Disclaimer: I own nothing. (Now that gives new meaning to stating the
obvious)
A/N: OH GOD! So sorry this took so long. I know I said it would be here shortly, but I guess I was wrong. I have come to the conclusion that I am no longer making any promises about when later chapters will be out. My promises about timing are pretty much worthless and that is not fair to you for me to string you along. I apologize. But this chapter is finally here, so I really hope you enjoy.
Thank you for your reviews!
----I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE SPACING. IT JUST BECAME WONKY ALL OF THE SUDDEN. I HAVE TRIED MY BEST TO FIX IT. I KNOW IT IS A PAIN TO READ AND I AM SORRY. PLEASE DO TRY TO READ ANYWAY. THANK YOU----
* * *
As she walked to his crypt she thought of so many things to say. The words 'I'm sorry' continuously flashed in her head as she wrung her hands together nervously. She came to his door and decided it best to knock instead of her usual 'kick in the door' routine. After all, this was an apology visit.
She knocked lightly but received no response. She knocked again, this time a bit harder. Nothing. She sighed and pushed open the door.
"Spike?" She called as she slowly walked down the stairs. She stood on the hard cement and scanned the room.
"Spike?" She asked again. She walked over and peered down the hole that led to the lower level of the crypt. Nobody was there.
Buffy walked slowly towards the door, not really wanting to go. On her way she tripped over a stake randomly tossed in the middle of the room. Slayer reflexes failing to kick in, she fell towards the ground, her head hitting the cement.
"Stupid dark." She grumbled as she pushed herself up, one hand on her head. She winced as she tried to step up on her left ankle and she leaned over to inspect the injury. Her ankle was a bit swollen and sore to touch and she decided best to stay until she could walk again. It was only coincidence that her heart was telling her to stay as well.
She pushed herself up onto the plush, green chair strategically located in the middle of the room across from the television, diagonal from the fridge. She shrunk down in the seat and swung her legs over the edge of the chair, crossed her arms over her chest, and rested her head against the cushion beneath her. She closed her eyes and let the soft scent of cigarettes, alcohol, and the spice of his cologne envelops her. She let out a soft sigh and within minutes she was asleep.
* * *
Spike meandered into his crypt and stopped instantly. Even though his head throbbed from a recent battle it was obvious that somebody was there, in his crypt. He sniffed the air and a sweet, vanilla scent invaded his nose. He moved further into his home, hoping to god that it was not Harmony. He stopped behind his one and only chair and smiled at the sight of Buffy lying in his chair.
She lay on her side, her golden locks sprawled over the edge of the chair along with on of her arms, and the other curled up under her side. Her mouth hung open, a small stream of drool leaked out the corner and small snorts escaped her lips. Her legs were flopped over the other edge of the seat, on boot hung loosely off her left foot. He to where her legs hanged and gently, so not to disturb her, lifted to boot off her foot. He winced a bit at the sight of her swollen and slightly bruised ankle.
"Bloody dark." He muttered as he freed her foot from her other boot and let her feet breathe.
He quietly sauntered over to the other side where her hand delicately draped over the edge of the chair. He sat and gently ran his hand through the hair that curtained her hand and then laced his fingers with hers. He kissed the back of her palm and rested his head up against the fabric of his chair and closing his eyes-he fell asleep.
* * *
Buffy groggily opened her eyes and groaned at the pain in her neck. Spike really needed to get more comfortable furniture, possibly a chair that seats two or more and has fewer lumps. A toilet would be good too, she though as she acknowledge the rowdiness of her bladder. She let out an "umph" as she turned on her stomach and grinned when she saw Spike, collapsed, on the ground next to her. His legs were sprawled on the cement and one hand was under his head. His other arm was stretched up, his fingertips lightly connecting with hers. She furrowed her brow in wonderment at how, through both of their tossing and turning, their hands both remained together. Not that she was complaining . . .
She hated to wake him, but she really needed to go to the bathroom. She tightened her grip on his hand a bit, so it wouldn't fall, and gently shook it. He mumbled something but didn't wake. Buffy sighed and let go of his hand - the second she did his eyelids opened, revealing the sapphires that haunted her dreams.
"Buffy?" He whispered as he lifted his head and his eyes found his hand empty.
"Right here." She called, leaning over the side of the chair, her hair falling in her face.
Spike smiled, an early morning smile, and sat up so his eyes met with hers. She looked gorgeous in the morning. Hair disheveled, imprints from the cushion embedded in her skin, a smiled mixed with exhaustion and delight, and her hazel eyes glimmered with relaxation. He reached a hand up and brushed the hair from her face and looped it behind her ears.
She closed her eyes and smiled as his cool skin grazed her cheek and she couldn't help but think that right now, all this was perfect. And Spike - he was adorable.
"How's you're ankle?"
"Huh? Oh," Buffy had forgotten about last night's happenings, mostly because Slayer healing had kicked in and she felt fine. She looked down at her ankle and saw what she had suspected, a perfectly intact limb, "it's fine. Slayer healing is one of the pros of being a slayer."
"Figured as much. When did you wa - what's wrong?" Spike asked as he saw a look of discomfort and uneasiness cross her face. "I thought you said you were okay?" He said as he moved toward her ankle.
"No, Spike I am," she said as she grabbed his hand before he went to inspect her ankle. Her bladder had made its presence fully known again and as embarrassing as it was, "I really need to go to the bathroom." She winced.
"Oh," Spike said taken aback. Seeing as how he hadn't had a need to use the bathroom in ages, it had been the last thing that he had expected to hear, "right. Well, you can't go here. Crypt, remember? Not many people in here usin' the facilities, luv."
"Ugh, why can't you be like the rest of us and be alive!" She said as she stood up from the chair.
"Well pet," he said, taking her arm, "that's the way the cookie crumbles."
Buffy threw a confused glance his way and it quickly changed into a glare when she found him smirking. She jerked her arm away from him and he held his hands up in defense.
"Whatever." She grumbled as she walk passed him and out his crypt. She stopped and looked back and saw him standing in the doorway.
"Aren't - aren't you coming?" She asked.
"Only a few minutes left 'till sunrise, luv. We'll never make it. Well, at least without me getting a little crispy that is."
"If we run we can make it." She suggested.
Spike looked Buffy up and down; her legs were crossed and she was wringing her hands together. "You think you're up for the challenge?"
"Oh I know I am." Buffy said before taking off in a sprint, Spike following behind her.
* * *
"Better, luv?" Spike asked as Buffy closed the door behind her.
She just shot him a glare as she walked passed him and down the stairs. He followed her and stood in the entryway to the family room while she sat on the sofa.
"You're allowed to sit, y'know." She told him, but he didn't move.
"Why did you come?" He asked out of the blue.
"Care to specify?"
"At my crypt, Buffy. I highly doubt you were there to catch some Z's in a lumpy old chair."
"I think it's fairly obvious why I came."
"Well, do tell 'cause as of right now, Slayer, I'm drawing a blank."
Buffy sighed. "I came to apologize. Tell you I was sorry. Sorry for putting you in a position that is of no benefit to you. Sorry for yelling, for jumping to conclusions, for not fighting for you - going after you." Buffy moved from the couch and to Spike. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him softly. "I'm sorry." She whispered after she pulled back.
Spike was taken back by her gestures. Buffy was one of the most stubborn women he had ever come across, but here she was apologizing to him. Spike leaned in and kissed her, his kiss being more passionate than hers had. He pulled away and smiled, placing a strand of hair behind her ears. "All is forgiven."
Buffy stood in his arms for a few minutes before she remembered about the council - they're coming. She felt her stomach drop and her head instantly began to ache. She pulled away a bit and rubbed her temple with her fingertips.
"Buffy? What's the matter?" He asked, concerned. He ran his hand up and down her back gently, causing her to relax.
Buffy let out a deep breath and buried her head in his chest. "The council is coming today." She said, her voice muffled by his shirt.
"Wha - Buffy why?"
She pulled away from him and moved to the sofa, seating herself. Spike followed shortly. "Apparently they are the only ones who have any useful information on this . . . Glory. And we need they're resources or else we don't have anything to go on."
"Well, then what's the problem? The more information the better I would assume."
"Spike they last time they were here I - it's just . . . everytime they come my life just gets turned upside down. My family is always in danger when they are around, and now . . . with Dawn - "
"Nibblet? What's she got to do with all of this?" Buffy looked at him, his eyes full with concern. She wanted to tell him, god she wanted to. She wanted to tell him everything, just let it all out. But she couldn't, she had made a promise to herself. She avoided his eyes and answered.
"She's just too young for all of this. I don't want her going through anymore than she already has. And the Council - they're no good. Sure, they're supposed to be on our side, but . . .God they just frustrate me. They manage to just get under my skin and I just - I can't deal with it. I'm scared. For my family, my friends, myself," she looked back up at him and her eyes locked on his, "you. I don't want anybody getting hurt. Not this time."
Spike sympathized with her. "Buffy, listen to me. The Council - they don't know what they're doing. They're even more in over their heads than you and your Scoobies. Sure they may have information, but who has the power? You do, luv. You are the only one. Use it. Don't let them intimidate you, luv. You're better than that, better than they are. Let them know that." He paused for a second to let her devour the information. "And if that doesn't work - throw a weapon or two."
Buffy smiled and realized he was right. "Since when did you become all intuitive?" She asked, leaning into him.
"There's a lot you don't know about me, luv." He said, pulling her into his lap.
"Well then I have a lot to learn, don't I?" Spike laughed and kissed her neck. Buffy closed her eyes and relaxed.
"Now *this* is comfortable." She told him.
"Go to sleep." Spike whispered.
"What about Dawn? My mom?" She asked, already beginning to fall asleep.
"I'll wake you before they come down, luv. I promise."
"No, Spike. You don't have to. I -"
"I will, Buffy. Nobody finds out about us until you're good and ready. I understand that."
"Thank you." She whispered before drifting off into a deep sleep.
"I love you." Spike whispered to her as he stroked her hair and watched her sleep.
* * *
Thank you all so much for your reviews! Please keep them coming!
The next chapter will have the Council and our favorite hell god Glory. So stay tuned!
A/N: OH GOD! So sorry this took so long. I know I said it would be here shortly, but I guess I was wrong. I have come to the conclusion that I am no longer making any promises about when later chapters will be out. My promises about timing are pretty much worthless and that is not fair to you for me to string you along. I apologize. But this chapter is finally here, so I really hope you enjoy.
Thank you for your reviews!
----I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE SPACING. IT JUST BECAME WONKY ALL OF THE SUDDEN. I HAVE TRIED MY BEST TO FIX IT. I KNOW IT IS A PAIN TO READ AND I AM SORRY. PLEASE DO TRY TO READ ANYWAY. THANK YOU----
* * *
As she walked to his crypt she thought of so many things to say. The words 'I'm sorry' continuously flashed in her head as she wrung her hands together nervously. She came to his door and decided it best to knock instead of her usual 'kick in the door' routine. After all, this was an apology visit.
She knocked lightly but received no response. She knocked again, this time a bit harder. Nothing. She sighed and pushed open the door.
"Spike?" She called as she slowly walked down the stairs. She stood on the hard cement and scanned the room.
"Spike?" She asked again. She walked over and peered down the hole that led to the lower level of the crypt. Nobody was there.
Buffy walked slowly towards the door, not really wanting to go. On her way she tripped over a stake randomly tossed in the middle of the room. Slayer reflexes failing to kick in, she fell towards the ground, her head hitting the cement.
"Stupid dark." She grumbled as she pushed herself up, one hand on her head. She winced as she tried to step up on her left ankle and she leaned over to inspect the injury. Her ankle was a bit swollen and sore to touch and she decided best to stay until she could walk again. It was only coincidence that her heart was telling her to stay as well.
She pushed herself up onto the plush, green chair strategically located in the middle of the room across from the television, diagonal from the fridge. She shrunk down in the seat and swung her legs over the edge of the chair, crossed her arms over her chest, and rested her head against the cushion beneath her. She closed her eyes and let the soft scent of cigarettes, alcohol, and the spice of his cologne envelops her. She let out a soft sigh and within minutes she was asleep.
* * *
Spike meandered into his crypt and stopped instantly. Even though his head throbbed from a recent battle it was obvious that somebody was there, in his crypt. He sniffed the air and a sweet, vanilla scent invaded his nose. He moved further into his home, hoping to god that it was not Harmony. He stopped behind his one and only chair and smiled at the sight of Buffy lying in his chair.
She lay on her side, her golden locks sprawled over the edge of the chair along with on of her arms, and the other curled up under her side. Her mouth hung open, a small stream of drool leaked out the corner and small snorts escaped her lips. Her legs were flopped over the other edge of the seat, on boot hung loosely off her left foot. He to where her legs hanged and gently, so not to disturb her, lifted to boot off her foot. He winced a bit at the sight of her swollen and slightly bruised ankle.
"Bloody dark." He muttered as he freed her foot from her other boot and let her feet breathe.
He quietly sauntered over to the other side where her hand delicately draped over the edge of the chair. He sat and gently ran his hand through the hair that curtained her hand and then laced his fingers with hers. He kissed the back of her palm and rested his head up against the fabric of his chair and closing his eyes-he fell asleep.
* * *
Buffy groggily opened her eyes and groaned at the pain in her neck. Spike really needed to get more comfortable furniture, possibly a chair that seats two or more and has fewer lumps. A toilet would be good too, she though as she acknowledge the rowdiness of her bladder. She let out an "umph" as she turned on her stomach and grinned when she saw Spike, collapsed, on the ground next to her. His legs were sprawled on the cement and one hand was under his head. His other arm was stretched up, his fingertips lightly connecting with hers. She furrowed her brow in wonderment at how, through both of their tossing and turning, their hands both remained together. Not that she was complaining . . .
She hated to wake him, but she really needed to go to the bathroom. She tightened her grip on his hand a bit, so it wouldn't fall, and gently shook it. He mumbled something but didn't wake. Buffy sighed and let go of his hand - the second she did his eyelids opened, revealing the sapphires that haunted her dreams.
"Buffy?" He whispered as he lifted his head and his eyes found his hand empty.
"Right here." She called, leaning over the side of the chair, her hair falling in her face.
Spike smiled, an early morning smile, and sat up so his eyes met with hers. She looked gorgeous in the morning. Hair disheveled, imprints from the cushion embedded in her skin, a smiled mixed with exhaustion and delight, and her hazel eyes glimmered with relaxation. He reached a hand up and brushed the hair from her face and looped it behind her ears.
She closed her eyes and smiled as his cool skin grazed her cheek and she couldn't help but think that right now, all this was perfect. And Spike - he was adorable.
"How's you're ankle?"
"Huh? Oh," Buffy had forgotten about last night's happenings, mostly because Slayer healing had kicked in and she felt fine. She looked down at her ankle and saw what she had suspected, a perfectly intact limb, "it's fine. Slayer healing is one of the pros of being a slayer."
"Figured as much. When did you wa - what's wrong?" Spike asked as he saw a look of discomfort and uneasiness cross her face. "I thought you said you were okay?" He said as he moved toward her ankle.
"No, Spike I am," she said as she grabbed his hand before he went to inspect her ankle. Her bladder had made its presence fully known again and as embarrassing as it was, "I really need to go to the bathroom." She winced.
"Oh," Spike said taken aback. Seeing as how he hadn't had a need to use the bathroom in ages, it had been the last thing that he had expected to hear, "right. Well, you can't go here. Crypt, remember? Not many people in here usin' the facilities, luv."
"Ugh, why can't you be like the rest of us and be alive!" She said as she stood up from the chair.
"Well pet," he said, taking her arm, "that's the way the cookie crumbles."
Buffy threw a confused glance his way and it quickly changed into a glare when she found him smirking. She jerked her arm away from him and he held his hands up in defense.
"Whatever." She grumbled as she walk passed him and out his crypt. She stopped and looked back and saw him standing in the doorway.
"Aren't - aren't you coming?" She asked.
"Only a few minutes left 'till sunrise, luv. We'll never make it. Well, at least without me getting a little crispy that is."
"If we run we can make it." She suggested.
Spike looked Buffy up and down; her legs were crossed and she was wringing her hands together. "You think you're up for the challenge?"
"Oh I know I am." Buffy said before taking off in a sprint, Spike following behind her.
* * *
"Better, luv?" Spike asked as Buffy closed the door behind her.
She just shot him a glare as she walked passed him and down the stairs. He followed her and stood in the entryway to the family room while she sat on the sofa.
"You're allowed to sit, y'know." She told him, but he didn't move.
"Why did you come?" He asked out of the blue.
"Care to specify?"
"At my crypt, Buffy. I highly doubt you were there to catch some Z's in a lumpy old chair."
"I think it's fairly obvious why I came."
"Well, do tell 'cause as of right now, Slayer, I'm drawing a blank."
Buffy sighed. "I came to apologize. Tell you I was sorry. Sorry for putting you in a position that is of no benefit to you. Sorry for yelling, for jumping to conclusions, for not fighting for you - going after you." Buffy moved from the couch and to Spike. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him softly. "I'm sorry." She whispered after she pulled back.
Spike was taken back by her gestures. Buffy was one of the most stubborn women he had ever come across, but here she was apologizing to him. Spike leaned in and kissed her, his kiss being more passionate than hers had. He pulled away and smiled, placing a strand of hair behind her ears. "All is forgiven."
Buffy stood in his arms for a few minutes before she remembered about the council - they're coming. She felt her stomach drop and her head instantly began to ache. She pulled away a bit and rubbed her temple with her fingertips.
"Buffy? What's the matter?" He asked, concerned. He ran his hand up and down her back gently, causing her to relax.
Buffy let out a deep breath and buried her head in his chest. "The council is coming today." She said, her voice muffled by his shirt.
"Wha - Buffy why?"
She pulled away from him and moved to the sofa, seating herself. Spike followed shortly. "Apparently they are the only ones who have any useful information on this . . . Glory. And we need they're resources or else we don't have anything to go on."
"Well, then what's the problem? The more information the better I would assume."
"Spike they last time they were here I - it's just . . . everytime they come my life just gets turned upside down. My family is always in danger when they are around, and now . . . with Dawn - "
"Nibblet? What's she got to do with all of this?" Buffy looked at him, his eyes full with concern. She wanted to tell him, god she wanted to. She wanted to tell him everything, just let it all out. But she couldn't, she had made a promise to herself. She avoided his eyes and answered.
"She's just too young for all of this. I don't want her going through anymore than she already has. And the Council - they're no good. Sure, they're supposed to be on our side, but . . .God they just frustrate me. They manage to just get under my skin and I just - I can't deal with it. I'm scared. For my family, my friends, myself," she looked back up at him and her eyes locked on his, "you. I don't want anybody getting hurt. Not this time."
Spike sympathized with her. "Buffy, listen to me. The Council - they don't know what they're doing. They're even more in over their heads than you and your Scoobies. Sure they may have information, but who has the power? You do, luv. You are the only one. Use it. Don't let them intimidate you, luv. You're better than that, better than they are. Let them know that." He paused for a second to let her devour the information. "And if that doesn't work - throw a weapon or two."
Buffy smiled and realized he was right. "Since when did you become all intuitive?" She asked, leaning into him.
"There's a lot you don't know about me, luv." He said, pulling her into his lap.
"Well then I have a lot to learn, don't I?" Spike laughed and kissed her neck. Buffy closed her eyes and relaxed.
"Now *this* is comfortable." She told him.
"Go to sleep." Spike whispered.
"What about Dawn? My mom?" She asked, already beginning to fall asleep.
"I'll wake you before they come down, luv. I promise."
"No, Spike. You don't have to. I -"
"I will, Buffy. Nobody finds out about us until you're good and ready. I understand that."
"Thank you." She whispered before drifting off into a deep sleep.
"I love you." Spike whispered to her as he stroked her hair and watched her sleep.
* * *
Thank you all so much for your reviews! Please keep them coming!
The next chapter will have the Council and our favorite hell god Glory. So stay tuned!