DISCLAIMER: Whedon's characters, any recognizable dialogue, and the canon events of their storyline are not mine.

CHAPTER 5

extra time on the clock

He lifted her into his arms, carried her across the threshold of her bedroom, and sat her down on the edge of the bed. On the nightstand, there was a wind-up alarm clock that seemed to work in spite of the wibbly-wobbly time thing they were experiencing. She set the alarm to go off 20 minutes before they had to be back on the stairs for her return trip to the future.

As she leaned over to place the clock on her nightstand, he knelt before her. She ran her fingers through his hair as he kissed her and leaned her back on the bed. She hungrily tugged his shirt off and tossed it onto the chair, where he would be able to find it easily. He kicked off his boots before he returned to his knees to slowly remove her shoes and then her clothing, dropping each item in a pile near the foot of the bed.

A low growl escaped his throat as he began to 'show' her. Although the primary purpose of his actions was to bring her pleasure, he derived pleasure from listening to her whimper and watching her writhe. He tried to memorize every sensory aspect of their time together.

"I really did miss you this past year," Buffy said as she wrapped her legs around him and pulled him closer her.

"You sure it's not this … uh, quality time with me that you have missed?"

"Well, that too. But no, it's really just being with you that I miss. Sappy and pathetic, I know. I think it's called love."

"Nice to hear you finally admit your feelings, pet, but let me see if I can fry a few brain cells and make you completely non-verbal. Though, I must say that screaming is not only permitted, but encouraged."

Indulgently, they took their time exploring one another with their lips and their hands. For Spike, it was discovery of as-yet-uncharted territory fueled by burning curiosity, as well as a hunger he had not dared to dream would ever be sated. For Buffy, it was both an act of contrition and coitus – physical expression of her penance and her passion. They took delight in one another – in being together in the fullest sense. Utterly joined and inextricably linked, they simultaneously found their sweet release. As a look of pure joy spread across Spike's chiseled features, Buffy knew that she would not find true happiness apart from this love they shared.

They only had a few minutes to hold one another before the ringing of the alarm broke through the silence – a reminder that their time together was ticking away. Buffy climbed off the bed; Spike followed behind her, placing his hands on her hips. They stood, her back to his front, as he kissed her neck and shoulders. A few moments later, Buffy turned to face him. Both of them groaned, knowing they needed to get moving, but wanting nothing more than to stay precisely where they were, as they were.

After they had gotten dressed, they went downstairs to the living room. Buffy added some last-minute thoughts to the recording, "Tell them to be smart with money – or I'll have to drop out of college and work at the Doublemeat Palace when I come back. Please, please tell them to pay attention to bills and other expenses. Tara and Willow move in here – so that Dawn can stay. Maybe suggest that Giles help out looking after the money stuff." With sudden last-minute clarity, her mind found information she had missed: "Oh, three other quick things: #1 Tell Giles to get Willow training and mentorship before her involvement with magic becomes a dark addiction. Just after my return might be a good opportunity. He should be open to the idea then. #2 Xander and Anya get engaged, on their wedding day an old man comes and tries to convince Xander that he shouldn't marry Anya. It's all a lie. Tell him not to fall for it. The guy's angry with her from her vengeance demon days. Not sure how you'll convince him – maybe tell him you had a dream or vision, or give the info to Tara and have her tell him."

"What happened? He believed the guy and left Anya at the altar?"

"Yeah and lots of painful ugly ensued as a result. #3 Warren teams up with Jonathan and Andrew, continuing to cause problems, but one in particular might be avoidable. Shortly after Xander and Anya's wedding day, Warren comes to the house with a gun to kill me. He only succeeded in wounding me, but one bullet went through a window and killed Tara. Now, there are so many things that led to that moment that could be changed by what I'm telling you and what you do with it. It's possible that in your new timeline Warren won't shoot us. But that situation triggers a relapse for Willow – she goes really vengeful. I'm talking extreme dark and scary. Xander has to talk her back from the brink of destroying the world."

"And when should I expect those events, luv?"

"Xander and Anya's wedding day is less than a year from now. The shooting is a couple months after that – just after you left to get your soul." Scanning her brain to see if there was anything else she should add. "Well, I guess that's all I have time for – I tried to cover as much as I could. I wish they'd given me some time to prepare. I hope it's enough." Taking a quick glance at the countdown clock, "Almost time for me to go."

Buffy labeled the cassette "For: Spike" before putting it and the tape recorder away in the desk drawer. Then, she reminded him to retrieve it later that night after the battle and not to share information with the others.

They sat down in the middle of the stairs. He had one arm around her, with the other hand he pushed her hair back away from her face.

Buffy felt the need to use all the time she had been given. "Just remember, in the long run, you can't go wrong by showing me your heart, your tender side – the way you cared about my Mom and the way you care for Dawn. I love that you're both tender and strong, romantic and wild, a poet and a warrior, a team player and a rebel, a supportive partner and a worthy opponent. A little bit high-brow and a little bit rock and roll. You're all that I want and everything I need."

"Wow, wish that part was on the tape. Earlier today, I could scarcely dare to dream for a crumb."

"I came a long way to make sure that you succeed – that we succeed." She gave him a brief kiss.

"So this has all been a pep talk, then?"

"No, here's the pep talk:

'From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother …'"

"When did you study Shakespeare, pet? Never you mind. Truth be told, I prefer the … uh, 'conjugal visit' over the pep talk any day – even if it is the St. Crispin's Day speech."

She laughed and continued, "Well, if future … um, 'visits' are something you'd like more of, then I'll add:

'He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named.'"

Gazing into her eyes, he could feel the time slipping away as if he were watching the last grains of sand fall through an hourglass. He stole a glance at the clock – mere seconds remaining. "You'll be seeing me soon, darling." He rubbed his thumb from her forehead to her temple, then over her cheekbone and jaw – tracing her features, wanting to memorize this moment and the loving look in her eyes.

"No matter what happens, please remember … I love you, William."

Then, he saw it – the change in her expression. He touched her head again and asked, "Are you alright now, Buffy?"

A/N:

Thanks again for reading! Until next time ...