A Touch of Jealousy (COMPLETE)

Chapter 50

Buffy pressed her sweaty palms together. How had she ended up here? The days had flown by her and now she was standing there, sneaking a peek from behind the heavy red curtain that hung from the ceiling. She felt her stomach turn when she saw the first people entering the room and coming down the narrow corridors to find their seats.

‘Oh, god, oh, god. This was a bad idea. I don’t wanna do this. I don’t wanna do this.’ She thought to herself as she felt her heart practically beat in her throat, making it almost impossible to breathe.

She jumped up when she felt a strong hand resting on her shoulder. She jerked up straight and turned to meet a pair of brown eyes that stared down at her.

“Nervous?” Angel asked with a sympathetic smile.

“I don’t think I wanna do this anymore.” She murmured swallowing hard, her eyebrows coming together for a painful frown as her lower lip jutted out.

“Everything’s going to be fine. You’re going to be amazing. As always.” He assured her as she let out a long sigh. “Just relax.”

“Thanks.” She breathed a little calmer.

Her heartbeat skipped a beat once more when Miss Addams’ hysterical voice was heard.

“What are you two doing here? You have to get your hair fixed, Buffy. Now, now, now. Hurry.” She shushed her teen, waving both hands dismissively towards the backstage before turning around and shouting at a scrawny, blonde boy: “And you! Get those lights working tonight or I’ll make sure you never graduate from high school. Mr. Harris, why are you still fumbling around with that dress? Put it on and stop…” Her voice drifted away as she was engulfed by the crowd of amateur actors standing at the sides of the stage.

“I better get going.” Buffy said, lowering her gaze to the floor as she started walking away.

She was halted by Angel as he circled his fingers around her arm. She turned to face him with a quizzical look on her face.

“I’m sorry.” It was barely audible.

Buffy frowned, a bit confused.

“About what?”

“About Dru.” He swallowed hard as he continued: “I was a complete idiot. And I can’t even say I didn’t mean to hurt you cause…” He paused letting out a frustrated sigh. “I don’t even know why I did it, you know?”

She remained silent as he spoke.

“You’re an amazing person Buffy and if there is one thing I know I’m going to hate myself for for the rest of my life it’s the fact that I screwed up what we had.”

“Angel…” She tried to speak but he cut her off.

“I don’t know why I started that thing with Dru. I mean… She’s a complete nutcase!”

Buffy tried to repress a smile but it was impossible and soon the two were chuckling.

“I really am sorry.” He finally said after a moment of pause.

“It’s ok, Angel. I don’t hate you anymore.”

“Good.” He smiled back at her.

There was an awkward moment of silence until Buffy moved, pointing at the backstage:

“I better go now. You know. Hair and all!” She reminded him as she started to turn.

“Ok. See you in a few.” He replied, letting her go.

Buffy rushed towards the backstage. She gasped when she bumped into Spike. His eyes were fixed on Angel’s retreating form.

“Spike! What are you doing here?” She questioned as she followed his gaze.

“Just came to wish you luck.” He muttered with a distant stare.

A wave of worry washed over her as she saw the look on his face.

“Spike, that wasn’t what… I mean we were just-“

“Relax, Buffy. I heard what Peaches said.” He said calmly as a soft smile spread across his lips. “Just can’t believe he’d do that. Maybe he’s not that bad after all.”

“Thank God!” She sighed in relief. “I thought we were going to have another one of those fights.”

He continued to smile as his hand came to push a rebellious strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered on the nape of her neck, his thumb brushing against her cheek.

“You ready?” He asked in a soft voice as he stared down on her.

“I am now.” She breathed leaning into his hand. God, she missed his touch.

Soon, her lips were brushing against his palm, placing light kisses on the hard skin there.

Spike was forced to close his eyes for a second as he searched for control. It had been too long… ‘Too bloody long!’

“I miss you.” She whispered.

His eyelids fluttered open to gaze at her.

“MISS SUMMERS! What are you still doing here?” Miss Addams’ screeching tone put an end to their peaceful moment. “You have to be in make up, and your hair.” The woman let out a frustrated sigh and rolled her eyes in disgust as she regarded the teenagers dishevelled mass of blonde locks. “And Mr. Giles, you’re place is not backstage. Go take your place in the audience, please.” She instructed as she pulled Buffy by her arm and practically dragged her away from Spike.

“I’ll see you after the play.” She shouted back at him.

“Break a leg, luv.” He yelled as he watched her being swallowed by the crowd.

~+~

“There you are. We were getting worried about you.” Mrs. Summers said smiling as she saw the approaching teen.

“I was backstage saying hi to Buffy.” Spike explained.

“Well, we better get to our seats.” Giles recommended as he lightly directed Joyce down the narrow corridor.

Spike trailed behind.

“Mrs Summers!” Willow called out waving happily.

The three quickly made their way through the rows and sat next to the redhead.

“How is she?” Willow immediately asked as Spike sat next to her.

“Kinda nervous.” He answered.

“Hello, Willow.” Joyce greeted as she sat next to Spike, Giles settling on her left.

“Hey, Joyce. Giles.” She greeted leaning forward to meet the couples’ gaze before turning back to Spike: “Did you see Oz?”

“No, I got kicked out before I could check on the others. I only saw the whelp, though. You’re going to pop when you see him. You know, he actually looks good as a woman.” The Brit mocked.

Willow giggled and was about to reply when a ringing sound announced that the play was about to start.

All four sat back and stared up at the stage as the curtain rose slowly.

~+~

Willow felt her heartbeat increase a little as she recognized the familiar passage.

“With love's light wings did I o'er-perch these walls; / For stony limits cannot hold love out, / And what love can do that dares love attempt; / Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me.” Angel recited, with a surprising lack of melodrama. He had actually improved.

She looked sideways to catch a glance of Spike from the corner of her eyes. He had both hands firmly gripping his knees, the complete lack of colour in his knuckles testified to the strength he was using. Her gaze travelled upwards to find his jaws tightly clenched together. His muscles stretched as he watched Buffy and Angel exchange a quick kiss on stage, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply.

Mrs. Summers nervously cleared her throat as she noticed Spike narrowing his eyes at the scene that played out in front of him. She tried to ignore the obvious discomfort that surrounded the four of them as her eyes returned to the stage.

‘Breathe in, breath out, breathe in, breathe out. It’s just a play, it’s not real. It’s just a play, it’s not real.’ He kept silently saying to himself but when their lips met for another kiss he felt like he was going to explode. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on something else. ‘Just a play, just a- I’m gonna kill him. I’m bloody well gonna kill him.’ He growled inwardly as he opened his eyes to see the romantic pair share one last kiss on stage.

Willow, Joyce and Giles let out a collective sigh of relief when the painful scene finally came to an end. Spike loosened his grip on his knees rubbing them gently against the denim as he tried to wipe the sweat from his palms.

“I-It wasn’t so bad.” Willow didn’t even know where she had gotten the courage as the words left her mouth.

Spike looked at her sideways and narrowed his eyes at her.

“Sorry.” She whispered weakly, her attention returning to the stage.

~+~

Buffy remained frozen on the hard stone, her eyes closed as the last lines of the play were delivered.

“A glooming peace this morning with it brings; / The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: / Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; / Some shall be pardon'd, and some punished: / For never was a story of more woe / Than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”

Silence filled the room for a few seconds as the curtain fell and then a roar of applause carried through the thick fabric. Buffy opened her eyes to find Angel standing over her.

“We did it.” He told her with a smile and an outstretched hand.

She gladly took it jumping off the sarcophagus to stand next to him. Then everything seemed to happen at double speed. Suddenly, she was centre stage again, facing a cheering crowd. She felt both her arms being lifted in the air, Angel on one side, Xander on the other.

Her eyes scanned the audience for the first time since the beginning of the play. She searched blinds ths the lights burned her eyes a bit. Her smile grew when she finally found him. He was standing up, clapping wildly and whistling. Soon, Willow, Joyce and Giles joined in and finally the entire audience rose to give them a standing ovation, including a reluctant Principal Snyder.

She didn’t even notice when she was pulled closer to the edge of the stage by Xander and Angel and forced to bow for a second time. When she straightened up again, her gaze was locked with Spike’s and she felt her heat leap, her eyes welling up when she saw him mouth: ‘I love you.’

‘I love you too.’ She was about to whisper back when the curtain fell in front of her, forcing them to break eye contact.

Suddenly, pandemonium broke loose. Everyone was around her congratulating her, giving her annoying pecks of the cheek, suffocating hugs when all she wanted to do was jump off the stage and run to him.

“You were amazing!” A girl shouted hysterically, flinging herself into her arms and almost toppling Buffy over.

“Everything was perfect.”

“Oh, my God! I can’t believe we made it.” Another one yelled.

Buffy didn’t know what to do, she simply nodded; a plastic smile plastered on her lips as she tried to gently push people out of the way.

“Congratulations, Miss Summers. I guess you did it.” Miss Addams spoke up as she seemed to miraculously materialize in front of her.

“Thanks.” Buffy gasped a bit out of breath as she felt herself being pulled and pushed in every direction.

After a few minutes of excruciating agony she finally seemed to be able to push her way through the crowd, as the attentions now seemed to be focused on Angel. She scrambled away, lifting her dress as it got in the way. She blindly pulled and pushed at the curtain, trying to find the edge of it, but it didn’t seem to want to be found. Finally, when she had had enough of it and was about to duck under it, she was suddenly pulled up to her feet. In a flash, she found herself in a dark corner of the backstage. The hard ropes dropped from the ceiling to frame her, the clattering of the crowd fading in the distance as her back pressed against a wall and he stood breathless in front of her.

“Found you.” Spike gasped gazing blindly at her. “I thought you were-“

He was cut off as Buffy flung her arms around him and smashed her mouth against his for a demanding kiss. She slipped her tongue between his parted lips and found his. Her fingers quickly weaved themselves into his hair, fisting her hand into the bleached mass of curls as she desperately tried to deepen the kiss but he pulled away and stared down at her. An almost predatory spark lit his eyes as he breathed, his left hand cupping her flushed cheek:

“You were amazing, luv. Bloody amazing.”

It was only then that she realised he was holding something. A soft smile lit her face when as she glanced down at the now completely crumpled flowers he held in his right hand. She had been so happy to see him that she hadn’t even noticed them.

“I love you.” She exhaled sharply, still breathless and with glassy eyes.

“I love you too.” He whispered, handing her the flowers before leaning in to kiss her.

It started off slow, but it soon built into a frenzy as the weeks of physical separation finally took their toll on them. Soon the floor around their feet was paved with petals and scrunched up stems as they kissed passionately.

She moaned and mewled against his lips as her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her right leg hooking itself around his hip as his hand slipped under the thick dress to cup her outer thigh and bring their bodies closer together.

“I missed you…” Spike gasped, tearing his mouth away from her to trail rough kissed down the side of her neck. “…so much.” It was almost a growl as the desire made is voice dry and hoarse. “So bloody much.” He emphasized the last word by trusting his hips against hers, causing the hard bulge in his pants to rub against her swollen clit.

“Oh, God.” She exhaled sharply, her mouth falling open, her eyes rolling back in their sockets as she let her head drop back, exposing her neck to his ravenous mouth.

He moved his hips in small circular motions while his hand wandered further up her thigh to reach the edge of her panties. Without warning two intruding fingers slipped inside to brush against her swollen and wet labia.

“Spike, I want you.” She was able to breathe out.

Her grip on his hair becoming tighter as his fingers expertly explored her.

“I want you so much.” He grunted back while his free hand moved up her body to cup her breast.

She was completely lost in the feeling, oblivious to the chatting and partying happening just a little over ten feet away from them. In that dark corner of the backstage all there seemed to exist was Spike and her. She opened her eyes to see the crowd of teenagers celebrating and cheering their success. She didn’t care. All she wanted at that moment was him.

“Spike…” She was cut off when his fingers gripped the edged of her dress and yanked it down exposing her left breast to the rough touch of his hand. “We need to…” She tried to focus on what she wanted to say, but it seemed impossible as she felt him finger her clit and twist her nipple. She swallowed hard and pulled at his hair, forcing him to look up at her. “Utility closet.” Was all she could say while tilting her head to her left.

With glassy eyes, Spike turned to see a small door just a few feet from them. Without a word he cupped her thighs and propped her up until her legs were wrapped around his waist. Between passionate kisses and grunts he was able to carry her over to the door. He struggled a bit with the handle, trying to keep his balance and not drop her at the same time. Within a few seconds it opened and the two teens practically stumbled inside as Spike kicked the door closed behind him.

The two scrambled their way into the confined space. Spike’s mouth quickly returning to hers, his body pressing against her, causing her to tumble backwards until her calves hit something behind her – a large cardboard. His hands were suddenly on her legs again, lifting her and placing her on top of the box. Their lips never parted as he pushed his hips between her spread thighs, his fingers gripping her dress and hiking it upwards, exposing her perfectly shaped legs.

In the meantime, Buffy’s own hands were occupied as she pulled at his duster until it pooled to the floor and her attention was then fixed on the buttons of his shirt. She struggled with them, letting out a frustrated mewl when she failed in her task. Realising her predicament, Spike stepped away from her just long enough to get his shirt off, exposing his pale chest to her wandering fingers.

Hungrily, his mouth attacked her neck, slipping downwards until his lips met her uncovered nipple. Buffy arched into his mouth, gasping when his teeth nipped at the sensitive skin and while his hand gruffly cupped her other breast. Much like he had done with its twin, he tugged at the fabric that covered it until the pale flesh was bare. He pulled away for a second and looked at her. She was absolutely beautiful. Her cheeks flushed, her long, dishevelled, blonde locks framed her face, her mouth was partially open, her heaving breasts lifted high, popped out from the constraining dress as she pulled ragged breaths from her lungs. He couldn’t take it anymore. He needed to have her now.

His trembling hand quickly found its way between her legs, gripping her panties. As he tugged at the delicate fabric, Buffy was busy working on the fastening of his jeans. After a few excruciating seconds, they managed to free themselves of those obnoxious clothing barriers. Knickers were abandoned on the floor next to his duster and shirt, while his jeans were bunched around his knees.

“I want you so much.” He gasped as he gripped her hips and positioned himself between her thighs again.

He cupped her ass lifting her slightly, just enough to angle her entrance for his hard cock. Their gazes met again as she felt the head brush against her soaked slit. She swallowed hard as she waited for him to make a move. An eternity seemed to filter by before he finally pushed his hips forward.

She moaned, as his eyes rolled back and his jaws clenched together.

“Jesus, so bloody tight.” He grunted as he dared to look down at the spot where their bodies were connected.

He had only managed to slip the head in and already he could feel her heat engulf him, her muscled clamping down around him. The weeks of forced celibacy had definitely had their effect on her.

She took a deep breathe as she waited for him once again. She saw him close his eyes for a second, his nostrils flaring a bit before he pushed inside of her, forcing her muscles to part and accommodate his girth.

“Fuck.” She swore, her nails digging into the tender flesh of his shoulders as she bit her lower lip.

It was too much. She was so…

“So tight…” He whispered again as he leaned his head in her chest.

“Spike, please…” She begged; anxious to feel him moving inside of her. “Oh, God.” She growled when he started moving in and out of her in a slow and steady pace, his hands still gripping her cheeks.

Spike’s mouth fell open, his lips trailing across her breasts as he pushed in and out of her. She used her grip on his shoulders for leverage and met every thrust.

Soon they were moving at a rapid, hungry rhythm, his hips smacking against the inside of her thighs as he shoved into her.

‘It’s not gonna last.’ Spike knew it. He wouldn’t last. It had been too long since he had been inside of her warmth. “Fuck.”

His thumb hastily slipped between her legs to find the small bundle of nerve at the apex of her sex. He rubbed it in fast circular motions causing her to let out a strangled cry of pleasure. Not content with this, his mouth attacked her left nipple, sucking it roughly between his lips, rolling his tongue over it while his free hand worked the right, tugging at it.

“Oh, God Spike. Don’t stop, don’t stop. So… Ah!” She cried out as he thrust harder into her.

“Buffy…” He moaned between nibbles.

“I missed you so much. Needed you. Spike, I’m…” She was forced to stop in mid sentence as the orgasm that had been building inside of her suddenly exploded.

He tore his mouth away from her breast, clenching his teeth together when he felt her inner walls start to spasm around him. That was it. He thrust one more time into her before he was finally coming with a hard growl.

“I love you.” He mumbled, letting his forehead drop to her heaving chest when his orgasm subsided.

“I love you.” She murmured breathless as she rested her chin on top of his head.

They remained that way for a few moments, wrapped in each other’s arms as their uneven pants subsided.

Buffy’s eyelids fluttered open when she felt him lick the sweat from her chest. The sweep of his tongue was almost imperceptible at first, but it soon became clear that he wasn’t satisfied yet.

‘Thank God!’ she thought as her fingers lazily traced small circles on his back.

She held her breath when she felt him start to move his hips. He was hard again already.

He let his mouth travel up the slender curve of her neck until he found her mouth. He heard her moan against him before her hands pushed him slightly away. He frowned and immediately moved back to look at her.

“You don’t want to…?”

She smiled at him coyly.

“Don’t you want…” she started, looking up at him from under mischievous eyelids.

He was confused.

“Don’t I want what?”

She never answered, simply pushed him further until he slipped out of her and she heard him partially repress a groan when she slipped off the box. She ran her finger over the sharp edges of his jaw before reaching for his left hand and placed it over her right thigh. She pulled at her dress until his palm was brushing her bare skin.

He was forced to close his eyes when she lead his hand up and back over the round contours of her ass. He couldn’t help but cup the supple flesh. He felt her move and opened his eyes to find her with her back turned to him.

“Jesus, Buffy!” He grunted when she stepped back and rubbed herself against his straining cock.

Her hand abandoned his and reached back for his cock. She tugged at it a few times, eliciting a guttural moan from him. He watched helpless as she bent over the box and consequentially opened herself up to him as she brought him closer and placed the head of his cock against her opening to her vagina.

“Spike… Please.” She mewled as she rubbed herself against him.

She didn’t have to lead him anymore. His hand automatically went for her hips, gripping them and propping her up so her upper body was resting completely on the box while her feet dangled a few inches off the floor.

His left hand cupped one shapely cheek, his thumb brushing against the sensitive skin as he waited for her consent. It came in the form of a desperate plea:

“Spike, I need you inside… now.”

He rubbed the head of his cock along her slit, making sure she was perfectly soaked before driving all the way inside her with one long, hard thrust.

“God!” Buffy choked out.

“Are you ok?” He questioned.

“Yes, yes.” She quickly answered, nodding vehemently.

This was so different, he felt… bigger, harder. She had fantasized about it all those weeks.

“Please, don’t stop.” She asked him in a weak voice.

He nodded, even though she couldn’t see him from her position and started moving slowly in and out of her.

She moaned in satisfaction as she felt him stabbing that wonderful spot inside her. she she needed more.

“Harder.” She begged.

Spike rolled his eyes back, closing them as he heard the urgency in her voice. He complied and shoved into her with more force.

“Harder. Faster.” She encouraged him and soon he was ramming into her in earnest.

Buffy’s hand scrambled over the box, searching for support until she found the edges. She gripped them and used her new found leverage to meet his thrusts.

Spike’s fingers dug into the flesh of her hips when he felt her growing tighter and wetter with each hard stroke.

“Bloody hell!” He growled.

“Oh, God Spike, oh, god, oh god…” She chanted between moans. “Spike, I’m coming…” She finally groaned as her release washed over her for the second time that day.

It wasn’t long before Spike was following her, letting out a feral grunt as he slammed into her onet tit time.

Buffy gasped as she felt him collapse on top of her, his face nuzzling against the back of her neck.

Author’s Note: Apparently there is going to be an extra chapter. Can’t do without the prom and I guess I got a little carried away with the sex scene. Hope you guys don’t mind. ;)

Thanks to Ali for the idea of the flowers. ;)

Chapter 51

Ring! Ring!

“I’ve got it.” Buffy called out to her mother downstairs as she threw herself on the mattress and reached for the phone. “Hello? Hey, Spike.” She greeted enthusiastically, a large grin over her lips. “No, you can’t come over earlier. I’m not going to be ready yet.” She paused letting out a long sigh. “I do not take forever to get dressed.” She glanced at her nails as she heard the reply from the other side of the line. “Well, it’s my senior prom. I’m allowed to take my time.” She mumbled. “Ok, see you at six. Bye.” She grinned as she hung up and jumped off the bed.

She walked over to her wardrobe and took out her dress, splaying it over the mattress.

She had been daring this time and had gone for a flaming red number. Her mother hadn’t been too happy about it but she didn’t care. It was her prom; she was entitled to be a little bolder. Her trembling fingers traced soft fabric as her mind wandered for a few moments.

She was snapped out of her thoughts by a knock on the door.

“Yeah?”

The door opened to reveal her mother standing in the hall.

“Hey, mom.”

“So, are you ready to get dressed?” Joyce asked with a weak voice.

“Mom, you’re not going to start crying again, are you?” Buffy asked a bit concerned.

“No, no.” Mrs. Summers quickly assured her, wiping her eyes as she inhaled sharply.

“It’s just the prom.”

“I know, it’s just… My little girl is all grown up now.” Joyce choked a bit as her daughter came to embrace her. When they parted, the older woman traced the edges of Buffy’s jaw. “You’ve grown into a beautiful, intelligent and amazing young woman. And I couldn’t be more proud of you.” At that point it was impossible to hold back any longer and the tears started rolling down Joyce’s cheeks.

“Mom…” Buffy pouted, bringing her in for another tight hug, as she realised that pretty soon she would be crying too.

“I-I want you to…” Joyce pulled back, to look her daughter in the eye as she spoke, occasionally sniffling and hiccupping: “…to know t-that I love you very much.”

“I know, mom. I love you too.” Buffy nodded as her eyes began to water.

The two women looked at each other for a few seconds; a soft smile on both their faces. Suddenly, Mrs. Summers put away and straightened her clothes with one hand whilst wiping away the tears with the other.

“Well, I better let you get ready.” Her smile grew. “If you need anything let me know, ok? I’ll be downstairs.”

“Ok.”

As she watched her mother walk away and closed the door Buffy felt a strange feeling of achievement, of complete fulfilment. She was getting ready for her prom, she had a wonderful mother who loved her, great friends and…

Ring! Ring!

… a very sweet and nervous boyfriend that kept calling to check on her.

“Hello? Spike… No, I told you. You can’t come sooner. I miss you too.” Sigh. “I know. I can’t wait to see you too. You look very yummy in a tuxedo.” She smiled as she heard him whisper sweet nothings in her hear. “Spike… I gotta go. I’ll be late. Ok. I’ll see you later. It’s at seven, not at six.” She insisted. “Ok, bye.”

She hung up and once more turned her attentions to the gown laid out on the bed.

“Time to get sexy.” She said out loud as she reached for the dress.

~+~

“Mom?” She called out as she came down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Mrs. Summers turned around to find her daughter standing at the door. She looked astounding. Her long blonde locks cascaded freely over her bare shoulders, her face fresh and alive as a smile danced over her lips. She twirled around once and the long dress flowed freely around her, the ghostly fabric brushing softly against her legs as she moved. It was a simple gown, which fitted her chest tightly before spreading out just below her breasts. Below, it floated down to form an uneven hem that hung longer on the right side and above, it travelled over her left collarbone leaving her right one exposed.

“Honey… You look…” Joyce was speechless, her trembling hand coming to cover her open mouth. “… Amazing.” She was finally able to finish her sentence after a few seconds of staring.

“You don’t think it’s too much?”

“No, no. You’re beautiful, honey.” She quickly assured her, coming to stand next to her.

With a glassy stare she looked down at her daughter. She was truly breathtaking. Suddenly, Mrs. Summers was snapped out of her thoughts, shaking her head and brushing away the tears that had again started to thread down her cheeks as she rushed into the living room.

“Oh, I better get some pictures of you.”

She searched the room and sighed in relief when she found the camera. Without warning, she started taking snapshots; the intense flash temporarily blinding Buffy. Just then, the doorbell rang.

“Oh, that must be Spike.” Buffy said, suddenly a bit nervous.

“I’ll get it.” Mrs. Summers replied as she reached for the doorknob.

“No, wait. I need my entrance.” The blonde cried out, stumbling her way up the stairs, her eyes still partially blinded by the flash.

Mrs. Summers smiled as she watched her daughter stagger up the stairs in a rush.

“Ok, you can open the door now.” Buffy shouted from the top floor.

“Hey, Joyce.” A tuxedo-clad Spike greeted when the door was opened.

“Hello, Spike. Please come in. Buffy’s upstairs, she’ll be down in a minute.” Joyce explained, trying to hide her smile as she let the young man in.

“Thanks, I’ll just-“ He was cut off by the vision of Buffy slowly appearing at the top of the stairs. “-wait.” He gasped the rest of the phrase as he gawked wide-eyed at the girl that was now coming towards him.

Joyce smiled inwardly as she wed ted the couple come together. They were engulfed in complete silence until she reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Hey.” She said in a weak voice.

Her heart was racing wildly in her chest. God, the way he looked at her; like she was the only thing in the world that mattered.

“H-“ He tried to speak but the word got stuck in the lump that had formed at the base of his throat. He coughed a bit and tried once again. “Hey.” It came out raspy and low. “You look… God, Buffy!” He finally gasped.

She couldn’t help but smile. She felt so beautiful under his intense stare.

“Well, you guys better get going. Or you’ll be late.” Mrs. Summers was forced to cut in when the two teenagers simply remained frozen, gazing at each other.

“Oh, right.” Spike shook his head, but his eyes quickly returned to the girl standing in front of him. “I brought you this.” He said a bit shy as he handed her the corsage he had been holding.

“It’s beautiful.” Buffy smiled taking it out of the box and giving it back to him so he could pin it on her.

With trembling hands he was able to do it after a few desperate minutes.

“Let’s just get a few pictures before you two leave.” Mrs. Summers proposed giddily.

After a series of snapshots the two teenagers were finally released and allowed to leave for the prom.

“Have fun.” Joyce shouted from the doorstep as she watched the two walk into the car.

Spike blinked a couple times more as he entered the vehicle.

“I think you’re mom has blinded me, luv.” He mumbled pressing the heels of his hands against his eyelids.

He held his breath when he turned to look at the girl sitting on the passenger seat, the smirk on his lips disappearing.

“You look amazing, luv.” He breathed; that glassy stare back in his eyes.

“Thank you.” She smiled as he leaned in and kissed her.

His lips lingered over hers for a few seconds, before he pulled away. He let out the breath he had been holding and opened his eyes to look at her one more time before turning the key in the ignition.

~+~

too alarming now to talk about
take your pictures down
and shake it out
truth or consequence, say it aloud
use that evidence race it around
The lyrics soared to fill the teen-packed gymnasium. Buffy felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach as she stepped on the linoleum floor, her arm tightly locked around Spike’s.

“Nervous, pet?” he asked, when he felt her grip grow tighter.

“A bit.” She answered smiling as she scanned the room before entering.

there goes my hero
watch him as he goes
there goes my hero
he's ordinary
“Oh, there’s Willow and Oz.” She said, pointing at the couple and the two blondes crossed the floor to meet them.

“Hey.” Willow greeted excitedly. “Wow, Buffy, you look great.” She exclaimed when she took in the dress her best friend was wearing.

“Thanks. You look great too.”

“I told you the red one would look better. Remember, you only get to go to your senior prom once. Time to be bold.” Willow explained as she twisted her hands together.

“Hey, Oz.”

“Spike.”

The two males greeted each other while the girls started chatting about the simple decor of the gymnasium.

“I can’t believe there are no Star Wars icons in the entire gym.” Willow supplied. “I actually looked. No Star Wars, no Star Trek, no Stargate. No stars at all. We’re star free for the evening.”

“They actually made a good job at it.” Buffy agreed.

“That’s cause yours truly intervened.” Spike said proudly. “They wanted to decorate the gym with giant blow up dolls of Marvel heroes.”

At the confused look of the two teens he added: “You know, to go with the whole music theme.”

The two girls exchanged a look.

“Music theme?”

Spike simply outstretched his hand, pointing at no spot in particular.

I want to be your hero of love
is it getting better
is it getting brighter
I want to be your hero
your hero of love
“Note the subtle presence of the word ‘hero’ in every single song that is played tonight. They decided that the theme of the prom would be ‘Heroes’. So any song with the word ‘hero’ in the lyrics goes on tonight’s soundtrack.” Spike explained with a smirk. “It was actually a unanimous decision.”

“You agreed?” Buffy asked with a frown. “Why?”

The smile on Spike’s face grew as he started counting off his fingers:

“Highest Trails Above by The Ramones, Up In Heaven (Not Only Here) by The Clash, Shooting Stars and Paradise West by Billy Idol and of course, can’t forget, New York by the great Sex Pistols.”

“Oh, God I’m going to have a Punk filled prom.” Buffy lamented.

“Oh, baby.” Spike mewled with fake sympathy, putting a strong arm around her. “You’ll get around to liking the Punk movement; it’s inevitable after a while.”

Buffy twisted her nose in disgust as she leaned into his embrace.

“Nice trick, Spike. Gotta say I’m impressed.” Oz spoke up. “Just one problem.”

“What?” Spike questioned with a frown.

“You forgot, Holding out for a hero by Bonnie Tyler, Hero by Mariah Carey, almost fifty percent of Country music and of course…”

As if on queue, the first notes of the song started playing.

Would you dance
if I asked you to dance?
“Can’t forget that classic.” Oz made his point, tilting his head sideways.

“Oh, bloody hell.” Spike growled as Enrique Iglesias’ voice came loudly from the speakers and series of couples flooded the dance floor.

Would you run
and never look back?
Would you cry
if you saw me cry?
And would you save my soul, tonight?
“I’m in hell.” He grumbled too disillusioned to notice Xander and Cordelia approaching.

“Hey.” The brown-haired teen greeted with a wide grin.

“Hello, Xander. Cordy, love the dress.” Willow complimented.

“Hey, guys.” Spike mumbled as Buffy tugged at his sleeve.

“Come on sour puss. Let’s dance.”

Reluctantly, the bleached teen shuffled his way after her. When they reached the middle of the dance floor he put his arms around her small form and brought her closer to him while she rested her head on his shoulder. They moved slowly as the painful lyrics were heard.

She looked up to see a pout on his lips.

“Oh, come on. It’s not that bad.”

“No, it’s not bad.” He paused. “It’s horrible. It sounds like the guy wants to go to the loo and is being forced to hold it in.”

“Nice imagery, Spike.”

“Ok, it’s not that bad.” he conceded.

“I promise I’ll dance one of your horrible Punk songs with you.”

He smiled. And with that she returned her cheek to rest over his tuxedo-clad chest.

~+~

Buffy tapped her foot on the floor along with the beat as she sat around the table between Willow and Cordy.

“I can’t believe we’re at our senior prom.” Willow exclaimed as she watched Xander, Spike and Oz talking from afar.

“I can’t believe we’re going to graduate from high school next week.” Buffy replied.

“I can’t believe that girl’s wearing the same corsage as me.” Cordy pipe up. “Excuse me while I go and kill Xander.”

She was half way up, when she felt Buffy’s hand pulling her back down to her seat.

“Oh, will you relax Cordy. It’s our senior prom.”

“Exactly! She can’t be wearing the same corsage as I am.” Cordelia pointed out.

“If it makes you feel any better it looks better on you. I think it clashes with her dress.” Willow offered.

“Of course it looks better on me.” Cordy immediately replied.

There was a moment of silence as the three girls continued to observe the dance floor.

“Xander looks so cute when he laughs like that.” Cordy spoke up as she watched her boyfriend holding his stomach and chuckling at something that Spike had said.

Willow and Buffy froze. It wasn’t usual for Cordelia to be complimenting anyone, much less Xander. She was constantly pointing out what he was doing wrong, rig right now she was just gazing lovingly at her other half.

“He even makes the white sock no-no look cute.”

The three girls smiled as they noticed the white sock peeking out from under his tuxedo’s trousers.

“He’ll never learn.” Willow noted.

“He did the same thing at homecoming.” Cordy sighed loudly.

“God that seems like it was eons ago!” Buffy said as she continued to observe the three boys just as Spike looked back and their gazes met.

They smiled at one another while the people around them continued to speak.

“Remember Spike won for homecoming King?” Willow asked with a grin. “Think it’s gonna happen again this time?”

“Oh, God no!” Cordy exclaimed. “If I have to dance with anyone besides Xander, let it be Angel. At least he’s taller than me.”

“Hey, Spike is not that short!” Buffy protested, breaking away from Spike’s gaze.

The redhead and brunette gave her a look.

“Ok, fine. So he’s not tall. But he makes up for it in other areas.” Buffy noted mischievously as her eyes returned to Spike.

“I bet.” Cordy said rolling her eyes. “I think we all know that by now.”

At Buffy’s questioning look she continued:

“Well, except for those few who didn’t go to the play last week.”

“Or were there but had serious hearing problems.” Willow added.

A bright flush crept up Buffy’s neck and flooded her cheeks.

“It was really funny seeing Giles’ face trying to pretend he had gone deaf.” Willow giggled.

“Oh, my God. I’m gonna die.” Buffy muttered embarrassed as she rested her face in her hands.

“Hey, ladies. Whatcha talking about?” Xander asked as he approached the table, followed by Oz and Spike.

“Nothing!” Buffy immediately piped up as Spike came to stand next to her.

Xander frowned.

I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure
And it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life

“Wanna dance?” Buffy quickly asked when she sensed that Xander wasn’t going to let the subject go.

“It’s in the middle of tong,ong, but sure.” Spike shrugged as he helped her out of her seat and led her out to the dance floor.

Racing on the thunder

And rising with the heat.

It’s gonna take a superman

To swing me off my feet.

Just as the lyrics were sung Buffy felt his grip around her waist grow tighter and suddenly she found herself being swept off her feet and lost in his embrace, his mouth coming to press against hers for a passionate kiss.

She chuckled giddily against his lips until they broke apart and her feet finally met the ground.

“So…” Spike started a bit breathless as they started to slowly graze across the dance floor, completely off beat with the song. As the other couples around them moved frantically to the rhythm, they remained locked in an embrace. “…what was that about?”

The flush on her cheeks turned brighter, causing Spike to grin.

“Do you have any idea how cute you look when you’re flustered like that? Just makes me want to…” He finished his sentence by pulling her closer to him and pressing his hips against hers.

Her eyes widened and she immediately pushed him away, but kept her arms around his neck.

“No! That’s what got us in this mess in the first place.” She breathed under a frown as she scanned the couples around them. She had this horrible feeling that everyone was commenting on them. “Apparently, the entire school heard our little encounter in the janitor’s closet last week.” She explained.

“Oh.” He raised his eyebrows as realisation hit him, but seconds later he shrugged. “Big deal.”

“What do you mean big deal?” She questioned, her eyebrows furrowing further.

“So they heard us, then what?”

“Well, it’s…” Buffy started, but trailed off when she realised she had no argument.

“We are going to graduate next week and we’ll probably never see these people again.”

Buffy pondered over the issue for a few seconds and then shrugged.

“I guess…” And she leaned into his embrace once again.

“To think that eight months ago you freaked out over being caught making out on the teacher’s desk.” He chuckled.

“Don’t remind me.” She grumbled.

“Oh, come on. You have to admit that looking back it was pretty funny.” He continued.

“Spike!” She scolded looking up at him.

“What?” He asked defensively.

The smirk on his face made her frown crumble away and suddenly she was smiling too.

“Did you see the look on Harmony’s face?” She asked giggling.

“Priceless.” He answered.

They laughed out loud for a while as they looked at each other.

“Feels like an eternity ago…” She finally spoke, her gaze turning distant once again. “How did we end up here? You and me… together at our senior prom. We hated each other so much!”

“I eventually won you over with my incredibly sexy boyish charms. It was just a matter of time.” He said haughtily.

“Shut up!” She swatted him across the chest, but a smile remained over her lips.

“I’m irresistible Summers, and you know it.” He continued.

“Pig.” She muttered.

“A very sexy and hot pig.” He added raising one scarred eyebrow at her.

She simply shook her head before resting it back on his shoulder.

Just as they were about to continue dancing, the music was cut short and Jonathan’s nervous voice was heard from the speakers:

“E-excuse me. C-can I have your attention please?” He stuttered tapping the microphone twice and causing a painful feedback shriek to fill the gymnasium. “S-sorry.” He apologized when the entire room cringed. He cleared his throat and continued: “Well, it’s our senior prom, finally, and in a week we will all have graduated from high school.”

“It’s about time.” Someone shouted from the crowd and a general laugh followed.

“Ha.” Jonathan forced out a chuckled and continued reading from his queue card. “Anyway, we are gathered here to celebrate our journey into-“

“Oh, get on with it already.” Someone yelled.

“We’ll have to go through this during the graduation ceremony.” Another was heard.

“Cut to Chase.” Larry’s recognisable voice echoed through the gym.

Everyone giggled at the joke. It was just too obvious that Cordelia Chase would be Prom Queen.

“Ha, funny.” Jonathan smiled meekly. “Ok, then. The Prom Queen for this year is…” He opened the envelope and read out loud: “Cordelia Chase.”

“Finally.” Cordy grumbled between clenched teeth as she smiled and made her way up to the stage.

Spike looked at Buffy sideways and noticed she was twisting her hands together.

“Don’t worry, luv. I’m not gonna win this time.” He assured her.

At her frown he added:

“Had a talk with Andrew about fixing the polls.”

“And the Prom King is… Angel O’Neill.” Jonathan announced.

“See?” Spike asked wrapping his arms around her small waist and bringing her to the sidelines so that Angel and Cordy could share the King and Queen’s dance.

They joined the rest of the group as the two popular brunettes came together. Spike glanced to see Xander biting the inside of his cheek and grumbling something incomprehensible.

“Don’t worry whelp, she likes you.” Spike tried to assure his friend but Xander wouldn’t stand still until the final notes of the song were heard.

“Finally.” He gasped when Cordy and Angel parted ways. “I thought that song would never end.” He grumbled as he put one protective arm around his girlfriend and glared daggers at Angel from across the room. The quarterback ignored him, putting his arm around his date, a blonde blue-eyed girl, apparently a freshman in college named Darla.

Buffy couldn’t help but smile at that. It was just so cute how one single dance could make Xander jealousy, but then again she had thrown a fit for much less in the past. The corner of her mouth twisted for a peaceful smirk as she leaned back into Spike’s embrace and let the memories of the last year flood her mind.