Chapter 7

Spike fidgeted nervously as he sat in his car. Buffy had told him that no one would be home at seven when he was to pick her up. If somebody did show up, they would wonder why Spike was there… If they found out that they were going on a date… He didn't want to think about it.

He went out and felt the evening surround him, just as he was about to light a cigarette; she came out through the front door.

He almost fainted. She was dressed in a simple white dress that clung to her small waist and ended up in an 'a-shaped' skirt. He caught himself wondering what it would look like if she twirled. Her golden hair shone in the dim light from her hallway. She smiled sweetly at him.

'He seems different.' She thought, and let her eyes look him over. He wore a pair of black jeans. A new pair, she noticed. He also had a black shirt, and underneath that a midnight-blue t-shirt. His peroxide blond hair was slicked back as usual and Buffy frowned at that.

"Hello, beautiful." Spike greeted her as she came towards the car.

"…Hi," she answered him, still a frown on her face.

Spike raised his eyebrows. "What's wrong, luv?"

Buffy smiled at him, and lifted her hand to his hair, and tousled it. Spike shivered at her touch. When she was satisfied with the result she let her hand linger on his cheek and their eyes met. He put his hand over hers and whispered quietly;

"I love you, Buffy…"

She smiled a little and answered him. "I know…"

He reluctantly removed his hand from hers, and she lowered it.

"Milady," he said, "your carriage awaits you." He smiled and held up the door for her.

She smiled. "Why, thank you, Milord."


Dawn came home to find a note on the kitchen island.

Hi mum, and Dawnie!

I'm out, and I might come home a bit late, so don't wait up!

XOXO /Buffy

"Mum!" She called out into the hallway.

"Yes, honey?" Joyce came in through the front door, carrying a pizza box.

"Buffy's out, looks like it's only the two of us tonight!" She smiled at her mum.

"Great! We will have lots of fun, Dawnie, I really missed you."

She hugged her daughter.

"I missed you too mum and it's not like Buffy didn't spend the whole day with you, even though she haven't healed…" Joyce just smiled at her.

"Come on, Dawnie; let's pig out on some pizza."


Spike looked at Buffy who seemed to be very interested in her nails.

"How are you, Buffy?"

She looked up from her hands. "Oh, I'm just peachy…"

He frowned a little. "Are you sure?"

She nodded in response.

"He…" Spike took a deep breath "…He hasn't done anything to you, has he?"

Buffy shook her head. "I haven't met him since yesterday…"

Spike smiled slightly. "Good."

He drove into an alley and stopped the car. "We're here, luv."

He opened her door and offered his arm to her. He saw her look of insecurity. "Come on, luv… I won't bite…"

She smiled slightly and took his arm. They walked up to a worn-out door with a sign that said. "Amor Vincit Omnia".

Spike opened the door and Buffy almost gasped at the beautiful restaurant. It was no lights, except for a huge chandelier that hung from the ceiling in the middle of the room and several candles that were placed on every table around the room. A female pianist played soft music in the right corner and next to her was a small dance floor.

A waiter came up to Spike. "Welcome to Amor Vincit Omnia. Have you made reservations?"

"Yes, we have." Spike answered, and Buffy noticed that his accent had gone softer, he almost sounded like Giles.

Buffy giggled and Spike turned to look at her with raised eyebrows.

The waiter said something but Spike had lost himself in Buffy's sparkling eyes.

The waiter coughed delicately and Spike managed to look away from Buffy. "May I ask for your name, Sir?"

"Yes, certainly. It's William Brown."

"Thank you," the waiter said. He scanned a list of names and apparently found 'Mr.Brown' on it, because he said. "Ah, yes. Right this way, Mr.Brown."

The waiter led them into a dimly lit corner, with perfect view over the whole restaurant. He wished them a pleasant evening, and went to fetch their menus. Spike held out Buffy's chair and she carefully sat down.

Spike sat down just opposite her and studied her face.

"How's the ribs, luv?"

Buffy smiled slightly. "Not healed yet… But I'm getting there."

"I'm glad," he said "I have something…" But he was interrupted by the waiter who came with their menus.

After placing their orders and getting their drinks; Spike held out his hand.

"Would you like to dance, Buffy?"

Buffy lifted her gaze towards him and smiled. "I'd love to."

As Spike led Buffy to the dance floor, he could swear that he was dreaming. He took her small hand in his and put his other hand on her waist. Buffy gingerly put her hand on his shoulder, and he smiled at her.

"Spike… I…" Buffy whispered something that not even Spike's vampire hearing could pick up.

"What's that, luv?" He drew her a bit closer and he felt her put her head on his chest. He swore he could almost hear his heart beating.

She closed her eyes and inhaled his scent deeply. He almost smelled like autumn leaves. Gone were the smoke, and the bourbon. Here was William, in all his glory. And Buffy enjoyed every single moment.

She smiled into his chest. "Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for loving me…"

Spike could feel his eyes tear up with joy. Never in his un-life could he imagine that he would touch such a golden goddess; and here she was. Thanking him for loving her. He pressed a chaste kiss on her forehead.

"'S my pleasure, Buffy…"

A/N Yay! Spuffy! For you who don't know; Amor Vincit Omnia is Latin and means Love Conquers All. And I think it does. I will post next chapter as soon as possible!