Chapter 26: Interlude with a Vampire (and a Slayer)

Spike awoke, aware of someone next to him. Glancing over, he saw Buffy, who was laying on her side, gazing at him.

He stretched a bit, wincing as his stake-wound pulled.

Turning his head to look at the Slayer, he murmured,

she responded softly.

Whatcha doin'? he asked, curious. She had a funny expression on her face, one he couldn't quite figure out. And that look in her eyes...



Bout what?

You. Me. Us.

There's an he asked, trying to keep his hope from showing, and failing miserably.

That's what I've been thinking about. Whether there is, or should be.

Spike swallowed. He sensed that what they said in this conversation could determine what their future would be- or if they would even have a future together.

And? Come up with any conclusions? To his embarrassment, his voice cracked on the last word.

A few.

The vampire was growing a bit impatient. Care to share with the rest of the class?

Buffy sat up, back against the pillows, and looked away nervously. She couldn't concentrate with his blue eyes looking at her, through her.

Remember how I said something about leaving all the deep, serious stuff till after we avert this apocalypse?

he breathed softly. Had she changed her mind? On the one hand, the wait was killing him; on the other hand, he wasn't sure he wanted to know what she decided.

Firmly, Buffy said, Screw that.

Pushing away her nervousness, Buffy turned abruptly, leaned over, and kissed him, hard.

After a shocked moment, Spike kissed her back.

Needing to breathe, and wanting to stop things before they got too intense, she pulled back.

Spike regarded her warily. As great as that had been, he didn't want any misunderstandings to get in the way this time; also, he needed reassurance that this was going to be about more than the physical.

So he asked cautiously, What was that about?

Buffy took a deep breath. She'd found that expressing herself verbally was often harder than doing so physically.

It was my way of saying I'd like there to be an us.'

Spike just stared up at her, silent, unsure as to what exactly she meant by that statement.

She glanced down at him, wondering what he was thinking. Irrationally worried, she asked, You do want there to be an us... right?

Groaning, he sat up next to her so he could better face her. She helped him up as best she could.

Looking at her seriously, he said quietly, Of course I do, Buffy. But I want to make sure this is an us' as in a relationship, not as in... well, not like whatever the hell it was that we had last year.

Forcing herself to gaze directly into his eyes, Buffy said vehemently, Of course not! That was... like you said, not a relationship. I want this to be completely and totally different... less about the physical, and more about all the other stuff.

Relieved, Spike smiled at her -a real, genuine smile. That's what I'd like, too. It's just that since your way of telling me you'd like there to be an us' was physical, I was worried that-

Buffy cut him off. Oh! No, no, sorry... you're right, that probably was the wrong way to go about telling you. No, I mean... With a giggle, feeling like she was back in middle school, the Slayer asked, Spike, will you be my boyfriend?

His smile grew at her words.

Yeah, I think that can be arranged... His grin faltered as something occurred to him. On one condition.

Worried, Buffy quickly gestured for him to continue.

That everyone knows about us.' No more hiding, no more of me being your dark, little secret. Cause I won't do that, pet, I just won't.

To Spike's surprise, she laughed. Of course! I want you to officially' be my boyfriend, for us to be an item, a couple, sweethearts, going steady, -

He joined her laughter as he cut her off. All right, luv, all right! Point taken. Then yes, I would love to be your boyfriend.

Smiling more broadly than she knew was possible, she asked almost shyly, Spike? I know we said this wasn't going to be all about the physical... but can I kiss you?

In reply, Spike leaned forward, taking her face gently in his hands, and kissing her thoroughly.

Once again, she broke to catch her breath.

Unwilling to break this happy mood, but wanting to be certain that she was clear, Buffy once again turned serious.

Spike, I need you to know that... well, I don't know if I love you. Yet. I mean, I want to find out, and you're so different now, and I'm so different, and everything's so different-

Spike cut off her babbling with a gentle kiss. Forehead resting against hers, he said, Hush, luv, I understand, and that's fine. I'm just glad you're giving me - or rather, us - a chance.

Buffy smiled at him, relieved that he understood. She thought back to a time, not so long ago, when she'd cursed his ability to know her so well, and decided she was definitely glad things had changed.

Closing what little space remained between their faces, they shared another gentle kiss.


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A/N:

Tobert and ms trick- glad you guys liked the Scooby bit! As always, thanks for reviewing.

nostromo- WOW. I'm seriously flattered. This chapter coming out so quickly is mainly due to your lovely review. Thank you so much.
I actually decided to write fanfic cause I thought I had some writing talent, but was having trouble expressing it. So again, thank you! By the way, if you've never tried fanfic, you might want to... I'm not much of a creative writer, either, but it worked for me! It's a lot easier when you already have the situation and characters set up. And as you noted, as a writer you get to let the plot and people mature, to make the story your own.