Chapter 7: Farewell My Love
The next three weeks passed too quickly for both of them. The night Joyce had announced the move they had remained on he floor crying and holding each other for others. Clinging to one another and never wanting to let go. After Spike left Buffy went to her room and cried some more. Since that night, they had made a point of seeing each other most days. They kept up the tutoring, but instead of their chats they usually ended back at Spike's apartment. Which was the case on this particular day.
"I can't believe that you're leaving the day after tomorrow" Spike said as he pulled his jeans back on.
Buffy who was already dressed sat down on the bed, looking sad "me either" she said softly
Spike moved over to stand in front of her, taking her chin in his hand she tilted her head up to look at him
"I don't want you to leave. But please remember I love you" a tear rolled down his face as he spoke the words, words which came directly from his heart. A heart that was slowly breaking.
"I love you too" she whispered, feeling the same emotions and shedding identical tears, she put her arms around his waist, trying to hold him as close as she possibly could. She wanted to stay there with him but she had some more packing to do so, she reluctantly let him go.
"You are definitely coming tonight, aren't you?" she asked
"I wouldn't miss it for the world" he told her, stroking her hair.
Buffy had managed to get her mother to agree to Willow, Xander and Spike stay over. They had the whole night, and all day tomorrow planned to spend together. However Joyce would be in the house, and Xander and Spike were to sleep downstairs. But at least he'd be there. He walked with her to the door, kissing her as he opened it
"I'll see you later" he promised
"See you soon" she said as she left.
Buffy walked to her house with tears streaming down her face. She knew that she would at least get to spend some more time with him, but it was all becoming too real, she was leaving and she was going to lose him. She walked in the front door, and went like a zombie to her room. She mechanically went through the motions of packing up the last of her things. She looked at the boxes that covered her room, her life, the life she had found in Sunnydale, all in boxes. She looked at her bed and found a photo there of herself and Willow, Spike and Xander that they had made a point of taking when they found out she was moving. Lying right beside it, was the only photo of her and Spike. She picked them up, hugged them to her chest. She slid to the floor and cried some more.
She managed to compose her self for everyone arriving at seven. She came down the stairs and checked that her face was alright, straightened her clothes, and plastered a fake smile on her face before throwing the door open. All three of the people she loved most were standing there, when they came in they stood in silence in the hall, until Willow said something
"Stop smiling, you're leaving and none of us are happy" the face slid from Buffy's face and fresh tears replaced it, Willow soon followed and the two grabbed each other in a tight hug. The two boys tried to hide their emotions, acting like they were ok, but seeing their counterparts so upset they allowed the façade to drop, Spike let his own tears fall, and so did Xander and the joined the hug. Joyce stood at the top of the stairs and watched the four young people, but she was still determined. The four must have stood like that for ten minutes, no- one ever saying a word, just allowing themselves to feel how they did. When they all felt like they had cried their last tear for now they broke apart. Spike wrapped an arm around Buffy, Xander the same to Willow, and they went into the living room.
"So, what do you guys want to do tonight?" Buffy asked the small group
"Movies?" suggested Xander
"Truth or Dare" Said Willow
"Make out" Spike said with a smirk. This made everyone feel a bit better and they all laughed a bit
"I know" said Willow "why don't we just make it like an old fashioned sleepover. Tell ghost stories, just talk, Have one last night of fun" The group all nodded their agreement
"I think that's a great idea" Buffy agreed "come on Wills we'll get changed in my room. Boys you can get dressed in Dawn's room, she's out tonight" Buffy instructed everyone.
Fifteen minutes later everyone was changed into their night clothes and sitting around on the living room floor.
"So what are we going to start with Buff?" Xander asked
"Truth or Dare" she announced
Spike groaned he hated this game, but it was all for Buffy so he would endure it. He would do anything she wanted.
"Ok luv, who's gonna start?" he inquired
"I will" she decided "Spike, truth or dare?"
"Dare" he replied straight away
"Ok, I dare you to kiss me right now"
"Ok" he agreed, leaning over to her, capturing her lips in a soft kiss, it was quite long kiss too
"Um guys, we're still here" Willow pointed out
The two blondes pulled apart wearing identical smiles and loving looks
"Ok" spike said "Willow truth or dare?"
"uh" Willow saw the sly look in Spike's eye and decided to take the easy way out "truth"
"Ok, have you and Xander done the deed yet" there was a naughty twinkle in his eye, Willow and Xander wore identical blushes, and Buffy had her head buried in a pillow trying not to laugh at the looks on their faces
"of course" she squeaked, Spike gave her a look and she looked away "ok, no" she squeaked. Spike squeezed her shoulder
"Don't worry Red, no need to be embarrassed" he reassured. Willow smile gratefully, while Xander seemed like he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him. That wasn't going to happen so he decided to take his revenge instead
"Ok Buff, truth or dare?" he asked
"truth" Buffy thought that the boy would not be able to embarrass her too much if she took this option, she was wrong
"How big is Spike?"
Buffy didn't seem to get the question, in fact she thought it was lame "5 foot 10" she answered
Xander laughed "No Buff, I meant downstairs" Spike's eyes widened to comical proportions, while Xander and Willow shared an evil smile. Buffy looked even more than her friend had before
"It's just" Xander went on "I head Harm talking a while back about some college guy she laid, and he was apparently very small. Just wondered if it was the same person"
Spike looked like he could kill, he was completely mortified, just as his girlfriend was
"he's big" she answered trying to avoid giving a straight answer
"How big?" Xander prodded
She looked at Spike for help, he looked sympathetic and embarrassed
"about 9inches or so. I don't know I didn't measure it"
Spike was beet red by now, he normally wasn't bothered by this sort of thing but it wasn't really something he wanted to discuss with Xander
"I don't know" Xander said shaking his head "I think we need proof"
That was enough for Spike, he was fed up with the teasing. He didn't feel shy any more, just like the bad ass most people thought of him as so he stood up and made sure the door was closed
"You want proof, I'll give you proof" with that he pulled down the sweat pants he was wearing. Willow stared wide eyed at his groin, Xander was open mouth and Buffy was looking very horny.
"Ok enough proof" Xander said, Spike didn't move
"Honey pull up your pants" she ordered
"Why? He wanted to see it"
"yeah" she concurred "but if you don't I'm gonna jump you right here and I don't think my mom or friends would appreciate that"
Spike got a certain look in his eye, he pulled up the pants and curled his tongue behind his teeth
"I don't mind" he stated. Buffy threw a pillow at him as he sat back down, the other two still hadn't said a word.
"Back to the game" Willow eventually suggested.
The rest of the night carried on in a similar fashion, joking and having fun. They talked about everything that they had been through together since she had come to Sunnydale, the good times and the bad. There were laughs and more tears. But more importantly an even stronger bond was formed, it became that night that no matter what these four people would always be friends, always care for each other. Nobody slept in Buffy's room that night. They started watching a movie about 1am, Buffy and Spike curled up on the couch, Willow and Xander on the same position on the floor. And they were all in the same positions when they woke at 9am the next morning.
By eleven they were all sitting on the beach. They were spending the day much as they had spent the previous night, just talking and having fun. They had a throw away barbeque. They lit that up at noon, sitting on blankets on a quiet bit of the beach, Xander stood at the barbeque flipping burgers
"How does everyone want their burgers?" he called
"cooked" the others replied in unison, laughing. Xander grinned over at them. Buffy was sitting between Spike's legs, Willow lying on her stomach in front of them.
"So, Buff, I hate talking about this but I guess we don't have a choice" she sighed "is everything sorted for starting school and all on Monday?"
"Yeah" Buffy said, returning Willow's sigh "First thing Monday morning I am once more a member of Hemery High School"
"Well, at least you'll have friends there" willow observed
"No I won't. None of those people were my friends. They stopped talking to me after the divorce and I didn't have my father's money anymore" she told them
Just then Xander came over holding a tray of hamburgers
"Here you go" he said as he came over "nice warm, cooked burgers"
Everyone got up to get their food and then they sat down in a circle to eat
"So Buff, all done with the packing?" Xander questioned
"Yeah, all done" she told them "but you know what guys, let's not talk about this ok"
"Ok, baby" Spike said "whatever you want"
"Thank you" she whispered
"Buffy, do you remember that first parent teacher night you went to?"
"Oh my god Wills, of course I do" she cried "my mom went total psycho on me because I was failing and basically being the bad- ass I was at the time. And then that gang broke into the school" she stared the story and waited for someone else to continue
"yeah and principal Snyder ran away, and your mom hit one of them over the head with a fire extinguisher" Will0ow laughed
Spike listened to the story in amusement
"that was cool" Xander chimed in
"Yeah but Buffy was the best, the leader grabbed her. She bit him and then kicked him in the balls. I swear he screamed like a girl" Willow continued By now, they were all laughing, but it was bittersweet
"We had some good times together, some good memories" she observed, a sad smile on her lips
"Yeah, we did" Xander agreed, Willow only nodding her agreement for fear she would cry again. Spike squeezed Buffy tight, showing how much he cared.
The rest of the meal was finished in comfortable silence, each of them lost in their own memories, thoughts and feelings. When she was finished Buffy stood up and brushed herself off, she rummaged in her bag for a moment, pulling out a clip for her hair. Pinning her hair back she removed her shorts and stood in her bathing suit. She turned to the water and took of toward it at a run
"Last one in's a rotten egg" she called over her shoulder as she made her way in. Spike jumped to his feet and followed, closely followed by Willow and Xander. Pike swam right to Buffy and scooped her in his arms when he reached her, kissing her. They were interrupted when they were splashed with water, announcing the arrival of Buffy's friends. Soon they were having and all out water fight. Buffy ducked under the water, swam round behind Spike, and came back to the surface. She tapped him on the shoulder, winking at her friends who tried to suppress their giggles. When he turned around she splashed him right in the face.
"You little... I'm gonna get you for that" he declared, making a grab for her, but she was too quick and swam away from him. He followed after. They swam in circles for a few minutes, and then Spike stopped. He managed to keep a straight face as he made another declaration
"Alright I give, luv, you win"
Buffy smiled triumphantly as she came back to him, he took her by surprise as soon as she was within reach. He grabbed her, picked her up and threw her back into the water a little bit away from him. Willow and Xander watched on laughing, every once in a while continuing their own water fight. Spike began to worry when after a few moments Buffy still hadn't surface. He moved cautiously across the water, he felt something touch his ankle and the next thing he knew he was under the water, Buffy attached to his back. When they surfaced, he spun her round
"You are a mean little girl" he informed her
"Yep, I'm bad" she drawled in a very seductive voice, pulling him into a kiss. When they parted they turned fully intending to restart having fun with the others, but they found them locked in a make out session of their own. So they turned back to one another and resumed theirs.
After a few minutes of that they broke apart, seeing that Willow and Xander were no longer in the water, they could be seen making their way back to where they had been sitting earlier.
"You wanna go back?" Spike asked her, nuzzling his face in her neck
"no"
"ok, let's take a swim" he took her by the hand and paddled a little bit. They didn't talk, they just paddled in the water with their hands clasped. Neither felt the need for words, they only needed to be together. They swam for around fifteen minutes before deciding to go back to shore. They walked hand in hand up the beach, Willow and Xander were playing with a Frisbee, which Spike caught when it went over Willows head. Without drying off, the two lovers joined the game. The rest of the afternoon and early evening passed in fun. They played Frisbee, talked some more and had fun.
It was 7pm and the sun was setting, the two couples were sitting together. The girls were sitting between their boyfriend's legs, watching the sun go down in content silence. Suddenly Willow jumped up and ran to her bag, everyone watched as she pulled a Polaroid camera from her bag and waved it around
"We need one last set of pictures" she announced, rejoining the group "all of us first" she ordered. The four of them huddled together, Willow held the camera out in front of them, the grinned widely as the camera flashed and the picture appeared.
They waited for it to be visible and laughed when the saw how cheesy they all looked. They flashed a few more random shots and Buffy was giggling wholeheartedly
"I think that's enough Wills" she said through her giggles
"Ok" she grumbled
She went over to Xander and the two stood whispering between themselves, spontaneously looking over at their friends. Meanwhile, Buffy and Spike settled on the sand, Buffy in the same position as before, Spike's head buried in the side of her neck
"I'm going to miss you so much" he murmured
"me too" she said softly "but at least we had some time together"
"yeah" he agreed gently "and I'll never forget it. Or you"
"I love you" she told him, looking deeply into his blue eyes
"I love you too" he returned the sentiment, and allowed all of his emotions to show in his voice. They smiled at each other lovingly, and then they saw a flash.
Willow and Xander watched the exchange that was currently taking place between Spike and Buffy. The love between them was laid out for everyone to see. Willow couldn't resist, she looked down at the camera in her hands, smiled, motioned to Xander so he knew what she was doing and moved closer to the couple. She snapped one photo, but they remained oblivious, so she took it again. This time the flash grabbed their attention and the looked up at her startled.
"What are you doing, you almost gave me a heart attack" Buffy exclaimed. Willow couldn't help the laugh that escaped. She held out the photo's towards the now standing couple, who took them from her and smiled at the image looking at them
"I just thought you might like one last photo. Something to remember today by. And how much you both love each other" Willow explained. This caused Buffy's tears to fall again
"I love it. Thanks Will" she said, hugging her friend
"Yeah red, thanks"
"you're welcome" she replied Buffy looked at her watch and looked sad
"Well I guess it's time to go" she announced
"yeah" agreed Xander, and the Willow and lastly Spike. They walked off the beach and got into Spike's car. The distance to Buffy's house was driven in silence.
When everyone emerged from the car, they stood on the sidewalk, not saying a word
"We'll come by in the morning Buff, say goodbye then" Xander finally broke the silence
"Ok" she walked over and hugged him and then Willow
"I'll see you in the morning. Night guys"
"Night" the called as they walked off in the direction of Willow's house. That left Buffy and Spike on their own, Spike could see that Buffy was about to cry again so he reached out and cupped her cheek, stroking his thumb up and down it lovingly
"Don't cry luv" he pleaded "I can't bear to see you cry. I'll be back later, I have something for you. I need to go home and get it. But I'll be back soon" he promised, kissing her on the head
She nodded and looked up into his eyes "hurry back"
"I will, promise" he swore to her as he opened the car door. He got In, started the engine and drove off, leaving her on the sidewalk. She walked numbly back inside.
Joyce saw Buffy come inside and the look in her eyes
"Let's talk" she said to her daughter, leading her into the living room "Buffy" she started as soon as they were both sitting on the couch "I want you to know that I'm doing this because I really don't think things can get any worse than they have been. You and I have hardly spoken in a year. We need a change"
"I don't want a change" Buffy cried "I'm happy here. The reason we haven't spoken is because you got caught up in believing the same thing as everyone else, but you never asked for my side of the story"
"Well, I'm listening now, tell me"
"You think I'm a slut because I slept with Owen. Mom, I know I shouldn't have but I thought he loved me. I was hurt, after the divorce I felt like nobody wanted me, loved me. I wanted to be loved, I needed someone. Riley said he loved me, and I needed it so much that I let myself believe it, and get drawn in and I slept with him. Things got bad and he broke up with me right after and said things about me" she took a deep breath and continued her story
"You let yourself believe the rumour. Te clothes I wear don't make me a slut, I just like them. Sleeping with one guy, one time, doesn't make me a slut either, it just makes me naïve for falling for his game" she finished
"And Spike?" asked her mother
"Is completely different" she told her "Spike, was just a friend. He knew what I was feeling because he had been there. I could talk to him. I talked to Willow but she didn't understand, she couldn't help me get by it. Spike could. Things happen, we got closer, we fell in love. That time you caught us, was the first time. But it felt right. He is completely different from Riley mom, he loves me he really does" she explained, tears rolling down her cheeks, hoping her mother would finally understand where she was coming from.
Joyce looked at her, she felt immense guilt and sympathy. But she wouldn't change her mind. There was one thing she could do though
"I'm sorry Buffy" her mother said, tears now coming to her own eyes "I should have listened to you before" she moved closer and hugged her, trying to show how sincerely sorry she was.
"Spike can stay tonight" she said
Buffy looked at her wide eyed, she was grateful, he would have to sleep on the couch she knew, but at least he would be there. Joyce knew what she was thinking and shook her head
"No Buffy, he doesn't have to sleep on the couch. I may not be happy about you sleeping with him, but you do it anyway, I'll let you have this last night together" she informed her ecstatic daughter. Buffy jumped up and threw her arms around her
"Thank you so much mom, you have no idea how much this means to me" she let her mother go and ran from the room, making sure that her room was as tidy as it was going to be seeing as it was filled with boxes.
An hour later she heard the doorbell and bounded down the stairs, throwing the door open and jumping into her boyfriend's arms before he had a chance to say anything, she covered his face in kisses, finishing with his lips. When she pulled back she gave him a sly smile
"guess who's staying over tonight"
"Willow" he guessed, puzzled by his girlfriend's change in mood and demeanour
"Nope, you" she announced "and you're not sleeping on the couch"
"Um, Buffy your mum"
"her idea" she interrupted
"Well then, can't say I have any complaints" he smirked. She took his hand and pulled him inside. Looking at the clock they saw that it was 10pm
"Mom we're just gonna so straight upstairs" she called, pulling Spike behind her.
They entered Buffy's room and sat on the bed. Spike looked worried about something
"Is something wrong?" Buffy asked
"What? No" he denied
"Spike" she said in a tone that said she knew he was lying
"Ok" he reached into his pocket and produced a small box and held it out to her "I wanted to give you this and I was just worrying over whether you'd like it or not"
Buffy took it from him and smiled "I'll like it" she opened the box and gasped at what was inside. It was a silver locket with a rose engraved on the front. The petals were encrusted with tiny red stones, and the stem with green. She opened it up and smiled at the pictures inside, beginning to cry again. Inside was a picture of the four of them together, one day in a park. Willow, Xander, Buffy and Spike, all wearing big smiles. In the other side was the photo that Willow had taken on the beach earlier that evening.
"I love it, but what about your copy of the photo?" she wondered
"Don't worry about it, I still have it. Willow took an extra photo. Just in case" he let her know this in a soft, soothing and loving voice. "Look at the back" he ordered.
She turned it over and took In the words inscribed in the back "together in our hearts. Always. I love You. S." the tears were falling in a steady stream, she handed it to him so that he could put it on.
When that was done, he brought his lips to hers, the kiss started off slow and gentle, soon becoming more forceful and demanding. She quickly allowed his tongue inside, battling with it for dominance. They lay back on the bed, Spike kissed down the side of her face to her neck, rubbing his up and down her arms. She sat up, and he pulled her shirt over her head, he moved to unclasp her bra. While he did that she pulled his own t- shirt over his head. Kissing down his chest. She brought her hands down to undo his belt, pulling it loose. She stood in front of him and allowed him to lower her jeans, and slipped them off. He then did the same. Soon they were both completely naked and once gain lying back on the bed. Spike was kissing her all over, she urged him to look at her
"Make love to me" she begged, as his kisses began to lower, he lowered his mouth to her mound, but she pulled him back up "No, I just need you now"
He nodded and slid up her body, hovering over her. He positioned himself at her entrance and slid himself in slowly. Buffy shivered in the pleasure of being connected to him. He waited a moment to let her adjust before he started to move, thrusting slowly in and out at a slow, sensual pace. Buffy met every thrust, wrapping her arms around his waist to keep him as close as possible. They kept the same steady pace up until they tumbled over the edge together, each having the others name on their lips. Spike kissed her slowly, pouring his heart and soul into the kiss. Rolling onto his side, he pulled her with him holding her close.
"I love you" he whispered
"I love you too"
Moments later they were both asleep, they woke up the next morning still wrapped in each others arms. She let out a content sigh as she woke, feeling his body next to hers. She was about to smile when it hit her, she was leaving today. In an hour actually so she had to get up. She sat up and reached for her robe. Spike watched her, thinking the same thing she was. This was it. She was leaving. He reached down to pick up his jeans. Swinging his legs over the edge he pulled them on. Instead of going into the bathroom like she usually would, she went over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest. He kissed the top of her head. Revelling in the feel of her, knowing it wouldn't happen again
"You need to get ready luv" he reminded her
"I don't want to" it was barely a whisper but she heard it, and she knew he was right. She pulled out of his embrace and turned to go to the bathroom.
An hour later they were back on the sidewalk. The movers had just left and the car was parked. Willow and Xander were standing beside them. Willow was the first to break down "Buffy, I can't believe you're really going. You're my best friend I don't know what I'll do with out you" she told Buffy, tears streaking her face, as she hugged her friend close
"Me either"
"Buffy it's time to go" Joyce announced.Buffy nodded and looked at her friends and Spike.
"Well I guess this is it" she said
Xander grabbed her into a bear hug "Bye Buff. I'll miss you"
"I'll miss you too Xan" she said Willow came next, hugging her again "Bye Buffy keep I touch, ok?"
"I swear" Buffy promised her
Lastly was Spike, he didn't try to hide his tears, he threw his arms around her, holding her tight and pulling away only slightly to catch her lips in a passionate kiss
"I love you, I always will. God, I'll miss you so much. I don't wanna lose you" he cried
"I love you too. And I will never forget you. I love you so much, but you will always be in my heart" it was a vow from her to him, that a part of her would always belong to him. She kissed him one last time
"Goodbye" she whispered
"Bye, luv" he let her go and watched as she got into the car beside her mother, tears falling continuously. He stood there as the engine started and the car drove off. Willow ran to embrace him in a hug, as the both cried and watched their best friend, and the woman he loved drive out of their lives.
The next three weeks passed too quickly for both of them. The night Joyce had announced the move they had remained on he floor crying and holding each other for others. Clinging to one another and never wanting to let go. After Spike left Buffy went to her room and cried some more. Since that night, they had made a point of seeing each other most days. They kept up the tutoring, but instead of their chats they usually ended back at Spike's apartment. Which was the case on this particular day.
"I can't believe that you're leaving the day after tomorrow" Spike said as he pulled his jeans back on.
Buffy who was already dressed sat down on the bed, looking sad "me either" she said softly
Spike moved over to stand in front of her, taking her chin in his hand she tilted her head up to look at him
"I don't want you to leave. But please remember I love you" a tear rolled down his face as he spoke the words, words which came directly from his heart. A heart that was slowly breaking.
"I love you too" she whispered, feeling the same emotions and shedding identical tears, she put her arms around his waist, trying to hold him as close as she possibly could. She wanted to stay there with him but she had some more packing to do so, she reluctantly let him go.
"You are definitely coming tonight, aren't you?" she asked
"I wouldn't miss it for the world" he told her, stroking her hair.
Buffy had managed to get her mother to agree to Willow, Xander and Spike stay over. They had the whole night, and all day tomorrow planned to spend together. However Joyce would be in the house, and Xander and Spike were to sleep downstairs. But at least he'd be there. He walked with her to the door, kissing her as he opened it
"I'll see you later" he promised
"See you soon" she said as she left.
Buffy walked to her house with tears streaming down her face. She knew that she would at least get to spend some more time with him, but it was all becoming too real, she was leaving and she was going to lose him. She walked in the front door, and went like a zombie to her room. She mechanically went through the motions of packing up the last of her things. She looked at the boxes that covered her room, her life, the life she had found in Sunnydale, all in boxes. She looked at her bed and found a photo there of herself and Willow, Spike and Xander that they had made a point of taking when they found out she was moving. Lying right beside it, was the only photo of her and Spike. She picked them up, hugged them to her chest. She slid to the floor and cried some more.
She managed to compose her self for everyone arriving at seven. She came down the stairs and checked that her face was alright, straightened her clothes, and plastered a fake smile on her face before throwing the door open. All three of the people she loved most were standing there, when they came in they stood in silence in the hall, until Willow said something
"Stop smiling, you're leaving and none of us are happy" the face slid from Buffy's face and fresh tears replaced it, Willow soon followed and the two grabbed each other in a tight hug. The two boys tried to hide their emotions, acting like they were ok, but seeing their counterparts so upset they allowed the façade to drop, Spike let his own tears fall, and so did Xander and the joined the hug. Joyce stood at the top of the stairs and watched the four young people, but she was still determined. The four must have stood like that for ten minutes, no- one ever saying a word, just allowing themselves to feel how they did. When they all felt like they had cried their last tear for now they broke apart. Spike wrapped an arm around Buffy, Xander the same to Willow, and they went into the living room.
"So, what do you guys want to do tonight?" Buffy asked the small group
"Movies?" suggested Xander
"Truth or Dare" Said Willow
"Make out" Spike said with a smirk. This made everyone feel a bit better and they all laughed a bit
"I know" said Willow "why don't we just make it like an old fashioned sleepover. Tell ghost stories, just talk, Have one last night of fun" The group all nodded their agreement
"I think that's a great idea" Buffy agreed "come on Wills we'll get changed in my room. Boys you can get dressed in Dawn's room, she's out tonight" Buffy instructed everyone.
Fifteen minutes later everyone was changed into their night clothes and sitting around on the living room floor.
"So what are we going to start with Buff?" Xander asked
"Truth or Dare" she announced
Spike groaned he hated this game, but it was all for Buffy so he would endure it. He would do anything she wanted.
"Ok luv, who's gonna start?" he inquired
"I will" she decided "Spike, truth or dare?"
"Dare" he replied straight away
"Ok, I dare you to kiss me right now"
"Ok" he agreed, leaning over to her, capturing her lips in a soft kiss, it was quite long kiss too
"Um guys, we're still here" Willow pointed out
The two blondes pulled apart wearing identical smiles and loving looks
"Ok" spike said "Willow truth or dare?"
"uh" Willow saw the sly look in Spike's eye and decided to take the easy way out "truth"
"Ok, have you and Xander done the deed yet" there was a naughty twinkle in his eye, Willow and Xander wore identical blushes, and Buffy had her head buried in a pillow trying not to laugh at the looks on their faces
"of course" she squeaked, Spike gave her a look and she looked away "ok, no" she squeaked. Spike squeezed her shoulder
"Don't worry Red, no need to be embarrassed" he reassured. Willow smile gratefully, while Xander seemed like he wanted the ground to open up and swallow him. That wasn't going to happen so he decided to take his revenge instead
"Ok Buff, truth or dare?" he asked
"truth" Buffy thought that the boy would not be able to embarrass her too much if she took this option, she was wrong
"How big is Spike?"
Buffy didn't seem to get the question, in fact she thought it was lame "5 foot 10" she answered
Xander laughed "No Buff, I meant downstairs" Spike's eyes widened to comical proportions, while Xander and Willow shared an evil smile. Buffy looked even more than her friend had before
"It's just" Xander went on "I head Harm talking a while back about some college guy she laid, and he was apparently very small. Just wondered if it was the same person"
Spike looked like he could kill, he was completely mortified, just as his girlfriend was
"he's big" she answered trying to avoid giving a straight answer
"How big?" Xander prodded
She looked at Spike for help, he looked sympathetic and embarrassed
"about 9inches or so. I don't know I didn't measure it"
Spike was beet red by now, he normally wasn't bothered by this sort of thing but it wasn't really something he wanted to discuss with Xander
"I don't know" Xander said shaking his head "I think we need proof"
That was enough for Spike, he was fed up with the teasing. He didn't feel shy any more, just like the bad ass most people thought of him as so he stood up and made sure the door was closed
"You want proof, I'll give you proof" with that he pulled down the sweat pants he was wearing. Willow stared wide eyed at his groin, Xander was open mouth and Buffy was looking very horny.
"Ok enough proof" Xander said, Spike didn't move
"Honey pull up your pants" she ordered
"Why? He wanted to see it"
"yeah" she concurred "but if you don't I'm gonna jump you right here and I don't think my mom or friends would appreciate that"
Spike got a certain look in his eye, he pulled up the pants and curled his tongue behind his teeth
"I don't mind" he stated. Buffy threw a pillow at him as he sat back down, the other two still hadn't said a word.
"Back to the game" Willow eventually suggested.
The rest of the night carried on in a similar fashion, joking and having fun. They talked about everything that they had been through together since she had come to Sunnydale, the good times and the bad. There were laughs and more tears. But more importantly an even stronger bond was formed, it became that night that no matter what these four people would always be friends, always care for each other. Nobody slept in Buffy's room that night. They started watching a movie about 1am, Buffy and Spike curled up on the couch, Willow and Xander on the same position on the floor. And they were all in the same positions when they woke at 9am the next morning.
By eleven they were all sitting on the beach. They were spending the day much as they had spent the previous night, just talking and having fun. They had a throw away barbeque. They lit that up at noon, sitting on blankets on a quiet bit of the beach, Xander stood at the barbeque flipping burgers
"How does everyone want their burgers?" he called
"cooked" the others replied in unison, laughing. Xander grinned over at them. Buffy was sitting between Spike's legs, Willow lying on her stomach in front of them.
"So, Buff, I hate talking about this but I guess we don't have a choice" she sighed "is everything sorted for starting school and all on Monday?"
"Yeah" Buffy said, returning Willow's sigh "First thing Monday morning I am once more a member of Hemery High School"
"Well, at least you'll have friends there" willow observed
"No I won't. None of those people were my friends. They stopped talking to me after the divorce and I didn't have my father's money anymore" she told them
Just then Xander came over holding a tray of hamburgers
"Here you go" he said as he came over "nice warm, cooked burgers"
Everyone got up to get their food and then they sat down in a circle to eat
"So Buff, all done with the packing?" Xander questioned
"Yeah, all done" she told them "but you know what guys, let's not talk about this ok"
"Ok, baby" Spike said "whatever you want"
"Thank you" she whispered
"Buffy, do you remember that first parent teacher night you went to?"
"Oh my god Wills, of course I do" she cried "my mom went total psycho on me because I was failing and basically being the bad- ass I was at the time. And then that gang broke into the school" she stared the story and waited for someone else to continue
"yeah and principal Snyder ran away, and your mom hit one of them over the head with a fire extinguisher" Will0ow laughed
Spike listened to the story in amusement
"that was cool" Xander chimed in
"Yeah but Buffy was the best, the leader grabbed her. She bit him and then kicked him in the balls. I swear he screamed like a girl" Willow continued By now, they were all laughing, but it was bittersweet
"We had some good times together, some good memories" she observed, a sad smile on her lips
"Yeah, we did" Xander agreed, Willow only nodding her agreement for fear she would cry again. Spike squeezed Buffy tight, showing how much he cared.
The rest of the meal was finished in comfortable silence, each of them lost in their own memories, thoughts and feelings. When she was finished Buffy stood up and brushed herself off, she rummaged in her bag for a moment, pulling out a clip for her hair. Pinning her hair back she removed her shorts and stood in her bathing suit. She turned to the water and took of toward it at a run
"Last one in's a rotten egg" she called over her shoulder as she made her way in. Spike jumped to his feet and followed, closely followed by Willow and Xander. Pike swam right to Buffy and scooped her in his arms when he reached her, kissing her. They were interrupted when they were splashed with water, announcing the arrival of Buffy's friends. Soon they were having and all out water fight. Buffy ducked under the water, swam round behind Spike, and came back to the surface. She tapped him on the shoulder, winking at her friends who tried to suppress their giggles. When he turned around she splashed him right in the face.
"You little... I'm gonna get you for that" he declared, making a grab for her, but she was too quick and swam away from him. He followed after. They swam in circles for a few minutes, and then Spike stopped. He managed to keep a straight face as he made another declaration
"Alright I give, luv, you win"
Buffy smiled triumphantly as she came back to him, he took her by surprise as soon as she was within reach. He grabbed her, picked her up and threw her back into the water a little bit away from him. Willow and Xander watched on laughing, every once in a while continuing their own water fight. Spike began to worry when after a few moments Buffy still hadn't surface. He moved cautiously across the water, he felt something touch his ankle and the next thing he knew he was under the water, Buffy attached to his back. When they surfaced, he spun her round
"You are a mean little girl" he informed her
"Yep, I'm bad" she drawled in a very seductive voice, pulling him into a kiss. When they parted they turned fully intending to restart having fun with the others, but they found them locked in a make out session of their own. So they turned back to one another and resumed theirs.
After a few minutes of that they broke apart, seeing that Willow and Xander were no longer in the water, they could be seen making their way back to where they had been sitting earlier.
"You wanna go back?" Spike asked her, nuzzling his face in her neck
"no"
"ok, let's take a swim" he took her by the hand and paddled a little bit. They didn't talk, they just paddled in the water with their hands clasped. Neither felt the need for words, they only needed to be together. They swam for around fifteen minutes before deciding to go back to shore. They walked hand in hand up the beach, Willow and Xander were playing with a Frisbee, which Spike caught when it went over Willows head. Without drying off, the two lovers joined the game. The rest of the afternoon and early evening passed in fun. They played Frisbee, talked some more and had fun.
It was 7pm and the sun was setting, the two couples were sitting together. The girls were sitting between their boyfriend's legs, watching the sun go down in content silence. Suddenly Willow jumped up and ran to her bag, everyone watched as she pulled a Polaroid camera from her bag and waved it around
"We need one last set of pictures" she announced, rejoining the group "all of us first" she ordered. The four of them huddled together, Willow held the camera out in front of them, the grinned widely as the camera flashed and the picture appeared.
They waited for it to be visible and laughed when the saw how cheesy they all looked. They flashed a few more random shots and Buffy was giggling wholeheartedly
"I think that's enough Wills" she said through her giggles
"Ok" she grumbled
She went over to Xander and the two stood whispering between themselves, spontaneously looking over at their friends. Meanwhile, Buffy and Spike settled on the sand, Buffy in the same position as before, Spike's head buried in the side of her neck
"I'm going to miss you so much" he murmured
"me too" she said softly "but at least we had some time together"
"yeah" he agreed gently "and I'll never forget it. Or you"
"I love you" she told him, looking deeply into his blue eyes
"I love you too" he returned the sentiment, and allowed all of his emotions to show in his voice. They smiled at each other lovingly, and then they saw a flash.
Willow and Xander watched the exchange that was currently taking place between Spike and Buffy. The love between them was laid out for everyone to see. Willow couldn't resist, she looked down at the camera in her hands, smiled, motioned to Xander so he knew what she was doing and moved closer to the couple. She snapped one photo, but they remained oblivious, so she took it again. This time the flash grabbed their attention and the looked up at her startled.
"What are you doing, you almost gave me a heart attack" Buffy exclaimed. Willow couldn't help the laugh that escaped. She held out the photo's towards the now standing couple, who took them from her and smiled at the image looking at them
"I just thought you might like one last photo. Something to remember today by. And how much you both love each other" Willow explained. This caused Buffy's tears to fall again
"I love it. Thanks Will" she said, hugging her friend
"Yeah red, thanks"
"you're welcome" she replied Buffy looked at her watch and looked sad
"Well I guess it's time to go" she announced
"yeah" agreed Xander, and the Willow and lastly Spike. They walked off the beach and got into Spike's car. The distance to Buffy's house was driven in silence.
When everyone emerged from the car, they stood on the sidewalk, not saying a word
"We'll come by in the morning Buff, say goodbye then" Xander finally broke the silence
"Ok" she walked over and hugged him and then Willow
"I'll see you in the morning. Night guys"
"Night" the called as they walked off in the direction of Willow's house. That left Buffy and Spike on their own, Spike could see that Buffy was about to cry again so he reached out and cupped her cheek, stroking his thumb up and down it lovingly
"Don't cry luv" he pleaded "I can't bear to see you cry. I'll be back later, I have something for you. I need to go home and get it. But I'll be back soon" he promised, kissing her on the head
She nodded and looked up into his eyes "hurry back"
"I will, promise" he swore to her as he opened the car door. He got In, started the engine and drove off, leaving her on the sidewalk. She walked numbly back inside.
Joyce saw Buffy come inside and the look in her eyes
"Let's talk" she said to her daughter, leading her into the living room "Buffy" she started as soon as they were both sitting on the couch "I want you to know that I'm doing this because I really don't think things can get any worse than they have been. You and I have hardly spoken in a year. We need a change"
"I don't want a change" Buffy cried "I'm happy here. The reason we haven't spoken is because you got caught up in believing the same thing as everyone else, but you never asked for my side of the story"
"Well, I'm listening now, tell me"
"You think I'm a slut because I slept with Owen. Mom, I know I shouldn't have but I thought he loved me. I was hurt, after the divorce I felt like nobody wanted me, loved me. I wanted to be loved, I needed someone. Riley said he loved me, and I needed it so much that I let myself believe it, and get drawn in and I slept with him. Things got bad and he broke up with me right after and said things about me" she took a deep breath and continued her story
"You let yourself believe the rumour. Te clothes I wear don't make me a slut, I just like them. Sleeping with one guy, one time, doesn't make me a slut either, it just makes me naïve for falling for his game" she finished
"And Spike?" asked her mother
"Is completely different" she told her "Spike, was just a friend. He knew what I was feeling because he had been there. I could talk to him. I talked to Willow but she didn't understand, she couldn't help me get by it. Spike could. Things happen, we got closer, we fell in love. That time you caught us, was the first time. But it felt right. He is completely different from Riley mom, he loves me he really does" she explained, tears rolling down her cheeks, hoping her mother would finally understand where she was coming from.
Joyce looked at her, she felt immense guilt and sympathy. But she wouldn't change her mind. There was one thing she could do though
"I'm sorry Buffy" her mother said, tears now coming to her own eyes "I should have listened to you before" she moved closer and hugged her, trying to show how sincerely sorry she was.
"Spike can stay tonight" she said
Buffy looked at her wide eyed, she was grateful, he would have to sleep on the couch she knew, but at least he would be there. Joyce knew what she was thinking and shook her head
"No Buffy, he doesn't have to sleep on the couch. I may not be happy about you sleeping with him, but you do it anyway, I'll let you have this last night together" she informed her ecstatic daughter. Buffy jumped up and threw her arms around her
"Thank you so much mom, you have no idea how much this means to me" she let her mother go and ran from the room, making sure that her room was as tidy as it was going to be seeing as it was filled with boxes.
An hour later she heard the doorbell and bounded down the stairs, throwing the door open and jumping into her boyfriend's arms before he had a chance to say anything, she covered his face in kisses, finishing with his lips. When she pulled back she gave him a sly smile
"guess who's staying over tonight"
"Willow" he guessed, puzzled by his girlfriend's change in mood and demeanour
"Nope, you" she announced "and you're not sleeping on the couch"
"Um, Buffy your mum"
"her idea" she interrupted
"Well then, can't say I have any complaints" he smirked. She took his hand and pulled him inside. Looking at the clock they saw that it was 10pm
"Mom we're just gonna so straight upstairs" she called, pulling Spike behind her.
They entered Buffy's room and sat on the bed. Spike looked worried about something
"Is something wrong?" Buffy asked
"What? No" he denied
"Spike" she said in a tone that said she knew he was lying
"Ok" he reached into his pocket and produced a small box and held it out to her "I wanted to give you this and I was just worrying over whether you'd like it or not"
Buffy took it from him and smiled "I'll like it" she opened the box and gasped at what was inside. It was a silver locket with a rose engraved on the front. The petals were encrusted with tiny red stones, and the stem with green. She opened it up and smiled at the pictures inside, beginning to cry again. Inside was a picture of the four of them together, one day in a park. Willow, Xander, Buffy and Spike, all wearing big smiles. In the other side was the photo that Willow had taken on the beach earlier that evening.
"I love it, but what about your copy of the photo?" she wondered
"Don't worry about it, I still have it. Willow took an extra photo. Just in case" he let her know this in a soft, soothing and loving voice. "Look at the back" he ordered.
She turned it over and took In the words inscribed in the back "together in our hearts. Always. I love You. S." the tears were falling in a steady stream, she handed it to him so that he could put it on.
When that was done, he brought his lips to hers, the kiss started off slow and gentle, soon becoming more forceful and demanding. She quickly allowed his tongue inside, battling with it for dominance. They lay back on the bed, Spike kissed down the side of her face to her neck, rubbing his up and down her arms. She sat up, and he pulled her shirt over her head, he moved to unclasp her bra. While he did that she pulled his own t- shirt over his head. Kissing down his chest. She brought her hands down to undo his belt, pulling it loose. She stood in front of him and allowed him to lower her jeans, and slipped them off. He then did the same. Soon they were both completely naked and once gain lying back on the bed. Spike was kissing her all over, she urged him to look at her
"Make love to me" she begged, as his kisses began to lower, he lowered his mouth to her mound, but she pulled him back up "No, I just need you now"
He nodded and slid up her body, hovering over her. He positioned himself at her entrance and slid himself in slowly. Buffy shivered in the pleasure of being connected to him. He waited a moment to let her adjust before he started to move, thrusting slowly in and out at a slow, sensual pace. Buffy met every thrust, wrapping her arms around his waist to keep him as close as possible. They kept the same steady pace up until they tumbled over the edge together, each having the others name on their lips. Spike kissed her slowly, pouring his heart and soul into the kiss. Rolling onto his side, he pulled her with him holding her close.
"I love you" he whispered
"I love you too"
Moments later they were both asleep, they woke up the next morning still wrapped in each others arms. She let out a content sigh as she woke, feeling his body next to hers. She was about to smile when it hit her, she was leaving today. In an hour actually so she had to get up. She sat up and reached for her robe. Spike watched her, thinking the same thing she was. This was it. She was leaving. He reached down to pick up his jeans. Swinging his legs over the edge he pulled them on. Instead of going into the bathroom like she usually would, she went over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest. He kissed the top of her head. Revelling in the feel of her, knowing it wouldn't happen again
"You need to get ready luv" he reminded her
"I don't want to" it was barely a whisper but she heard it, and she knew he was right. She pulled out of his embrace and turned to go to the bathroom.
An hour later they were back on the sidewalk. The movers had just left and the car was parked. Willow and Xander were standing beside them. Willow was the first to break down "Buffy, I can't believe you're really going. You're my best friend I don't know what I'll do with out you" she told Buffy, tears streaking her face, as she hugged her friend close
"Me either"
"Buffy it's time to go" Joyce announced.Buffy nodded and looked at her friends and Spike.
"Well I guess this is it" she said
Xander grabbed her into a bear hug "Bye Buff. I'll miss you"
"I'll miss you too Xan" she said Willow came next, hugging her again "Bye Buffy keep I touch, ok?"
"I swear" Buffy promised her
Lastly was Spike, he didn't try to hide his tears, he threw his arms around her, holding her tight and pulling away only slightly to catch her lips in a passionate kiss
"I love you, I always will. God, I'll miss you so much. I don't wanna lose you" he cried
"I love you too. And I will never forget you. I love you so much, but you will always be in my heart" it was a vow from her to him, that a part of her would always belong to him. She kissed him one last time
"Goodbye" she whispered
"Bye, luv" he let her go and watched as she got into the car beside her mother, tears falling continuously. He stood there as the engine started and the car drove off. Willow ran to embrace him in a hug, as the both cried and watched their best friend, and the woman he loved drive out of their lives.