"No Dawnie, it's alright. Yeah, I'm sure. Uh-huh. I will. Right, well have
fun. Tell Lawrence I said 'hi'. Talk to you then. Alright, love you too.
Bye." Hanging up her cell phone, Buffy dropped it onto the sofa with an
exaggerated sigh. Spike emerged from the kitchen, carrying two steaming
cups of hot chocolate topped off with white marshmallows. "What's going on?
How's Dawn doing?" Buffy accepted the proffered cup, flashing a smile at
Spike before answering. "She's good. Just called to tell me that she's not
coming to New York for Christmas."
Spike didn't say anything; he just sipped his hot chocolate and waited for her to continue. "She's going to Aspen," Buffy said, her voice high and mocking, "with Lawrence." At Spike's confused look, she giggled. "Her boyfriend," she clarified and he nodded in understanding. Buffy sighed deeply, staring blankly at the sofa cushions. "What's the matter," Spike asked, placing his hand over hers, concern etched in his sharp features. Buffy shook her head, "nothing," she mumbled.
"Right," Spike said, drawing out the word as he stared intently at Buffy. She blushed under his penetrating gaze, his eyes had a way of piercing right through herm leaving Buffy exposed and vulnerable. Her eyes dropped to the blanket draped over the back of the sofa and her fingers tangled themselves in the fringe. Smoothing invisible knots out of the blue chenille, Buffy tried to find the right words to explain what she was feeling to Spike. "I just never imagined being alone on Christmas." Biting back the urge to tell Buffy that she wasn't alone, Spike just nodded. "Why don't you go visit the witches," he suggested, "or call the Watcher. I'm sure they'd love to see you."
Buffy shook her head, "no, it's way too last minute. I mean tomorrow's Christmas Eve, there's no way I could get a flight out of the City in time.besides it would be awkward." She trailed off, not wanting to explain to Spike how she felt like an outsider amongst her friends during the holidays. Although none of her friends would ever admit to or hint at it, Buffy had a gut-feeling that her friends invited her out of sympathy because she was still single. Perceptive as ever, Spike knew what she was talking about before Buffy uttered another syllable. He understood what it was like to be alone, separate from everyone else, not necessarily excluded but never completely welcome. His unbeating heart twisted at the thought of Buffy spending Christmas alone, she was better then that; she deserved more then a bottle of wine and some forlorn decorations. She deserved to be surrounded by her family and friends, cooking some elaborate dinner, wrapping a mountain of presents to put underneath an enormous tree that threatened to scrape the ceiling, her house a flurry of activity.
Buffy licked her lips, studying her hands intently, searching for the secrets of the universe in her red nail polish. She didn't even want to look at Spike, there was too much to think about without having to deal with his sympathy. Buffy had been skirting around the issue of asking Spike to spend Christmas with her and Dawn, now that Dawn wasn't coming to visit, there was nothing standing in her way. "Spike," she said tentatively, hoping that she wasn't making an enormous mistake. "Yeah, pet," he asked, his face a casual mask of indifference. Spike didn't want to push Buffy, he knew that this was her decision and nothing he said would change that. "Would you.I mean, it's completely up to you.and if you say 'no' then I'll understand.but I was wondering." Spike's lips twitched into a faint smile at her nervousness, "just spit it out," he pressed gently. Smiling tightly, Buffy's words rushed out, "would you like to spend Christmas here?" She smoothed her hair nervously, "I know it's last second and everything but.."
Before she could finish the sentence, Spike's hand was resting on top of hers. "I'd love to," he said, staring adoringly at Buffy. Her face brightened, "really?" Spike nodded, "yeah." Before he could say anything else, his cell phone rang and ruined the tender moment. Cursing under his breath, Spike crossed the room, fishing in the pocket of his duster for the phone. "Sorry about this," he said apologetically, glancing at the caller id, "but it's a bloke from work. Do you mind if I take this?" Buffy nodded emphatically, "go in my study, it's quieter." He flashed a quick grin in her direction, flipping open the black phone, "'Ello Ron. How are you?" Making his way down the hallway, Spike hoped that Buffy couldn't hear the loud giggles on the other end of the phone.
"You're insane Spike," Dawn choked out between giggles, "who the hell is Ron?" Spike chuckled softly, closing the door behind him. "Sorry about that Nibblet, had to move out of hearing range. Didn't want your sis to know I was talking to you. She might start to suspect that your li'l trip to Aspen wasn't so last minute." Dawn tried to stop laughing, her eyebrows shooting up to her hairline in surprise, "so you're there now? You and Buffy? In the same room? Together?!" Spike smirked, "yeah, Nibblet. In the same room and we haven't pulled out the stakes yet."
Dawn mumbled something incoherent and Spike cocked his head to the side, "what was that?" She sighed melodramatically, "I was just saying that it only took you three years." "Don't start that again," Spike pleaded half- heartedly. "Fine," Dawn sing-songed before changing the subject, "dropping it. But anyway, I just wanted to see how everything was going with you two. Because someone hasn't been answering my e-mails." Spike grimaced, "yeah, sorry about that, Nibblet, I've had a lot on my mind. But I really appreciate you doing this for me, changing your plans and all." Dawn shook her head, "it's not an issue. Lawrence is thrilled and his parents are freakin' ecstatic. We talked to his mom last night and apparently his entire family is coming to Aspen. All nine of his uncles, their wives, his three aunts, their husbands and his five brothers with their wives and of course all their kids. That's also not counting all his cousins, their families and his grandparents! His mom said it was like sixty people! Sixty people, Spike! That's like a small football team!"
She took a deep breath, "I mean I never wanted to meet all these people, especially not all at once! So now, thanks to you and your brilliant scheme, I have to meet them, spend the holidays with them and pretend that I remember all their names! And did I mention that we have to leave here in two hours if we want to get a room in his mom's house? It's absolutely nuts, I don't know what the hell I'm going to do!" Spike couldn't contain his laughter, which annoyed Dawn to no end. "It's not funny," she protested, her own voice breaking into giggles. He took a deep breath, "you're right, it's not. It's bloody hilarious. You've been dating that bloke for what? Two years? 'Bout time you met his family."
Dawn grumbled, "still don't wanna," sounding exactly like her older sister. She brightened, "but anyway, how's the plan going? Any kissing? Shagging? Major emotional breakdowns?" Spike was shaking his head when he heard something about "shagging". "Dawn," he hissed, trying to sound appropriately shocked at her bluntness. "What, you expected me to be tactful," she teased, "I've been around Anya too long for any chance of that. But you're avoiding the question."
The long pause on the other end of the phone was deafening, and since Spike didn't need to breath, Dawn's ear was filled with utter silence. She sighed in exasperation, "I swear, you and my sister are two of the biggest morons on the planet! All I've been hearing about for three years is how miserable the two of you are and now, after what, like six months of planning, you're finally in the same freakin' city as her and what do you do, oh Master vampire? You just dance around everything, dredging up the past to the point that Buffy probably wants to gag you, trying to pretend that you aren't completely ass over feet in love with her. And I know that you probably did something to trigger her wonderfully familiar relationship inferiority complex. Because if you ask me, she has no idea that you're still in love with her. And don't even try to pretend that you're just holding back to spare her. Buffy and subtlety just don't go together, you know that. If you keep waiting for the 'perfect moment,' then we're going to be here forever!"
She took a deep breath and her voice was calmer when she continued. "Look, Spike, it's simple. Buffy loves you. You love her. It's not rocket science here." Spike broke in, "do you believe in Fate?" Dawn didn't answer right away, she took a second to reflect on the unexpected question. "Yeah, I do," she finally said, unknowingly echoing her sister's earlier words, "I think that some things are just meant to happen and there's nothing anyone can do about them."
Spike nodded, satisfied with her answer, but still not ready to break free from the scorched ashes of his past. "Do you think I have a chance, Nibblet," he asked, his voice stripped free of any bravado. Dawn sighed loudly, "if I didn't think you had a chance, Spike, I wouldn't be talking to you. Now go out there and make things right with my sister. I don't care if it's too soon or too fast or any other excuse you can come up with to wait. Hell, I don't care if she throws you out on your ass, just stop pretending like life's going to fix itself. Cut the bullshit Spike and be honest with her. Tell her you love her and for the love of God, stop pacing before you ruin her rug"
Stopping mid-stride, Spike leaned against the edge of Buffy's desk, his feet tapping impatiently. "Yes ma'm General Summers, ma'm," Spike said, his voice ringing with laughter. Dawn broke into another fit of giggles. "I'll talk to you later Spike. Good luck." "Thanks Nibblet and have a good holiday." Spike hung up the phone, staring at Buffy's bookshelf, amazed that a five minute conversation with Dawn was the last push he needed to tell Buffy how he felt. "When did she get so smart," he asked the empty room, Spike shook his head, turning out the study lights as he walked back into the hallway.
Buffy looked over the back of the sofa when he walked back into the room. Her fingers were laced around her half-empty mug of hot chocolate and her green eyes twinkled like twin emeralds. She flashed Spike a smile as he eased onto the sofa beside her, picking up his deserted mug, tossing his cell phone on the table. "Anything important," she asked and Spike shook his head. "No, nothing too interesting. Just wanted to see how my time in New York was going." Buffy tipped her head, a playful look on her face, "and how is New York treating you?" Spike swallowed hard, taking another sip of chocolate. Here goes nothing, he thought. "Alright," he said, his voice low and seductive, sending shivers through Buffy's body, his eyes filled with obvious love and desire. "Just alright," she said softly, inching closer to Spike, her heart racing with trepadation. Shadows darkened his face as Spike leaned in close to Buffy, his mouth hovering just above her ear. "No where else I'd rather be," he murmured softly, his breath tickling the stray locks of hair tucked behind her ear.
Brushing her wayward blonde tendrils off her forehead, Spike's strong fingers turned Buffy's face to meet his. Her mouth was dry and staring into Spike's sapphire eyes, Buffy could not remember how to speak. She opened her mouth, "Spike," she choked out. Spike's index finger covered her lips, "no more talking, gorgeous." He bent his head down to meet hers, his lips just grazing hers. Spike's mouth captured her lips in a passionate kiss that left Buffy gasping for breath. She had forgotten how Spike's kisses made her feel; Buffy was drowning and floating at the same time, drunk on the sensations he was invoking within her. "I missed you," she whispered when they finally broke apart. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Buffy pulled Spike closer to her, "missed you so much." His lips descended on hers again before Buffy could say anything else. They could talk later, Spike thought; now he needed to show her how much he loved her.
The hall clock chimed five, the loud clanging noise jarring Buffy from the comforting realm of sleep. Her head was resting on Spike's chest, her cheek nestled against his pectoral muscles, long blond curls cascading over his forearm, her body curled tightly around his. She could feel his eyes on her and Buffy lifted her head lazily. "Morning," she whispered, her voice rough from sleep. She rested her arm across his chest, cupping her chin in her hand. Spike's blue eyes looked down at her, his hand smoothing her flattened hair out. "Morning," Spike replied, the arm around her waist tightening possessively. Buffy smiled, leaning forward to place an almost chaste kiss on Spike's lips.
"What time is it," she murmured sleepily. "A few minutes after five," Spike replied, his face filled with adoration for the woman wrapped up in his arms. "Mmm," Buff purred, her head returning to it's original pillow on Spike's chest, "wish we could stay like this forever." Spike looked down at the top of her head questioningly, wishing he could see her face, "why can't we?" Sighing in mock irritation, Buffy lifted her head, "Christmas Eve? Ring any bells? Day that precedes big gift-giving holiday? Religious holy day?" Spike chuckled, kissing the tip of her nose lovingly, "I know what day it is, sweetness. Don't understand why it makes a difference, though."
Rolling over onto his side, Spike rested his head on his elbow, staring intently at Buffy, waiting for her explanation. "Because there's a lot to do before tomorrow," she said, "I don't even think I have anything to make dinner with. I just figured me and Dawn would go shopping once she got here." Spike made a tsking sound, "how about this, we stay here all day," he trailed his fingers over the curve of her hip suggestively, "and then I take you out tonight?" Buffy's eyes brightened, "really?" He nodded, "promise." Buffy sighed in contentment, her insides turning to mush as Spike trailed kisses down her neck, his fingers dancing over her body. Pressing her body closer to his, Buffy tangled her hands in his platinum curls, craving more physical contact. Spike chuckled softly as he continued his exquisite torture, never wanting to leave Buffy's bed.
Nearly twelve hours later, Buffy rolled out of bed, stretching the tight muscles of her back. Tilting her head backwards and arching her chest forward, she smiled with grim satisfaction as her spine let out a series of pops and snaps. "Sore," Spike asked, his head appearing over her shoulder. Buffy shook her head, "a little stiff, but not sore. Nothing a hot shower can't fix." He nodded, "alright, well take your time, beautiful, because our dinner reservation isn't until seven-ten." Buffy raised her eyebrows incredulously, "how did you get reservations anywhere on Christmas Eve? Especially on such short notice?" Spike just smiled, "I have my skills, pet."
Her eyes were dancing as Buffy walked across the room, "and I suppose you won't tell," she pouted. Spike's eyes fell, "now don't do the lip-thing," he protested feebly, "you know I can't resist that." Buffy grinned saucily, "you have your skills, I have mine." He growled, springing out of bed, chasing Buffy down the hall towards the bathroom. "Little minx," he said when he finally caught her. Buffy's back was pressed against the bathroom door and Spike was leaning into her, his hands on either side of the door. She gasped for breath, trying to stop her laughter, "you know you love it," she said breathlessly. Her hand froze, hovering above his cheek, her gentle caress forgotten when Buffy realized her slip of the tongue. Spike's face broke into a broad smile and he kissed the underside of her palm, capturing her hand between his and trailing kisses up her arm. "Got me there," he murmured softly.
"Spike, I have to take a shower," Buffy protested weakly and he released her hand, giving her a gentle push towards the shower. "Go on," he said, "don't let me stop you." She turned to face him, cradling his face between her palms, "planning on joining me?" Spike smirked, "thought you'd never ask, gorgeous." She pulled two towels out of the closet, turning to face him, her teeth gnawing nervously on her lower lip. "Spike," she began, her voice dropping to just above a whisper. "I think I'm falling in love you." He strained to hear the last words, not believing what Buffy had just said. "Sweetheart," he said, closing the distance between them, "look at me." Slowly Buffy lifted her tear-filled green eyes to meet his imploring gaze, "I never stopped loving you, not for an instant." She swallowed hard over the lump in her throat, "really?" Spike nodded, his fingers brushing her tears away, "really."
Spike didn't say anything; he just sipped his hot chocolate and waited for her to continue. "She's going to Aspen," Buffy said, her voice high and mocking, "with Lawrence." At Spike's confused look, she giggled. "Her boyfriend," she clarified and he nodded in understanding. Buffy sighed deeply, staring blankly at the sofa cushions. "What's the matter," Spike asked, placing his hand over hers, concern etched in his sharp features. Buffy shook her head, "nothing," she mumbled.
"Right," Spike said, drawing out the word as he stared intently at Buffy. She blushed under his penetrating gaze, his eyes had a way of piercing right through herm leaving Buffy exposed and vulnerable. Her eyes dropped to the blanket draped over the back of the sofa and her fingers tangled themselves in the fringe. Smoothing invisible knots out of the blue chenille, Buffy tried to find the right words to explain what she was feeling to Spike. "I just never imagined being alone on Christmas." Biting back the urge to tell Buffy that she wasn't alone, Spike just nodded. "Why don't you go visit the witches," he suggested, "or call the Watcher. I'm sure they'd love to see you."
Buffy shook her head, "no, it's way too last minute. I mean tomorrow's Christmas Eve, there's no way I could get a flight out of the City in time.besides it would be awkward." She trailed off, not wanting to explain to Spike how she felt like an outsider amongst her friends during the holidays. Although none of her friends would ever admit to or hint at it, Buffy had a gut-feeling that her friends invited her out of sympathy because she was still single. Perceptive as ever, Spike knew what she was talking about before Buffy uttered another syllable. He understood what it was like to be alone, separate from everyone else, not necessarily excluded but never completely welcome. His unbeating heart twisted at the thought of Buffy spending Christmas alone, she was better then that; she deserved more then a bottle of wine and some forlorn decorations. She deserved to be surrounded by her family and friends, cooking some elaborate dinner, wrapping a mountain of presents to put underneath an enormous tree that threatened to scrape the ceiling, her house a flurry of activity.
Buffy licked her lips, studying her hands intently, searching for the secrets of the universe in her red nail polish. She didn't even want to look at Spike, there was too much to think about without having to deal with his sympathy. Buffy had been skirting around the issue of asking Spike to spend Christmas with her and Dawn, now that Dawn wasn't coming to visit, there was nothing standing in her way. "Spike," she said tentatively, hoping that she wasn't making an enormous mistake. "Yeah, pet," he asked, his face a casual mask of indifference. Spike didn't want to push Buffy, he knew that this was her decision and nothing he said would change that. "Would you.I mean, it's completely up to you.and if you say 'no' then I'll understand.but I was wondering." Spike's lips twitched into a faint smile at her nervousness, "just spit it out," he pressed gently. Smiling tightly, Buffy's words rushed out, "would you like to spend Christmas here?" She smoothed her hair nervously, "I know it's last second and everything but.."
Before she could finish the sentence, Spike's hand was resting on top of hers. "I'd love to," he said, staring adoringly at Buffy. Her face brightened, "really?" Spike nodded, "yeah." Before he could say anything else, his cell phone rang and ruined the tender moment. Cursing under his breath, Spike crossed the room, fishing in the pocket of his duster for the phone. "Sorry about this," he said apologetically, glancing at the caller id, "but it's a bloke from work. Do you mind if I take this?" Buffy nodded emphatically, "go in my study, it's quieter." He flashed a quick grin in her direction, flipping open the black phone, "'Ello Ron. How are you?" Making his way down the hallway, Spike hoped that Buffy couldn't hear the loud giggles on the other end of the phone.
"You're insane Spike," Dawn choked out between giggles, "who the hell is Ron?" Spike chuckled softly, closing the door behind him. "Sorry about that Nibblet, had to move out of hearing range. Didn't want your sis to know I was talking to you. She might start to suspect that your li'l trip to Aspen wasn't so last minute." Dawn tried to stop laughing, her eyebrows shooting up to her hairline in surprise, "so you're there now? You and Buffy? In the same room? Together?!" Spike smirked, "yeah, Nibblet. In the same room and we haven't pulled out the stakes yet."
Dawn mumbled something incoherent and Spike cocked his head to the side, "what was that?" She sighed melodramatically, "I was just saying that it only took you three years." "Don't start that again," Spike pleaded half- heartedly. "Fine," Dawn sing-songed before changing the subject, "dropping it. But anyway, I just wanted to see how everything was going with you two. Because someone hasn't been answering my e-mails." Spike grimaced, "yeah, sorry about that, Nibblet, I've had a lot on my mind. But I really appreciate you doing this for me, changing your plans and all." Dawn shook her head, "it's not an issue. Lawrence is thrilled and his parents are freakin' ecstatic. We talked to his mom last night and apparently his entire family is coming to Aspen. All nine of his uncles, their wives, his three aunts, their husbands and his five brothers with their wives and of course all their kids. That's also not counting all his cousins, their families and his grandparents! His mom said it was like sixty people! Sixty people, Spike! That's like a small football team!"
She took a deep breath, "I mean I never wanted to meet all these people, especially not all at once! So now, thanks to you and your brilliant scheme, I have to meet them, spend the holidays with them and pretend that I remember all their names! And did I mention that we have to leave here in two hours if we want to get a room in his mom's house? It's absolutely nuts, I don't know what the hell I'm going to do!" Spike couldn't contain his laughter, which annoyed Dawn to no end. "It's not funny," she protested, her own voice breaking into giggles. He took a deep breath, "you're right, it's not. It's bloody hilarious. You've been dating that bloke for what? Two years? 'Bout time you met his family."
Dawn grumbled, "still don't wanna," sounding exactly like her older sister. She brightened, "but anyway, how's the plan going? Any kissing? Shagging? Major emotional breakdowns?" Spike was shaking his head when he heard something about "shagging". "Dawn," he hissed, trying to sound appropriately shocked at her bluntness. "What, you expected me to be tactful," she teased, "I've been around Anya too long for any chance of that. But you're avoiding the question."
The long pause on the other end of the phone was deafening, and since Spike didn't need to breath, Dawn's ear was filled with utter silence. She sighed in exasperation, "I swear, you and my sister are two of the biggest morons on the planet! All I've been hearing about for three years is how miserable the two of you are and now, after what, like six months of planning, you're finally in the same freakin' city as her and what do you do, oh Master vampire? You just dance around everything, dredging up the past to the point that Buffy probably wants to gag you, trying to pretend that you aren't completely ass over feet in love with her. And I know that you probably did something to trigger her wonderfully familiar relationship inferiority complex. Because if you ask me, she has no idea that you're still in love with her. And don't even try to pretend that you're just holding back to spare her. Buffy and subtlety just don't go together, you know that. If you keep waiting for the 'perfect moment,' then we're going to be here forever!"
She took a deep breath and her voice was calmer when she continued. "Look, Spike, it's simple. Buffy loves you. You love her. It's not rocket science here." Spike broke in, "do you believe in Fate?" Dawn didn't answer right away, she took a second to reflect on the unexpected question. "Yeah, I do," she finally said, unknowingly echoing her sister's earlier words, "I think that some things are just meant to happen and there's nothing anyone can do about them."
Spike nodded, satisfied with her answer, but still not ready to break free from the scorched ashes of his past. "Do you think I have a chance, Nibblet," he asked, his voice stripped free of any bravado. Dawn sighed loudly, "if I didn't think you had a chance, Spike, I wouldn't be talking to you. Now go out there and make things right with my sister. I don't care if it's too soon or too fast or any other excuse you can come up with to wait. Hell, I don't care if she throws you out on your ass, just stop pretending like life's going to fix itself. Cut the bullshit Spike and be honest with her. Tell her you love her and for the love of God, stop pacing before you ruin her rug"
Stopping mid-stride, Spike leaned against the edge of Buffy's desk, his feet tapping impatiently. "Yes ma'm General Summers, ma'm," Spike said, his voice ringing with laughter. Dawn broke into another fit of giggles. "I'll talk to you later Spike. Good luck." "Thanks Nibblet and have a good holiday." Spike hung up the phone, staring at Buffy's bookshelf, amazed that a five minute conversation with Dawn was the last push he needed to tell Buffy how he felt. "When did she get so smart," he asked the empty room, Spike shook his head, turning out the study lights as he walked back into the hallway.
Buffy looked over the back of the sofa when he walked back into the room. Her fingers were laced around her half-empty mug of hot chocolate and her green eyes twinkled like twin emeralds. She flashed Spike a smile as he eased onto the sofa beside her, picking up his deserted mug, tossing his cell phone on the table. "Anything important," she asked and Spike shook his head. "No, nothing too interesting. Just wanted to see how my time in New York was going." Buffy tipped her head, a playful look on her face, "and how is New York treating you?" Spike swallowed hard, taking another sip of chocolate. Here goes nothing, he thought. "Alright," he said, his voice low and seductive, sending shivers through Buffy's body, his eyes filled with obvious love and desire. "Just alright," she said softly, inching closer to Spike, her heart racing with trepadation. Shadows darkened his face as Spike leaned in close to Buffy, his mouth hovering just above her ear. "No where else I'd rather be," he murmured softly, his breath tickling the stray locks of hair tucked behind her ear.
Brushing her wayward blonde tendrils off her forehead, Spike's strong fingers turned Buffy's face to meet his. Her mouth was dry and staring into Spike's sapphire eyes, Buffy could not remember how to speak. She opened her mouth, "Spike," she choked out. Spike's index finger covered her lips, "no more talking, gorgeous." He bent his head down to meet hers, his lips just grazing hers. Spike's mouth captured her lips in a passionate kiss that left Buffy gasping for breath. She had forgotten how Spike's kisses made her feel; Buffy was drowning and floating at the same time, drunk on the sensations he was invoking within her. "I missed you," she whispered when they finally broke apart. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Buffy pulled Spike closer to her, "missed you so much." His lips descended on hers again before Buffy could say anything else. They could talk later, Spike thought; now he needed to show her how much he loved her.
The hall clock chimed five, the loud clanging noise jarring Buffy from the comforting realm of sleep. Her head was resting on Spike's chest, her cheek nestled against his pectoral muscles, long blond curls cascading over his forearm, her body curled tightly around his. She could feel his eyes on her and Buffy lifted her head lazily. "Morning," she whispered, her voice rough from sleep. She rested her arm across his chest, cupping her chin in her hand. Spike's blue eyes looked down at her, his hand smoothing her flattened hair out. "Morning," Spike replied, the arm around her waist tightening possessively. Buffy smiled, leaning forward to place an almost chaste kiss on Spike's lips.
"What time is it," she murmured sleepily. "A few minutes after five," Spike replied, his face filled with adoration for the woman wrapped up in his arms. "Mmm," Buff purred, her head returning to it's original pillow on Spike's chest, "wish we could stay like this forever." Spike looked down at the top of her head questioningly, wishing he could see her face, "why can't we?" Sighing in mock irritation, Buffy lifted her head, "Christmas Eve? Ring any bells? Day that precedes big gift-giving holiday? Religious holy day?" Spike chuckled, kissing the tip of her nose lovingly, "I know what day it is, sweetness. Don't understand why it makes a difference, though."
Rolling over onto his side, Spike rested his head on his elbow, staring intently at Buffy, waiting for her explanation. "Because there's a lot to do before tomorrow," she said, "I don't even think I have anything to make dinner with. I just figured me and Dawn would go shopping once she got here." Spike made a tsking sound, "how about this, we stay here all day," he trailed his fingers over the curve of her hip suggestively, "and then I take you out tonight?" Buffy's eyes brightened, "really?" He nodded, "promise." Buffy sighed in contentment, her insides turning to mush as Spike trailed kisses down her neck, his fingers dancing over her body. Pressing her body closer to his, Buffy tangled her hands in his platinum curls, craving more physical contact. Spike chuckled softly as he continued his exquisite torture, never wanting to leave Buffy's bed.
Nearly twelve hours later, Buffy rolled out of bed, stretching the tight muscles of her back. Tilting her head backwards and arching her chest forward, she smiled with grim satisfaction as her spine let out a series of pops and snaps. "Sore," Spike asked, his head appearing over her shoulder. Buffy shook her head, "a little stiff, but not sore. Nothing a hot shower can't fix." He nodded, "alright, well take your time, beautiful, because our dinner reservation isn't until seven-ten." Buffy raised her eyebrows incredulously, "how did you get reservations anywhere on Christmas Eve? Especially on such short notice?" Spike just smiled, "I have my skills, pet."
Her eyes were dancing as Buffy walked across the room, "and I suppose you won't tell," she pouted. Spike's eyes fell, "now don't do the lip-thing," he protested feebly, "you know I can't resist that." Buffy grinned saucily, "you have your skills, I have mine." He growled, springing out of bed, chasing Buffy down the hall towards the bathroom. "Little minx," he said when he finally caught her. Buffy's back was pressed against the bathroom door and Spike was leaning into her, his hands on either side of the door. She gasped for breath, trying to stop her laughter, "you know you love it," she said breathlessly. Her hand froze, hovering above his cheek, her gentle caress forgotten when Buffy realized her slip of the tongue. Spike's face broke into a broad smile and he kissed the underside of her palm, capturing her hand between his and trailing kisses up her arm. "Got me there," he murmured softly.
"Spike, I have to take a shower," Buffy protested weakly and he released her hand, giving her a gentle push towards the shower. "Go on," he said, "don't let me stop you." She turned to face him, cradling his face between her palms, "planning on joining me?" Spike smirked, "thought you'd never ask, gorgeous." She pulled two towels out of the closet, turning to face him, her teeth gnawing nervously on her lower lip. "Spike," she began, her voice dropping to just above a whisper. "I think I'm falling in love you." He strained to hear the last words, not believing what Buffy had just said. "Sweetheart," he said, closing the distance between them, "look at me." Slowly Buffy lifted her tear-filled green eyes to meet his imploring gaze, "I never stopped loving you, not for an instant." She swallowed hard over the lump in her throat, "really?" Spike nodded, his fingers brushing her tears away, "really."
