Title: Forever Broken

Author: Nirvana

Rating: R

Category: Romance/Angst

Summary: AU. Set in the year 2066, Spike Spiegel and Faye Valentine meet and an inevitable attraction arises. Unintentionally, the two begin a possessive affair under the worst circumstances.

Disclaimer: We all know the drill, but I must say it anyway. I do not own Cowboy Bebop or any of the characters they rightfully belong to their respective owners.

Chapter 8-Our Love Affair

"Faye, are you all right?"

Startled, Faye glanced up to see Vicious gazing at her. Even though it was faint, she could clearly see that he was worried about her. But he was not the first person to notice. All her coworkers had become curious and concerned with her sudden detachment. And just a few days ago, she remembered her friend, Tara, saying, you were so happy. Blushing and giggling all the time. Did something happen to you? She would merely smile, even though it was strained, and tell everyone that she was fine. But she was keeping herself in a lie, to keep from seeing the truth.

Again, she was snapped out of her thoughts when Vicious placed his hand against her forehead. Faye smiled appreciatively and pulled his hand away and held it in her own. This was right, she thought tightening her grasp, I made the right choice.

"I'm fine." She responded quietly. "I'm just a little tired. You know, all those late nightshifts at the casino can really take a toll on a girl, ne?"

Vicious frowned, still not convinced. "Are you sure...?"

Faye stood up then. She let go of Vicious' hand and whirled around. "Yes!" She exclaimed with a brilliant smile. "Look at me, I've never felt better!" She seated herself again, exhausted, and placed her hands against his cheeks. "You worry too much. I should be doing that. The way you work has way too much stress on you."

"I can handle it." Vicious replied. "I've been working in this company for the past-"

"Four years and blah, blah, blah. I know. But," She leaned on him, inhaling the cologne that always reminded her of champagne and something that was uniquely him. "shouldn't a woman have the right to worry about her lover?"

Faye sighed as Vicious silently wrapped his arms around her. All the worry, anger and sadness she felt left her. This moment was pure bliss and she would have been more than happy to spend it with the person she loved the most. For a long time, the couple remained like that and Faye looked up eventually. She could hear Vicious' heartbeat drumming in her ear.

"Vicious-sama?" She whispered. When he looked down she smiled innocently. "Smile for me."

He stared at her for a moment but made no move to do as she asked. Faye reached up and raked her fingers through his hair before running her fingertips along his face. She coyly brushed a finger against his lips and just like she had hoped, he smiled. Gradually, Vicious leaned down and grazed his lips against Faye's. His kisses were usually overwhelming and intense. But this time, it was different. He was delicate and soothing, kissing her so slowly, it was torture. Faye shivered once he pulled away, Vicious' smile only widened.

"I love you," He murmured sincerely.

Faye gripped tighter at him, hearing those words was like heaven on Earth. It was the first time Vicious had ever uttered those three treasured words to her. This time she kissed him. And in that kiss, she poured every single emotion she felt into that moment. All because he made her feel this happy and carefree. Once Faye moved her lips away from his, she rested her head against Vicious' chest, whispering sweet nothings and 'I love you' until it became a sacred chant.

"I need to get back to work." Vicious eventually said. For once, he sounded reluctant.

"No, you don't." Faye protested half-heartily. "You need to come home with me." She glanced back up at him. "Remember, I'm lonely without you." She frowned slightly when Vicious wrapped his arms around her, lifted her from his lap, and seated her in the leather chair. He kissed her cheek and gazed at her expectantly. Faye sighed in defeat. "All right, I'm going." She grabbed her purse and started walking towards the oak doors of Vicious' office. However, she stopped when her hand was hovering over the knob. "When will you be back?"

Vicious was all ready back on his laptop, his fingers sliding effortlessly across the flat keyboard. "Ten,"

Faye's frown deepened as she glanced at her watch. It was only one in the afternoon. "Seven,"

The keystrokes stopped as he glanced up quickly from the piles of folders. "Nine,"

"Seven-thirty and no later." Faye said firmly. She stood her ground, eyes narrowed in mock annoyance.

Vicious smiled briefly, but it was gone in a blink of an eye. "Seven-thirty it is."

Faye Valentine left the office with a very satisfied smirk on her lips, a blush on her cheeks, and emerald orbs that screamed 'starry-eyed.'

-

Spike clenched his hands tightly, it was the only sign of his frustration. He stared at the vidphone while Vicious spoke with him with an expression remotely close to excitement. He was congratulating him, pretending to be happy. But sitting here and listening to his best friend's words was tearing him apart. With all his will, he smiled.

"I would have never expected it." Spike commented. "The great Vicious-sama wants to get married."

"I can't be too sure." Vicious smiled, he was doing it more often than Spike could ever remember. "But I have this feeling that Faye and I are supposed to be together. I don't want to lose her, she's everything to me."

"Faye is a wonderful woman," His jaw was set, but his words were truthful. "But Vicious, you've only been together for a few months. Are you positive about this? Marriage is the end of the road."

"Iie," Vicious disagreed. "Marriage is only the beginning. I want to be with her. I've never felt so strongly about something. I haven't made any permanent plans yet but I'm hosting a party two days from now. I've told Faye about it, but she thinks it's just another formal business dinner. She just doesn't know that I'm going to propose to her then."

"Don't do that Vicious." Spike said, his voice carrying the smallest bit of seriousness.

The smile faded slightly from his lips. "Why not?"

Because Faye is mine, it was the only thought running through Spike's mind. Yet he only smiled, his fists shaking. He forced a laugh. "Vicious, if you propose to Faye and Julia finds out, she'll be pressuring me to tie the knot."

"Well, it is inevitable." Vicious stated. "You and Julia have been together for almost six years. She's head over heels in love with you."

"I'm not ready." Spike replied. "I want to get married, just not yet. I'm only twenty-two and I'm still in that time of rebellion and freedom. I honestly don't see myself proposing for a very long time."

That had to be one of his biggest lies he had ever told. He knew, that if things had been different. If he could have met Faye sooner, he would have already proposed to her. In all honesty, he did not want to marry Julia. He couldn't even consider Julia being his girlfriend anymore. He had no intention of taking their relationship further. Besides, it had already fallen apart.

"All right, but don't keep Julia waiting too long or you might lose her."

"I'll keep that in mind. Anyway congratulations, Vicious. I hope Faye says 'yes.'"

"You and me both." With those words, the screen faded into black as the line was disconnected.

Spike leaned against the wall, his smile vanishing within a second as he reached into his pocket for a cigarette. He pressed it between his lips before reaching for the lighter. He held it just at the tip of the cigarette before inhaling and putting it away. As soon as he exhaled, his anger subsided. But only by just a little bit.

For the past few weeks, it had been horrible. Even though he had tried to stop himself, Faye had become his obsession. As soon as he woke up in the morning and as soon as he went to sleep, she was the first and last thing he thought about. She was affecting him so much that he had started avoiding Julia again. That only led to more arguing between them.

Spike would see Faye sometimes, but she was usually with Vicious. But when she was alone, he would savor every moment he got the chance to just gaze at her. Memorize her features all over again so he would never forget. And every now and then, he would catch himself throwing her desperate looks. He needed to talk to her, that's all he wanted. But like Faye had said, she was doing whatever she could to stay away from him.

How can you ask me that?! He remembered her screaming at him, her emerald eyes blazing in unhindered fury. You know just as well as I do that things were not supposed to go this far!

Spike, curling his hand into a fist, hit it against the wall.

I've never been so happy, Faye murmured. Smiling at him and leaning against the railing, across the street from the ice cream parlor. I'm glad you took me along with you.

Spike connected his knuckles with the wall again. Only this time, he could feel the tremors of pain passing through his arm.

I don't want to see you, I don't want to talk to you. I'll do whatever I can to get rid of these feelings I have for you. Faye held her ground, gazing at him without wavering doubt in her voice. I love Vicious, I don't love you.

He could feel his skin tearing and the first drops of blood. But he continued to hit the wall numerous times more. His fingers were numb, he could no longer feel the pain.

He remembered kissing Faye for the very first time. Surrounded by silence and submerged in the depths of the ocean. He could feel her arms wrapping around him, encircling him until there was virtually no space between them. He kissed her with everything in him. Every emotion, and all his lust for her. Finally, the agonizing wait had come to an end. And Faye returned his kiss, with just as much and more.

Spike smashed his fist against the concrete one last time before he slumped against the wall. Gradually, the numbness faded and he could feel the excruciating pain shooting through his fingers and his arm. He had been able to release his anger but it only came back tenfold. His lips curved into a smirk, suddenly find this whole situation so amusing. Never, in his whole life, had he ever been so wanton for a single woman. When he met Julia, it had only been slightly like this. What he felt for Faye was one hundred times stronger.

Do you love her? The voice in his mind taunted.

"Never," Spike swore. "I will never love her. I have Julia."

You're always putting yourself in denial, the voice continued, keep doing that and you'll regret it.

Spike glanced down at his hand, caked in blood and still sore. Why was he doing this to himself? Over a girl? If Faye was able to so easily move on, why couldn't he?

He pushed himself away from the wall and looked around, hoping no one saw him. He walked towards the bathroom, stepped towards a sink, and placed his hand underneath the faucet before letting the icy water spill over his knuckles. He grabbed a few paper towels and hastily dried his hand before he left the public restroom. He went into the main room of restaurant, where the lunch hour rush had finally died down. He had come here to get a quick bite to eat but ended up calling Vicious and hearing the 'exciting' news.

Spike had just returned to his seat when he heard a soft bell signaling a new customer had entered. Out of curiosity, he turned his gaze to the door and his eyes widened. Faye, dressed casually and with a look of content on her features, seated herself at a table near the windows. It took every fiber in his being not to get up and make his presence known. Instead, he watched her from afar. Looked on as she entwined her fingers together and blush every so often.

Eventually, a waitress arrived at Faye's table and a brief conversation was traded before the waitress left. In an instant, Spike was on his feet and coming towards her. He watched as her hands clenched and her eyes narrow just a little bit at seeing him in the window's reflection. He was half expecting her yell at him.

Instead, she merely asked. "Are you going to stand there and stare at me or are you going to sit down?" Her emerald eyes were guarded.

Spike slowly seated himself in the empty chair across from her. "I want to talk to you." Not a request, but not a demand either.

"I don't care about what you want anymore." Faye snapped quietly. "What matters is that you leave me alone."

He was close enough now to run his fingers through her hair. On the brink of admitting everything to her. But still, he held himself back.

"Why are you trying to deny it?" He asked suddenly.

Faye did not answer, only gaze at him. Finally, she turned away from him, got up, and started walking out of the bistro. Spike was on his feet, following just a step behind her. "There's no way you can hide it, Faye. I know, even if it is the littlest bit, you care for me." He stated, his confidence rising as both their paces quickened. "You're afraid, you never realized you'd ever have feelings for another man besides Vicious. You don't want anyone to find out about our secret. There were plenty of chances for you to walk away from what was happening between us and you didn't. Why?" He grabbed her hand, halting her steps. "Tell me, Faye. If you don't care for me," Spike whirled her around to face him. "if you don't love me, then tell me right now."

"Spike," Faye clutched at his hand. It was hard for him to tell if she was trying to pull away or not. She leaned her head forward, her bangs falling and shadowing her eyes. "I'll keep saying the same thing until it gets through to you. Our relationship has nothing to do with love. It's just a physical attraction that will eventually fade away. You love Julia and I love Vicious. I-"

"I don't love her." Spike said so firmly she almost believed him.

"Yes you do." She argued quietly. "You two belong together."

"Then why am I here with you, Faye?" He gently forced her to look at him. "Why am I trying so hard to make realize what you're trying to cover up?"

"I'm not covering up anything!" She suddenly exclaimed, pulling her hand away from Spike's grip. "I was happy with Vicious and I still am! I'm not going to let you or Julia ruin it!"

"Faye..."

"Just leave me alone." She murmured. All the anger on her features suddenly melting away into fatigue.

Without another glance, Faye brushed past him. The same determination flowing through her from just a weeks ago. She walked carefully, taking each step with growing ease. She gently placed her palm against her chest.

"It hurts," Faye admitted so softly to no one. "every time I see him, it kills me not to be with him."

And she swore to keep walking away from him, at least until it stopped hurting so much.

-

Vicious, with sweet anticipation, ran his fingers up Faye's arms before cupping her shoulders. She glanced at him and smiled before looking at the mirror, at her reflection. She stood, wearing high heels and a black evening gown. She didn't recognize the material but it was soft and smooth against her skin. She had decided to choose something that was a simple design. Not too flashy but something she could be comfortable in. A small smile played across her lips once more when Vicious placed a coat around her shoulders.

"This is just another business party. We'll leave soon, right?"

"Maybe," Vicious answered. He reached for her hand and squeezed it. "But I'm hosting, so it might be a little difficult to get away."

Faye shrugged. "Whatever works best, I'm fine with it." She leaned against him. She suddenly looked up at him, her eyes dancing with curiosity. "You're different." She stated quietly.

"How so?"

She stepped away from him, studying his features carefully. "You're usually so inflexible about these kinds of parties. You seem...too laid back." She circled her arms around his neck. Faye's smiled widened. "Are you planning something, Vicious?"

Out of habit, he clutched at the small, velvet box nestled deeply in his pocket. Just a few more hours, he told himself. He did not answer, instead Vicious closed the remaining space between them and gently kissed her. When he pulled away, her cheeks were a deep red. He smiled ever so slightly.

"Let's go." He said before taking Faye's hand once more and leading her away from his bedroom.

They walked at an even pace down the grand, marble stairs, to the entryway filled with paintings and tapestries, and finally outside. The limo was waiting for them outside. Being as courteous as ever, Vicious took a step ahead of Faye and opened the door for her. She beamed before stepping inside and he followed her. And during the whole ride, he held her to him. His arm wrapped around her waist and his other hand hidden in his pocket, holding the velvet box.

It wasn't long before they entered the busy metropolis of Alva City. Once they reached the party, Vicious and Faye stayed together for a few minutes before he politely excused himself and left her all alone to greet other guests. But she didn't think of it like that, she would 'mingle' with other people. Hoping that they could leave soon. So...she wouldn't have to face Spike.

Yet hours passed, along with several glasses of wine and the greetings from strangers, and Faye never saw a glimpse of him. In a way, she was disappointed. She remembered she had went to visit Vicious one day. Spike had been there. She overheard them talking about the party and remembered Vicious asking Spike if he was going. She would never forget the way he looked at her. It was so brief, as quick as a heartbeat, and then his attention was back on Vicious. He had said he would be here so why wasn't he? She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration.

"Why, of all times, am I thinking of you?" Faye asked herself. "You're always with me. In my thoughts and in my dreams. I can't leave you alone because I never want to. That's why I must stay away."

After another dull hour of socializing went by, Faye eventually turned her attention to the bar. Where she laid her eyes upon Julia. She was dressed in a blue gown, a color that brought out her eyes. And as she continued to stare, Faye wondered why she had the sudden urge to talk to her. She folded her hands together, realizing that they were shaking from her nervousness. Julia was smiling happily and talking enthusiastically with the bartender, like she had no care in the world. In all the months Faye had known Julia, it was strange how one minute, she was the kindest person you could ever meet. Then the next minute she became so suddenly...cold. Beautiful but dangerous, inviting though deadly, and elegant but intimidating. Some of the characteristics that made Julia who she was.

Faye, out of habit, bit down on her lip. She wanted to be as relaxed as possible. There was no need to be on edge. She made her way through the crowds to join Julia. Casually, she sat in one of the many, leather stools.

"Hello, Faye." Julia greeted. "I hope you're enjoying yourself."

"I am," Faye responded, even though it was partially the truth. Half the time, she wished she had feigned sickness and skipped the whole thing. But Vicious had convinced her not to. But what had brought her to sit down next to Julia was pure inquisitiveness. She wanted to know more about the trio. Why were Spike, Vicious, and Julia so tied together?

An awkward silence had fallen between them. But with all the courage she had, Faye asked her next question. "So...how long have you known Vicious?"

Julia stared at her for a few moments, her gaze unreadable. Then it suddenly melted into a pleasantly wistful look. "When I was fifteen." She replied. "I had met Spike a year ago. It was during the night and I had accidentally wondered into a graveyard. And...there he was. But when Spike and Vicious met, they instantly became best friends, almost like brothers." Julia smiled. "They had vowed that one day they would be prosperous. Now look at them, they're living the lives people dream of."

Faye stared at her, surprised but smiling. She never expected Julia to tell her this so openly. All the rumors had been true, all three of them had known each other for so long. How could she compare to that? And in a way, she felt like she had barged in and ruined everything. "You know," She began. "Vicious never really told me about his past. He'd keep it a secret or change the subject whenever I brought it up."

Julia was silent, then she said, "Faye, take care."

Her eyebrows delicately furrowed. "I don't understand what you mean."

The older woman sighed, the warmth leaving her eyes to be replaced with an icy stare. "Vicious never tells of his past once it's done." She started. "Never a word or a murmur. He's been with numerous women and once there out of his life, there is never a mention of them again. Yet, Vicious would give anything to each woman who came into his life, even if they asked for it or not. They were always seduced by him if he carefully planned everything, just because he's a man of mystery. I almost fell for him because of that." Julia admitted. "But fortunately for me, Spike came along and rescued me from his charms."

Emerald eyes narrowed. "What are you trying to say, Julia?"

"Be careful. I'm giving you a warning, advice for you own good. If Vicious is pushed, you may pay for it dearly. Yes, he may appear to love you more than anything. He'll shower you with all the expensive things of luxury. Everything a woman wants, jewelry, clothes, money, love, and security. But as far as the people of Mars are concerned, you're just one his many whores. The only difference is that you're younger, Faye. And you'll be the first he proposes to."

"If Vicious is like what you describe, what makes Spike any different?" Faye demanded curtly. But she already knew the answer, she had seen for herself.

"He is different, and that's all you need to know." Julia smoothly removed herself from the stool. She reached for her full glass of wine and raised it towards Faye. "Cheers and a good evening to you, Miss. Valentine." She finished the drink quickly before she was gone, disappearing into the crowds of people.

Faye watched her leave, her eyes livid and her hands clenched.

-

Another hour passed by as Faye wandered around aimlessly. She had been searching for a way to leave without bringing attention to herself. Julia's words still rung loudly in her ears. She smiled, despite the anger she wanted to release. Is that what everyone thought of her? Was she just a whore? She hoped, with every fiber in her being, that Vicious didn't think that way of her. He told me that he loves me, she thought, isn't that enough?

Faye scanned through the clusters of people before she noticed a hallway. She glanced around, no one she knew was in sight. Walking in quick strides, she went towards the corridor and hid herself away in the darkness. But as she looked around, she noticed a dim light coming from the end of the hall. She took a step, hearing the sound of her footfall bouncing against the high ceiling. But it did not stop her from continuing. She moved slowly, the music and laughter gradually dying down and the sound of glass smashing becoming louder.

Faye, once she reached the door, opted not to go in but to listen. She heard another glass break and something hard connecting against a wall. Whoever it was, they sounded just as frustrated as she felt. She stayed there and listened for a few moments more before she silently pushed the door open to glance at the stranger. She stumbled back once her eyes locked gazes with a pair of mismatched orbs. Spike stared at her for so long, a bottle of champagne in his grasp and a smoldering cigarette in the other. He gave her a crooked smile then, turning his attention back to the liquor.

"The very person I didn't want to see to tonight." His words were a little slurred. He took a long swing of the alcohol before the bottle slipped from his fingers and loudly crashed against the floor.

"Spike...you're drunk." Faye uttered, noticing his eyes looked glazed.

Spike leaned over, hitting his back against the soft mattress. It was then she realized that this place was a bedroom. "Obviously,"

"Why?"

"To drown away the misery." He murmured back, his smile gone. "And what better way than drinking until I pass out." She couldn't tell if he was being truthful or not. He looked at her again. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to get away from the party."

Spike snorted. "Then go some place else. Remember, we're trying to avoid each other, ne?"

Boldly, Faye stepped forward. The soles of her shoes crushing shattered glass. "I don't want to leave." She stubbornly said. She seated herself near him on the bed. "I'll stay here until everyone leaves."

"Knock yourself out." Spike encouraged half-heartily. He sat up abruptly. "But I might try something." He warned her, his voice almost serious. Not a single bit of amusement was present on his face. "By the way," He reached over and snatched another bottle of champagne. He cupped his hand around the cap and wrestled with it before the cork gave a loud pop. "I heard that Vicious is going to propose to you." He raised the bottle. "Congratulations, I honestly could never imagine him, of all people, getting married."

"I never said I was going to say yes." Faye protested as she watched him take another sip of the champagne. "I don't want to be congratulated on something that hasn't happened yet."

He raised an eyebrow. "Now, I'm confused." His voice dripped with sarcasm. "I mean, you said you love him. And he loves you. So, why wouldn't it work?"

"You're simplifying everything. What if I'm just not ready?"

"Or you're keeping yourself in denial." Spike suggested before pressing the cigarette to his lips and inhaling. He exhaled seconds later, the puffs of white smoke appearing then gradually vanishing. He smashed the bud of the cigarette into a nearby ashtray.

"Sounds more like you and Julia." She retorted with a frown.

"If you're so curious to know, Faye, it's not about denial. I just don't love her anymore. I've already told you that."

Faye glanced at him. Despite herself, she felt a familiar hope swell in her. But just as quickly, it drifted away when reality slapped her in the face. She was having a conversation with a drunk man. By morning, he probably wouldn't remember what he said. But...she still wanted to know. "Then why are you still with her?" She asked.

"The same reason you're with Vicious." Spike smirked. "You can't bear breaking his heart. And I can't bear hurting Julia any more than I already have." Slowly, he leaned over and placed his free hand against Faye's cheek. His voice became solemn, his smirk disappearing once more. "But for you, I probably would."

"Don't touch me." She warned, but she made no move to stop him.

Spike placed the bottle down before turning his attention back to Faye. "Or what?" He challenged, his grin returning. "What will you do?"

"You'll be hurting Julia. Do you want to do that?"

He wrapped his arm around her waist. "Then stop me." He offered. "You have the will to say no. Go ahead."

She stiffened and attempted to move away but his grip was too strong. Her heart was racing as he brought her closer. Faye realized then that she didn't want him to let her go, but she did not want this to go any further. Taking a deep breath, with all her strength, she shoved Spike away from her. In an instant, she was on her feet and running towards the door. Faye had her fingertips across the knob before she felt a tight grip on her arms. In one fluid motion, she was whirled around before her back was slammed against the door.

She could feel her frame pressed against Spike's. Fear had seized her and she was thinking of a possible way of escaping. She willed herself not to open her eyes. But he waited patiently, the puffs of warm air that escaped from his lips tickled her skin and sent shivers down her spine. When Faye did look at him, she wished she hadn't. Her knees were weak and she found herself leaning all her weight against the door. For she felt like she was drowning, just by looking into his eyes.

Spike leaned down and Faye thought he was going to kiss her but instead, he pressed his lips against her ear. "Faye," He began, his voice hoarse. "do you know how difficult it is to ignore you?" Perspiration, from anticipation or anxiety, she did not know, erupted from her forehead. He glanced at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

"No," Faye murmured carefully.

"Do you know," Spike continued. "just what it takes..." Abruptly, he lifted her clear off the floor and wrapped her dangling legs around his torso. Faye's back hit the wall again, but this time his hand was there as a support. "...not to grab you, touch you, do everything that I can imagine, whenever we're in the same room together?"

It's just the alcohol. It's just the alcohol. She kept telling herself this. But, she couldn't help it anymore. She let her guard down. "No," Faye said again.

"Well," Spike half-sighed, half-groaned. "now you do." He placed a kiss against her neck. "I want you." He kissed her shoulder and ran his fingers down her thigh. "I need you." And he touched her face so tenderly, while his eyes flooded with an emotion she could not recognize. "Just this once Faye, let me have you."

And he diminished the remaining space between them and kissed her more feverishly than he could ever remember. She wrapped her arms around his neck, the same yearning coming back tenfold. She kissed him just as passionately, with the sweet taste of champagne on his lips. "One night," Spike stated as his fingers worked to remove her clothes. "we can forget about everyone and everything. We can have each other." He smiled, this time it was genuine.

Faye returned his smile before she leaned over and kissed him. From then on, she knew that things would never be the same. Everything would change, and it would not be for the better. She had sealed her fate the second she felt her dress slip from her shoulders. And she stood, completely exposed to Spike's eyes. Despite herself, she felt the very beginnings of a blush creep upon her cheeks as his eyes roamed her. Then hesitantly, he picked her up and carried her to the bed.

"You are so beautiful." Spike murmured.

I don't feel very beautiful, Faye thought bitterly.

You can't deny it any longer, a voice echoed in her head, you wanted this to happen.

But even still, she replied, I...

And all of Faye's remaining thoughts left her as she felt an indescribable ache travel through her. She clung to Spike, burying her face into the crook of his neck as he caressed her body in ways she couldn't have even begun to imagine. She no longer cared. She would have this night to treasure for the rest of her life.

Author's Notes: Okay, chapter 8 is finally done! I know I must have left some of you at a cliffhanger and I'm sorry about that. But the next chapter is going to be a lime/lemon. So, if you don't like that kind of material, don't read the first section of the next chapter. Next on the list, the apologies. I want to say I'm sorry to each and every person who waited so long for this chapter. Thank you for sticking by me. I'm sure you've all experienced the dramas of school and know where I'm coming from. But expect the updates to be delayed like this. I just don't have free leisure time like I use to. Anyway, thanks again. Questions, comments, suggestions, go crazy! And I'm really sorry! Until the next chapter, see ya!