Chapter 8

Strawberries and Whipped Cream

After Willow left for class Buffy got a cup of coffee and sat down to continue reading about the life of another Buffy. It seemed so weird to know the people and in one case vampire that she was reading about, but yet not know them. There were traces of herself in that Buffy and it was easy to understand how a young naive version of herself could fall for Spike. Even the world-weary older version had to remind herself what he was. When he looks at you with those seductive eyes and smile it almost seems like you can see into his soul, except of course he doesn't have one. His body is cold but his touch ignites a fire in you that only he can quench. These thoughts brought a sad smile to her face. Life was unfair and he remained something she could no longer have. She knew it, but it still hurt, but she would have to savor the short time they had had together, because it couldn't happen again. I must put Spike out of my mind she thought and with that she began to read the next section of the journal.

***

It is our two-month anniversary and Spike is making me a special dinner. I live for the times we can be together. Though he has terrible taste in music, the Sex Pistols ewwww, we do seem to have a great deal in common. There is dancing, especially to the slow songs and those are the best when you have someone like him to hold you. We watch movies and television together while eating popcorn, but most of all he deals with me being a slayer. I can't think of one time where he tried to take over or not let me do my job. When I need backup he is there plus his knowledge of the demon world is remarkable. He can give Giles a run for his money. You should have seen Giles' face when Spike located some old texts that contain slayer prophecies.

My mom and sister both adore him. At first mom was really upset about us dating, because he's older, but he has managed to worm his way into her good graces. She even keeps a bag of those little marshmallows hidden from Dawn and I just so she can have them for his hot chocolate. I caught him telling Dawn one of his ghost stories the other day. He looked all hurt when I called him on it. Dawn loves his stories and he did assure me it was the PG version. It will be nice to have dinner at his apartment tonight with no mom and sister to monopolize my boyfriend's time.

As far as my friends go, Willow is really happy for me. Giles thinks a slayer should concentrate on slaying blah, blah-blah, blah-blah, but I think he likes Spike anyway. However, Xander is another story. Every chance he gets he is knocking Spike. I wish he could be happy for me. It would be terrible if this ruined our friendship.

***

"Luv make yourself comfortable…….dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes" Spike called out from the small kitchen area of his apartment.

I took off my jacket and draped it across the back of the chair and placed a small gift-wrapped box on the coffee table. I wondered over to his desk to try to get a look at what he was working on and glanced down at his manual typewriter and shook my head. "Spike they do have this thing called a computer and it makes writing much easier. I can't believe you use this thing."

Spike poked his head of the kitchen and answered "A writer uses all kinds of things for inspiration and that typewriter is one of them."

I pouted and said, "I thought I was your inspiration."

Within seconds I was wrapped in his arms and he whispered in my ear, "Always." Next I felt teeth nibbling on my ear and I started to giggle until soft lips met mine in a passionate kiss. All too soon he pulled away mumbling something about dinner and not to go anywhere.

While he was getting dinner on the table I picked up his latest story and started to read it. Within two minutes I was laughing my ass off. "You better not let Xander see this one" I told him.

"And why not. He is the one that was shagging that praying mantis woman. It's not my fault he attracts that kind of woman" he answered innocently.

"Ah… but it's you that has turned it into a scary, but strangely comic version of one boy's tragic experience" I reminded him.

"Oh ya" he laughed with that devilish grin on his face.

"Like I said don't let him see this one." I paused a moment and asked, "Spike do you always write your stories from the demon's or bad guy's point of view? You seem to be able to get into their heads. It is pretty amazing."

"That's what a writer does. Do you really think they are amazing?" he asked as if he could not believe someone would think his work was good.

"It's unbelievable, just like you," I exclaimed while giving him a sultry smile.

"Luv that look should be outlawed. I thought you were here for dinner. Better save those looks for dessert and get that cute little arse of yours over to the table" he commanded.

Dinner was great. I have to give him credit he is a wonderful cook. However, dessert was the best. It started with big, red, juicy, luscious strawberries dipped in whipped cream. We feed them to each other, but is wasn't long before he'd managed to get whipped cream all over my face. Being a gentleman he offered to clean it off with his tongue. How could a lady turn down such a thoughtful offer?

It wasn't long before thoughts of strawberries and whipped cream were forgotten and the only thing that mattered was the fire he ignited in me. His kisses became more demanding and I couldn't get close enough to him. I wanted him touching me everywhere. Pulling his lips from mine he growled, "Buffy…… what you do to me……..God help me I want you. I need to be inside of you."

I cried out one word, "Yes." That was all the encouragement he needed. The next thing I knew he'd swept me up in his arms and carried me to his bed. What followed will be etched in my mind forever. Every look, taste, and touch burned into my soul. I thought this moment would frighten me. Instead warmth and love enveloped me and the joy in his eyes gave me strength to encourage him when he hesitated. We made love twice. The second time not as hurried or desperate but every bit as wonderful.

Of everything that happened that night I didn't think it could get any better, I was so wrong. Curled up together in his bed with the glow of being thoroughly loved radiating from both of us I felt his fingers gently brush the wisps of hair from my face. Oh so tenderly, he caressed my cheek and I looked into the eyes of the man I loved. It felt like his eyes could read my soul. A smile threatened to cross his lips, but than the words I've dreamed of hearing came from them, " I love you. I love you so much."

***

The journal slipped from Buffy's fingertips. Tears were cascading down her cheeks, as memories of those same words being spoken to her bombarded her mind.

TBC

* Next chapter will contain angst. I am giving a fair warning. I also want to thank everyone for the feedback. It makes me write faster.