A Hallmark-inspired Christmas special with a Spuffy twist, written for the 2023 EF Secret Santa event as a special gift for mcgnagallsarmy.
Betaed by the talented Geliot99
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Huge fluffy snowflakes fluttered down over the vast landscape outside the window, Spike could only just see them through a crack between the heavy curtains pulled closed against the sun and cold. Not that the cold ever bothered him.
He sat on the bed looking down at the little pile of gifts he had just finished wrapping. This Christmas was a momentous occasion in his mind. It was the first year he would have both his soul and Buffy's love, something he had nearly given up on ever obtaining.
He turned the smallest gift over in his black-tipped fingers, the festive paper glittering merrily, wondering if he should have bothered wrapping it at all.
This whole Christmas vacation thing had been Buffy's idea and he'd agreed to it before he had time to realize it wasn't exactly going to be the romantic getaway he had hoped for. However, he did have plans of turning that around, plans that had already been set in motion even if they did have Dawn and a recently single Willow in tow.
If he stood at just the right angle by the window he knew he would be able to see her. He had been watching earlier as his girlfriend laughed heartily when Willow had performed a rather spectacular pratfall on the beginner's slope while trying to teach Dawn to ski. The main problem with the whole situation being that Buffy had only ever gone skiing twice in her life and Willow (from the looks of it) had only ever read about it in a book. The results thus far had been rather comical. He probably would have kept watching if the blasted sun hadn't decided to come out from behind the clouds to threaten his very existence.
Seeing as it was Christmas Eve, he had chosen to wrap gifts over immolation. Arguably one of his more intelligent decisions. As long as everything went smoothly tonight.
Clutching the small box in his hand, he sprang up to slip it into the pocket of the completely unnecessary black ski jacket hanging from a cast iron coat hook shaped like a deer's head on the wall. Buffy had insisted on buying the jacket for him specifically for the trip so he'd avoid raising eyebrows. The fact that they were at a point in their relationship where living in the same house, going on vacation, and exchanging gifts had become the norm was nothing short of a dream come true.
He shook himself from his musings and task complete, he moved the gifts off the bed, adding them to the box of already wrapped presents Buffy had brought with them. He cast a glance toward the shower and debated getting in, more to pass the time than actually needing one. He was getting antsy sitting around waiting, it was driving him mad.
Instead, he decided he would head downstairs to the lodge's library. It wasn't particularly impressive as libraries went, two large bookcases tucked in a cozy corner next to one of the two fireplaces in the main lounge but it had been his favorite daytime haunt since they'd been there. He'd only got as far as chapter three of an Agatha Christie murder mystery when Dawn tossed her purple ski jacket over the arm of a chair before plopping down in the seat across from him.
"What's a matter, Bit, had your fill of winter wonderland fun and games for the day?"
She sighed in response, removing her snow-covered hat. "Nah, I haven't fallen so many times since Buffy insisted I go figure skating with her. What is her deal with doing sweat-inducing stuff in the cold?"
Spike glanced up with a smirk. "You sure you want an answer to that?"
"On second thought, eww, definitely not," Dawn replied, scrunching her nose. "So… you're doing it tonight, right?"
He turned a page with a lazy hum. "That's the plan."
"Do you need any help with anything?"
"Just what we discussed earlier. All you gotta do is go to the front desk and don't go acting all suspicious about it. Best thing you can do is just keep quiet. If she says 'yes' then you'll hear 'bout it until you're blue in the face."
Dawn rolled her eyes. "She's definitely going to say 'yes'. I meant do you need help setting anything up, like fireworks or maybe a great big sign or writing it in the snow or—"
"You got your part to carry out. Told you before, I'm keeping it simple. Sure, your sister is a romantic but she's not exactly the pomp and circumstance type."
"Right and she'll happily drink coffee with nothing but milk if we run out of sugar but she still likes the occasional fancy mochachino when we go to the mall too. I still think the horse-drawn carriage would be a good idea."
Spike chewed that over a little. "You don't seem too confident in my abilities. A lesser man might take offense."
She shifted in her seat. "I didn't say that," she hesitated and shrugged. "I guess I just like being involved in this stuff."
He grinned. "Right, 'cause taking you ring shopping wasn't enough involvement. I've got it handled."
"Can I at least see the ring again?" she asked. "I never saw—"
"Can't, sorry," he said, turning another page.
"Already wrapped it."
"That's it? You're just going to give it to her like that?"
"Don't you worry your pretty little head, Nibblet, already told you I've got it covered. Staff here has been particularly helpful," he smirked from behind his book.
Dawn narrowed her eyes at him. "Fine. Don't share. You're lucky I like you."
"Don't I know it, don't care to be on your bad side."
She preened a little at the comment. "Don't blow it with my sister and you won't have to worry about my bad side."
"All the incentive I need, right there."
"Incentive for what?" Buffy chirped happily as she and Willow came in from outside.
Spike turned a smile toward her. "Just discussing the merits of a good book over ski lessons."
"A-at this p-point I'm t-team book," Willow stammered through chattering teeth as she shuffled over to the fireplace to warm herself.
Buffy pouted, removing her gloves and scarf. "It was supposed to be fun memory-making-y."
"My backside is definitely going to remember this Christmas Eve. What's wrong with cookie baking anyway?" Dawn grouched as she readjusted herself in her seat, wincing slightly and casting a glance toward Spike who kept his eyes focused on his book.
"Not so sure they would be too happy with us messing up the kitchen," Buffy paused thoughtfully, "but— I bet we could do s'mores in the fireplace," she grinned happily.
Dawn perked up at that suggestion. "Count me in!" she exclaimed, jumping up from her seat. "But first, wardrobe change," she added looking down at her half-soaked ski gear.
"Ahh, yeah, you're not wrong about that one," Willow agreed, eying her now-soaked hat and gloves. "I think I've had enough fresh mountain air for one day."
"Party poopers," Buffy whined, slumping down onto the arm of Spike's chair.
Spike twined his arm around Buffy's snow-dampened leg. "No worries, Pet, we'll do the s'mores thing and whatever else tickles your fancy and I'll get all snowy with you after. Just you and me. Let these two get warm."
Without warning, Buffy twisted herself around, falling back into his lap comfortably. "Whatever tickles my fancy, huh?"
Spike smirked, adjusting his hand holding the book to support her back. "Thought we might save that for later, but you won't hear me complain," he purred, sinking into a kiss.
"Nah huh, not happening! You two disappear and we'll never get to the s'moreness of it all!" Dawn said as she pulled her sister out of Spike's lap, grabbed Willow by the arm, and marched the two of them upstairs to change.
Spike returned his attention to his book, chuckling to himself.
(*)
As it happened, they weren't the only ones to decide a Christmas Eve in the lodge was the way to go. A large group had gathered around the larger fireplace at the other end of the great room. They were singing Christmas carols while someone played piano and the rest of them were roasting some kind of sausage over the fire.
Dawn had begged to let everyone open their gifts from her, insisting that they would need them for Christmas morning. She had come back downstairs with the stack of gifts that kept drawing Buffy's attention periodically. "You didn't get us all matching pajamas did you?" Buffy asked dubiously as she eyed what looked suspiciously like clothing boxes.
"Doubt it, she knows I haven't got any need for 'em," Spike chuckled.
"Which is why I avoid your bedroom like the plague," Dawn joked, sticking her tongue out playfully at him as she started to reach for the gifts handing them over to their respective recipients.
Buffy opened her gift pouting at a Santa riding a festively adorned unicorn embroidered on a red and white sweater. It was by far the most horrific thing she'd ever seen, especially in comparison to Willow's band of caroling penguins, and Spike's Santa hat-wearing skull on a snowflake-speckled black background.
"Aren't they awesome?" Dawn asked cheerfully. "I can't wait to get pictures of everyone in them tomorrow morning! Mine has cute dancing elves on it!"
Buffy blinked several times without answering, instead opting to force a smile on her face. "I'm sure they will make it a Christmas to remember," she finally said diplomatically.
Dawn beamed happily and resumed s'more making, gleefully empaling marshmallows onto a long "U" shaped fork, sweaters temporarily forgotten.
Although it was far from the quiet secluded Christmas Buffy had originally planned, she wouldn't have changed it for anything. Ever since their mother's passing, Christmas had been difficult for her and Dawn, and with Willow being single this year, it just seemed like getting away was a good idea. So far the trip had been sort of a mixed bag. On one hand, she had the sinking feeling that Spike, Dawn, and Willow weren't enjoying themselves as much as she was; which, in turn, was putting a damper on her spirits. However, the festive atmosphere seemed to be turning that around for everyone.
She watched as Willow sat back with her third s'more, licking chocolate off her fingers and Dawn teased Spike with a flaming marshmallow. She couldn't remember when she had last seen them laugh so much. Even Willow seemed to be improving by degrees since their arrival. Her breakup with Kennedy had been rough but not unexpected and the change of scenery seemed to be doing her some good.
A warm glow started to fill her as the night progressed. Spike came back over offering her a s'more. "You seem pensive. Everything alright, love?"
She hummed happily around a bite of s'more and snuggled into his side. "Just thinking."
"Here we go—"
"No. No- 'here we go', this is nice. Better than nice. I guess I just thought getting away would lessen the mom-shaped hole, you know?" she answered quietly so Dawn wouldn't hear.
He nodded in understanding. "Been a rough couple of years for you."
"Total understatement. I guess I'm just not sure how to handle calm and quiet anymore. It's nice, just weird."
He wrapped an arm around her. "Weird is sort of our specialty ain't it though?"
She giggled at that. "Well when you put it that way, sure, I guess we can handle this kind of weird."
"Good because if everything goes as planned, tonight is about to get a whole lot more weird," he laughed.
Buffy narrowed her eyes at him, but her grin didn't completely disappear. "What exactly do you have planned?"
"For me to know and you to find out, Goldilocks," he winked, slipping away from her to stand.
"Where are you going?" she asked dubiously.
"Get our coats. Think it's time to move on to our next adventure, don't you?"
(*)
Spike took a detour through the kitchen to pick up a picnic basket he had requested earlier, before heading back into the great room to find Buffy sitting by the fire chatting with Willow and Dawn.
As he approached, Dawn yawned obnoxiously. "I can't believe how tired I am. I was planning on getting a shower but I seriously don't think I'm going to last that long."
Willow blinked tiredly, staring into the fire. "I think that makes two of us. I used muscles today I didn't even know I had."
"Well then, suppose we won't feel so bad leaving you two on your own then after all," Spike smirked.
"Nope," Willow yawned in response. "Just don't stay up too late, the way I hear it, Santa won't come if you're still awake."
"Let us worry about that, Red," Spike said, extending a hand to Buffy, pulling her up to stand and handing her coat over. "Going to need that."
Buffy, eyed the picnic basket, raising her eyebrow at him. "Somebody's got plans, I see."
"Could say that."
Dawn shot Spike a double thumbs up behind Buffy's back as he guided Buffy out the back doors of the lodge into a large garden with several topiaries lit up with fairy lights.
Buffy smiled softly at the way the lights and snow seemed to work together to create an almost magical atmosphere. She linked her fingers with his as they walked along hand in hand among the lights. The snow fell softly around them.
They followed a path that led through a cluster of pine trees at the back of the property. When they had first arrived, Spike had assumed it was the property line and hadn't given it much thought until he started talking to the clerk at the front desk who helped him set things up.
He watched Buffy's eyes as the lights glittered off the snowflakes caught in her hair and felt an odd lurch in his chest when her eyes widened. He didn't even have to look to know she had caught her first glimpse of the surprise he had in store for her.
In the center of the clearing, surrounded by even more fairy lights, was a stone gazebo covered in lights, with a fireplace and wooden Adirondack chairs set up along with warm blankets and a small table.
"Oh, my God, Spike, did you do all this?" Buffy gasped.
"Had a bit of help, couldn't exactly get out to do it myself, obviously."
"Right… who knew a ski trip would be so sunny huh?" Buffy replied apologetically.
"It hasn't been so bad. Get to see you smiling so that's been alright."
The color rose in Buffy's already pink cheeks. "You can be such a sap," she giggled. "So eh, what's in the basket?"
Spike gestured toward the seats in the gazebo and they both made themselves comfortable. He opened the basket, pulling out a thermos of hot chocolate, two enameled tin mugs, and a large tin filled with slices of fruit cake, Christmas cookies, candied nuts, and dried fruit.
Buffy gave him a sweet smile as she surveyed the little spread and plucked out a snowman cookie. They sat talking, enjoying the warmth of the fire, the rich cocoa, and the delicious treats. It was a perfect night.
"This is like Hallmark-level cuteness, you know that right?" Buffy laughed after a while.
He paused in pouring them both more hot cocoa, to give her a quizzical look. "Hallmark?"
"Yeah, you know, like the super sweet feel-good Christmas romances? Usually ends with a wedding or an engagement, or at least a kiss and some heartwarming reminder that the best things in life are free and all you need is love—" she broke off abruptly when he proceeded to slip down onto one knee in front of her chair.
"Funny you should say that, actually," he pulled the small gift from his pocket. "Got an early Christmas present for you."
Buffy blinked dumbly at the object lying flat in his hand. "Is that— are you—"
"Open it."
Buffy took the package, his stomach started making odd little flips as he watched her carefully pick off the wrapping paper to reveal a black velvet box. He took it from her trembling fingers to flip open the box revealing a round-cut black-diamond set into a white gold ring with three much smaller, more traditional, clear diamonds nestled on either side. "Our relationship has never been exactly conventional… I knew if I ever got around to it I'd try to give you something a bit different. I hope you like it," he said nervously then cleared his throat. "Are- are you gonna say anything?"
Buffy gave a stunned little laugh. "I'm still waiting for the question, dummy."
It was Spike's turn to blink, he looked down at the ring and realized he had gone straight into rambling. "Buffy, I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone. Would you do me the honor of marrying me, be my wife and my partner in all things?"
She launched herself out of her seat and into his arms for a fervent kiss.
"Is that a 'yes'?" Spike gasped against her lips.
Buffy giggled. "Yes. It's a yes. I love you, William."
He felt a tension release from his chest that he had been trying to ignore since he got the ring. Buffy held out her left hand, letting him slip it onto her finger. She watched for a moment as the fairy lights glittered off of the sparkling black stone.
"Did I do alright? I liked the poetry of it but I wasn't sure if you'd— but then Dawn said it was a good idea and I should—"
Buffy smiled. "Of course, Dawn knew," she rolled her eyes. "It's beautiful. Non-conventional suits us."
He returned the smile, kissing her again. When they had broken apart he pulled her up to stand with him. "God, I love you," he answered, crushing his lips to hers again.
(*)
Buffy couldn't help staring at the black diamond sparkling on her finger. It wasn't what she had ever imagined but then neither was the man who had given it to her.
They were both far better than her wildest dreams.
A feeling like she might float away on a cloud of pure happiness overtook her and she clung to Spike's arm as they walked among the trees and topiaries.
They eventually circled around the front of the lodge where they watched a horse-drawn sleigh go by before taking a walk along another path the lodge had set up with Christmas light displays. Ten-foot candy canes were flanking a larger-than-life nutcracker, Santa in his sleigh and of course eight not-so-tiny reindeer, as well as an elf carnival complete with a Ferris Wheel, carousel, and rollercoaster all created out of lights.
"This is amazing," Buffy murmured as Spike readjusted his arm to wrap around her shoulders.
"It's not over yet, Luv."
Buffy snaked her arm around his waist. "Yeah, now I guess we have a wedding to plan."
"Wasn't exactly where I was going with that-" he laughed, "-but since we're on the subject I've got a request."
"What's that?"
"We keep it small for starters, and secondly, we'll not be having 'Wind Beneath My Wings' as our first dance."
Buffy punched him in the side playfully. "Shut up! I told you, that was the spell!"
"Oh sure it was," he grinned, massaging his ribs awkwardly with the side of the picnic basket he was holding.
Buffy was quiet for several minutes as they walked along past a luminous gingerbread house and turned to go back toward the lodge. "What do you think about just eloping?" she asked suddenly.
Spike raised an eyebrow at her. "Fairly certain your sister would have a seizure."
Buffy giggled. "What if we have some kind of a reception after?"
"I always had the impression you were all about the fluffy dress and the flowers and all."
She shrugged. "Well yeah, I guess I kinda do… I just— it seems like a lot for it to not even be official."
"So that's it, huh?"
She dipped her head. "Marrying a dead guy doesn't really fit neatly on legal documents, ya know?"
"Since when do you care about that rot?"
"I don't—" she sighed, "— it's just, you gave me this gorgeous ring and I want to make sure that when we do get married it's actually the real thing, that's all."
"And it's not real without some piece of paper saying so?"
"Well, when you put it that way— I guess it sounds kinda stupid. Maybe you're right, what's more official than a small wedding with our friends and family."
Spike stopped, pulling her around to face him. "Well, now you mention it, there is one option."
"Yeah?" Buffy asked.
He nodded hesitantly.
"Are you going to tell me what it is or do I have to guess?"
"Not sure if it's something you'd want but, I don't know of anything more official than a Claim Bond. Could do that along with the wedding bit."
Buffy let herself relax a fraction. "Explain-y please, I'm not sure if I'm totally there with the understanding."
He took a step back, holding her hand in his, the ring glistening beautifully against her lightly golden skin. "Think of it as a vampire marriage ceremony of sorts. Involves exchanging blood instead of rings-" he paused, raising his gaze to hers, "-'bout as binding as it gets. No getting out of it. We'd belong to each other in every sense of the word. It creates an unbreakable bond between vamps, dunno how it'll work with a Slayer but—"
"It's an official marriage, right?"
He hesitated before answering. "In every way that counts except on paper; which has quite a bit more substance to it if you ask me."
"Okay… so it's a magically binding kind of thing, right?"
"That's right. It all comes down to sex, blood, and a verbal claim," he replied.
"Not so sure about the blood thing," she pouted.
Spike shrugged. "Wouldn't take much, not like I'd be feeding off—"
Buffy tightened her grip on his hand. "That so wasn't what I meant, I know you wouldn't take more than you had to. I just meant the whole grossness factor."
He chuckled, relaxing his shoulders a little. "Oh that, right, well I'm not exactly twisting your arm to do it, pet. It's up to you, but the exchange of blood is pretty sodding significant."
She chewed that over for a moment. "But it's something you want though, isn't it?"
He paused. "I'm not gonna lie, it would mean the world to me, but it's not like it's a deal breaker if you don't want to do it. As long as we're together, I'm happy."
His sincerity rocked her to her core and her heart swelled. "Yes," she blurted.
"Yes?"
"Yes, I want to do it," she answered seriously. "What do we need? Is there a spell? How do we do this?"
A grin spread across his face. "Just us really, don't need anything special. Wedding night could be ideal or we could do it whenever you like."
"I think I like this idea, aside from the yuck factor," Buffy said as she snuggled back into his side and they started walking again.
"Yuck factor? It's just a bit o'blood, You've never seemed to mind a little nip here and there before."
"That's different, and I'm not the one who drinks it to survive either," Buffy countered.
"No, but you've certainly never been shy about leaving your mark on me before, just got to put a little extra pressure into it. I promise I won't object," he added, curling his tongue in a way that made her insides quiver uncontrollably.
She knew he was right, the thought wrapped around her mind pulling her in. The more she thought about the claim, the more she liked the idea, and knowing they had a loose plan made her feel an odd sense of achievement that didn't make much sense to her but was there nonetheless and it made her incredibly happy. A Claim in conjunction with a small wedding sounded just about perfect.
She glanced at her hand again as they reached the lodge and Spike went up to the front desk to return the picnic basket.
He came back with a large grin plastered across his face.
"Why do you look like you just discovered the best place to dispose of a body?"
"Did that years ago. This is better, trust me," he whispered in her ear as he led her upstairs.
Buffy was just turning toward their room but stopped when she noticed Spike had started heading to the top floor.
"Hum, what are you doing?"
Spike waggled his eyebrows at her. "Santa's not the only one with a few surprises in store."
"What?" she gaped in disbelief.
"Got us an upgrade, pet."
Taking his hand Buffy allowed him to lead her to the room at the top of the stairs.
He opened the door to reveal the luxury honeymoon suite. There was a grand fireplace with a large Christmas tree set up within the cozy sitting area (surrounded by the gifts she had brought with them) and a fur rug lying on the hardwood floor in front of the hearth. The wall perpendicular to the fireplace's warm glow, was essentially one huge window that led out onto a spacious balcony overlooking the topiary garden they had walked through with a hot tub that was already bubbling away, steam rising to meet the snow still falling outside. Through a set of open double doors to the right, Buffy could see their things had already been moved into their new bedroom.
She stood transfixed on the spot as she took in the grandeur of the room with its rustic beauty, lavish amenities, pine bows, and glistening holiday decorations in silver and gold. The fire was burning merrily, forcing her to shed her outer layers as Spike closed the door and strolled toward the sitting area. He laid his coat down, kicked off his boots, and plucked a bottle of champagne from a bucket of ice, pouring two glasses.
"How the hell did you manage all this?" Buffy asked as she padded over to him in her stocking feet accepting one of the glasses.
"Ah, yes, this would be what elves are for," he grinned.
Her eyes fell to the presents under the tree, the ones she had wrapped herself and brought with them. "Dawn."
"She's been rather adamant that I don't cock this up."
"And here I was hoping to get some of that," she grinned, eyes flicking down his body, resting on the impressive bulge in his pants.
He pressed himself against her, dropping his lips to hers. "Happy to oblige, pet, where would you like to start? Bed, hot tub, fireside rug? Could christen all three," he smirked.
"Definitely the hot tub," she said, raising her glass.
Spike mirrored her, clinking his glass to hers. "To us and many happy years together."
"Absolutely!" They both drank their glasses down and Buffy stepped back to start stripping out of her clothes eagerly.
"Someone's in a rush," he laughed.
"Hot tub plus big fluffy snowflakes? Add in a sexy fiancé and that's a whole lot of 'yes please'," she retorted.
"Won't argue with you on that." He too began stripping down, watching with hungry eyes as Buffy lost her last scrap of clothing and walked boldly over to the glass door to the private balcony.
Her nipples hardened instantly as she opened the door, the cold air biting into her bare skin. She practically vaulted into the tub and gasped as she slipped into the incredibly hot water. After a few seconds though, her body adjusted to the temperature and she found herself easing into one of the seats with a jet at her back.
Spike pulled the balcony door closed behind him. Standing naked like carved marble with large snowflakes falling around him like goose down before he climbed onto the edge of the tub. His pale, nearly translucent skin reflected the firelight through the glass as he slid into the water next to her.
He shifted his body around in front of her and she widened her legs to accommodate him as he snaked his arms around her waist, letting them glide along her skin. The sensation made her shiver despite the hot water as she let herself melt into him. "Thank you for this. It's incredible," she murmured as she wrapped her legs around him.
"No more than you deserve, you've been exceptionally good this year," he smirked.
"Kinda in the job description," Buffy hummed contentedly as she ran her hands along his shoulders to clasp her fingers at his nape before tilting her head back to watch the snow.
There was a long pause before Spike shifted slightly, pressing their bodies together as he leaned into her for a kiss. Buffy tightened her hold on him instantly and he growled into her mouth, a sound that sent a shiver straight through to her core.
Buffy reached a hand down between them, running her palm along his cock with firm pressure. It was evident that this first round wasn't going to take long for either of them. Using her legs, Buffy pulled Spike into her, positioning him against her clit and teasing herself with his tip.
"Buffy," Spike groaned with need before she finally allowed him to glide into her core almost effortlessly.
"Spike, oh, God…" she breathed against his neck as he settled into her, filling her completely. She hugged her legs around him tightly, stilling his movements, allowing herself to adjust around him and take in the enormity of the evening. This wasn't just another sexual encounter with the man she was in love with, this night was so much more and her heart swelled with the thought. The feeling only intensified as Spike started to pump into her. The heat and the swirling of the water created an entirely new sensation that set her mind alight. A fire ignited within her as the pressure of her orgasm increased with every thrust. Spike set his lips against her throat, kissing a path to her ear, tugging at her earrings lightly with his teeth. Buffy screamed into his shoulder as he pushed her over the edge.
Spike shifted a hand to twine within her hair, catching her lips in a hard-biting kiss as he slowed his hips, letting her ride out her high. She moaned into the kiss, drawing his bottom lip between her teeth.
Spike pulled back with a growl, blue eyes blazing as he withdrew his cock and pulled her up to stand, steam rolling off their bodies as the cold air hit their bare skin. Buffy whimpered at the loss of him and the shock of the cold that didn't quite touch her, but hardly had a chance to protest before he turned her in his arms. Buffy pressed her ass against his hard body as he slid two fingers down to skim over her clit. She whimpered when he brought his other hand up to tease her breast, pinching her nipple. She ground herself against him, her body demanding more of his touch.
"I love seeing you like this," he purred into her ear. "Lean over the edge, beautiful, I got an idea I think you're gonna like."
Buffy rested her forearms against the back of the seat she had been sitting in moments before as Spike helped maneuver her against one of the jets, spreading her folds. She bucked against him as he exposed her sex to the exquisite pleasure of the water jet's relentless pulse.
"Knew you'd like that," Spike murmured, pressing his mouth to a spot at the back of her neck, sucking and nipping as he sank into the water behind her. The breath caught in her throat as he lined himself up to push back into her from behind. He used his free arm for stability against the upper edge of the tub as he began to thrust once more, the tip of his cock hitting a bundle of nerves deep inside. She rolled her head down, resting her cheek against the back of her hands, giving Spike better access to her neck and her a fantastic view of the snow coming down. However, it was all she could do to keep her eyes open as he continued his pace, building her up with every move of his hips.
Spike pulled back from her neck, moving his hand from the edge of the tub to the center of her chest between her breasts. The pressure from the water jet combined with his cock hitting her at just the right angle had her panting and writhing uncontrollably; she pushed herself back against him as she broke. Spike caught her in his arms as her inner muscles clenched around him and ignited his own release.
Buffy screamed and kicked herself back from the water jet as the overstimulation became unbearable. The two of them collapsed together with a splash into the seat on the other side of the hot tub, Buffy in his lap.
She rolled her head against his shoulder, feeling him pulse within her as her heart pounded in her chest. Spike adjusted his grip on her, cradling her limp body against him with one arm and stroking her bare shoulder with the fingers of his other hand. It took her a few tries to open her eyes properly as her breathing started to regulate. She shifted herself to sit sideways in his lap, enjoying the warmth the water lent him.
The snow that had been falling at a steady pace all day had begun to pick up. Thick white feathers piling up around them as they lay there in the hot water. She didn't know how long they stayed like that but she realized she must have drifted off because when she opened her eyes again there was nearly a full inch of fresh snow on the banister.
She hummed, forcing her brain into gear. "Spike?"
"Yeah, pet?"
"Where are the towels?"
"I've got it handled," he chuckled.
Spike pulled himself out of the hot tub going to fetch warm towels from the bathroom, along with Buffy's thick royal blue winter robe adorned with sparkling snowflakes that Dawn must have laid at the foot of the bed. He dried himself quickly, wrapping the towel around his waist before heading back out to the balcony where Buffy was keeping warm in the tub.
She smiled brightly as she climbed into his waiting arms, letting him dry her and slipping the fuzzy robe around her slim frame. "Thank you," she said through shivering teeth as she adjusted it around herself.
"None of that, I won't have you catching your death out here," he said, closing up the tub for the night and turning it off.
"Says the guy in nothing but a towel," Buffy grumbled.
"Already caught my death."
"Haha, very funny, mister."
The two of them made their way over to the rug in front of the fire Spike poured them each another glass of champagne while Buffy toweled off a little better without actually removing her robe. "Better now?" he asked.
Buffy smiled. "Much. Got to say though, the whole hot tub in the snow just might be my new favorite thing," she said, accepting her glass from him.
He chuckled at that. "Noted," he replied, clinking his glass against hers. "Cheers."
The two of them sat companionably chatting by the fire. Spike reclined with his legs stretched out in front of him from beneath his towel. Buffy sat with her legs curled beneath her, both of them enjoying the warmth of the fire.
After a while though Spike couldn't help noticing when Buffy became pensive again, watching the flames much like she had been downstairs before his proposal. "Something bothering you, pet?"
Buffy shook her gaze from the fire, turning to look at him. "Sorry, just thinking."
"Care to share?" he smirked.
"I was thinking about what you said about the Claim thing."
Spike nodded seriously, pouring each of them another glass and emptying the bottle. "Suppose you got questions for me. Before you get started— No, Dru and I never did actually take that particular plunge. So yes, it's an option for us."
She gave him a tight smile. "Okay, yeah I guess that one was sorta floating around in my brain somewhere; but it wasn't really what I was thinking about."
"No?" he teased skeptically.
She shook her head, taking a sip of her champagne. "I was thinking about how crazy perfect tonight has been. It's beyond amazing."
"As pleased as I am to hear you say that, I'm not sure if I—"
"What do you think about doing it tonight?"
Spike blinked at her several times, setting down his glass to shift closer to her. "You're sure, you want to do this now?"
She set her glass down next to his. "I'm serious, Spike, I can't think of anything else that could make this night any better except taking that next step with you."
"And you don't think we're rushing things a bit?"
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you for real right now?"
"Nah, just had to ask."
They both laughed at that.
He was amazed by the ease with which they were able to discuss such a heavy and profound topic, as though it was just the organic progression of their relationship and it made him love her even more.
"You got it, pet. Tonight it is," he murmured into a kiss. Spike rested his forehead on hers. "I love you."
"I love you too," she giggled and then sobered, pulling back slightly, eyes shining. "How exactly do we want to do this? Should we take turns? Or maybe at the same time or—"
He stroked the hair along her temple. "Hush, Luv, no need to overthink it. You already know what we have to do, we'll just let it unfold naturally, yeah?"
She considered him for a moment. "Okay, but I think you should go first."
Spike chuckled into a kiss. "Be happy to."
Buffy curled her fingers into his hair, deepening the kiss as he untied her belt and slipped a hand into her robe, cupping a breast and drawing the pad of his thumb across her nipple. Buffy gasped at his touch and shifted onto her knees, melting into his embrace.
Spike pulled her up with him as he stood and Buffy responded eagerly by wrapping her legs around his waist. He shifted one hand to her back to support her as she slid the sleeves of her robe down her arms, letting it drop to the floor as he walked them into the bedroom. Buffy let out a huff of a laugh when he dropped her onto the bed, positioning himself between her legs, peppering her neck and collarbone with kisses.
She squirmed beneath him to find his towel, pulling it from his slim hips. Buffy let out a harsh gasp when his cock bobbed against her slit, unmistakably still sensitive from their session in the hot tub and eager for him.
He slid a hand between them, pressing a finger between her folds to find her clit and was rewarded with a whining moan as he worked his fingers in a way that had her bucking against him within seconds. He relished in the way she clung to him, nails digging into the skin at his back. With his other hand, he cupped Buffy's breasts, taking the nipple between his teeth lightly.
"Spike, please!" she panted breathlessly as his fingers picked up the pace on her clit.
He grinned, taking his time to position himself at her entrance, slipping his cock inside inch by glorious inch until he was fully embedded within her core. He had barely started to thrust when Buffy began to shake with the pressure of an orgasm, muscles clamping down on him.
"That's it, Slayer," he encouraged as he continued to thrust, kissing a tender path along her neck as though looking for the perfect spot before letting his face shift. "You're mine, Buffy. All mine, every breath-" kiss "-every beat-" a soft nip "-all of you for all of me," he sighed poetically against her skin. "Mine!" he growled as he let his fangs pierce her delicate skin just as her orgasm broke.
Buffy screamed with her release, rocking her head back as Spike claimed her as his. "Yes, I'm yours— all yours— every day— every night— God, yes!" she panted, nearly delirious in her ecstasy.
A wave of power seemed to rush into him along with her blood. He had tasted Slayer blood of course, but this was different. So very, very different. She was his now. It was an undeniable fact. He could feel her as she ran through him like sunshine warming a cool river.
Spike pulled back, letting his face shift, blue eyes watching her breast heave as she struggled for breath. He ran a finger along the edge of his bite mark. The indentations from his fangs were perfectly visible against her pale gold skin. It was red but shallow, neat and clean.
A love bite really, he grinned at the thought.
Buffy gave a contented moan and he ground his hips, making her shiver with pleasure. Her eyelids fluttered a little as she fought to focus her gaze on him and he began to pump his hips again with slow deliberate strokes.
"You alright there, beautiful?" he asked softly, laying a kiss along her jaw.
"Never better," she replied, languidly turning her head to catch his lips.
He sank onto his elbows, cupping the back of her head relaxed into the warmth of her soft hands as they roamed over him freely. They chased each other with kisses and sweet words as they slowly rolled on the bed so that Spike was eventually lying on his back. He released his hands from around her waist, stretching his arms above his head to grip the edge of the bed, watching with half-hooded eyes as Buffy found her stride atop him.
He loved watching her. It didn't seem to matter what she was doing, slaying, sleeping, training, laughing, fighting, brushing her teeth, doing laundry… anything, everything, but especially riding him the way she was. The roll of her hips, the sway of her back, everything.
And she is mine…
The thought made his cock twitch, he was getting close. "Buffy-"
She pressed a finger to his lips and rolled her hips before lowering herself back down, pressing her breasts against his chest. "Shhhh, William, it's my turn now," she murmured softly into his ear.
Her tone made him shiver with anticipation. It was everything he had ever wanted. To have her and to be hers. He gladly tilted his head further back, silently begging her to claim him. He couldn't help a moan as she began to lick a line from just below his collarbone, up to his earlobe, taking it into her mouth. A shot of electricity ripped through him and Buffy took it as her cue to make her move.
Buffy slid one hand up to grip his bicep as she ran her mouth from his ear down to his throat with kisses. The anticipation was starting to get the better of him now and he arched up into her stretching his neck further to the side.
"You're mine, William," she moaned, clamping her teeth against his throat and biting down hard, sucking his skin into her mouth while she continued to roll her hips.
"I'm yours. All yours, till the end of time..." he panted, his hips met her's with desperate thrusts as he spilled into her.
He felt it when the connection was completed. It burned through him pleasantly, like mulled wine and his entire body jerked as a pure white light filled his vision. All he knew at that moment was her. The beautiful creature he willingly belonged to, and she to him.
His Buffy.
Her warmth surrounded him, in a confusing rush he could hardly make sense of and it took a moment for him to realize they had rolled onto their sides without his noticing. Their lips met and he opened his mouth wider, slipping his tongue alongside hers tasting his own blood, and deepening the kiss. It could have gone on for eternity but ended abruptly when Buffy turned her head to the side gasping for breath.
"Spike?" she panted.
"M'here, Luv," he mumbled against her neck, leaving tender kisses along his bite mark.
Buffy giggled drunkenly. "Merry Christmas," she replied as she pulled the duvet over the two of them, snuggling in comfortably.
Spike dug his face into her golden hair, wrapping himself around her tightly. "Just when I think I couldn't love you more than I already do," he murmured, pulling her back in for another long kiss. "Happy Christmas, indeed," he moaned as she tangled her fingers into his short curls and started to move his hips again.
She shivered pleasurably, tugging his head back eliciting a growl from his chest as she sucked his earlobe into her mouth briefly before pulling back to see him better. "I can't wait to see what you do next Christmas," Buffy grinned.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll think of something."