Dawn raced through the streets but her heart preceded her, reaching out to Spike, calling to him. Her feet pounded and the sun was covered by clouds as she ran, the world around her blurring, her sole thought eradicating all else.
Spike…
After what seemed like an eternity, she arrived at the cemetery, panting and out of breath. She didn't know how she had reached it, having been guided by pure instinct. She heaved a sigh and jogged the rest of the way to his crypt, her hand shaking so much she could hardly open the door. It had been three weeks since she'd even had a glimpse of him and exhilaration consumed her.
She paused as the door finally creaked open, readying herself to face him. She took a deep breath and stepped inside. The girl glanced around the dank, dark crypt, and not seeing him, called out full of quiet joy, "Spike?"
When she heard no reply, she made her way across the room and climbed down the rungs of the ladder, feeling so happy she thought she might burst. On reaching the bottom of the seemingly endless descent, she turned, saw him, and time stopped.
Her breath caught and she gripped the ladder with one hand for support.
He was doing nothing out of the ordinary, merely buttoning up his jeans, but it occurred to her that she had never seen him shirtless. "Spike…" she mouthed wordlessly, only a breath of air escaping her lips as her eyes traveled the hard planes of his body.
Miraculously, he heard her. He turned casually and blanched, his eyes widening at the sight of her. "…Dawn?" He stared at her, as if his eyes might be deceiving him. Then, "You shouldn't be here. Buffy…"
"Spike!" she cried joyfully, running and throwing herself into his arms.
Nervously, he embraced her and said, "If your sister finds you here…"
"Its ok, Spike." She beamed up at him. "She knows I'm here…"
"She…does?"
"Yes! Call it Christmas spirit…she knows. She's not happy about it, but she knows."
His face broke into a smile and his grip on her tightened. It occurred dimly to her that she'd never seen him smile…not really. Sardonic grins, sure, that seductive smirk, always…but a real smile?
Her grin widened, dying away as she looked at the floor shyly. "I missed you…" she ventured. Her cheeks flooded with the familiar blush, something that only seemed to happen in his presence.
When he didn't reply, she felt the blush deepen and she reconsidered her actions. What if he didn't…?
He'd never said exactly how he felt about her…and she'd been immersed so deeply in her own anguish that she'd never even thought...what if he…maybe he hadn't even noticed her absence?
Lindsay and Janice… Oh, god, what had he thought when she'd sent her friends? And, oh god, he wasn't wearing a shirt…she'd never been so close to shirtless Spike…wrapped in his arms…She shivered with want, longing to raise her hand and touch the cool alabaster of his chest.
Finally, she dared to look up at him. What she saw shocked her so much, her worries vanished instantly. The way he was looking at her…with- adoration? His eyes so filled with emotion and his lips in a tight smile…a look that said if it weren't such an un-big-bad thing to do, he might shed a tear or recite some poetry or something.
"Missed you too…Dawn." His voice was filled with affection and once again, Dawn felt herself wanting to burst into tears of joy.
As she stared at him, his intense gaze made her somewhat uncomfortable and she nibbled on her lower lip. No guy's ever looked at me this way…She noticed his jaw clenching as if he were having some sort of inner debate.
"What?" she asked with a small laugh.
"Oh, nothin'. Just thinking about how gorgeous you are…" he replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
She felt her cheeks turn crimson again, but before she had time to reply, his lips were on hers just as before, as if no time had passed at all. He was insistent yet gentle, and she let out a muffled squeak of pleasured surprise.
This kiss was different somehow, before they had been lustful, wild, demanding…now it was sweet and unpressured. He had missed her. She realized this and gasped, allowing him to slip his tongue inside. Instead of letting him do the work, as he so often did, she kissed him back with everything she had, the familiar jolts of electricity shooting through to her core, heating her very soul. The relief she felt, she poured into him, drowning in his essence. Her body shivered imperceptibly at the feel of his tongue slowly caressing, exploring…
Ohmigod, she squeezed her eyes shut and slipped her hands up his cool, muscled arms. Spike kisses…Spike kisses…mmmm…
She lost her ability for coherent thought.
When she pulled back to breathe, he smiled at her, that look still in his eyes. "So, whatcha wanna do, pet?"
His body language said what he would very much like to do, but she felt her stomach clench in anxiety and said distractedly, mind still reeling from his tender kiss, "Uh, TV?"
She hadn't known Spike could do tender…he was all fire and sexy vampireness…
"Telly it is, cutie," he said, some of the blatant emotion leaving his face and being replaced with the trademark smirk. He donned a black tee and added a red dress shirt over it, leaving the buttons undone. She sighed; there were some things that should never be covered up…
"Ya know," she bubbled as she slowly climbed the ladder, making her way upstairs, still ecstatic that she was here with him, "I think there's a Dawson's Creek marathon today…"
He snorted dismissively and scoffed, "They're all reruns!"
"Which makes 'em even better! Duh…"
* * *
"Oh my god, she said that?!" Dawn burst out laughing once again. It had been weeks since she'd laughed and it felt wonderful.
She had been at the crypt hours; it was nearly dusk, but time had flown by. She knew she'd have to go soon…Christmas dinner, and there was no way Spike would be welcome. A faint twinge of sadness interrupted her joyful mood, but she let it pass.
"Why did you do that?" she demanded. "They didn't tell me-"
"A vamp needs to have a bit of fun now and then!" he protested. " 's not like I can kill anymore…have to get my kicks somewhere!"
"But embarrassing my friends? What if they don't like you anymore?"
"Like me? They loved me…" He leaned back and smiled complacently.
She scooched towards him and punched his arm. "Jerk," she teased.
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "You know you love it."
"I do..." She was suddenly serious as the nagging feeling that had been bugging her all day surfaced once more. "W- what are we?" she finally dared to ask.
"Well, I'm a vampire, and you're a former key who's currently…" he paused, knowing the true nature of her question, "my girlfriend."
"I- I'm your girlfriend?"
"Well, only if you want to be," he said in a voice dripping sarcasm.
Off her serious look, he sighed and elaborated, "Yeah. What did you think? I mean, I don't kiss just- Ok, well maybe I do…but Dawn, I care about you. You're mine. Don't y' know that?"
He turned her head, tilting her chin so that he could look into her eyes. He cares about me! Inner Dawn squealed. Yes, yes YES!!
On the outside, however, she remained composed. "Really?"
"Really." He pulled away from her and stood, walking across the room. Curiously, she watched from her vantage point on the sofa as he dug into a chest, not even paying attention as 'It's A Wonderful Life' came on. "Spike?"
"Mmm?"
"What are you doing?"
He was silent as he straightened up and walked back over to her. "Uh, I, uh, got you this. Wasn't sure I'd be seeing you…" He looked embarrassedly to the ground.
Spike, nervous? She'd never once seen him lose his composure. But now, here he was, slightly flustered as he handed something to her. She gasped and took it: a stuffed white bear in a Christmas sweater, and tucked between its arms, a blood-red rose.
"Oh, Spike!" She hugged it to her chest after pulling out the rose and smelling it. She was overcome by the sweet gesture, never thinking Spike of all people would buy anyone a stuffed bear.
"Wasn't sure what you'd like…" He rubbed the back of his neck with his palm and looked down at her.
"Spike, its perfect." she exclaimed in a high pitched voice and stood to hug him.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and inhaled his distinct masculine scent, happy just to be near him. "Thank you…ooh, he's the cutest thing ever! I'm gonna call him Wuggles- or Snowflake!"
"Wuggles, is it?" He ran a hand through his hair as he tried to stifle a snicker.
"Yeah…oh! How 'bout Spike Jr.?"
His light mood vanished and he pointed a finger at her. "You are not namin' that bloody thing after me."
"Aww, why not?" she asked disappointedly. "Oh, what about William?" she continued with renewed hope. "I mean, that's not your name anymore, technically, and- I want him to remind me of you…"
She looked at him apprehensively; awaiting his decision like it was her death sentence, not knowing that he could never refuse her when she made that face. He paused.
"Whatever…just don't let this get out."
She smiled and hugged the bear to her chest once again. "Hey…William," she greeted it, kissing the tip of its fuzzy nose. She fingered the silken petals of the rose, then set both objects down on the backrest of the sofa, hugging Spike once more. Almost immediately, she pulled back, subdued. "I, uh, didn't get you anything. I was, but then everything happened, and I…I really was-"
"Don't worry 'bout it," he cut her off. "Seein' you's enough. Never thought that bitc- your sister," he amended, "would let you see me."
"But I should have," she countered, not letting herself off the hook. "You mean more to me than anything and I-" she stopped, embarrassed at having admitted her feelings.
"Dawn, luv, I understand…if it means that much to you, you'll think of something. But right now, you're all I want, pet. Don't need presents to make me happy."
She smiled at him and whispered, "Ok."
Then, plopping down on the couch, she grabbed his hand and pulled him down with her, sending them both toppling onto the cushions, her pinned underneath him. She giggled, then stopped when she saw the look in his eyes and the way his tongue had rolled up under his teeth in what was probably one of the most arousing expressions ever.
"Spike," she whispered, afraid. Afraid of how much she wanted him; afraid of what would happen if she let it; and afraid that if it...if she did let it happen…what if she didn't measure up?
He brushed a strand of hair from her face and whispered hoarsely, "Dawn…my beautiful Dawn…"
She gasped. His voice was low and hypnotic, lulling her…suddenly she wanted nothing more than to let him have his way, it wasn't as if she didn't want to…who cared if she wasn't good? The things he could show her… But fear of disappointing him held her back and she pushed on his shoulders.
When he propped himself up on his elbows, still gazing seductively down at her and not getting up, she nudged him hard with her legs, using enough force to send the unsuspecting vamp tumbling off the couch. Though he hadn't expected it, he reacted in time to pull her down with him, and she shrieked as they landed on the floor, their positions reversed, her pressed against his torso.
Quickly, she sat up and gave his chest a playful slap saying, "Spi-ike! We're missing the movie!" Eager to get out of the compromising, and tempting, position, she used him for support and quickly climbed back onto the sofa.
"This movie," he pulled himself up and sat beside her, "is a load of rot."
"Psh," she retorted, still not fully recovered from their encounter, "it's a classic."
After several minutes of watching, Dawn asked, as if continuing a conversation they had been having, "Do you miss it?"
"Hmm?" he grunted, having actually been watching the movie.
"Do you miss it? The killing and bloodshed and 'aarrgh!'" she wriggled her hands and made a face to demonstrate.
"Sometimes…yeah," he replied, not taking his eyes off of the screen. "Wouldn't believe how much fun it is, hearin' them beg you… hearing 'em scream…" He stopped, casting a sidelong glance in her direction; sure she'd be looking at him with disgust, as Buffy often did when he let something from his past slip. But no…she merely looked…interested.
"And the blood?" she questioned.
He grinned, turning to her at last. "Hell, luv, that's the best part…feelin' it hot n' fresh...runnin' down your throat…thick and sweet…" The vamp looked nostalgic. "Pig's blood just doesn't compare…"
"That good, huh?" She looked slightly queasy.
" 's the best…"
"Would you…want some?"
"Hell yes! I'd do anything to-" he paused when he understood her question. "Nibblet, I-"
" 'cause I wouldn't mind…" she rushed on.
"No, Dawn," his face looked pained, serious. "Pet- no. I couldn't…"
"What if I…want you to?"
"You want me to?"
"Yes. I didn't get you anything…and you like blood, so…"
"Dawn, it's more than that…When a vampire feeds from you, you're giving some of yourself away…and once y' do, you can't get it back…"
"Spike," she said disbelievingly, "I'll have more blood."
" 's not just the blood, pet. You'd be giving some of yourself. To me. Forever."
"Well maybe," she scooted closer and looked into his eyes, "I want you to have me." Ohmigod, what am I doing? 'I want you to have me?' Could I sound like a bigger slut? What if he laughs at me?? She pushed the thought aside.
"Dawn…" A growl escaped him and he vamped out, looking away.
"Spike, I do…I…I want you." He looked at her suddenly, surprise evident even on his vampiric features, his yellowed eyes boring into her.
With lightning quick movements he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him roughly, placing a bruising kiss on her lips, drawing blood, those three words provoking in him more passion than he had ever felt…since Dru.
And he realized that he loved her, the little bint who was his only friend, the only one he cared for…the reason he was in Sunnydale…
He jerked her hair aside and licked her neck with the flat side of his tongue. She gasped in surprise and fear…and a little pain; he'd never been this rough with her. She liked it. A lot.
He smelled her fear and knew he should stop, but he couldn't…it was intoxicating.
"Dawn…" he growled her name harshly. Yet another side of him she hadn't seen, but one she liked just as much as the others.
He traced intricate patterns on the side of her neck with the tip of his tongue, not stopping till she gasped with need, and once again, he snarled into her skin, nuzzling the soft flesh.
"Spike," she moaned in a voice unrecognizable as her own. Suddenly, she felt twin needles puncture her throat and she cried out again, more in surprise than anything else. He wrapped his arms around her as she went slack in his arms, holding her to him and pinning her arms to her sides. She felt an intense pressure building inside of her; partly from the feel of his mouth coercing the blood from her body, his arms holding her so tight she couldn't struggle if she wanted to, and partly from…something else.
Spike felt her blood pumping away into his mouth and he suckled at her neck greedily…so good, he thought.
Her head was thrown back in wild abandon as he licked and sucked and she felt her breathing become labored…it felt so good…so good…god! Weren't bites supposed to hurt?
Suddenly, she spasmed under him and he pulled away, looking surprised. He had tried to make it good, but this? He grinned evilly, looking at the girl moaning and squirming in his lap, proud of his talents. He gloated a moment, then returned his attentions to her throat, licking the few small drops of blood that had trickled out, then kissing her skin until her breathing slowed and she turned to look at him.
A minute passed.
"Spike?" Ohmigod, that was amazing. What had he done to her? She didn't remember being pulled across his lap, and… he was holding her so tight…
"Yeah?" He grinned smugly at her as his vampiric features melted away, gold eyes fading to blue, sharp fangs retracting. Once his game face had completely dissolved, he released her, licking the last drop of blood from his lip and leaning back, eyeing her appreciatively. "You, uh, seemed to enjoy that…"
He studied one of his black polished fingernails.
"Spike, that was…how did you do that? I thought biting was…ow."
"Biting's 'ow' when I want it to be. Can hurt like hell or…well, you've experienced the other half. Usually doesn't feel that good, mind you, but then again, it was me…"
She gaped and blurted out, "Ego, much?" and folded her arms over he chest looking at him critically.
"You liked it…"
She rolled her eyes trying to hide the fact that she was still flushed from what he had done.
He pulled her into his lap once more so that she was straddling him, somewhat awkwardly seeing as how one of his legs was folded up casually. "You gonna tell me you didn't?" he growled dangerously. "Do we need-" he licked the quickly healing wounds, "-to try again? 'cause you were delicious…" he purred.
His grip on her waist was firm and she hid the thrill of excitement that snaked through her when he spoke to her like that. She ignored his question and said, "So you liked your present, then?"
"Loved it…in fact," he breathed seductively, "wouldn't mind if you gave me 'presents' more often. And I'm guessing… you'd like it too?"
She giggled softly, then turned to glance at the TV. "See?" she chastised. "Now we missed the whole movie." Then she frowned in earnest. "Spike! It's dark!" She leapt up from his lap.
"Yeah," he replied nonchalantly. " 's been that way for a good thirty minutes."
"Dinner! Buffy'll be so mad! She barely let me see you and-" Dawn didn't bother to finish and ran towards the door. She flung it open and hurried out.
Spike sighed and rose to follow her when she rushed back in, grabbing the rose and 'William'. "Forgot my stuff," she panted.
She attempted to pass him, but he caught her arm and said, "Now, you're already late, pet. No reason we can't enjoy the walk…"
"Spike, you can't…Buffy."
"I won't come in…but 've got to walk my girl home, haven't I?"
She couldn't resist when he called her his girl and said, "All right, but hurry."
They stepped into the night and walked out of the dark cemetery enjoying the night sounds, crickets chirping, the crunch of grass under their feet, the distant sound of 'Silent Night' playing. Spike slowly wrapped his arm around her shoulder and she snuggled into the dark leather, not remembering when he'd put on his coat, but glad he had. She hugged her bear under one arm and held her rose in the other, walking in silence.
If someone had seen them, they would've found it odd; a leather-clad bleached blonde with black fingernail polish, and a mildly dressed girl who appeared to be at least ten years his junior, a bear clutched in one hand and a rose in the other, her ebony hair gleaming in the moonlight, the pair of them snuggling close. But they looked right together, and they were happy.
The moment was cut short, however, when their contented stroll ended far too soon as they reached 1630 Revello Drive. They stopped at the porch and Spike removed his arm from her shoulder. "Well, see you…" he muttered awkwardly, not wanting to let her go.
"Bye, Spike…"
He turned to leave but then stopped and said, "Don't lock the window…" without turning his head. Not bothering to wait for her reaction, he strode away quickly, not turning back.
Her breath caught and her stomach tightened as her cheeks flushed in excitement. But then she sighed with regret, already missing him, and climbed the porch. She opened the door, casting one last glance in the direction he had gone, preparing for the festivities within.
* * * * * * * * * *
Hey, guys. Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter up, I know I've been promising quicker updates, but I've been busy. I promise I will update when I can, and you'll promise to review, right?
Hope you enjoyed the chap!!