Chapter 9
Buffy had the grace to look ashamed. "You-you managed to get home, though…" she whispered, not looking at him.
"I did, with a ride from a good Samaritan who took pity on a broken vampire. I couldn't see out of one eye for days, Slayer, not to mention the several broken ribs that made moving not very comfortable at all," he replied bitterly.
She nodded. "I'm sorry. It's the truth, Spike."
He softened, taking in her bowed head, slumped shoulders, and the smell of unshed tears. "I believe you, pet, but know this: I won't be your punching bag again. I have no problem sparring with you, but I will not take a beating just because you don't like what I have to say. Angelus did enough of that when I was a fledge. Loving you doesn't mean the rule's changed."
"I won't! Looking back, I can't even believe that was me…I…I know Tara says I didn't come back wrong, but why would I be so different after…after being pulled out? I never would have attacked you like that before…I'm sorry, Spike. All I've done since Willow ripped me out of heaven is cause damage to everything around me…everyone," she quietly sobbed.
He hadn't meant to make her cry…never could stand her tears. Spike slid his chair closer and wrapped an arm around her slim shoulders. "Now, now, luv…please don't cry. What matters is what you're doing now, eh? Dawn's seen you change…"
"Really? We're getting along better, but…" she said doubtfully.
"Really. Scout's honor."
"You were never a Boy Scout, Spike," she retorted, leaning on his shoulder.
"True enough, but the Bit talks…a lot…and she sees that you're trying. That's all she ever wanted you to do, Slayer. You never had to be the perfect mum."
"I'm starting to figure that out," she said, sniffling. Spike pulled some napkins out of the dispenser and handed them to her. "I'm kind of amazed you still want to talk to me."
"Well, you can be a right bitch, but you're still my Slayer. And I love you," he replied honestly.
"I bet there are times you wished you didn't."
"A few. But that's normal, right? I'm sure you've wished it of your mother or Dawn a time or two," Spike teased, trying to lighten the mood.
She grinned a little. "Yeah, a couple." Buffy straightened up, now that she had composed herself. Spike scooted his chair part of the way back to its original spot. "We're good now, though?" she asked hopefully.
"I've had worse company," he said with a smirk. She scowled playfully and slapped him on the shoulder.
"Jerk."
"Careful, Slayer, you're slipping. One such as me might find that close to being a compliment," he teased.
She laughed, surprising him, and Spike set out to make her laugh over and over again. They ended up on a game of "guess who the people are" until the coffee bar announced it was closing.
"Oh, my gosh – it's 10 o'clock already?!" Buffy exclaimed.
"Time flies when you're having fun?" he suggested.
"Yeah, it does. I should head home. Dawn's all by herself tonight."
"Alright. It was good seeing you again, luv. Maybe we'll have to do this again sometime…"
"We will," she affirmed, as they walked out.
They walked at a casual pace, enjoying each other's company and not talking much. When it came time for Spike to veer off towards home, he was loath to leave her presence. Buffy had given him the greatest gift by just being herself around him tonight. If he died tomorrow, it would be his fondest memory to take into the afterlife.
"Well, this is my stop…" he stated.
She looked up to see that he was right, and Restfield was off that other way. Buffy considered him for a moment, then tucked her tiny hand under his arm.
"Walk me home?" she requested.
Spike's face broke into a big grin. "I'd be delighted."
And he truly was, when she kissed him on the cheek before darting into 1630.
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Buffy got up for work and Dawn was up for school. They both stopped, surprised, in the doorway to the kitchen, Buffy bumping into the back of her little sister.
"Hey, guys," Tara greeted them shyly. "You want pancakes?"
Dawn immediately grinned. "Sure!" She plopped onto a bar stool at the kitchen island.
Buffy was slower to come in, trying to hide her smirk at seeing Tara in Willow's bathrobe. "I take it you had a good date?" she asked innocently.
Tara grinned wickedly at the Slayer, before dropping her gaze to the pancakes again. She might be the quiet sort, but Tara didn't blush easily. "It was alright," she said happily.
Dawn squealed, unable to contain her excitement. "You guys are back together? That's so cool!"
Buffy got out the syrup and butter and set them on the counter, then poured milk for Dawn and orange juice for herself.
"How was your night, Buffy?" the Wicca asked. Buffy froze like a deer caught in headlights.
"It was good…I didn't stay out late since I have the early shift," she replied, her voice sounding odd.
"She had a coffee date with Spike," Dawn announced.
"Dawn!"
"It's alright, Buffy. I saw you two walk up out the window last night. It was nice to see you not fighting," Tara said pointedly.
The Slayer cleared her throat. "It was, um, nice not to fight," she croaked. She gulped down some juice. "And it was just coffee…"
"With Spike. Come on, Buffy! It's not like we don't know you guys have something. So, what'd you talk about?" Dawn persisted.
"Stuff," her sister answered with a glare. Dawn pouted.
"Well, I think it's good you can be friends. Spike obviously cares, and he could have left last summer, but he didn't. He's a good choice to have on your side, Buffy," Tara declared, placing the first stack of pancakes on the island. Buffy smiled gratefully for the support.
"Now, if she could just admit she's in love with him," Dawn added between bites.
Buffy choked on her first bite of pancake and sputtered, Tara coming around to pat her on the back. They both looked at Dawn.
"What?" she responded, oblivious.
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Willow had traced the camera feeds to the Trio's lair by the time Buffy got back from work. She took the address and went out as soon as she'd changed clothes. The Slayer knocked on the front door.
"Is Warren here?" she asked the woman that answered.
"I'm not sure. I haven't seen him today. You could try the basement," his mother replied. "It's good to see he has a female friend!" she added, before shutting the door.
Buffy's face twisted in disgust at the thought as she moved around the house to the basement door. She kicked it in and stomped down the stairs, hoping to scare them. "Oh, Warren? Jonathan?" Getting to the bottom, she discovered it was empty and pouted. "Well, an empty lair means paper stealing for Buffy."
She stepped into the center of the room, though, there was a buzzing noise, and giant saw blades came spinning at her. The Slayer ducked under one blade, then dove between two others, grabbed a stack of papers at random, and ran out before the entire basement was destroyed. "Crap! It nicked my leather jacket! Those nerds are gonna pay!"
Buffy came in the house and dumped the stack on the kitchen counter.
"Any luck?" Willow asked.
She shrugged. "I grabbed what I could before I was sliced-and-diced Slayer."
"Booby trap," Willow said to Tara.
"Yup," Buffy added. "I hope you can make heads or tails of that stuff. It was all pretty much over my head. I'm gonna go take a shower and wash the DMP off."
Tara and Willow resumed their cuddling and kissing, before taking the info upstairs to work on later.
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The witches had found a data CD amongst the stuff Buffy grabbed. Willow found blueprints and schematics for armored cars, and a schedule for pick-ups and deliveries.
"Buffy?" she called.
"What have ya got, Wills?"
"They're going to rob an armored truck tonight, actually several nights. The routes and schedules for the whole month are on that disc."
"Well, all I need is a location, and this ends tonight. I've had more than enough of their annoying intrusions on my life," the Slayer declared.
That evening, Buffy set out to intercept the Trio at their chosen point to hold up the truck. She'd thought about asking Spike along, but he couldn't do anything against humans, so he'd probably just end up frustrated. They'd celebrate the nerds' capture later at The Bronze. Buffy found the truck overturned and the Trio taking bags out of the back.
"Gee, am I interrupting?" she quipped, before moving in on Warren. The other two backed off to stand under an overhang.
"Actually, I was hoping you'd show up," Warren sneered.
"Good, then the feeling's mutual," she retorted, right before punching him in the jaw. Buffy stood slack-jawed as he just turned his head back to her and grinned. 'Not possible,' she thought, and delivered a spin kick.
Warren went flying, but popped right back up and delivered his own punch, making the Slayer back step as he followed blow after blow with another.
"You show her, fearless leader!" Andrew cheered.
"Shut up, you moron!" Jonathan snapped. Seeing the Slayer toss Warren away again, he jumped on her back, pretending to attack and whispered, "The Orbs of Nezzla'khan! Smash the pouch on his belt!"
Buffy shrugged him off without hurting him and went after Warren again. He hit her right between the eyes, dazing the Slayer.
"How's it feel to not be the strongest fighter, Slayer? No little girl will ever best me!"
He punched her hard in the gut, knocking her to the ground and loomed over her.
"Say goodnight, Slayer!"
"Not so fast," Buffy growled, ripping the pouch from his belt and smashing the orbs on the pavement.
"NOOOOO! You bitch!" Warren screamed. "This isn't over, Slayer!" Tossing off his jacket, he triggered his jet-pack and flew off. Buffy looked up in disbelief, before turning to the other two.
"Warren, wait for me!" Andrew cried, shrugging off his own jacket.
"You were just going to leave me with this? Where's my jet-pack?" Jonathan asked disgustedly. Betrayal tasted bitter, that's for sure.
"Losers don't get one," Andrew said haughtily, and pressed the button to activate the rocket, only to fly head first into the overhead awning and knock himself out.
Jonathan held his hands up in the air as the police arrived.
Buffy did her best 'blonde happening to walk by a robbery' impression for the police, then pulled a quick patrol before heading home. She massaged her sore back as she climbed the porch steps.
"Rough night?" Spike asked, stubbing out his cigarette.
"Yes and no. 2 of the Trio are in jail. Warren escaped, with a jet-pack, no less. I wrenched my back getting knocked into a tombstone on patrol afterwards." She unlocked the door and held it open for him.
Spike gestured she should go first, then closed the door behind them. "I could work on that, if you like." He held up his hands in innocence. "No ulterior motives. You just look like you're in pain."
She looked at him, considering, before she replied. "I'm going to take a bath first. If it still hurts then, you can help, okay?"
"As you wish, Slayer. It's your house."
Buffy nodded, smiling softly. "You can wait down here, or in my room, if you like. Willow is at Tara's, and Dawn's probably asleep."
He followed her up the stairs to her room, standing in the doorway while she grabbed a t-shirt and sweats. Spike savored the scents wafting strongly from her room, the concentrated essence of Buffy. This was her sanctuary, a place he had never been with her permission. She smiled again and slid past him into the bathroom, closing the door, but not locking it.
'Girl wants to see how far I can be trusted,' Spike surmised. He turned back to the open door of her room and stepped one foot in after the other, slowly, as if he was expecting to be tossed back into the hall at any moment. Reaching the bed, he sighed in relief, and looked around. It was a bit different than when he first snuck in here to steal a memento or two. The only trace of girlishness left was the pink pig sitting on her bed. The vampire sat down on the soft mattress and picked up the pig, sniffing it. He imagined her sleeping peacefully with the pig tucked under her little chin and smiled wistfully. What he wouldn't give just to watch over her while she slept? To be there to chase away bad dreams. She'd never let him when they were sleeping together.
Spike set down the pig and stood, fidgeting around the room, picking up assorted knick-knacks and pictures. He didn't feel like he belonged here, couldn't, without her encouragement. A soft, feminine bedroom was no place for a creature of the undead. He started to leave to go downstairs when he heard the water shut off and Buffy sinking into the water with a blissful sigh. Spike paused to imagine the sight she made – her golden skin turning pink from the heat, the swell of her breasts just rising above the bubbles in the water as she moved around, her satiny legs lifted one after another to be bathed by the sponge. The hairs at the nape of her neck would be curling up from the steam, and her eyes would be closed as the tensions of the day drifted away with her aches and pains. God, he was hard. Months without her had not slaked his desire for her, his golden goddess. His hand hovered over the doorknob as he debated whether to enter.
He could hear her pulse quicken as she sensed him near. Heard her breath catch as she waited for what he would do. Finally, Spike backed away from the door and went downstairs to watch TV. He wasn't going to betray her trust when things were just starting to get good again.
Buffy sat in her bath unsure what to feel. She was glad he had passed the little test, but at the same time, disappointed he hadn't entered. Knowing he had to have been aroused at the thought of her naked with just a door between them, she closed her eyes and let her hand drift south as she imagined giving him what he needed. In mere minutes, she was panting from her orgasm, though it wasn't near strong enough to satisfy her for the night. Buffy figured she should get out before she turned to a prune, dried off, and dressed.
She found Spike watching a late-night talk show on mute.
"How's your back?" he asked, lifting his eyes to her. Bloody hell, she's gorgeous, all flushed…
"Better. A little stiff, but a good night's sleep will cure it."
"I could dig the knots out now, so it doesn't keep you up tonight," he offered.
She nibbled her lip, then caved and sat on the couch. Lifting her tank a little, she indicated where it was sore on her low back, and waited.
Spike rubbed his hands together to warm them with a bit of friction, then slowly spanned Buffy's waist with his fingers. He dug in with his thumbs, on either side of her spine, and Buffy moaned instantly. Feeling the muscles starting to jello, he worked in wider circles, pressing into her back, until the Slayer was bent almost all the way forwards. She was nearly limp as a rag doll.
"Feel good?" he inquired.
"Oh, yeah…I should hire you for doing this after every patrol," she enthused.
He grinned triumphantly. "You could have had this every night if you weren't so stubborn," Spike teasingly reproached."
"Yeah, yeah, hindsight's 20-20. Just keep doing that."
"Yes, ma'am…bossy bint."
"Damn right."
Soon, Spike could tell that she was drifting, and stopped. Buffy sat up, blinking sleepily, and glanced back at him.
"Why'd you stop?"
"Because you were about to fall asleep and end up on the floor. Knowing you, it would have somehow been my fault if you fell over and whacked your noggin on the coffee table," he replied.
"Well, you're fast enough to catch me, so it would have been your fault," she teased back, then yawned. "I guess I should get to bed," she added sheepishly.
"It's alright, luv. You had a busy night. Can't blame you for being spent." Spike stood, then pulled her up by her hand. They casually walked to the door, both not really wanting him to leave.
Spike opened the door and paused to say goodnight. "Come over tomorrow night," Buffy blurted out. "Please?"
"What's tomorrow night?" he asked, amused.
"Dinner?" she posed nervously.
"Like a date?" God, luv, please don't shoot me down now!
"Sorta…maybe? It'll just be take-out, cuz I can't cook, but you already know that, and, well, I had a good time the other night, so maybe we can eat with Dawn and…"
"Buffy. I'll come. Cerberus, himself, couldn't stop me," Spike replied, grinning at her babbling. She was so adorable when she babbled…
"Huh?"
"Three-headed dog that lives in Hell. Enormous, nasty beast."
"Oh. Okay, good…not about the dog, but about you coming, and I'm just gonna shut up now before I…" His mouth placing a fleeting kiss on hers stopped the rambling this time.
"Sorry," he said, looking bashful. "The babbling… it was just so…cute…"
"It's okay," Buffy said breathily. "I don't mind." She ducked her head after that admission, cheeks flushing pink.
Spike took a step closer, tilted up her chin, and placed a longer, but still chaste kiss on her lips. They burned as he pulled away, and she wished for more. "Sweet dreams, Buffy." He took his chance to leave while the moment was still perfect.
Her fingertips grazed across her mouth, before it widened into a beaming smile as she shut the door. Buffy felt like a teenager receiving her first kiss goodnight again. It was a heady, giddy feeling, after so many months of cold. She turned off the lights and raced up the stairs to go write in her journal.
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The next morning…
Buffy sent Dawn off to school, humming while she'd made breakfast, then set to work on the house chores since she had the day off. Xander knocked as he came in.
"Hi-dee-ho, Buffster! What are you up to today?"
"Hey, Xan. I'm just cleaning, since it's my one rare day off. What's up? Shouldn't you be at work?"
"I took the day off to catch up with my girls. I thought I'd take you to breakfast, Willow to lunch, then my beautiful wife to dinner at the restaurant she's been nagging me about for weeks. Think you can ditch the vacuuming for an hour?"
She smiled. "Sure. Just let me put on something decent." Buffy ran up and changed clothes, then hurried back. "Okay, I'm ready."
"Great. After you, milady," he goofily gestured, holding the front door open for her.
"You're such a dork," she said fondly. Buffy paused to lock the house, then stepped ahead of Xander off the porch.
"YOU BITCH! YOU RUINED MY LIFE!"
Bang!
Bang!
"BUFFY!"