Chapter Fifteen

The day was filled with laughter of Christmas's past and watching the new year's pathetic Christmas specials. That night, while Joyce and Giles were sitting by the fire talking, Buffy and Spike were sitting on their own beds, thinking about whether or not each other's gifts had an alternative purpose.

Does this mean she likes me? I mean, a leather coat, in and of itself, is expensive, but a full body one…

He gave me a heart necklace. Does that mean he loves me? I mean, you don't usually give jewelry to a girl unless you're really good friends or dating, let alone a heart necklace.

Maybe our relationship is going to a new level. Well, I guess it's starting a level. Did she think about this and brush it off or give me it because she wants to start the level?

If he doesn't really care about me, then he shows it in a very non-obvious way. Buffy was looking in the mirror and playing with the necklace. She turned abruptly when her door opened. Spike was on the other side.

"Oh sorry." He gritted his teeth, thinking he should've known better. "I should've knocked, sorry." He started pulling the door shut.

"No, it's okay," Buffy intervened. Spike stopped and looked back at her. "I'm just sitting here."

Spike entered her room and shut the door quietly. "Oh."

"So, what do you think of our Christmas tradition? Eating a big breakfast, dinner at three and then Christmas specials."

"It's nice. Me and my Dad pretty much did the same thing, but it's better having more people to share it with."

"Even me?" Buffy asked with a smirk.

"Yes, even you," he said kindly.

Is that him saying he likes me? "Uh, thanks again for the necklace. It's really beautiful."

"Thanks for the jacket. How'd you know I wanted one?"

"I didn't. I just saw it and it screamed you." Spike wondered how she knew him so well. "Not to mention there was a great sale. But don't worry, it's pure leather. Promise," Buffy assured. "I got it from a store that doesn't even allow it's customers to come in wearing fake leather." Her hand unknowingly lingered up to her necklace. She was wrapping around her fingers. "Uh, why'd you get me the necklace?"

"It looked like something you'd wear," Spike said, gesturing to the necklace.

"Oh, all right. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't any hidden meaning or anything." They sat there in awkward silence, neither sure what to say or do. "Is this weird?"

"Extremely."

"Thought so." Buffy got up from her seat and stood in front of him. "It's just… when did us getting along happen? We were fighting one day and then…not. I think you started it."

"The fighting? Oh no. You were the one that opened the door to me and my dad and said 'Oh great. Mom, my ball and chain's here. I guess we voted he come and demolish my life.'"

"No, not the fighting," Buffy said, her memory replaying the first day she saw him. It was exactly like he said. "The nice stuff. I mean, you were the one that said I didn't deserve you and then it just went from there."

"I guess it did. But, I want to get along because it'll make marriage less awful."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Right. Forgot about that… Somehow. I know why I'm going through with this but… why're you?"

"My Dad. It's just, when my mom left, he wasn't in the best shape. So, knowing I would be able to make his sadness go away… I couldn't help but say yes."

Buffy bit her lower lip and sat down on the edge of her bed. "What happened to your mom?"

"She died. From heart failure."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." He sat down next to her, leaning forward with his hands folded together. "What about your dad? Where's he?"

"I was one of the many children whose lives was tainted by divorce. He's still in LA." She held her head low. "He cheated on her."

"Is that why you're not in LA with him."

"Sorta. And the fact that me and my mom get along better. I couldn't not be with her." Tears slowly formed in the corners of her eyes.

Spike placed his hand under her chin and lifted her face up to meet his gaze. A few tears had already rolled down her cheek. "Buffy… I don't think it's Christmas spirit."

She took a small breath. "Me neither." She looked from his eyes to his mouth.

Spike moved in slowly, and realized she was doing the same. Their lips finally met. They started with a soft gentle kiss, just to get used to the new territory. Then they moved into exploring the other's mouth with their tongue.

After a couple minutes of kissing, they stopped. Their breath was a little uneasy. "Well, that was different," Spike said, licking his lips.

"Yeah." Buffy moved a tad further away from him.

"But good?" he asked, his interpretation worried due to her reaction.

"Yes, good. Just… weird."

"Well, I'm gonna go to my room then." He stood up.

"Good idea."

"Great." He opened her door and shut it.

Buffy placed her hands over her face and leaned back on her bed.

Author's Note: Guess I did make it before New Year's. Happy New Year and please enjoy. And review. I like reviews. 