I officially say: These characters are not my legal property, the plot is
of my own sinister devising though. So Joss, hold off your evil legions of
doom, I am but a humble writer who composes too much for her own good.
Last chapter, everybody! Hope you enjoyed the ride.
*****
Chapter Ten: Consequences
*****
"So, what do you think?" Buffy asked her lover with a distracted frown. "The black or the red top?"
"My two favorite colors? That's not a fair choice, pet." Spike answered from his reclining position on the bed in her apartment. Eyeing her, as she was clad only in a bathtowel which she had wrapped around her torso to fall halfway down her thighs, he suggested. "Why not wear the towel?"
She looked at him impatiently, exasperated that he was being so difficult in matters of fashion. However, that faded when she noticed the level of interest in his eyes caused by her modeling. Or it could be the fact that she was only wearing the aforementioned towel. Hmm.
Taking advantage of the situation, she pursed her lips and turned around to face the mirror. As if making a decision on how the clothing looked in motion, she held it up speculatively, twisting her body in various positions. This caused the towel to shift, alternatively showing more leg or cleavage.
"Black then," he coughed, his reliable jeans painfully tight. Standing hastily, he moved up behind the Slayer. "I'm going outside to have a quick smoke."
She made a face, but let it stand-there was plenty of time to break him of the habit.
"That's fine, I had to shower before we go out to the Bronze anyway," the blonde woman smirked, knowing full well what she had done. Her voice was light and teasing as she offered up double meanings-- "Sure you don't want to come?"
"Don't get me started," the vampire mumbled as he hastily stole a kiss. "Then you won't be ready to leave on time.have to surprise your friends with your return to life and all."
"There is that." Buffy gasped as they hungrily attacked each other with kisses. She finally relinquished her grip on his neck and let him step away.
"I'll wait outside, maybe look around the kitchen." Spike suggested, eyes satisfied and somehow still needy. She wanted to keep touching him too, but he had a point-once they started it either took a very long time or a lot of effort to move on to other matters.
"Don't damage anything," the petite blonde called after him in a deceptively innocent voice as the bedroom door shut behind him. She started taking her hair down from the ponytail as he chuckled in response.
********** Carefully drying one last damp wave of hair, the Slayer surveyed her appearance with satisfaction. She had gone with Spike's choice of shirt, donning a black tank top with a glittery dragonfly embroidered near the shoulder. Giving herself a practice smile, she shut off the hair dryer and was able to hear that something was not right in the apartment.
"Hold off, dammit!" Spike was yelling, the sound accompanied by a loud crash.
Buffy winced even as she opened the door from the bedroom, hoping nothing had been broken.
"What I want to know is why your car was parked out front." Xander snapped back, looming over the vampire. Although Spike was on a heap on the floor, he still looked more imposing. "Just thought you could waltz into Buffy's place?"
"First rule, I have to be invited in," her ally growled, rising to his feet and swiping Xander's legs out from under him. Quickly, but rather ungracefully, the man managed to get up.
"So who would be stupid enough to do that?" Willow contributed, drawing Buffy out of her shocked stillness. Was everyone involved in this interrogation?
"Me," the petite Slayer stated, walking into the living room. All eyes were on her, one pair relieved and the other two stunned.
"Buffy!" the brunette carpenter cried out, wheeling around to see her more closely. "We saw his car outside and were worried something had happened to you."
"I'm fine, guys," she smiled, holding her arms out peacefully.
The platinum-haired vamp remained aloof from the cliché of a reunion scene. Willow rushed forward and gave her a hug, Xander following suit more slowly. Buffy looked at her friend, startled to see a vivid bruise forming on his face.
"Spike!" she chided, her voice grown harsh and chilly.
"Defending myself." Spike sullenly told her, pointing at Xander furiously. "You know I could have done worse-what would he have done to me if I hadn't fended him off?"
"I like my apartment right now." Buffy rounded on her friends, eyes flashing with anger. "Without Spike-dust floating around."
There was a moment of silence as they registered that she had taken the evil vampire's side, before Xander managed to string a sentence together.
"So, we're just supposed to accept the fact that you're harboring our enemy?"
"Yes," she flatly responded, managing to not look at the self-satisfied, told-you-so posture her lover was putting off.
"Why, Buffy?" Willow asked almost sadly. "You've been acting really different, and we care about you. Just tell us what is going on."
She sighed, and began to talk: "Spike has a soul now,"
"Not the same deal as Angel though. I'm my own man." Spike interjected quickly, rolling his eyes.
"Even though it technically is his soul?" Buffy teased him with a false smile. He just smirked and gestured for her to continue. "I've seen him change, and fight to save the world. I'd be dead if he hadn't intervened! You'll just have to get used to him being around."
At this her explanation stopped, and she watched their reactions. Her friends looked pensive, not quite sure if their friend was in her right mind. She had certainly sounded emphatic about his role in fending off apocalypse. And Spike? Spike on the other hand was looking at her pointedly, obviously wondering why she wasn't admitting they were in a relationship. Maybe in fairy tales the moment of truth came when the couple announced their love for each other, but in the real world the opinions of the friends and family seemed more important. Lucky for Spike he had none. Her cheeks colored, and she glanced at the ground, that action speaking worlds of hesitancy.
"Excuse us," the vampire brusquely stated, catching her arm and dragging her back into the bedroom. The door shut with a ominous bang.
"What?" she cried out, knowing why he was upset, yet not wanting to argue this soon into their time together. This was inevitable, she realized.
"This isn't going to work if you can't tell them the truth," he informed her, agitated blue eyes trying to make her understand. "How can you expect me to sneak around and pretend we aren't what we are?"
"You have to give them time to adjust or you'll get conveniently staked!" Buffy argued weakly, but recognized her cowardice. "See how much sneaking around you can do when you're dust!"
"This is their idea of protecting you from unhealthy influences?"
"They just worry that I don't make good decisions," the blonde woman explained, then let out a short bark of ironic laughter. "If I didn't they wouldn't be here now."
"Just let them deal with the fact that you know what you're doing." Spike advised, wondering if she *was* sure of this relationship.
"I wish I could, Spike. But I know them, they won't take the whole dose of reality at once!" the Slayer sighed, burying her head in her hands. "At least not without nasty consequences."
Reaching out to her to bring her up from her slumped position, he let all that he felt show in his eyes, and was rewarded by the returned glow of love in her face. Silently, he forced her to believe that she shouldn't worry about them, that it would work out in the end of they let it work. Showed her that he could be patient as long as there was an end to that particular tunnel.
"Thank you," she whispered, leaning against his chest. "This won't last forever, I promise."
"I know.we bloody can't keep our hands off each other. Don't you think they'll notice how we act?" he responded sensually, placing his hands on her belly. "Or are you cutting me off there too?"
"That doesn't even deserve an answer." Buffy grinned, catching his lips with heat.
Five minutes later, they were still miraculously clothed but rather mussed from their make-out session. The Slayer had taken full advantage of her strength to grind Spike into the wall, their bodies touching at all possible points. Willow approached the door from the other side, noticing the conspicuous lack of any voices. What was curious was the occasional thud coming from the room. Were they physically fighting then?
The witch chanced a knock. "If you two are done arguing, we should leave for the Bronze."
Inside, the couple looked at each other guiltily, realizing how withdrawn from the world they had been. Wiping off mouths and straightening clothes, they hastily opened the door. Willow stared at Buffy knowingly, one brow raised with an unsaid question. With a blush, Buffy realized her friend had heard something a bit too unusual.
"Later." she mouthed at her best friend, leaving the room with her face handsomely red.
Dubiously, Willow shrugged and led the way to her car, calling over her shoulder "I assume Spike can ride with us."
Xander's mouth dropped open for a moment but he decided silence was the better course to follow right now and stepped into the hallway to keep up with Willow's strides. Buffy locked her door and gave the vampire a rueful glance. She squeezed his hand briefly and beckoned him to follow the Scoobies to the waiting elevator. The atmosphere was tense, but all parties tried their best to ignore it.
********** By the time the group got to the Bronze, Spike was itching for a smoke. For once he didn't need one as a casual way of showing his bad persona-he needed the nicotine in his system to distract him from the pure hostility surrounding him. It was obvious he was not wanted at the same table, let alone in the same *building* as their precious Slayer. To be fair to Buffy, her façade of disdain towards him was not terribly convincing, mostly because he knew the truth her friends did not. Still, that didn't make the attitude or atmosphere any less uncomfortable.
"Spike?" she was asking him, her hazel eyes and blonde hair striking under the flashing lights of the club.
"What?" he responded irritably, his features exactly what her friends expected them to be-cold with a touch of anger. The look of an immoral killer.
She looked surprised for a second, as if she was trying to puzzle out what his problem was. 'Where to start?' he thought, making a mental list. He had to sit on the other side of the soddin' table from her because Xander and Willow were afraid of what they didn't yet understand. He needed a cigarette and a few drinks because they were the only things that would help him pretend he was welcome here. He was irked that she was being standoffish, especially that she was treating him like that while being so damn beautiful.
Maybe he was going back on his earlier promise to wait while she sorted other things out, but being so close, knowing he could touch her, but wasn't allowed to? That was not the kind of thing he had patience for.
"What's your problem?" she questioned again, face telling him she had an inkling of what was bothering him, but that he needed to stop acting so pissy.
When his only answer was a roll of the eyes, Buffy glared at him. He ignored it, nonchalantly slumping back into his chair and looking around the club with detached interest. She delivered a brutal kick under the table, her heeled shoes ensuring that he would have a bruised shin in the morning. He didn't flinch in pain, but she had regained his attention and the expression in those cobalt eyes brought heat to her face.
He had turned the attack into something flirtatious by merely turning his gaze back and letting certain thoughts become plain on his face. She hoped her friends were oblivious to the vibes, though they had uncannily insisted on separating the pair at the table. Buffy was infuriated by his behavior, and wished she could tell him to stop being so childish.
A few problems though-her friends would then notice what was going on, and Spike was not exactly acting childish. Not to mention she didn't really want to make that promise go away. She couldn't remember having met someone whose objectives were so obvious in his expression, and that lingering gaze of his excited her. But she had seen him hide his feelings just as adeptly, and she narrowed her eyes, sending a clear message to quit.
"Ow!" Willow exclaimed suddenly, and Buffy shook herself away from the staring contest with the vampire. The witch was looking sharply at said vampire, rubbing her ankle ruefully.
Buffy managed a chuckle before making the appropriate scornful looks in Spike's direction. He had obviously been trying to kick her back; Well, served him right for missing. He evidently failed to see the humor in the situation, sitting back with a scowl.
"Sorry, Red," he surprised the table, although the apology was in a rather gruff voice. "I was stretching and my foot slipped."
The Slayer knew the truth to be quite different, but Willow shrugged it off.
"I'll live, will just have to limp around a few days."
"How hard did your foot 'slip'?" Xander snapped nastily, gesturing at the rapidly bruising ankle of his best friend.
The bleached blonde's face clouded over, and he was obviously about to make another scathing remark. Buffy intervened with a smile.
"Can you go get me a drink?"
"What kind?" he questioned warily, torn between preserving his bad image and doing his Slayer a favor. Considering the hatred in the carpenter's face, the choice was not hard.
"Surprise me." Buffy answered, silently pressing the need for him to leave so she could address her circle of friends.
With only the smallest of scoffs, he sauntered off, but the Slayer hadn't missed the flash of gratitude in his eyes. He had wanted her to fight this battle, but recognized he didn't want any part in it. Maybe he looked sullen now but she knew her little errand had relieved him-maybe enough to get compensated later.
"What was that all about?" the redhead asked, taking a sip from her bottled water. Her eyes followed the vampire as he reached the bar.
"Play nice, guys!" Buffy demanded resolutely. "Since I've been back, has he done a single thing to hurt you?"
Xander looked at Willow's leg, Willow looked at the bruise on Xander's face.
"OK, fine. But has he done any of that maliciously? On purpose?"
They had no answer for that, shrugging but not entirely convinced that they should tolerate the vampire's presence. He was intelligent enough to pretend to be on their side, but could turn on them at a moment's notice. Unless of course, there was something keeping him on the path of good. That possibility was exactly what they were worried about.
"So maybe he's different, but why, Buffy?" the witch implored, trying to understand. Her voice trembled slightly, but with this was with anger. "You disappear for a week, we don't know whether the world is in danger, whether you survived! And now you come back and it's more than accepting how Spike has changed-you're asking us to automatically adjust to what you've become! You're the reason we're so wigged out!"
"I'm still the same Buffy, guys!" the blonde Slayer tried to explain, in a dilemma about what to reveal. "After the fight, I was wounded pretty badly. We stayed in the mansion while I healed, and he helped me recover. No murder attempts, no midnight bites."
She blushed a little at the other connotation of that, but rallied the logical half of her brain to keep talking. It wouldn't do to turn into a puddle of horny mush right now.
"We had a chance to get to understand each other, and we're closer now, so just."
"How close now?" Xander interrupted sarcastically, his jealous eyes not overlooking Buffy's response at even talking about the vampire.
She had tried telling them the truth slowly, but her friend's attitude was rubbing the Slayer the wrong way. Suddenly, she didn't feel very forthcoming.
"Not your business," she snapped, her hazel eyes flashing. "All you need to know is that he won't kill me. But I'd say *your* safety is in doubt if you keep acting like this!"
"We just worry about you," Willow said peacefully, trying to smooth the waters. "You know that."
"I can take care of myself, you know that too."
"It's just that it's Spike, and the initial reaction is a little 'Whoa, what are you thinking?'," the witch nervously elaborated, aware that this was a touchy subject.
"Weren't you two urging me to move on after Angel left?" Buffy asked bitterly, quoting them with some pain still in her eyes. " 'It's not right for you to be waiting for someone who isn't coming back.' Wasn't that what you told me? Well, Spike is here, and yes, Angel is dead. So, yay, no more moody Buffy."
"I'm sorry about Angel, we didn't know." Xander offered, able to recognize the hurt even through his anger. How much of a nervous wreck had she been before a week in the mansion to recuperate?
"It's not really about him anymore," the Slayer sighed with frustration. "That's a bit ironic, you only accept how we felt about each other when he's a pile of dust. But I need you to get over me being around Spike. We understand each other. That kinda happens when you have time to talk. For once, can you just let me have some part of my Fate-driven life to myself?"
Willow started to apologize, the truth behind the Slayer's vehemence evident. Xander, near hysterical, won out, overpowering her meek voice with ease..
"He's lying to you somehow, Buff," the brunette insisted. "Think of the past. He tried to kill you and."
"I'm not arguing with you about this anymore!" Buffy shot back, wishing that she didn't need to argue in the first place. Nothing in her life could be easy. "I'm not being manipulated, I'm thinking clearly, and Spike's part of the group now. Just drop it."
They fell silent, Buffy and Xander fuming up a storm, Willow looking worriedly between the two but not sure what to say-whoever she sided with, one of her friends' feelings would be hurt. Trouble was, they both had good points. It was actually rather convenient the argument had deteriorated, since Spike had come back with a tall daiquiri.
Immediately pulled from her little pool of frustration, Buffy took in the large beverage with what seemed like satisfaction. Willow didn't blame her, alcohol sounded like a really good idea right now, but it wouldn't solve any of their disputes. The redhead watched the two of them closely, trying to see if Xander's claims had any truth in them. There wasn't resentment here though. She couldn't see more than a pair of people whose hands brushed together longer than it took to exchange grips on the drink.
Xander coughed obnoxiously, and the couple became aware of their audience. Spike seemed to finally notice that the awkward silence at the table was a bit more pronounced than it had been before he had been sent off on his errand. He glanced at Buffy out of the corner of his eye, and she met his look, shrugging wryly. No help there then.
He leaned over impersonally and said in her ear. "I can leave."
"No!" the Slayer stated firmly, loud enough to draw attention. "I'm through worrying about consequences."
With that, she took his hand and held it, right in front of her friends. He looked at her with pleased surprise, which rapidly vanished under an inscrutable mask as he assessed the reaction of her chums. They, on the other hand, were staring at her like she had just sprouted a dozen tattoos, piercings, and a slutty outfit.
"I don't have to sit here and watch you screw your life up!" Xander stood huffily, striding away from the table.
Spike looked down at his lover to see the obvious hurt on her face. Apparently she had hoped that reasoning with her friend would make him a bit more tolerant-but there were some things even a Slayer couldn't accomplish. Still, she got up to follow him, more upset than angry now.
The vampire pushed her back down into her chair, massaging her hand with just the right amount of pressure. "I'll try to knock some sense into him."
"Not literally, I hope," Willow piped up, a tiny smile on her features. Maybe she was a hopeless romantic. It was just that seeing the way the couple acted around each other couldn't seem very wrong. Perhaps change wasn't impossible in a vampire?
He looked at her, blue eyes sharing in the joke as a slow smile spread across his face. It looked like he had already gained another ally. His gaze returned to a still-worried Buffy. "You talk to Red, alright, love?"
"Don't get killed." Buffy warned him with real concern in her eyes. In this state, Xander might be reckless. She trusted Spike not to hurt him-though doing so lowered his defenses to whatever her friend might do.
The vampire briefly nodded his head, squeezing her hand once more before heading for the club exit.
********** To give the carpenter his due, he was very close to holding his own against a vampire which had been in the back alley of the Bronze. Spike was considering letting the kid get roughed up a bit but jumped in when another two vamps entered the fray. Xander had been deposited quickly in a heap on the ground, scooting away from the advancing enemy and looking around for a potential weapon.
It was nowhere to be found, and one of his attackers snatched him by the collar of his t-shirt, her short hair dyed blue and artistically mussed. Before she had time to bite or Xander to struggle she turned to dust, features contorting in confusion. The brunette human coughed, swiftly looking up to see his savior-or new assailant as the case might be.
He was surprised, to say the least, to discover Spike, a stake in one hand and the other extended to help him up. Warily, he accepted the aid, rising to his feet in a timely fashion as the other vampires recovered and resumed their attack. In their eyes the odds were still in their favor, but maybe they hadn't recognized Spike's identity.
"Spike?" one of the males exclaimed as he landed a punch on the older vampire's face. OK, so maybe they did know him, but most bloodsuckers didn't have the intellect to know when to back out of a fight. "I've heard rumors about you shadowing the Slayer, but can't say I believed them until now. What exactly is she offering for you to turn traitor?"
That last was said with a lecherous leer, and even Xander cringed at the look on Spike's face. The silver-haired vampire's response was an unintelligible growl and a vicious roundhouse kick. Xander would have continued to view the exchange and decide who exactly he was rooting for, but the other vampiress had attacked him, hardly cautious.
She could smell his blood and as such, didn't see him as much of a threat. He surprised her, ducking her fists and feet until he had maneuvered himself into a corner. Thinking he was caught, she smiled gruesomely, staring at her victim's face to drink in all emotion. That was why she missed Xander's hand staking her through the heart.
In the meantime, Spike had dispatched his opponent and wheeled around to bail out the human, to find that the fight was over.
"Well fought," their sometime-nemesis mentioned, eyes scanning the alley for any further threats.
"Thanks." Xander said, wiping his brow. Then he remembered his 'manners', inquiring dryly, "Are you saving me for your own meal then?"
"I really mean to change for her." Spike responded, an exasperated look the only sign he had heard Xander's question. His face softened. "I love Buffy, you know."
"Try another excuse. Maybe something more believable?"
Frustration flashed once more over the vampire's features, and seeing that his verbal opponent was stubborn, he changed tactics.
"You're jealous, aren't you? I've heard how you acted about Angel as well! Threw a fit like a little child!" the vamp accused derisively, a wolfish smile on his lips. "It's not that I'm a vampire, it's not that I *used* to be evil-you have the world's largest big-brother complex."
"It's the only way I can protect her." Xander revealed, his rage dissipated by the uncanny analysis. Had Spike always been this observant?
"I'll drink to that," he snorted, rolling his blue eyes briefly. Leaning against the wall, Spike lit up a smoke, ready for another long rant directed at him.
Xander was unsure what to say for a moment. Was Spike honestly saying for all his supernatural strength and whatever other advantages there were to being a vampire, he still felt partially inferior around Buffy? He would never had thought they would have something, let alone *that*, in common. As he reflected, he realized that it made sense after all-Buffy was fiercely independent and that didn't change in any aspect of her life. Though he had doubts Spike was completely useless to his long-time friend.
"Drink sounds good to me," he broke the silence, his brown eyes finally friendly.
The vampire was obviously surprised by this acceptance, but hid it rapidly behind a ironic smile. He extinguished the cigarette and the two men made a beeline for the bar. It was nothing short of a miracle that violence and alcohol had made them something resembling friends.
Ah, male bonding at its best. **********
"Where are they?" Buffy worried half an hour later, still at the table with Willow. "Do you think they've killed each other?"
"You're really worried about him. Spike." Willow noticed, clarifying her statement.
The Slayer gave her a 'yeah, duh!' look. They had spent the time going over what had happened until not even the tiniest part of the witch was skeptical about the romance. She wasn't sure where this was heading, if Buffy would end up hurt like she had in the past.
Still, it seemed an unusually normal relationship-for Buffy anyway. It wasn't like she would ever be able to settle down with Joe Average. She was something unique, a one-of-a-kind woman. Not just any male could deal with that, but vampires had never had many problems in the past as long as they were on the safe side of her stake. And if all else failed, Spike could be annoying enough to distract Buffy from her problems!
"He'd better get back soon or you're gonna be killing someone," the redhead pointed out lightly, nodding at the chafing hands of her friend.
"Oh. Yeah." Buffy said distractedly, staring at her hands like they were not a part of her. Then her attention shifted back to the Bronze, looking around for a familiar silvery head. At this point even Xander's brunette would be a welcome sight.
She spotted both men at the same time, as they were ambling their way back to the table. As they drew closer, the Slayer's gaze was locked on Xander. She was pleased to find that there were no marks or further bruises on his face. He grinned at her, raising an arm to give a casual wave, then abruptly grabbing the back of a chair. His dizziness was an indication he had been drinking.
With that realization, she turned her eyes to Spike, just in time to see a possessive glower. He was jealous that she was looking at Xander? Buffy supposed she should be flattered by that, but didn't know how to react. Acting like everything was normal seemed the best course of action.
"How's my vampire?" she asked, curiously looking into his arrogant face. When he didn't answer, she leaned closer and caught a whiff of his breath. "Drunk, I see."
"Just a little!" Spike argued with her, sliding his hand over her hair and tracing the curve of her ear.
She smiled, enjoying his touch but aware he was likely as disoriented as Xander. She firmly ordered "We're going home now."
Putting a hand on his leather duster, she allowed him to twine an arm around her waist for support.
"Don't you want a ride?" Willow offered. "I'm designated-driver girl anyway."
"Nah, we'll walk it off." Buffy declined politely. "See you later, Wil."
The redhead cheerily waved and helped Xander sit in a chair, since he was practically falling asleep on his feet. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea for them to go home too. **********
As they made their way along the pavement, the Slayer looked up into the vampire's face, only to find his eyes shut in sheer exhaustion. That could have been a factor of the heavy drinking, but she wasn't sure.
"Everything worked out then?" she ventured to ask, causing him to open his eyes to tiny slits.
"Yeah, we just dusted a few vamps and had a skinful," he groaned. "God, my head."
"We're almost back to my apartment." Buffy consoled him. "Aspirin and a bed await."
"I could do without the aspirin." Spike said hopefully, managing a full grin to match her sparkling eyes.
She laughed at that. "I don't think you can handle anything more involved than cuddling until you're sober!"
"That's me, your teddy bear with fangs," he grumbled but was silenced by her gently kissing him.
"You are most definitely not snuggly. Perish the thought!"
"You know I love you," he said, all of a sudden sober. "I'd be a soddin' ponce if it made you happy. However you want me to change."
"Don't you dare," she countered, emphasizing her words by pointing a finger at his chest. "Teddy bears are too high maintenance and vulnerable. I wouldn't have fallen in love with you if you weren't who you are."
"That made a sort of sense," the platinum-blonde vampire joked, but tightened his arm around her waist.
"Just be you, and don't worry how I feel about it." Buffy clarified.
"Good, cos right now 'me' has a splitting headache."
She sighed patiently, tugging him along. "Then let's go home, Change-boy. I'll stay in the room with you as long as you don't vomit or smoke."
"Deal."
*****
EPILOGUE
*****
Buffy grimaced just a little as she laid down on the lawn and let the damp ground soak her clothing. She prayed she wouldn't get grass stains, but knew the plea was futile. The platinum-haired vampire resting on the earth next to her curled an arm around her shoulders and strangely the great outdoors was no longer as much of a nuisance.
It had been almost a year since that fateful introduction, something she had feared even more than facing down Angel and his pet apocalypse. Quite frankly, from there, things had gone swimmingly. Of course there was still all the pressure of fighting demons and saving the world's population from doom, but being with Spike in between all of the bruising battles made everything good again.
Her friends trusted him, saw him as one of their own, a Scooby, however vehemently he protested being saddled with that title. Even her mother liked him, constantly urging her daughter to come over for dinner, and bring Spike. It was just like having a regular boyfriend! The irony of what her lover really was did not escape the Slayer, who constantly tried to puzzle out how they managed to be so normal.
And now they were laying outside the mansion staring up at the night sky. They did not live there, choosing to use the spacious rooms for training sessions, and the occasional need for seclusion.
He turned his head to her but she was looking dreamily at the stars. So he returned his gaze to those faraway constellations, thinking sadly that they were the only things he would ever see in the sky, the sun forbidden to him. Some nights he wondered if that was best for his Slayer, if there was something else she needed.
"What are you thinking?" Buffy asked him, having noticed his mood despite the lack of words said.
He regarded her face for a minute, and found that none of that mattered to her. She lived in the now, adapted better than anyone dead or alive on the planet. This had been her choice, at least he thought he saw that confidence in her eyes. There was only one way to be sure.
"Will you marry me?" he said suddenly.
Thoughts ran through her head at that, too numerous to give him the 'yes' on the tip of her tongue. What about Angel and Drusilla? They might have switched partners, but their memories of their exes could still cause doubt. And there was the immortality issue. Eventually she would be a shriveled old woman, if she didn't die from her sacred duties first. What would he do then, always young?
He still waited there patiently, eyes hesitant, as if he were doubting the wisdom of asking the question. She tried to sum up all the tumultuous thoughts in her head and finally rolled over to face him, running a hand across his cheekbone.
"OK." Buffy says happily, and they met in a kiss as the impassive stars above smiled.
"Now I'll have to go get a ring. Something with diamonds?" he questioned sleepily, her head resting on his chest.
"Diamonds are forever." she quoted the commercial, staring up at the night sky as his hand smoothed over her hair.
"No, we are."
"We are." Buffy agreed, finally allowing her drowsy eyes to close.
******************* Well, it's been a really long process getting this story finished-almost a year since I started it I think. Maybe I can get a start on a couple more ideas that have been floating around in this overworked head of mine! Thanks for the reviews when I put up chapters, and let's all count our blessings for Spike's snarky return! ~CenizaAzul
Last chapter, everybody! Hope you enjoyed the ride.
*****
Chapter Ten: Consequences
*****
"So, what do you think?" Buffy asked her lover with a distracted frown. "The black or the red top?"
"My two favorite colors? That's not a fair choice, pet." Spike answered from his reclining position on the bed in her apartment. Eyeing her, as she was clad only in a bathtowel which she had wrapped around her torso to fall halfway down her thighs, he suggested. "Why not wear the towel?"
She looked at him impatiently, exasperated that he was being so difficult in matters of fashion. However, that faded when she noticed the level of interest in his eyes caused by her modeling. Or it could be the fact that she was only wearing the aforementioned towel. Hmm.
Taking advantage of the situation, she pursed her lips and turned around to face the mirror. As if making a decision on how the clothing looked in motion, she held it up speculatively, twisting her body in various positions. This caused the towel to shift, alternatively showing more leg or cleavage.
"Black then," he coughed, his reliable jeans painfully tight. Standing hastily, he moved up behind the Slayer. "I'm going outside to have a quick smoke."
She made a face, but let it stand-there was plenty of time to break him of the habit.
"That's fine, I had to shower before we go out to the Bronze anyway," the blonde woman smirked, knowing full well what she had done. Her voice was light and teasing as she offered up double meanings-- "Sure you don't want to come?"
"Don't get me started," the vampire mumbled as he hastily stole a kiss. "Then you won't be ready to leave on time.have to surprise your friends with your return to life and all."
"There is that." Buffy gasped as they hungrily attacked each other with kisses. She finally relinquished her grip on his neck and let him step away.
"I'll wait outside, maybe look around the kitchen." Spike suggested, eyes satisfied and somehow still needy. She wanted to keep touching him too, but he had a point-once they started it either took a very long time or a lot of effort to move on to other matters.
"Don't damage anything," the petite blonde called after him in a deceptively innocent voice as the bedroom door shut behind him. She started taking her hair down from the ponytail as he chuckled in response.
********** Carefully drying one last damp wave of hair, the Slayer surveyed her appearance with satisfaction. She had gone with Spike's choice of shirt, donning a black tank top with a glittery dragonfly embroidered near the shoulder. Giving herself a practice smile, she shut off the hair dryer and was able to hear that something was not right in the apartment.
"Hold off, dammit!" Spike was yelling, the sound accompanied by a loud crash.
Buffy winced even as she opened the door from the bedroom, hoping nothing had been broken.
"What I want to know is why your car was parked out front." Xander snapped back, looming over the vampire. Although Spike was on a heap on the floor, he still looked more imposing. "Just thought you could waltz into Buffy's place?"
"First rule, I have to be invited in," her ally growled, rising to his feet and swiping Xander's legs out from under him. Quickly, but rather ungracefully, the man managed to get up.
"So who would be stupid enough to do that?" Willow contributed, drawing Buffy out of her shocked stillness. Was everyone involved in this interrogation?
"Me," the petite Slayer stated, walking into the living room. All eyes were on her, one pair relieved and the other two stunned.
"Buffy!" the brunette carpenter cried out, wheeling around to see her more closely. "We saw his car outside and were worried something had happened to you."
"I'm fine, guys," she smiled, holding her arms out peacefully.
The platinum-haired vamp remained aloof from the cliché of a reunion scene. Willow rushed forward and gave her a hug, Xander following suit more slowly. Buffy looked at her friend, startled to see a vivid bruise forming on his face.
"Spike!" she chided, her voice grown harsh and chilly.
"Defending myself." Spike sullenly told her, pointing at Xander furiously. "You know I could have done worse-what would he have done to me if I hadn't fended him off?"
"I like my apartment right now." Buffy rounded on her friends, eyes flashing with anger. "Without Spike-dust floating around."
There was a moment of silence as they registered that she had taken the evil vampire's side, before Xander managed to string a sentence together.
"So, we're just supposed to accept the fact that you're harboring our enemy?"
"Yes," she flatly responded, managing to not look at the self-satisfied, told-you-so posture her lover was putting off.
"Why, Buffy?" Willow asked almost sadly. "You've been acting really different, and we care about you. Just tell us what is going on."
She sighed, and began to talk: "Spike has a soul now,"
"Not the same deal as Angel though. I'm my own man." Spike interjected quickly, rolling his eyes.
"Even though it technically is his soul?" Buffy teased him with a false smile. He just smirked and gestured for her to continue. "I've seen him change, and fight to save the world. I'd be dead if he hadn't intervened! You'll just have to get used to him being around."
At this her explanation stopped, and she watched their reactions. Her friends looked pensive, not quite sure if their friend was in her right mind. She had certainly sounded emphatic about his role in fending off apocalypse. And Spike? Spike on the other hand was looking at her pointedly, obviously wondering why she wasn't admitting they were in a relationship. Maybe in fairy tales the moment of truth came when the couple announced their love for each other, but in the real world the opinions of the friends and family seemed more important. Lucky for Spike he had none. Her cheeks colored, and she glanced at the ground, that action speaking worlds of hesitancy.
"Excuse us," the vampire brusquely stated, catching her arm and dragging her back into the bedroom. The door shut with a ominous bang.
"What?" she cried out, knowing why he was upset, yet not wanting to argue this soon into their time together. This was inevitable, she realized.
"This isn't going to work if you can't tell them the truth," he informed her, agitated blue eyes trying to make her understand. "How can you expect me to sneak around and pretend we aren't what we are?"
"You have to give them time to adjust or you'll get conveniently staked!" Buffy argued weakly, but recognized her cowardice. "See how much sneaking around you can do when you're dust!"
"This is their idea of protecting you from unhealthy influences?"
"They just worry that I don't make good decisions," the blonde woman explained, then let out a short bark of ironic laughter. "If I didn't they wouldn't be here now."
"Just let them deal with the fact that you know what you're doing." Spike advised, wondering if she *was* sure of this relationship.
"I wish I could, Spike. But I know them, they won't take the whole dose of reality at once!" the Slayer sighed, burying her head in her hands. "At least not without nasty consequences."
Reaching out to her to bring her up from her slumped position, he let all that he felt show in his eyes, and was rewarded by the returned glow of love in her face. Silently, he forced her to believe that she shouldn't worry about them, that it would work out in the end of they let it work. Showed her that he could be patient as long as there was an end to that particular tunnel.
"Thank you," she whispered, leaning against his chest. "This won't last forever, I promise."
"I know.we bloody can't keep our hands off each other. Don't you think they'll notice how we act?" he responded sensually, placing his hands on her belly. "Or are you cutting me off there too?"
"That doesn't even deserve an answer." Buffy grinned, catching his lips with heat.
Five minutes later, they were still miraculously clothed but rather mussed from their make-out session. The Slayer had taken full advantage of her strength to grind Spike into the wall, their bodies touching at all possible points. Willow approached the door from the other side, noticing the conspicuous lack of any voices. What was curious was the occasional thud coming from the room. Were they physically fighting then?
The witch chanced a knock. "If you two are done arguing, we should leave for the Bronze."
Inside, the couple looked at each other guiltily, realizing how withdrawn from the world they had been. Wiping off mouths and straightening clothes, they hastily opened the door. Willow stared at Buffy knowingly, one brow raised with an unsaid question. With a blush, Buffy realized her friend had heard something a bit too unusual.
"Later." she mouthed at her best friend, leaving the room with her face handsomely red.
Dubiously, Willow shrugged and led the way to her car, calling over her shoulder "I assume Spike can ride with us."
Xander's mouth dropped open for a moment but he decided silence was the better course to follow right now and stepped into the hallway to keep up with Willow's strides. Buffy locked her door and gave the vampire a rueful glance. She squeezed his hand briefly and beckoned him to follow the Scoobies to the waiting elevator. The atmosphere was tense, but all parties tried their best to ignore it.
********** By the time the group got to the Bronze, Spike was itching for a smoke. For once he didn't need one as a casual way of showing his bad persona-he needed the nicotine in his system to distract him from the pure hostility surrounding him. It was obvious he was not wanted at the same table, let alone in the same *building* as their precious Slayer. To be fair to Buffy, her façade of disdain towards him was not terribly convincing, mostly because he knew the truth her friends did not. Still, that didn't make the attitude or atmosphere any less uncomfortable.
"Spike?" she was asking him, her hazel eyes and blonde hair striking under the flashing lights of the club.
"What?" he responded irritably, his features exactly what her friends expected them to be-cold with a touch of anger. The look of an immoral killer.
She looked surprised for a second, as if she was trying to puzzle out what his problem was. 'Where to start?' he thought, making a mental list. He had to sit on the other side of the soddin' table from her because Xander and Willow were afraid of what they didn't yet understand. He needed a cigarette and a few drinks because they were the only things that would help him pretend he was welcome here. He was irked that she was being standoffish, especially that she was treating him like that while being so damn beautiful.
Maybe he was going back on his earlier promise to wait while she sorted other things out, but being so close, knowing he could touch her, but wasn't allowed to? That was not the kind of thing he had patience for.
"What's your problem?" she questioned again, face telling him she had an inkling of what was bothering him, but that he needed to stop acting so pissy.
When his only answer was a roll of the eyes, Buffy glared at him. He ignored it, nonchalantly slumping back into his chair and looking around the club with detached interest. She delivered a brutal kick under the table, her heeled shoes ensuring that he would have a bruised shin in the morning. He didn't flinch in pain, but she had regained his attention and the expression in those cobalt eyes brought heat to her face.
He had turned the attack into something flirtatious by merely turning his gaze back and letting certain thoughts become plain on his face. She hoped her friends were oblivious to the vibes, though they had uncannily insisted on separating the pair at the table. Buffy was infuriated by his behavior, and wished she could tell him to stop being so childish.
A few problems though-her friends would then notice what was going on, and Spike was not exactly acting childish. Not to mention she didn't really want to make that promise go away. She couldn't remember having met someone whose objectives were so obvious in his expression, and that lingering gaze of his excited her. But she had seen him hide his feelings just as adeptly, and she narrowed her eyes, sending a clear message to quit.
"Ow!" Willow exclaimed suddenly, and Buffy shook herself away from the staring contest with the vampire. The witch was looking sharply at said vampire, rubbing her ankle ruefully.
Buffy managed a chuckle before making the appropriate scornful looks in Spike's direction. He had obviously been trying to kick her back; Well, served him right for missing. He evidently failed to see the humor in the situation, sitting back with a scowl.
"Sorry, Red," he surprised the table, although the apology was in a rather gruff voice. "I was stretching and my foot slipped."
The Slayer knew the truth to be quite different, but Willow shrugged it off.
"I'll live, will just have to limp around a few days."
"How hard did your foot 'slip'?" Xander snapped nastily, gesturing at the rapidly bruising ankle of his best friend.
The bleached blonde's face clouded over, and he was obviously about to make another scathing remark. Buffy intervened with a smile.
"Can you go get me a drink?"
"What kind?" he questioned warily, torn between preserving his bad image and doing his Slayer a favor. Considering the hatred in the carpenter's face, the choice was not hard.
"Surprise me." Buffy answered, silently pressing the need for him to leave so she could address her circle of friends.
With only the smallest of scoffs, he sauntered off, but the Slayer hadn't missed the flash of gratitude in his eyes. He had wanted her to fight this battle, but recognized he didn't want any part in it. Maybe he looked sullen now but she knew her little errand had relieved him-maybe enough to get compensated later.
"What was that all about?" the redhead asked, taking a sip from her bottled water. Her eyes followed the vampire as he reached the bar.
"Play nice, guys!" Buffy demanded resolutely. "Since I've been back, has he done a single thing to hurt you?"
Xander looked at Willow's leg, Willow looked at the bruise on Xander's face.
"OK, fine. But has he done any of that maliciously? On purpose?"
They had no answer for that, shrugging but not entirely convinced that they should tolerate the vampire's presence. He was intelligent enough to pretend to be on their side, but could turn on them at a moment's notice. Unless of course, there was something keeping him on the path of good. That possibility was exactly what they were worried about.
"So maybe he's different, but why, Buffy?" the witch implored, trying to understand. Her voice trembled slightly, but with this was with anger. "You disappear for a week, we don't know whether the world is in danger, whether you survived! And now you come back and it's more than accepting how Spike has changed-you're asking us to automatically adjust to what you've become! You're the reason we're so wigged out!"
"I'm still the same Buffy, guys!" the blonde Slayer tried to explain, in a dilemma about what to reveal. "After the fight, I was wounded pretty badly. We stayed in the mansion while I healed, and he helped me recover. No murder attempts, no midnight bites."
She blushed a little at the other connotation of that, but rallied the logical half of her brain to keep talking. It wouldn't do to turn into a puddle of horny mush right now.
"We had a chance to get to understand each other, and we're closer now, so just."
"How close now?" Xander interrupted sarcastically, his jealous eyes not overlooking Buffy's response at even talking about the vampire.
She had tried telling them the truth slowly, but her friend's attitude was rubbing the Slayer the wrong way. Suddenly, she didn't feel very forthcoming.
"Not your business," she snapped, her hazel eyes flashing. "All you need to know is that he won't kill me. But I'd say *your* safety is in doubt if you keep acting like this!"
"We just worry about you," Willow said peacefully, trying to smooth the waters. "You know that."
"I can take care of myself, you know that too."
"It's just that it's Spike, and the initial reaction is a little 'Whoa, what are you thinking?'," the witch nervously elaborated, aware that this was a touchy subject.
"Weren't you two urging me to move on after Angel left?" Buffy asked bitterly, quoting them with some pain still in her eyes. " 'It's not right for you to be waiting for someone who isn't coming back.' Wasn't that what you told me? Well, Spike is here, and yes, Angel is dead. So, yay, no more moody Buffy."
"I'm sorry about Angel, we didn't know." Xander offered, able to recognize the hurt even through his anger. How much of a nervous wreck had she been before a week in the mansion to recuperate?
"It's not really about him anymore," the Slayer sighed with frustration. "That's a bit ironic, you only accept how we felt about each other when he's a pile of dust. But I need you to get over me being around Spike. We understand each other. That kinda happens when you have time to talk. For once, can you just let me have some part of my Fate-driven life to myself?"
Willow started to apologize, the truth behind the Slayer's vehemence evident. Xander, near hysterical, won out, overpowering her meek voice with ease..
"He's lying to you somehow, Buff," the brunette insisted. "Think of the past. He tried to kill you and."
"I'm not arguing with you about this anymore!" Buffy shot back, wishing that she didn't need to argue in the first place. Nothing in her life could be easy. "I'm not being manipulated, I'm thinking clearly, and Spike's part of the group now. Just drop it."
They fell silent, Buffy and Xander fuming up a storm, Willow looking worriedly between the two but not sure what to say-whoever she sided with, one of her friends' feelings would be hurt. Trouble was, they both had good points. It was actually rather convenient the argument had deteriorated, since Spike had come back with a tall daiquiri.
Immediately pulled from her little pool of frustration, Buffy took in the large beverage with what seemed like satisfaction. Willow didn't blame her, alcohol sounded like a really good idea right now, but it wouldn't solve any of their disputes. The redhead watched the two of them closely, trying to see if Xander's claims had any truth in them. There wasn't resentment here though. She couldn't see more than a pair of people whose hands brushed together longer than it took to exchange grips on the drink.
Xander coughed obnoxiously, and the couple became aware of their audience. Spike seemed to finally notice that the awkward silence at the table was a bit more pronounced than it had been before he had been sent off on his errand. He glanced at Buffy out of the corner of his eye, and she met his look, shrugging wryly. No help there then.
He leaned over impersonally and said in her ear. "I can leave."
"No!" the Slayer stated firmly, loud enough to draw attention. "I'm through worrying about consequences."
With that, she took his hand and held it, right in front of her friends. He looked at her with pleased surprise, which rapidly vanished under an inscrutable mask as he assessed the reaction of her chums. They, on the other hand, were staring at her like she had just sprouted a dozen tattoos, piercings, and a slutty outfit.
"I don't have to sit here and watch you screw your life up!" Xander stood huffily, striding away from the table.
Spike looked down at his lover to see the obvious hurt on her face. Apparently she had hoped that reasoning with her friend would make him a bit more tolerant-but there were some things even a Slayer couldn't accomplish. Still, she got up to follow him, more upset than angry now.
The vampire pushed her back down into her chair, massaging her hand with just the right amount of pressure. "I'll try to knock some sense into him."
"Not literally, I hope," Willow piped up, a tiny smile on her features. Maybe she was a hopeless romantic. It was just that seeing the way the couple acted around each other couldn't seem very wrong. Perhaps change wasn't impossible in a vampire?
He looked at her, blue eyes sharing in the joke as a slow smile spread across his face. It looked like he had already gained another ally. His gaze returned to a still-worried Buffy. "You talk to Red, alright, love?"
"Don't get killed." Buffy warned him with real concern in her eyes. In this state, Xander might be reckless. She trusted Spike not to hurt him-though doing so lowered his defenses to whatever her friend might do.
The vampire briefly nodded his head, squeezing her hand once more before heading for the club exit.
********** To give the carpenter his due, he was very close to holding his own against a vampire which had been in the back alley of the Bronze. Spike was considering letting the kid get roughed up a bit but jumped in when another two vamps entered the fray. Xander had been deposited quickly in a heap on the ground, scooting away from the advancing enemy and looking around for a potential weapon.
It was nowhere to be found, and one of his attackers snatched him by the collar of his t-shirt, her short hair dyed blue and artistically mussed. Before she had time to bite or Xander to struggle she turned to dust, features contorting in confusion. The brunette human coughed, swiftly looking up to see his savior-or new assailant as the case might be.
He was surprised, to say the least, to discover Spike, a stake in one hand and the other extended to help him up. Warily, he accepted the aid, rising to his feet in a timely fashion as the other vampires recovered and resumed their attack. In their eyes the odds were still in their favor, but maybe they hadn't recognized Spike's identity.
"Spike?" one of the males exclaimed as he landed a punch on the older vampire's face. OK, so maybe they did know him, but most bloodsuckers didn't have the intellect to know when to back out of a fight. "I've heard rumors about you shadowing the Slayer, but can't say I believed them until now. What exactly is she offering for you to turn traitor?"
That last was said with a lecherous leer, and even Xander cringed at the look on Spike's face. The silver-haired vampire's response was an unintelligible growl and a vicious roundhouse kick. Xander would have continued to view the exchange and decide who exactly he was rooting for, but the other vampiress had attacked him, hardly cautious.
She could smell his blood and as such, didn't see him as much of a threat. He surprised her, ducking her fists and feet until he had maneuvered himself into a corner. Thinking he was caught, she smiled gruesomely, staring at her victim's face to drink in all emotion. That was why she missed Xander's hand staking her through the heart.
In the meantime, Spike had dispatched his opponent and wheeled around to bail out the human, to find that the fight was over.
"Well fought," their sometime-nemesis mentioned, eyes scanning the alley for any further threats.
"Thanks." Xander said, wiping his brow. Then he remembered his 'manners', inquiring dryly, "Are you saving me for your own meal then?"
"I really mean to change for her." Spike responded, an exasperated look the only sign he had heard Xander's question. His face softened. "I love Buffy, you know."
"Try another excuse. Maybe something more believable?"
Frustration flashed once more over the vampire's features, and seeing that his verbal opponent was stubborn, he changed tactics.
"You're jealous, aren't you? I've heard how you acted about Angel as well! Threw a fit like a little child!" the vamp accused derisively, a wolfish smile on his lips. "It's not that I'm a vampire, it's not that I *used* to be evil-you have the world's largest big-brother complex."
"It's the only way I can protect her." Xander revealed, his rage dissipated by the uncanny analysis. Had Spike always been this observant?
"I'll drink to that," he snorted, rolling his blue eyes briefly. Leaning against the wall, Spike lit up a smoke, ready for another long rant directed at him.
Xander was unsure what to say for a moment. Was Spike honestly saying for all his supernatural strength and whatever other advantages there were to being a vampire, he still felt partially inferior around Buffy? He would never had thought they would have something, let alone *that*, in common. As he reflected, he realized that it made sense after all-Buffy was fiercely independent and that didn't change in any aspect of her life. Though he had doubts Spike was completely useless to his long-time friend.
"Drink sounds good to me," he broke the silence, his brown eyes finally friendly.
The vampire was obviously surprised by this acceptance, but hid it rapidly behind a ironic smile. He extinguished the cigarette and the two men made a beeline for the bar. It was nothing short of a miracle that violence and alcohol had made them something resembling friends.
Ah, male bonding at its best. **********
"Where are they?" Buffy worried half an hour later, still at the table with Willow. "Do you think they've killed each other?"
"You're really worried about him. Spike." Willow noticed, clarifying her statement.
The Slayer gave her a 'yeah, duh!' look. They had spent the time going over what had happened until not even the tiniest part of the witch was skeptical about the romance. She wasn't sure where this was heading, if Buffy would end up hurt like she had in the past.
Still, it seemed an unusually normal relationship-for Buffy anyway. It wasn't like she would ever be able to settle down with Joe Average. She was something unique, a one-of-a-kind woman. Not just any male could deal with that, but vampires had never had many problems in the past as long as they were on the safe side of her stake. And if all else failed, Spike could be annoying enough to distract Buffy from her problems!
"He'd better get back soon or you're gonna be killing someone," the redhead pointed out lightly, nodding at the chafing hands of her friend.
"Oh. Yeah." Buffy said distractedly, staring at her hands like they were not a part of her. Then her attention shifted back to the Bronze, looking around for a familiar silvery head. At this point even Xander's brunette would be a welcome sight.
She spotted both men at the same time, as they were ambling their way back to the table. As they drew closer, the Slayer's gaze was locked on Xander. She was pleased to find that there were no marks or further bruises on his face. He grinned at her, raising an arm to give a casual wave, then abruptly grabbing the back of a chair. His dizziness was an indication he had been drinking.
With that realization, she turned her eyes to Spike, just in time to see a possessive glower. He was jealous that she was looking at Xander? Buffy supposed she should be flattered by that, but didn't know how to react. Acting like everything was normal seemed the best course of action.
"How's my vampire?" she asked, curiously looking into his arrogant face. When he didn't answer, she leaned closer and caught a whiff of his breath. "Drunk, I see."
"Just a little!" Spike argued with her, sliding his hand over her hair and tracing the curve of her ear.
She smiled, enjoying his touch but aware he was likely as disoriented as Xander. She firmly ordered "We're going home now."
Putting a hand on his leather duster, she allowed him to twine an arm around her waist for support.
"Don't you want a ride?" Willow offered. "I'm designated-driver girl anyway."
"Nah, we'll walk it off." Buffy declined politely. "See you later, Wil."
The redhead cheerily waved and helped Xander sit in a chair, since he was practically falling asleep on his feet. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea for them to go home too. **********
As they made their way along the pavement, the Slayer looked up into the vampire's face, only to find his eyes shut in sheer exhaustion. That could have been a factor of the heavy drinking, but she wasn't sure.
"Everything worked out then?" she ventured to ask, causing him to open his eyes to tiny slits.
"Yeah, we just dusted a few vamps and had a skinful," he groaned. "God, my head."
"We're almost back to my apartment." Buffy consoled him. "Aspirin and a bed await."
"I could do without the aspirin." Spike said hopefully, managing a full grin to match her sparkling eyes.
She laughed at that. "I don't think you can handle anything more involved than cuddling until you're sober!"
"That's me, your teddy bear with fangs," he grumbled but was silenced by her gently kissing him.
"You are most definitely not snuggly. Perish the thought!"
"You know I love you," he said, all of a sudden sober. "I'd be a soddin' ponce if it made you happy. However you want me to change."
"Don't you dare," she countered, emphasizing her words by pointing a finger at his chest. "Teddy bears are too high maintenance and vulnerable. I wouldn't have fallen in love with you if you weren't who you are."
"That made a sort of sense," the platinum-blonde vampire joked, but tightened his arm around her waist.
"Just be you, and don't worry how I feel about it." Buffy clarified.
"Good, cos right now 'me' has a splitting headache."
She sighed patiently, tugging him along. "Then let's go home, Change-boy. I'll stay in the room with you as long as you don't vomit or smoke."
"Deal."
*****
EPILOGUE
*****
Buffy grimaced just a little as she laid down on the lawn and let the damp ground soak her clothing. She prayed she wouldn't get grass stains, but knew the plea was futile. The platinum-haired vampire resting on the earth next to her curled an arm around her shoulders and strangely the great outdoors was no longer as much of a nuisance.
It had been almost a year since that fateful introduction, something she had feared even more than facing down Angel and his pet apocalypse. Quite frankly, from there, things had gone swimmingly. Of course there was still all the pressure of fighting demons and saving the world's population from doom, but being with Spike in between all of the bruising battles made everything good again.
Her friends trusted him, saw him as one of their own, a Scooby, however vehemently he protested being saddled with that title. Even her mother liked him, constantly urging her daughter to come over for dinner, and bring Spike. It was just like having a regular boyfriend! The irony of what her lover really was did not escape the Slayer, who constantly tried to puzzle out how they managed to be so normal.
And now they were laying outside the mansion staring up at the night sky. They did not live there, choosing to use the spacious rooms for training sessions, and the occasional need for seclusion.
He turned his head to her but she was looking dreamily at the stars. So he returned his gaze to those faraway constellations, thinking sadly that they were the only things he would ever see in the sky, the sun forbidden to him. Some nights he wondered if that was best for his Slayer, if there was something else she needed.
"What are you thinking?" Buffy asked him, having noticed his mood despite the lack of words said.
He regarded her face for a minute, and found that none of that mattered to her. She lived in the now, adapted better than anyone dead or alive on the planet. This had been her choice, at least he thought he saw that confidence in her eyes. There was only one way to be sure.
"Will you marry me?" he said suddenly.
Thoughts ran through her head at that, too numerous to give him the 'yes' on the tip of her tongue. What about Angel and Drusilla? They might have switched partners, but their memories of their exes could still cause doubt. And there was the immortality issue. Eventually she would be a shriveled old woman, if she didn't die from her sacred duties first. What would he do then, always young?
He still waited there patiently, eyes hesitant, as if he were doubting the wisdom of asking the question. She tried to sum up all the tumultuous thoughts in her head and finally rolled over to face him, running a hand across his cheekbone.
"OK." Buffy says happily, and they met in a kiss as the impassive stars above smiled.
"Now I'll have to go get a ring. Something with diamonds?" he questioned sleepily, her head resting on his chest.
"Diamonds are forever." she quoted the commercial, staring up at the night sky as his hand smoothed over her hair.
"No, we are."
"We are." Buffy agreed, finally allowing her drowsy eyes to close.
******************* Well, it's been a really long process getting this story finished-almost a year since I started it I think. Maybe I can get a start on a couple more ideas that have been floating around in this overworked head of mine! Thanks for the reviews when I put up chapters, and let's all count our blessings for Spike's snarky return! ~CenizaAzul