enough of him. And that's what scared her so much wasn't it?
Slowly, Spike stopped. His face returned to normal, and he placed one last soft kiss right under her ear before pulling away. "Still on a break, though, aren't we?"
Her eyes opened slowly. It took her a minute to blink away the desire in them. "I guess we are."
He gave her a smile, and they started walking again. A slight difference though. Spike's duck-walk was a little more... pronounced, now. Ouch.
Buffy noticed, and smiled. Good. At least it wasn't one sided.
========================================================================== =============
Buffy adjusted the skirt in her mirror one more time. Wiggled out of it, and into a pair of low riding lacing, tight khaki's. The low-cut red top was classic, and alluring. She liked it. Slipped on red boots to match, checked her hair again.
Dawn sat on Buffy's bed. "Where are you going?"
"Well, I made a friend at work, and we're Bronzing it."
"Ooh! Friends! Named?"
"Jesse."
"She nice?"
"She-" Buffy paused. Who was she to correct her? "Yeah. Really nice." Her hair was done like it had been that first night with Spike, tousled, different sized curls, smoky eyes and candied lips. An onyx pendant hung from her neck, and she dabbed on perfume carefully.
"So... why so much effort?"
"Because it's the first time we've hung out. I don't wanna look like a scrub. Besides. Working Buffy never gets to go out."
Dawn smiled. "Hope you have fun, Buffy. Remember. I'm staying at Michele's tonight. She lives on Fifth Street. The number's by the phone."
"All right." She kissed Dawn's forehead, hugged her, and picked up her purse. "Have fun, and behave. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
Dawn watched Buffy plod down the stairs in her red boots and she went to her room to pack.
Buffy came down the stairs, encountering Spike watching TV.
The vampire glanced up from the CSI rerun he was watching. That show had some of the best fake blood he'd ever seen. At least, he hoped it was fake. Took in Buffy's appearance. "Where're you off to, luv?"
Shrugged. "Bronze."
Cocked his head. "Alone?"
"Just meeting a friend I made at work."
He nodded, accepting that. Turned back as his show came back from commercial. Ooh. The autopsy. How fun.
She gave a mental, "Whew",and let out the breath she had been holding. "I, um... I look ok?" When she had his attention again, she turned a slow circle.
He smiled. "Beautiful. As usual. Sure you don't want me to tag along?"
"Yeah. It's no big. Just a friend from work."
He shrugged. "Have it your way, luv. Have fun." Internally, he sighed. He would have the house to himself tonight. That had all sorts of potential. And for the unlife of him, he couldn't figure out a thing to do other than watch a few movies and sleep. How the evil have fallen.. up. Now he knew he was tired. That made absolutely no sense.
She smiled and nodded, opened the door. "Night."
"Night, luv," he called after her, stretching out on the couch. When the door swung shut, it pushed a bit of her scent in his direction. Absently, he sniffed. Wait a minute... Perfume? Why would she...? Oh well. He'd all but given up trying to figure that girl out. Returned to his show. It wasn't like she was going on a date or something... Right?
Dawn came down the stairs, a bag over her shoulder. "Hey. Couch Buddy. I'm heading to Michele's."
He sat up. Looked her up and down. Good. For one thing, it wasn't that Janice bint. For another, she was wearing a tee shirt and jeans, which probably meant there'd be no males around. Sniffed. Just her usual perfume. All this in two seconds or less. "Got everything you need, Bit?"
"Mmm... CD's, pictures, magazines, hooker clothes, candy-"
He jumped up with vamp speed and grabbed her playfully, pulling her into a semi-headlock. "Your *what* clothes?"
She laughed, wriggling free. "I was just kidding. I mean, I've got the silky negligee and peignoir..." Grinned cheekily at him.
He play growled and moved to grab her again.
Giving a giggle she dodged. "Spongebob jamma pants and tank top."
He managed to grab her bag by the strap and pull it to him. "I think I'll just see for myself."
She rolled her eyes, a grin haunting her face. "Geez.. what an invasion of my privacy."
He gave her a snort. "Yeah, yeah. I remember finding someone in the basement, rooting through my stuff." Unzipped the bag.
Innocent whistling. "Just curious. And I was doing laundry."
He chuckled. "Yeah. I believe you." Pulled out a video. "Interview With The Vampire? Oh, come on, Bit!"
"Hey! Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, AND Tom Cruise! Who can complain? Besides, Armand is just dreamy."
He half hazardly tossed it back into the bag and handed it back. "Totally unrealistic. And very wrong for a fourteen year old."
She laughed. "Why's that?"
He looked at her. "Hello? The rating alone tells you that you shouldn't be watching it. Does your sister know you have that?"
She snickered. "It's Buffy's copy."
Spike laughed. "Bloody hell... Go. Go before I decide that I want company tonight and tie you to the couch."
She smiled, and stood unnecessarily on her toes to kiss his cheek. "Have a good night."
He grinned, gave her a quick hug, and locked the door after her. "Night, Niblet. Have fun."
"Yup!"
He went back and situated himself on the couch again with a yawn. Oh. How fun. Alone, with the telly. Ooh. Terminator 2...
========================================================================== ===========
Buffy smiled up at Jesse. Who looked incredible in a cream shirt with jeans, ya know, if she was noticing. "You really don't have to walk me home. We're only about four blocks from it, and you're in the opposite direction and-"
He was shaking his head. "Nope. I'm walking you home, and that's that. Do you even look at the papers in this town? The obituaries take up more than the sports and comics combined. There's no way I'm letting you go home, at night, alone."
She wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it. Be careful!! The Slayer can't walk home at night. She quelled the urge to laugh, said graciously, "Thank you."
He grinned. Apparently quite proud of himself. "You're welcome. But it's nothing, really." Offered her his arm.
She grinned back and hooked her arm through his. "Have fun?"
He nodded. "Oh yeah. But, I have to say, spilling that coke on that girl was an accident. I swear."
"Uhhh huh. She had a white shirt on, Jesse, you pervert."
He chuckled. "If you do something *subconsciously*, it is still an accident. That's male logic."
She laughed and swatted his shoulder gently. "Yeah yeah. I had fun."
Grinned. "Good. You, uh.. want to do it again, sometime?"
Gave him another smile. "Guess you'll just have to come hit on me in line again to see."
He exaggerated a defeated sigh. "But I'm broke now! I don't have anything to buy anything with!"
She gave him a droll glance. "Daddy owns the Electric Company... Poor little orphan... Hey. How'd your mom like her present?"
He chuckled. "Won't know till day after tomorrow." He fidgeted. "I hope I wrapped it right. I suck at artistic crap."
She smiled and leaned her head against his arm. "You're her son. She'll love it."
He smiled. "Yeah. I know. But still.. You know how it is with parents. I could probably have wrapped a rock in tin foil and she'd love it."
Buffy laughed. "That's about the gist of it. You know she'd brag to her friends too. 'See the lovely rock my son got me??'"
Jesse laughed. "Yeah. That sounds like Mom. She'd probably take it in the car and use it as a paper weight." Chuckled. "Maybe I should've gotten her a rock. Saved my 150 bucks."
"I could think of better things to spend it on... but... it's your mom, ya know?"
"Yeah. Exactly." Realized where they were. "Oh. This is your house, right?"
"Yup. This is me."
Laughed quietly. "Funny. It looks like a house."
She blushed a little bit.
He bit his lip for a moment. "So.. See you around?"
Smiled. "Of course."
Fidgeted. "Okay then... Good night.." Leaned toward her, gently brushing her lips with his. A chaste kiss, pulling away. "Night," he said again, blushing slightly.
She smiled, leaned up on her toes to kiss him back.
That was a bit of a surprise. He laid one hand gently on her shoulder as they parted again. "Bye, Buffy."
"Bye, Jesse." Brushed his black hair out of his eyes. "Be careful going home, ok?"
He stood tall, puffed his chest out. "Who, me? I'm fearless."
"Yeah yeah... you hear anything funny, run in the other direction."
"That's not fear. It's self preservation. A very useful skill."
"Very useful. Promise me?"
He nodded. "Don't worry, m'lady. I shall be christened the Knight Of The Quick Legs, the moment I hear *anything*."
She laughed. "Good idea, oh knight."
A bow and a salute, and he turned to leave. "I'll see you later, Buffy."
She waved a little. "Ok. Night." She made her way up the sidewalk, repressing the urge to wipe at her mouth. That had been wrong. Being with Jesse. Not that he wasn't what every guy SHOULD be, geez. Tall, dark, handsome, a little shy, a little bold, kind, sweet, funny. But... not for her. He could never have adjusted to everything in her life. And so much of that was what she was. He was nice. And his kiss was nice. But that was all. No heat, no overriding desire. No insistent desire to keep him close at all times. To want to kiss and kill him at the same time. He made her laugh, but didn't arouse her passions, like- She sighed. Why not say it? Like he did. Like Spike. She slipped in the door, quietly as possible, nonchalant in her movement. As if nothing earth-shattering had happened to her twenty feet outside that door.
And nearly walked right into a scowling, half growling Spike standing in the entryway.
"Oh. Hey." Set her purse on the desk.
He had seen through the window. He could *smell* that wanker's scent on her. The growl rumbled louder. "Slayer." Moved toward her. "Out with a friend from work, huh? Do you kiss all your co workers, or was this something special." Anger, rage, and more than a hint of betrayal rung in the dangerously quiet voice.
Half step back. "Don't do this tonight." Almost pleading.
"Should've thought about that before you *kissed* that little wanker, Slayer." Eyes narrowed. Same tone as before, the growl underscoring the words.
"His name," she ground out, "is Jesse."
Spike's breathing sped up, looking almost like a bull preparing to charge. If he were human, there might have been worries that he'd hyperventilate. "Is he the only one, Slayer? Or is there one for every night?"
She glared defiantly at him. "Why shouldn't there've been? This was YOUR idea, Spike. The break? Us having nothing to do with each other? That was all you. Maybe YOU'RE the one who should have thought about this. I mean... YOU'RE the one who WANTED it, so damn bad. This was always an option. The only restrictions on anything was NOTHING with US. I could have screwed him twice every night this week."
"I never said.." Deep breaths still, every exhale an almost snort. "That I wanted us to have *nothing* to do with each other. I never agree-" His growl reached a crescendo and cut his words off as his eyes flashed back and forth between gold and blue.
In all the years she had known him, fought him, all the punches, and hurtful lies, and fighting words, all the ass-kickings they'd ever given each other... never had he seemed so close to snapping. And never had Buffy cared less. "He was nice. He thought I was beautiful."
"You ARE bloody beautiful. He'd have to be BLIND not to see that!" Spike let out a snarl and turned around, his back to her. Had the weird feeling that if he kept facing her, he was going to attack. "I can't believe you would do this."
"I can't believe you expected me to sit in my room and... what?? Come around? Just... agree with everything you said?? I can't... be... ignored like that, Spike." She walked around until she was facing him.
He looked at her. "Can't do what? Can't do what *I've* been doing? I sit in this bloody house, day in, day out, doing NOTHING! The highlights of my existence are patrolling with you, on the off chance that you may actually be in a good mood." Growled again, or had he never really stopped? "I never thought you'd go and... Go on a bloody DATE with someone else." The tone was showing a little more of the betrayal and hurt now.
"You could have gone out, too! And you haven't exactly been Mr. Sunshine! I tried to be happy and you were just... rude to me!! God! It didn't MEAN anything!!!!"
He growled. "Oh, so it didn't *mean* anything, eh, Slayer? You do shit with people that doesn't mean anything? That's news." Turned his back on her again, anger and pain rolling off him in waves.
That struck her, hard. Especially with her newfound depth of feeling. Her mouth moved a moment before the words spilled out, tears stinging her eyes. "You prick." She turned, walked out the back door.
He growled and followed her out onto the back porch. Grabbed her arm.
She shook her arm, hard, jerking, trying to dislodge him. "Get OFF me." Her face was contorted, into a hard scowl that was her front to hide tears, but those shining in her eyes betrayed her.
He shook his head, keeping his eyes narrowed in order to hide the prevalent emotions. "We're not *through* yet, Slayer."
"Yes. We are. I am done. I am sick and tired of it. I don't want it anymore. Because nothing I do MEANS anything. Because realizing I LOVE you, you STUPID DUMBASS, is nothing. So.. Leave me the hell alone. Just.. go.. And the break was your fault in the first place. Why the hell shouldn't I work? And, ya know, it's called the women's lib-"
Out of that whole rant, Spike had heard exactly three words. "You love me?" The growl had stopped, and his eyes were wide and slightly confused now.
She stomped her red-booted foot on the porch. "Shut up! God!" She slammed down the stairs.
He followed her, in a semi-stunned silence. Part of him wanted to grab her and kiss her. And the other part was leaning toward grab her and *shake* her. Hard.
She stomped back and forth in the yard, muttering and glaring at him. She totally ignored his presence, cursing and calling him every type of fool, bastard, and *man* there was.
That was enough. And he was getting dizzy. He moved forward in one smooth motion, seizing her by the shoulders and shaking her slightly. "You can't see this from my point of view, can you? Can't feel what I feel? Buffy, do you have any idea what you just said?!"
She glared tearfully at him. "Yes I can! I just DID! And it really sucks! I said it, didn't I, Spike?? Do I look HAPPY about it?? It REALLY REALLY sucks!"
Growled softly. "Now you've got a hint about how I've felt for the last year, Slayer. Not fun, is it?" Shook his head, releasing her. "I don't *want* you to work. But I'm not going to bloody *stop* you! I want you to be freakin' HAPPY for God's sake! I want nothing more than for this family, this whole soddin' group to have a 'happily ever after', even though I KNOW that's impossible. I try to help where I can. To make it work, though. All I want is for you to give me a chance to help. Really help. Not just sit on the sidelines and cheer you on. I want to go to the stupid magic shop and research with the rest of 'em. I want to be included in your little group things. I've never felt the way you make me feel, Buffy. Never. And I doubt I ever will again. This is new. And, to be honest, it's more than a little bloody scary! I just..." Trailed off, sinking down and sitting on one of the porch steps. "I don't know. I just don't know."
She swiped at the little traitorous tears tracking her cheeks. "I don't either. I don't know. Just... not touching you? It's not helping any. It just makes it worse."
He was rubbing the bridge of his nose, his elbow resting on his knee. "Have we sorted it out, then?"
She snorted. "Will we ever?"
He looked up at her. Must have been the bad lighting that made his eyes glisten like that. "I meant the original problem. My trying to force you not to work."
One hand swiped at her nose. She looked like a dejected little girl. "Are you done trying that?"
A sigh. "I think I've just said as much. I don't want you to work, but I'm done trying to stop you. I stopped a couple of days ago." Looked up at her. "You've been.. happier, lately. Since the job. If it.. If it makes you happy, I'm not going to stand in the way."
Her arms were folded across her chest defensively, still smarting. "I really enjoy working there. But it hurt to come home."
Rubbed at his nose again. "I'm sorry, luv. I am. I'm finished trying to stand between you and what you want." Looked at her again. "Did you mean it?"
She puzzled over his words. Said, just as defensively as her stance, "Yes."
He stood, slowly. No aggressiveness in his posture. "You love me?"
Dropped her chin, her arms slipping to wrap around her waist. "Yes."
Took a step toward her. "Break over?"
She looked at him. "It bloody well better be." His inflection, his words, filtering through her lips.
He gave a very soft laugh, and closed the distance between them, cupping her cheek gently. Wanting- No. *Needing* to touch her. For her to touch him.
Her eyes drifted shut, and the smallest smile curled her lips. One hand slid to his side, up his chest, over his neck, and her thumb stroked over his bottom lip.
He purred softly at her touch, and leaned toward her, resting their foreheads together. That same gesture. And yet, somehow, this time it meant more. To both of them. "I love you, Buffy," he whispered. "And I'm sorry. I'm sorry for standing in your way. And I'm sorry for wanting to rip that wank- Jesse apart and use his various internal organs for fish bait."
Her eyes had glossed over again, shining with tears she was embarrassed to shed. Watery laugh. "He's really nice." She was silent a moment, then quietly, slowly, "I love you."
He knew she could feel his muscles go limp for an instant. How long had it been since someone had said that to him, in this context, and meant it? And *not* been insane? Too long. Far too long. Possibly never. He said the first thing he could think of, even though he knew it sounded stupid. "Thank you." Still resting their foreheads together, his own eyes shining back at her.
She cast her eyes down a moment, and shrugged. "Your fault."
"How so?"
Small smile. "Ruined me for anyone else... it's... just going through the motions... doesn't... touch me, shake me, scare me, arouse me like... like you do. No one else's kiss can do that."
Her words had several effects. One being a major increase in the volume of his purring. Another being an uncontrollable urge to cup her cheek, and stroke his thumb over it gently. "If it helps, you've done the same thing to me. I may live to be a thousand, but I'll never feel like this about anyone else. Ever."
He could feel it, that small tremble that moved through her when he touched her. The way her eyes closed again, lips parted slightly.
The break was over. Time to make it official. He moved slowly and captured her mouth with his. After over two weeks, it was like fireworks went off in his mind the moment their lips met.
Her small hands came up to frame his face, fingers tracing all the details they could find, her mouth opening slowly under his. Pulling in his bottom lip, biting gently at it.
And another round of fire works launched. In his heart this time. His hands roamed her upper body gently, reaquianting himself with her as their tongues began the now familiar dance.
She pulled back fractionally to murmur against his lips, "... love you..."
Oh god. Oh help. That pushed him over the edge. He lost all semblance of conscious thought. When he regained control, they were inside... and upstairs.
Buffy stumbled when they reached the entryway to her room, tugging at his shirt.
He, meanwhile, was busily making a trail down her neck and around the collarbones with his mouth and tongue.
She whimpered, tugging him inside with her, pulling at her own shirt, coaxing him to the bed.
Spike was growling softly, and he quickly got rid of both their shirts. With such speed that it left Buffy wondering when exactly hers had left. But that stopped quickly when he returned to his previous attentions around her neck. With the shirt gone, however, he was free to go a bit lower.
She sighed, arched against him, her fingers sliding in his hair. "I love you."
She felt that same weakness in his muscles, and he pulled his mouth away from her skin long enough to say, "I love you, Buffy. Always you. Only you.." Growling softly, a sound of pure arousal and love, he went back to his nibbling and licking, focusing on a spot that he'd only just discovered before the break. Right where her neck curved to meet her shoulder. Nipped and sucked at it
Low sound of pure want. Her hands streaked over every available piece of his flesh. "Always... only..." Her breathing was erratic, her hands fumbling, shaking as she tried to unbuckle that stupid belt he always insisted on wearing.
One of his hands stopped playing on her side where it had been and moved to help her with his belt. For a moment, their eyes locked. Both showing all emotions. All feelings. From arousal to love. Spike growled softly again. "Mine."
Buffy nodded slowly. "Yours." She kissed him, hard, and pulled back, her eyes shining, and she said fiercely, possessively, "Mine. Always, and only mine."
Instead of going limp at this, Spike felt as if fire was flowing through every muscle in his body. He locked eyes with her again. "Yours...", he agreed, his slow nod mirroring hers from a moment before.
A statement. A fact. Something that would never waver, never change. Never again. And both of them knew it. Always. And only. They belonged together. With each other.
They belonged *to* each other.