Truths of the Heart Series, Part Seven: Unchained Melody
Author: Batdz Angel (0/)
Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer or any of its characters. They are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. This is just a way to honor them. And the song belongs to Yellowcard.
Rating: PG-13
Pairings: Spuffy. Mentions of Tara/Willow and Anya/Xander.
Summary: Sometimes, you don't know what you need until your heart tells you. A songfic series for the lovely couple of Spuffy.
Season: Alternate Season Five ending/Season Six.
Author's Note: Sixth chapter. Review please!
Buffy smiled in thanks as Spike handed a diet Coke to her. Taking a sip, she said, "Are you doing okay?"
The Cockney vamp smiled warmly at her and said, "M'fine love. S'time I was out and about anyway. Can't be scared about people, can I?"
She nodded as she studied him from the corner of her eye. Since he'd recovered his speech a week ago and his ability to be around crowds, Spike had been happier. She fingered the chain around her finger that held Spike's skull ring. He had immediately reacted at the sight of the jewelry, his blue eyes widening in recognition before he said her name. It had started a speedy recovery and now he sat with her in the Bronze, listening to a variety of performers.
Dawn was dancing with Tara, waving happily at the two blondes. Spike grinned back at her as Buffy waved, and the youngest Summers squealed happily as she spun around, long brown hair flying behind her.
"So," Spike said casually. "Talked to Peaches?"
"No," Buffy said. "I haven't."
"What about Red and the Boy?"
"No," she repeated. "It's done with Spike. Until they can all learn to accept that I don't need them to make choices for me, I don't have anything to say."
He nodded and sipped his beer as a familiar young woman took the stage. She waved and said, "Hello again Sunnydale! I was here about six months ago but I'll introduce myself again. The name's Gwen and I'm just up here to sing a few songs for you all!"
Cheers erupted and Dawn came back to the table, Tara trailing behind. She sat down with a cheerful expression and said, "I like how she sings..." as Spike and Buffy both glanced at each other before looking away. Spike fidgeted with his drink while Buffy stared up at the ceiling.
The Slayer chewed on her lip as Gwen said, "So, come on ladies and men. Grab your honey or the one you want to be your honey, and dance."
Taking a deep breath, Buffy turned and said, "Spike?"
"Yeah?" He turned to look at her with brilliant blue eyes. Buffy felt her insides melt at the beauty of those eyes and she blinked as she realized she had been staring. She swallowed and said, "Would you like to dance? With me?" not noticing Xander and Willow coming up behind them.
Spike's eyes warmed. "I'd love to Slayer," he said before holding out his hand. Buffy's face lit up happily and she slid her hand into his before leading him out onto the dance floor. She turned to face him and blinked as he bowed slightly, grinning up at her. Shaking her head, she said, "Spike..."
"A gentlemen," he said. "Always bows to a lady."
Taking her hand, he pulled her close as Gwen began to sing...
"Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch..."
Buffy slid her fingers into Spike's hair, closing her eyes as she placed her head onto his chest. Spike tightened his arms around the Slayer as they swayed to the music, both of them content with their position. His hands stroked the Slayer's back lazily in soothing waves as they moved.
Buffy thought about how, six months ago, she had been so scared to let this man into her heart. But now, she didn't want him to ever, ever leave.
Spike thought about his battle for sanity and how it had all been broke by a mere object. A mere silver ring that had been given under a spell and kept by a young girl...
"Why did you keep it?" he asked her suddenly, startling her. "The ring."
Buffy blinked for a few seconds before answering.
"It was the only engagement ring I'd ever gotten."
"A long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly ..."
"And even though," she added softly. "It was a spell I couldn't throw it away. I still wanted to keep it as a reminder."
"For what?" Spike teased. "To not let Red do anything magical?"
Buffy laughed. "No," she said swatting his chest. "To remember that even though the spell said for us to get married, it didn't say we had to be in love." She lowered her eyes. "I wanted to think that maybe you felt that way then but..."
"I did," he admitted. "Deep down, I suspect. Wasn't ready to admit it though. Not till later when I could get through all of my issues."
"Well," she smiled up at him, hazel eyes warm. "I'm glad you did." She leaned up and brushed her mouth against his lightly before resuming her position. Spike smiled and propped his chin on her head as they danced.
"And time can do so much
Are you still mine?"
As they danced, he let his mind wander. Back in time to when he had first met Drusilla. When he had been turned.
He had his wish. He had his love.
His effulgent, glowing girl.
He wondered if Dru had known. If she had been able to see.
He suspected she had.
"I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Buffy inhaled Spike's scent as she closed her eyes. Smoke and leather, two scents she had never considered comforting but now...
They had been sleeping in the same room since he'd come home. It wasn't about a vampire and a slayer anymore; it was simply a man and a woman getting to know each other better.
Before that next step was taken.
She remembered sitting with Tara and discussing her relationship with Spike. She remembered confessing how Angelus' betrayal had hurt her and how Spike's devotion had scared her.
She opened her eyes and looked up at him, studying him.
"Lonely rivers flow
to the sea to the sea
To the open arms of the sea..."
"What?" Spike said uncomfortably.
Buffy smiled, a bright, shining smile that took his breath away.
"I love you," she whispered.
"Lonely rivers sigh
Wait for me
Wait for me ..."
He stared at her for a moment before saying, "What?"
"I love you," she repeated tracing his face with her fingers. She went traced those gorgeous cheekbones, the full mouth, and said, "I love you Spike. William." She smiled. "And I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Buffy," he managed stunned.
"I'll be coming home
Wait for me ..."
"Although," she added with an impish twinkle in her eye. "I do expect a better ring than this skull ring. Something classy, with diamonds."
He gaped at her before letting out a laugh. "Diamonds," he promised. "And whatever your heart desires kitten."
"Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch..."
She grinned and leaned her head against his chest again as she closed her eyes. Spike closed his own as happiness welled inside of him and thought that he was the luckiest vampire ever made...
As the song began to wind down, the pair looked back up at each other, blue meeting hazel. Spike bent his head and kissed Buffy, his tongue sweeping into hers with ease. She sighed against him, her hands tightening in his hair as she let herself open up...
You have much love to give, the First Slayer's words echoed in her head. Death is your Gift.
Yes, she thought, it brought me Spike.
"A long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly..."
Meanwhile, Dawn watched her sister and Spike dance, tears brimming in her blue eyes. She smiled to herself as she thought about the eventual wedding, how Buffy would radiant in white, and closed her eyes.
She's happy now Mom, the Key thought. I hope you know that wherever you are.
"And time can do so much
Are you still mine?"
Tara gasped at the beauty of their souls, how the colors entwined with one another. Smiling, she leaned back and let the glow of true love wash over her.
She knew then that nothing would tear them apart.
"I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me..."
As the song ended, the two pulled away and Spike murmured, "Let's go home love."
"Wherever you are is home," Buffy replied as she kissed him again. "You're my heart."
"And you're my soul," he returned with a kiss to her nose.
And I could say that they lived Happily Ever After. But there were fights of course, and battles. Apocalypses abound. Moments of unhappiness, of discontent. They worked through them, despite the odds. Despite Angel becoming human and his expectation Buffy would leave Spike to be with him. Despite Willow's fall into black magic and trying to tear them apart by erasing Spike's memories of the Slayer. But those are tales for another time.
I can tell you that the wedding occurred. And Buffy was indeed radiant in white and Dawn was the maid of honor and Tara the best woman. And they lived together until Buffy's body finally gave out on her. Spike, lost without his Slayer, lived for only two more decades before sitting on her grave and allowing the sun to scatter his ashes.
And in heaven, their souls were reunited, despite their hearts having never been apart. After all, true love never really dies, does it?
End