Disclaimer: I only own Buffy's family, excluding Joyce. "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" obviously isn't mine either.
Previously: Buffy went shopping early, leaving Spike on his own. Buffy found presents for Willow, Anya, Xander, Tara, Giles and her mom at the mall but she also met a mysterious book store owner named Jenny--while purchasing a collection of poetry books for Spike. Meanwhile, Spike has discovered Grandpa Jack knows about him being a vampire and asked him to help surprise Buffy...
(---)
Buffy's arms were getting very tired. She'd been holding up these stupid tree lights for four hours. Her aunts and mother were having a hard time trying to wind the lights around the tree. Ever heard of 'too many chefs in the kitchen'? Well this was 'too many decorators around the tree'. Joyce seemed to know what to do but Judy and Joan had other ideas--and all Buffy could do was roll her eyes and hold those freakin lights.
"Fine, Joyce why don't you put them up," Judy suggested, "I'm going to make some popcorn." She walked into the kitchen. Buffy watched her go and could only think of Spike--and the popcorn he'd set out for them to make garlands. She smiled sadly. Spike had done all that for her--and then her stupid father had to go and ruin it all.
She thought about kissing Spike. She was really out of it the previous night when she'd first kissed him--and yeah, she'd kissed him before. But that was because of Willow's stupid spell. She'd never even considered anything with Spike since--actually it had mostly been an avoid now-talk later kinda thing. If Spike brought that up at all she was going to stake him. No matter how much she liked him.
"Buffy, why don't you and Denise start on the popcorn garlands for the tree?" Joyce suggested, stringing the lights quickly. The Slayer nodded and followed Aunt Judy into the kitchen.
There--sitting on a stool--was none other than Spike himself. The bleached vampire smiled softly at her before swiftly turning back to the box of candy canes he was opening. He was having a bit of trouble with it--Buffy rolled her eyes before snatching the box away and opening it for him.
"Thanks, pet," Spike said quietly. He started pulling the red-and-white- twisted candies out of their cardboard holders and stacking them on the opposite side of the counter.
"Ow! Oh, crap!" Judy pulled the steaming bag of popcorn out of the microwave and nearly dropped it because of the heat stinging her fingers. Buffy hurried over, grabbed the bag by its ends and tossing it onto the counter.
"Thanks darling," Judy said. Buffy nodded. When she turned back to Spike, Denise was sitting next to him.
"Hi," she started coyly.
"Hello," Spike replied awkwardly.
"I'm Denise--Jim's girlfriend," the brunette stuck her hand out to the vamp. Instead of taking it, he simply nodded, before turning his attentions to Buffy.
"Denise and I are going to be making popcorn garlands. Mom and the aunts are putting up the ornaments," Buffy explained.
"It has been chaos in there. Joan and Joyce never could get anything done together," Judy agreed as she was carefully pouring the popcorn into a large brown bowl.
"You and Mom weren't exactly agreeing either," Buffy teased, poking her aunt in the back.
"Well, sweetie, your mom and I have a history of agreeing that's longer than that of Joan and Joyce. Trust me!" Judy replied, laughing slightly.
"You ever stayed with the Summers'?" Denise purred in Spike's ear.
"Not the whole clan but Buffy's offered a room every once in a while. Why?" Spike turned to the annoying woman.
"I was just thinking," she trailed a manicured finger down Spike's arm, "we could help each other--you know--during the family things. Things we shouldn't be getting involved in...between Buffy and Jim."
"Stay out of? Why the hell would I want to stay out of an argument?" Spike asked incredulously.
"Huh?" Buffy and Judy had stopped their teasing to look at Spike and Denise. Denise was looking sheepish while Spike had focused on Buffy again.
"Nothing, Pet," Spike assured her, he stood up with the candy canes in his arms, "I've got to bring these down to the general. Bloody bat's actually making me do work!"
"Well, the basement should look spectacular, then," Buffy taunted. Spike turned and scowled at her before closing the basement door behind him.
"He's sweet," Judy said as they brought the popcorn into the living room.
"Yeah," Buffy agreed, "Funny how two months--weeks--ago, I wouldn't have said the same thing."
"Things change," Judy sighed.
"They certainly do," Buffy whispered sitting on the couch.
(--)
Spike trotted down the steps--careful not to drop a sugary/minty treat from the pile. Grandpa Jack was stringing lights--which they'd nicked from the ones Hank, Rob and Jim were putting up outside--along the tiny shelf of concrete where the wood siding began. They gave the place a creepy--yet beautiful--glow. Buffy will love it, Spike thought as he tucked the peppermints into the garlands so they hung down.
"They look good," Jack said when Spike's pile of candies had diminished, "nothing like a bit of artificial lighting for the vampire and some tasty snacks for his date."
Spike turned, "she's not a date," he said defensively.
"Kid," Jack sat down on the cot, "come sit. We're gonna talk." Spike did as he was told and seated himself next to the elderly man, "I've known a lot of men in my years--and you've probably known a lot more--but I've never met anyone with a heart as big as yours. Yes, you're un-beating, cold, dead heart. And of all those men--you're the only one whom I see fit to take care of my granddaughter--whether you believe it or not."
"Sir, I don't know if I--."
"Spike, we both know how special Buffy is. And from what I've heard about these Angel and Riley characters--they left Buffy because of her Slayer status. Which is why the irony of this situation strikes my in a particular curious spot--I know--as does Buffy--that you are a perfect match for her. Not only in strength and agility but in the ability to love someone and take care of that someone."
Spike sat very still. There was no point interrupting. He was bound to get shushed. This old man was telling him that he was in love with the Slayer. And he--Spike--was her grandfather's best choice for her happiness. Not to mention, he said they were matched in strength. There're a couple of points for the ego.
"I don't suppose that's why you're helping me with this little project, is it?" Spike asked.
"Don't be stupid. You asked for my help--and while at first I was doing it for Buffy--so I'm helping you. End of story."
"So, I love the Slayer. One hell of a mess my un-life's become!" Spike lay his head in his hands so Jack got up and started to leave but spike stopped him, "Please don't tell Buffy? I want to."
"Sure thing, kid," Jack said nodding. He started to go again but turned of his accord, "You know, I don't think I've ever been that profound in my life," he headed to the stairs, "must be the food."
Spike shook his head and watched the old man walk away. Food indeed, he thought as his stomach rumbled. He hadn't had any blood in some time. And while human food was good--it didn't nourish him like blood did. He stood up and walked over to the tiny fridge where his meals were kept.
He had just enough to get him through the next three days--and then Rupert would be back and Spike would continue his previous living arrangements. Arrangements with the Watcher... Not Buffy. Spike felt very discontented with that thought. He'd only get to see Buffy when she came over for a meeting. And they wouldn't get a little time alone either. And then when school started back up he'd get to see her less and less. She'd probably even start back up with Captain Cardboard.
The blonde vamp flopped onto the floor, blood bag in hand--he'd have it cold--in complete and fierce anger. He slipped into game face and tore at the bag viciously with his sharp teeth--ripping a large hole in the plastic and pouring dark, sticky liquid down his front.
He cursed silently before standing again and moving to his bag of clothes. Screw it, he thought simply taking off his shirt and not bothering to put another one on. He sipped what was left of the blood before tossing the package into the trashcan Jack had brought down before.
"Spike?" Buffy slipped through the door and moved quietly down the stairs. He scent hit him full on. And it was a very enticing scent. She was aroused- -too say the least.
"What's up Slayer?" Spike asked, he could only think of one thing at the moment.
"I believe we were in the middle of something--when we were so rudely interrupted," Buffy said seductively.
"Your mum let you get away while there's still popcorn to be strung?" Spike asked coldly.
Buffy stopped at his harsh tone. She had no idea what was wrong. It seemed like he had wanted her before. What changed?
"At least you weren't outside burning your skin off," Buffy replied, trying to change the subject, "by the way, this place looks great."
"Yeah, Gramps saw to the lights factor. Still surprised he hasn't freaked out yet," Spike said.
"Freaked out about what?" Buffy turned to him, confusion radiating from her pores.
"The Slayer/Vampire thing. He knows," Spike answered causally, shrugging his shoulders.
"He--he knows?" Buffy stammered, "When did he? Did you tell him?"
"Yeah, right! Like I want your entire family knowing I'm a bloodsucker!"
"Then how did he find out?" She pointed at him menacingly.
"He's not stupid. Sussed you out right quick. Only needed to find the blood to do the same for me."
"HE FOUND THE BLOOD!" Buff screeched. She slammed the vampire up against the wall again, jostling his decorations.
"Hey, pet, watch the adornments! It forever to put those up!"
"News flash, Spike! A few ruined garlands is soo not the big problem!"
"Relax Buffy. He won't tell anyone. He swore."
"It's one hell of a secret!" Buffy pulled away from him, but Spike pulled her back.
"He's not gonna breathe a word. Besides he knows my girl would be very mad," Spike stroked her jaw again.
"Your girl, huh?" Buffy joked softly.
"Yup, my girl," Spike replied, leaning in.
"If you don't hurry up my dad's gonna interrupt again," Buffy whispered. Spike's lips were almost on hers.
"Dinner's not for a few hours," Spike smiled into the kiss. Their first non- spell or exhaustion induced kiss. And it was beautiful.
Spike could taste the liquid velvet that was Buffy Summers and he couldn't get enough. His hand--which had been stroking her jaw--moved to the back of her neck--holding her in place.
She opened her mouth just enough to allow him entrance. And in slipped the tongue. He was gentle--as if not wanting her to scurry away--but firm-- especially in the below-the-belt region. Buffy smiled at the thought.
"Spike," she sighed.
"Yeah," he pulled away, leaning his forehead against hers.
"The place really does look amazing," she smiled again, meeting his lips again. It was still gentle and soft--neither wanting to rush this--whatever is was--until they knew what the hell it was!
(--)
From the top of the stairs stood one very pissed off young man. Kevin glared at his cousin making out with the stupid blonde guy. He had always felt the rubbed him the wrong way--no wonder--he was a freakin vampire.
Talk about interesting eavesdropping material. Grandpa Jack knew something about Buffy and this new guy was a bloodsucker from beyond the grave--one hell of a Christmas party--.
Kevin smiled, despite the show before him--or rather because of it--as some nice blackmailing possibilities came to mind. Buffy would be on her crazy freak hands and knees, begging him not to tell anyone about her new boyfriend's slight problem.
"It's going to be a very merry Christmas," Kevin said under his breath. Suddenly, Spike pulled away from Buffy and looked around. Kevin moved into the shadows before closing the door behind him.
"Who's there?" Spike asked.
"Just me," Kevin came from his hiding spot, "Aunt Joyce says to come up and help with the tree ornaments. She bought a new one for Spike that she wants him to put up."
"Thanks Kev," Buffy said. She grabbed Spike's hand and pulled him up the stairs and past the young boy. Kevin scowled before following.
(--)
"Good, Spike came too," Joyce clapped her hands together when the three came up from the basement.
"Well, Kevin said you had a new ornament for Spike to put up," Buffy replied.
"Brand new. Grandma Anne picked it up while she was out today," Joyce turned to her mother and took the package wrapped in brown paper from her lap. She handed it to Spike and smiled, "Consider this your very first Summers Christmas present."
"You shouldn't have," Spike said as he was scraping at the paper.
"Oh, but they did," Buffy teased latching onto his arm in a very possessive fashion.
Inside the generic paper was a small box. Spike gently opened the bow top-- afraid to break anything inside--there--nestled in all the paper shavings-- was a tiny wood hanger, complete with a miniscule black leather coat, which had an even smaller red and green bow glued on the lapel.
"That's got to be the most adorable thing I have ever seen!" Buffy squealed, holding out a finger to touch it with her nail.
"I saw it and thought of him," Grandma Anne said smiling at Spike.
"Thank you," the vamp said sincerely.
Kevin snorted from the corner--where he was sulking--and in return received death-looks from Buffy and Joyce accompanied by a smack upside the head from his mother.
Spike turned to the now-decorated tree and debated where he should put the new ornament. Buffy took it from him and hung it near an ice-skating polar bear. Spike glanced at her, confused.
"Next to mine," she whispered. He nodded and snaked an arm around her waist as she leaned her head onto his shoulder.
From behind them, the three sisters stood. They looked at each other, then at Buffy and Spike, and then back at each other again and nodded. Yup, they were definitely falling in love.
"How about we start dinner? It is almost five," Joan suggested.
"Why not? The turkey should take about an hour to cook anyway," Joyce and her two sisters left Buffy and Spike alone--dragging Kevin out by the ear-- followed by Grandma Anne's own departure.
"Good Christmas?" Buffy asked.
"Best Christmas," Spike replied.
"You know it's not over yet," Buffy added.
"I had a sneaking suspicion," Spike answered sarcastically.
"All in all, it hasn't been a bad weekend," Buffy said moving herself and Spike to the couch.
"Nope. I'd say it went rather well," Spike agreed.
"Now, we just have to make it two more days," Buffy continued, making Spike frown, "and then you're free to go on home." Spike thanked whatever gods were watching out for him that Buffy wasn't looking up at him--because when she said this Spike could control the single tear that ran down his cheek at the thought of leaving her side ever again. And yet, she seemed so okay with him leaving--and that probably hurt him even more.
Well, she did look up, he plastered a smile on his face--it was sad but in dimming light she couldn't tell--and hugged her closer to him. She closed her eyes and sighed softly, snuggling closer to him. He would hold as long as he could because soon she would be lost to him.
(--)
Another two hours later found the entire family--including Spike and Denise- -sitting in the living room surrounding the tree and Grandpa Jack. The elderly man was sitting in a large arm chair by the tree, Erin and Jackie on his knees--Sarah and Celia were sitting at his feet--with the time- honored classic of the Summers' Christmas Eves--A Night Before Christmas lay open in his lap.
On the couch sat Joyce snuggled up with Buffy. Spike was sitting on the opposite side of the room on the floor with the kids. Joan stood behind Rob, who was sitting in a dinning room chair, with her hand on his shoulder. Judy and Hank were cuddled on floor. While Jim and Denise held each other from behind Jack. Grandma Anne sat next to Buffy on couch, watching her husband.
"'Twas the night before Christmas,
And all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring,
Not even a mouse..." Grandpa Jack began...
"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there
The children were nestled all snug in their wee little beds
While visions of sugar plums danced in the wee little heads
And Mama in her 'kerchief and I in my cap
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
That I sprang from by bed to see what was the matter
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters, threw up the sash..."
The children 'ooh-ed' and 'ah-ed' at this point...and it was all Buffy could do to keep from laughing. Instead, she glanced at Spike, who was smiling broadly and watching the small girls. He looked up and locked eyes with hers. He smiled brightly and she returned the smile merrily before reverting her attention back to the story.
"The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Gave the luster of midday to objects below,
And what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer
With a little old driver so lively and quick
I knew in an instant it must be Saint Nick... "
My God, Spike thought as he smiled at Buffy, I love her! I fell in love with the bloody Slayer! I fell in love with her and I can't even figure out when...well, maybe I can...it was the minute before I asked her granddad to help me surprise her...and again the minute I realized I was gonna loose her...
"More rapid than eagles his coursers they came
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name...
Can you say them with me?"
"On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen,
On Comet, on Cupid, on Donder and Blizten..." the group recited.
"To the top of the porch
To the top of the wall
Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!
As dry leaves that before the hurricane fly
They meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew
With a sleigh-full of toys and St. Nicholas too..."
Buffy looked at Spike once more--he was smiling and laughing and she knew in an instant...I love him...I can't believe I'm thinking it...but I really do love him...I love how he swears loathing towards kids but has as much fun with them as anyone I know...I love how he makes me feel...I love how when he actually smiles, the world around us falls away...I love how he kisses me...and holds me...and surprises me...and I think Mom knew before me! She was helping with the surprise and everything and she said Spike needed me...
"And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof
As I drew in my hand and was turning around
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back
And he looked like a peddler just opening his sack
His eyes -- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly..."
Joyce watched her daughter's continuous observation of the chipped vampire sitting on the floor. And she knew it was just as she assumed. The pair had fallen in love. No wonder! What with spending most of their time together and all...
"He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
'Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!'" Grandpa Jack finished the story and closed the book. With the story over the girls were beginning to drift off into dreamland. Images of Christmas morning floated through their minds...
Buffy smiled. She herself was getting sleepy too. Probably all the epiphany stuff she'd just experienced. You know, realizing she was in love with Spike and all.
"Why don't we all hit the sack?" Jim suggested, "I know I'm dead. Those lights were real bitch."
"Yes, yelling at us from your very low and comfortable position on the ground must've been very tiring," Rob mocked. The others laughed.
"I think I'm going go down stairs anyway. This guy's tired. You coming, Pet?" Spike got to his feet and held out his hand for. She accepted and pulled her off the couch. She kissed everyone in the room before following the vampire down into the basement.
"You know you're not getting any tonight, right?" Buffy asked as he pulled back the new blankets.
"Wasn't expecting any, Pet, unless you had other ideas?" Spike pulled off his shirt and slipped under the covers. Buffy shook her head and climbed in next to him.
"Night Spike," Buffy sighed quietly, curling into his shoulder.
"G'night, Pet," Spike replied. He closed his eyes and leaned his cheek against the top of her head.