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

CHAPTER 6

fine now, thanks, & final wish

Future-Buffy has left and the 2001 timeline begins moving again

"What happened? I'd swear that I was just standing up there and you were talking … wait, these aren't the clothes I had on." She eyed him wearily.

Spike began to tell her the lie that he and future-Buffy had worked out a few minutes ago to explain her change of attire and their closeness to one another. "I was doing a bit of speech-making and then you went to get changed. When you were coming back down, you lost your balance and seemed to blackout for a bit. I ran up the stairs to make sure you didn't fall. You seem to be doing better now."

"Yeah, I feel fine. I just have no memory of the past several minutes."

"What's the last thing you remember?" Spike asked as he helped her to her feet and guided her down the stairs.

"You were getting weapons, but took a moment to do some … what did you just call it … 'speech-making'?" She could not quite reconcile her vague visual memories with the indescribable physical sensations she was having. This moment felt strangely intimate, though she was not sure why.

"Yes, about that …"

"Spike, we really should get going, but since one or both of us could die tonight – or the world could end – I should thank you for … hmm, I'm not sure how to say it. At some point along the way, especially during my Mom's illness and after her death, and then you enduring torture at the hands of Glory in order to protect Dawn … Well, I'm – I don't know – we're not exactly friends, but we're not enemies and I trust you to protect my sister. What was it you said – you know that you're a monster. You are. But when you were a man, you must have been a gentleman, because sometimes, you can be incredibly decent and honorable. Anyway. Thank you." For some reason feeling the urge to touch him, she reached out and put a hand on his arm. As their eyes met, her body felt like it was melting, tingling, and humming all at the same time.

Spike swallowed hard and said bravely (and perhaps, stupidly), "Since we're heading into battle, could you possibly find it in your heart to grant an undead guy a final wish?"

They were still practically nose-to-nose as she asked, "What would that be?"

His eyes glanced down at her lips as he replied, "A kiss for luck?"

Buffy laughed, "I know I'm the Slayer, but you don't really believe that a kiss from me will have any effect on your ability to fight or on the outcome of the battle, do you?"

He tilted his head and decided against saying anything in reply. Instead, he looked down at his feet, which seemed glued to the floor. Just as he was about to say that they should get going, Buffy's lips brushed against his. They remained mere inches apart as he searched her eyes for permission. As the words "I'm not sure why I just did that" escaped from her lips, he kissed her – not the way he had kissed future-Buffy a short while ago, but it was more than he would have thought possible earlier in the day. This Buffy – in his present – was letting him kiss her. And was kissing him back. No other part of their bodies made contact, and yet it was as intimate as the coupling he and future-Buffy had shared earlier.

As soon as the connection between their lips was broken, Spike took a step back, saying, "Definitely a kiss for luck – 'cause I feel like the luckiest bloke in the world right now." Opening the door for her, he bowed slightly as he gestured toward the doorway.

Walking down the front steps together, Buffy said, "Yeah, so … time to get focusy." Her tone becoming even more serious, "And, uh, that ... what just happened ... make no assumptions. But I guess if we survive tonight, we'll have to talk about it."

"Plenty of time for that later, luv," he said softly. Then, changing his demeanor and his tone, "Right now, let's go be heroes."

If the result of tonight's battle was the same as what future-Buffy had told him, he would have five months to think about that conversation.

The woman he loved would probably die tonight, but aside from that, this was one of the best days of his existence. And even though they were heading into battle, for just a few moments more, he would allow a spring in his step.

Because now he knew: she loved him.

A/N:

Currently deciding if I will write out the three years until the day in 2004 when Buffy time traveled. In other words, the events that happen between "Chap 7" and "Chap 8" - and would be posted as Chap 9 and following.

Again, much gratitude to you for reading, reviews, follows, etc! So glad that you're enjoying it.