'Til It's Gone

‘Til it’s gone
by AnitaB

Disclaimers and other info in chapter one.

Thoughts and flashbacks in / /

Chapter 3: Vengeance and friends

***
"Hmm...." Buffy sighed at the feel of Spike covering every inch of her back with soft kisses. A random stroke of his tongue against her skin dragged a groan from her. "Spike," uncurling her fingers from the blankets, Buffy turned in his arms, pulling his lips to her own. He obeyed, laying
his body along hers and kissing her passionately. Pulling back, Buffy laid a hand against his cheek. "I have to go,"

"No, stay." He tightened his arms around her forcefully, holding her close. “Stay with me.”

"Spike, it's almost dawn."

"Yeah, so? I just got you into my bed, you think I'm gonna let you go so soon."

"Dawn'll worry if I'm not there when she gets up."

Spike laughed and pinned her hands to the bed, holding her down with the length of his body against hers. "The niblet sent you over here, right?" At her reluctant nod, he continued. "Then she knows where you are and what you're doing. There's no hurry to leave." Lowering his head, he nibbled at the line of her throat, his groan vibrating against her skin. "So stay a little longer. I don' want to let you go yet." Her pulse sped up under his mouth and a breath pushed past her lips, stroking his ego.

"I have things to do during daylight, I've got to go." The tone of her voice wavered between determination and passion.

"All right, luv. I'll let you go home today, Pet, if you meet me at the Bronze tonight." Enjoying the small battle of wills, and how easily his touch heightened the passion in her voice, Spike tightened his grip on her and pressed her deeper into the mattress just to hear her groan. God, he loved that sound.

"Okay, I'll see you at the Bronze." She knew she had to leave now or she might not leave at all. He was just too distracting. Buffy pulled herself out of his arms and off the bed, shaking a finger at him. "And don't you ever even think you can control me, Spike. I'm not your pet."

Crawling to the edge of the bed, Spike trailed a hand down her arm, watching the shiver he caused run down her spine. "You sure about that, luv, ‘cause I think I got more power over you than you admit." Standing, he stepped close, his eyes detailing the response to him written so clearly on her face. "You want me and you know it. But I like a strong-willed woman as much as you need a strong man." Spike kissed her lightly, pulling back with a little difficulty as she
moved to deepen the kiss. "Tonight, then, at the Bronze."

Trembling slightly and enjoying it thoroughly, Buffy nodded. "The Bronze."

/Let the battle of wills begin./


***

"So, did Spike enjoy his blood?" Dawn spoke cheerfully as Buffy tried to shut the front door silently. Jumping, she turned in time to see Dawn's smile get even wider.

"What, do I have to sedate you to get you to sleep? You have school in two hours."

"I could say the same to you, Buffy. You're up just as late as I am. And it looks like you had more fun than I did."

"Dawn!"

"Don't even try, Buffy." She laughed, "He left marks outside your clothes." Reaching up, Dawn flicked a hand at a hickey just above Buffy's collar. "When are you seeing him again?"

"Dawn,"

"Oh, come on, Buffy. I'm not blind. I sent you to see him at midnight and you come in at six am, obviously having enjoyed the time. So when are you seeing him again?"

"You're not going to let up until I tell you, are you, Dawn?"

Smiling, Dawn replied with a very matter-of-fact tone in her voice. "Nope."

"Fine then, yes. I'm seeing Spike tonight at the club."

"What are you gonna wear?"

"I'll decide later, right now I have an errand to run while it's still daylight." Buffy pulled a wooden stake out of a trunk by the door, a dark smile on her lips.

"Oh, Harmony? Can I go, too?"

"No, and I didn't say that's what I'm doing."

"And you didn't say it wasn't. Do you know where she is? Please, can I come? If we go now, I won't even be late for school, see. Spike's important to me, too."

"I know he is, Dawn." Buffy sat down across from her. "But I'm the one that let him down. This is something I need to do myself."

Dawn smiled at the exposed emotion in Buffy's face. This act of vengeance was Buffy's gift to Spike, a way to show him she cared. Abstractly Dawn wondered if Spike and Buffy would actually say the words. "Okay, you can stake Harmony by yourself if I get to see what you're wearing for Spike before you go."

"Who said I'm wearing something for Spike?"

Dawn rolled her eyes, laughing at the look on her sister's face. "Fine, I want to see what you're going to wear to the club."

"Fine. You can see the outfit. Now, I have to go and when I get back you better have gone to school or else."

"Oh, I will, and enjoy killing your boyfriend's ex."

***

/That's perfect, he'll like that...a lot./ Dawn's words reran through Buffy's mind as she sat alone at a table in the Bronze. Part of her mind was wondering if she should have worn this outfit. The halter top left most of her back and all of her arms bare. The skirt fell to mid-thigh and was made of a loose and clingy fabric. The outfit left a lot of skin exposed. And that had been the reason she'd chosen it. Probably it was also the reason Dawn thought Spike would like it. It had sounded like a good idea when she'd been standing in front o the mirror at home. But now, Buffy was vaguely uncomfortable. The object in her hands felt uncomfortable too. It was a small glass bottle of ashes, dust. Harmony dust. The bitch had been unsatisfyingly easy to stake, but she'd deserved it for hurting Spike. Buffy knew why she'd done it and why she was going to give it to him.

But how?
Still absorbed in her thoughts, Buffy felt him come into the club. She didn't hear him, or see him. But she know without a doubt that Spike was in the room and looking at her. She could feel him. A shiver traced her spine as she turned to look at him. Buffy could read the appreciation on his face from across the room. Something inside her thrilled to see the blatant desire in his eyes as he walked across the floor to her.

"Hello, luv," Sliding a hand along the skin of her back, Spike dropped a kiss on her lips and sat down with an arm around her, relief in his voice and on his face. "You came,"

"I said I would," Unknowingly Buffy moved closer, cuddling into his arm and shivering at the touch of his hand against her skin. Her eyes moved over him, from the look in his eyes and the smile on his lips to the line of his leather coat over his muscled shoulders and the tight stretch of his t-shirt across his chest. She wanted him badly and it showed in her eyes.

"Buffy," he leaned closer in response to her expression and the small but visible shiver, resting a hand just above her knee and rubbing his thumb over her skin. "You keep looking at me like that, we're gonna hafta leave." The low rumble of his voice against her ear made her close her eyes and take a deep breath.

"Spike?"


"Yeah, luv,"

"I ...." She couldn't do it yet and changed the sentence mid-breath. "Let's dance,"

He smiled, knowing that hadn't been what she was about to say. But Spike wasn't stupid enough to turn down the chance to touch her. "You got it, gorgeous." Stripping off his coat, he stood and held a hand out to her. Pulling Buffy to her feet, Spike kissed the inside of her wrist --over the bandage--and led her out to the dance floor.

Sliding into his arms, Buffy curled her own around his neck as his hands settled on her hips and pulled her close. the rhythmic beat of the music matched the beat of their blood through their bodies. He felt good, his hands stroking along her back and hips, his eyes locked to hers. Pulling her closer, Spike felt her body moving against his and couldn't help the instantaneous reaction of his body to hers.

"Buffy," He splayed a hand over the bare skin of her lower back, holding her against his body. "Why so quiet?" He whispered in her ear, "Don' you want this?"

"Spike, I --" Buffy realized then that it hadn't once occurred to her that she could turn back. She could pretend it hadn't happened and end whatever this thing was with him. But she didn't want to. Buffy wanted this. She wanted him. "Yes, I want this, Spike. I love you." Threading her fingers through his hair, Buffy pulled him down for a passionate kiss, pressing herself harder against him.

Wrapping his arms around her tightly, Spike responded to her words and her kiss with every fiber of his being. One hand fisted in her hair as the other pressed her hips hard against his, kissing her like he'd never let her go. Pulling back barely an inch, Spike spoke against her lips. "I love you so bloody much, Buffy." Stroking a hand down her thigh, he lifted her knee against his hip, kissing her again.

"Spike," Breaking the kiss, she stayed in his arms. "I have something for you."

"I bet you do," His voice rumbled low against her skin as he nuzzled his lips against her cheek, stroking his fingertips along the skin just under the edge of her skirt, headed higher.

"No, it's not that.' She paused, pushing his hand down weakly. "Not here anyway. follow me" Twining he fingers through his, she led him back to the table. Buffy moaned slightly as he wrapped both arms around her from behind and pressed himself against her back. She could feel the length of him pressing against her spine, hard and eager. And distracting.

“What is it?” Spike leaned his chin on her shoulder, watching her pull a small bottle out of her purse.

“Here, it’s for you.”


Taking the bottle, he shot her a puzzled look.

“It’s Harmony, no customer, no vengeance demon.”

“You killed her for me?” Spike turned her in his arms, stroking his thumb over her lips.

“Yes, I killed her for you.”

“Buffy,” He tilted her chin up and kissed her tenderly, holding her close.

“Buffy?”

Spike whispered, “Damn,” against her lips before loosening his arms enough to let her turn without letting her go.

“Buffy? What’s going on?” Willow stood a few feet away with a strangely blank expression.

“Oh, hi, Will. How are you?”

Willow’s eyes widened as Spike tightened his hold on Buffy without her protest. In fact, she cuddled close, didn’t she?

“Well, I’m good and you?”

“She's fine,”

“I asked her, Spike, not you.” Holding a hand out to Buffy. “Buffy, I need to talk to you,” Her eyes flicked to Spike and back. “Alone,”

Spike tilted Buffy’s face up, dropping a short kiss on her lips, “I’ll be at the bar, hurry back.” He kissed her wrist and walked over to a barstool where he could still see the two women.

Willow watched Spike go, then grabbed Buffy by the arm and dragged her over to the table. Anya, Xander, and Tara looked up with surprise.

“Buffy, I didn’t know you were coming.” Xander pulled up a chair. “Sit, drink. Enjoy the Bronziness.”

“Buffy, what do you think you’re doing?”

“What did it look like I was doing, Will?”

“It looked like you were kissing Spike!”


Xander stood up with concern written on his face and laid a hand on her forehead. “No fever,” Tilting her head, he checked the skin on her throat. “No bite marks,” Pushing her down to a chair, he sat and stared at her. “Sit, explain, now.”

Ducking her head, Buffy fiddled with the bandage on her wrist. “Explain what?”

“Hmm, the make out session with fangboy comes to mind.” Xander folded his hands on the table and locked his eyes on her face, watching her carefully while keeping his own face blank.

“Is he forcing you somehow? Is it a spell?”

“Nora, ra, he wouldn’t do that to me. I’m with him because I want to be.”

“But why, Buffy? Why now? You’ve been fighting him for so long. I remember the look on your face after he almost told you he loved you. You were terrified, disgusted.”

“He almost died. I almost lost him without ever...” She stopped a moment, her voice catching almost painfully in her throat. “I couldn’t keep l to to myself. I care about Spike and I need to see where it could go.”

“Do you trust him?” Xander’s face was serious, concerned but also beginning to accept. This was obviously, and with good reason, a very important question to him.

“Yes,” She answered automatically. No hesitation, no doubt.

“Do you love him?” Willow’s voice was soft, her eyes earnest.

“Yes,” This time the answer was slower, but it wasn’t hesitation. The soft smile curving her lips halted the word momentarily. “I love him,”

“A “Are you sure?” Tara questioned.

“Yes, I’m very sure.”

“All right then, stay here a minute.” Xander stood and pushed Buffy back into the chair as she moved to stand. “Stay here, Buffy, I’ll be right back.”

“Xander, what are you...doing?” The last word trailed off as he moved out of hearing range...straight towards Spike on his bar stool.

“Spike,”

“Yeah,” He turned to see Xander standing less then a foot away.

“You ever hurt Buffy and I will personally shove a Christmas tree thh yoh your rib cage.” Xander’s face and body shouted protective friend in its every line.

“Lights and all?”

“Spike,” Xander leaned closer, threateningly.

“Relax, bloke.” Spike put a hand on his shoulder. “I’d never hurt, Buffy. And if I ever did, you’d be doing me a favor with the quick death.”

“You better be sure about that, Spike. We’d all do anything for Buffy.”

“I’m in love with her, Xander. So would I.”

“Okay, Spike. I believe.” Motioning his head towards the table, Xander continued. “Come, have a drink with us.”

“You sure?”

Xander nodded, leading the way back to the table. “If you’re going to be with Buffy, we’ll just have to get used to it. So come sit with us.”

“I’d love to,” Spike followed, sliding into the seat next to Buffy’s, wrapping an arm around her. “Hello, luv,” Tilting her chin up, he kissed her softly, his heart pounding as she responded eagerly.

“Hi,” Buffy smiled and rested a hand on his thigh, cuddling closer against his side.

“So, uh, how do you feel? I mean, how are you recovering?” Willow wrapped her hands around her glass, her eyes shifting from its contents to Spike’s face and back nervously.

“Never been better,” Spike smiled down at Buffy then met Willow’s eyes. “I wanted to... thank you for all you did. I wouldn’t have made it without your help.”

“You’re welcome, Spike.”

“So, next round’s on me. For I am...” Xander paused with his style of dramatic flourish. “Payday Man.”

***

“Thank you, Buffy.” Spike whispered against her skin, his hands braced against the wall behind her. Licking the rapid beat of her pulse, he dragged all ten fingers down her back, tracing every inch of skin.

She gasped, “What for?” And moved eagerly against his hands.

Lifting his head, Spike cradled her face in his palms. “For not being ashamed of this thing we have, of me.” Brushing his lips over hers, he groaned at the feel of her body against his. “For letting me touch you in public, in front of your friends.”

“You keep looking at me like that, Spike, and we’ll be doing a lot more in public than that.” Her voice rasped in her throat, her hands clutching his shoulders. “I want you,” Sliding her hands up to his hair, Buffy dragged his head down, attacking his lips with her own.

A wordless groan escaped Spike as he ran his hands up her legs under the skirt, lifting her up and pressing her against the wall. “Buffy,” Drinking in the taste of her kiss, Spike pressed his body against hers, his hands curling her legs around his hips. “Luv, touch me. Please touch me.”

He felt her smile against his lips an instant before she ripped his t-shirt o dra dragging the sharp edges of her nails down his chest. Dipping her head, Buffy touched her lips to the pulse point in his throat, feeling his groan against her hair.

A line of his control shattered at the pressure of her teeth in his skin, his hands frantically untying the various strings crossing her back and pulling the fabric away. “So beautiful, luv.” Spike trailed kisses down the skin of her throat, his lips moving to meet his hands at the soft skin of her breast. Focusing his attention on the sensitive peaks, he reveled in the tightening of her legs around his body and sounds escaping her lips.

“Spike,” her nails digging into the skin of his back, Buffy cried out as he stripped the lacy black underwear off her body with the sharp sound of tearing silk. “Please, Spike. I need you.” She pushed her hands past the edges of his coat to fumble at his belt. “I need to feel you now.” The touch of her hands on his hips dragged her name fros lis lips as she stroked the hard length of him.

“Love, Buffy,” Shoving the skirt up around her waist, Spike cradled her hips in his hands, pressing his hardness against her wet heat. “Feel so good, luv.”

“Spike, now, please.” Arching against his body, Buffy tightened her arms and legs around him and buried her face in the shoulder of his coat. “I love you, Spike.”

“No, don’ look away.” Lifting her chin, Spike met her eyes with his own. “See how much I love you.” Dropping urgent kisses over her lips, he lowered one hand to her thigh, angling her hips against his. “Buffy, I love you.” He accented the words with a thrust that sent him deep inside her.

“Spike,” Every fiber of her body reacted to the feel of him inside her, her voice catching in her throat and her nails digging into his back. “So good so ... ah, Spike.” Locking her eyes to his, Buffy eagerly met his every movement with one of her own, pleasure rising inside her.

The urgent rhythm built between them, growing more all consuming with each stroke of his body inside hers. “Gorgeous, luv.” She felt so good. The sweet taste of her kiss, the heat of her body against his, the texture of her skin under his hands, the intimacy of her eyes on his, and the sound of his name on her lips. The way she held him so tight, so close, drove Spike er ter to the edge. “Buffy, I love you, I love you so much.”

The words were the last straw. Buffy cried out his name, shuddering in his arms as she came. “Spike... love you...”

Her body clenching around him and the sharp bite of her nails breaking his skin shredded the last of his control. Clenching a fist in her hair, Spike gazed into her eyes and groaned her name, pressing as deep within her as possible and joining her in pleasure. “Buffy,” Slowly lowering her to her feet, he held her closer against his chest, wrapping his coat around her body. “You are so beautiful, luv.”

“You’re very good looking yourself, Spike.” Buffy stroked a fingertip over his eyebrow, trailing her touch down his face to rub lightly over his lips. Curling closer against his body, she wrapped hems ams around his neck. “Come home with me.”

His hands stilled on the curve of her back, his lips halting on their way to hers. “You’re letting me in the house?” The surprise in his voice was matched only by his happiness. It had been a long held fantasy of his to be able to watch her sleep, to hold her in his arms in her bed. He’d watched her enough through the window that the idea of being in her bedroom was almost as intoxicating to him as the taste of her blood had been.

“Yeah, I’m not ready to stop touching you yet and I...” she paused, raising her eyes to his and tightening her arms around him. “I want you to stay with me tonight.” The emotion drawn all over his face was reflected in her eyes as she invited him home. Buffy wanted to see him, touch him in her house. She wanted to wrap herself in Spike’s arms and her blankets. She wanted him in her bed.

Running his hands along her back, Spike pulled her closer and kissed her eagerly, reveling in her passionate response to his touch. Lifting his head, he smiled at her. “Let’s go, luv.” Reluctantly stepping out of her arms, Spike turned to look for her clothing. “Now, where’d I throw your shirt? Oh, there it is.” Pocketing the torn black silk, he lifted the leather and moved back to her side, kissing her neck as he tied each of the strings.

Cuddling backwards into his arms, Buffy angled her head to give his lips more access to her skin. Curling one hand behind his head, she pulled him closer. “Come on, Spike. Let’s go home.”

***

“Spike,”

He let go of Buffy’s hand and held his arms out to the girl running down the porch steps. “Hey, little bit,” Catching her, he swung Dawn around easily before setting her back on her feet. “Why aren’t you in bed, girl? It’s late.”

“Spike,” She socked him in the shoulder with a wide smile on her face. “Don’t treat me like a little kid.”

Mussing her hair affectionately, he smiled down at her. “Never, little bit, I know better ‘n to insult a Summers.”

Buffy, smiling at the two of them, walked up the steps. Moving through the open front door, she lifted the heavy iron cross off the wall, temporarily dismantling the house wards. Until Willow and Tara had time to alter the spell, this would allow Spike into the house. Leaning against the doorframe, Buffy turned in time to see Spike brush back Dawn’s hair and smile down at her.

He was so good with her, protective and caring without crossing the line into patronizing or condescending. Something Buffy herself never seemed to manage.

Tucking Dawn close against his side, Spike walked up the steps, his eyes locked on the slim form in the doorway. Buffy, his Buffy, was waiting for him. He’d never seen anything so beautiful in his life. “Buffy,”

Dawn slipped out of Spike’s arms and ducked through the open door with a smile. Leaning against the stair railing, Dawn’s expression said ‘oh, how sweet’ without the slightest bit of sarcasm.

“Spike,” Holding a hand out to him through the doorway, Buffy whispered tenderly “Come inside.”

Taking her hand, Spike seemed almost afraid to cross the doorway. Kissing her knuckles, he closed his eyes and stepped through the door. “Buffy,” Pulling her into his arms, Spike clutched her tight and buried his face against her throat. “God, luv,”

Gasping at his fierce hold, Buffy curled her arms around his neck as she felt her feet leave the floor. “Spike,” A small laugh escaped her as he swung her around in a tight circle, her hands clenching against the shoulders of his leather trench.

“Buffy, you don’ know how long I wanted this.” Putting her down without letting her go, Spike cradled her cheek in one hand. “I never thought you’d let me in.”

“I didn’t think I would, either.” She nuzzled his hand, her lips pressing softly against his skin.

“I knew you would.” Dawn sat down on the wooden chest by the door, smiling and swinging her legs. As they turned to look at her, her smile turned a little more determined. “Well, I did. I kneu guu guys would end up together.”

“I always said you were a smart girl.” Spike smiled and gazed at Buffy. “Myself, I lost hope there for awhile.”

Dawn watched the melting expression on Buffy’s face for a moment before she decided that three was a crowd. “Well, it’s late and I’m gonna go to bed and turn on my radio. So you two can do... whatever you want. Goodnight,” Standing, Dawn leaned up and kissed Spike and Buffy on the cheek, heading up the stairs.

“Goodnight, Dawn.”

“‘Night, little bit.” Spike watched the girl until her bedroom closed behind her, looking down at the woman in his arms. “You know, luv, she had a good idea, there.” Settling his hands on her hips, he pulled her close and smiled against her lips. “Bed, a little bit of music, you, me, maybe eventually sleep.” Trailing one hand up and down her thigh, Spike thoroughly enjoyed the desire written on her face. “So what do you say, Slayer? Show me your bedroom.”

Trembling at the heat in his eyes and the light stroke of his hand on her skin, Buffy pretended to consider the idea. But really she was just imagining him naked in the middle of her bed. All that pale skin and lean muscle on top of her cotton sheets was a very appealing picture.

“Come upstairs,” Twining her fingers through his, Buffy led the way up the stairs and down the hall, smiling at the quiet music coming from Dawn’s room. Stepping into her bedroom, she turned to face him her breath catching at the sight of him. “A part of me I tried to ignore always wondered how you would look in here.”

“I always wanted to be here.” Shutting the door behind him, Spike walked towards her, his trench moving around his legs and his skin showing pale through his torn shirt. Stopping close enough to her body to feel the heat of her, he raised his hands to take off his coat.

“No, let me.” Her eyes shyly meeting his, Buffy caught his hands and dropped them at his sides. “I want to do it.” Dropping her eyes to the smooth line of his neck, she flattened her palms against his chest, sliding both coat and shirt down his arms to the floor. “Spike,” Dipping her head, Buffy pressed her lips to the still pulse point of his throat. Feeling his hands tangling in her hair, she trailed a line of kisses down his chest, sending her hands to his belt.

“Buffy,” Tilting her chin up, Spike groaned at the heat in her gaze and pulled her hard against his body, kissing her urgently. Savoring her eager response and sweet taste, he quickly untied the strings crossing her back. “My beautiful luv,” There was awe in his voice as Spike knelt in front of her, pulling the fabric aside and burying his face against her stomach.

“Spike, please,” Her hands clenched on his shoulders as her legs went weak at the feel of his lips caressing her skin. Sinking to her knees, Buffy guided his mouth to her breast with trembling fingers in his hair.

“Sweet Buffy,” Feeding hungrily at her skin, Spike sent exploring hands up the smooth skin of her legs, groaning at the feel of her hot flesh under his fingers. “Go wan want you, luv.” Standing, he pulled her to her feet and stripped the last scrap of cloth from her body. “Bloody gorgeous,”

“Spike, I want you now.” Unfastening and pushing down his pants, Buffy pushed him backwards onto the bed, jerking both his pants and shoes of his feet. Gazing up at her with need in his eyes, Spike was finally naked in bed. Where she’d wanted him to be for longer than she could admit. Where she’d dreamed of him. “Oh god, Spike.”

“Come here, luv,” He held a hand out to her, his body already missing the touch of hers. “Come to me, love me.”

“I do, Spike, I love you...so much.’ Crawling up the bed, Buffy captured his lips with hers, treasuring the feel of his body against her own. Just having him here was amazing, but she needed more. She needed him. Kneeling over his hips, Buffy gasped at the feel of his hardness pressed against the juncture of her legs, “Spike,”

“Shh, luv, there’s no hurry.” Spike stroked a hand over her back and nuzzled his lips against her throat. “I wanted this for so long.” Rolling her beneath him, he marveled at the sight of her, naked and wanting him. “You are so bloody beautiful, luv.” Lifting her hand, Spike pressed an urgent kiss to the inside of her wrist, tracing the edge of the bandage with the tip of his tongue. Enjoying the mixture of need and pleasure on her face, he smiled into her palm, moving to nibble at the pads of her fingers.

“Spike, please.” Curving a hand around the back of his neck, Buffy pulled him closer, trailing her lips over the pale skin of his face. Tracing a fingertip his scarred eyebrow, Buffy found herself staring at his lips. She was addicted to his kisses and making no effort to give them up. “Spike, I want you.” Savoring the air of his groan on her skin, Buffy treated herself to a leisurely exploration of his mouth, reveling in the taste and feel of him.

“Oh, god, Buffy.” Putting more urgency into the kiss, Spike stroked a palm up her side to tenderly cup her breast. “Sweet luv,” Groaning against her lips, he felt her flesh react instantly to his touch. “My turn,” Trailing his lips down her skin, Spike kissed the stiff peak of her breast, pulling it into the wet suction of his mouth.

“Spike,” Her body arching up into his touch, she dug her nails into his back and fought to catch her breath. Pressing her thigh against his erection, Buffy pulled him close. “Please, now.”

“Not now, luv. I want you first.” Curving his hands under her knees, he opened her legs and settled his body between them. “You are so beautiful, Buffy.” cupping her hips in his hands, Spike lowered his hand to taste her wet heat. “Bloody hell, luv, you taste good.” Pulling her closer, he groaned as she cried out his name and crossed her ankles behind his back. The feel of her entire body reacting wildly to him was as sweet as the taste of her on his tongue. “Buffy,”

“Spike,” Buffy fought to catch her breath, her body arching helplessly into the soft exploration of his lips and tongue. The slide of one long finger inside her and the flick of his tongue against her clit tightened her thighs around his neck and pulled a wordless cry from her mouth. Tightening her fingers in his hair, Buffy pulled him up over her body.

“Yes, Buffy?” Propped above her, Spike panted harshly and gazed down at her, marveling at the sight of her spread out on her bed, wanting him and only him. She was so beautiful.

“It’s my turn now.” Shoving him onto his back, Buffy knelt over his legs and smiled down at him. “You look so good here,” she stroked a hand along his arms, trailing fingertips over the sheet beneath it. “You feel so good here, in my bed.” Leaning down Buffy touched her lips to his, whispering against his skin, “I love you, Spike.”

“Buffy,” Lifting his head, he tried to deepen the kiss as she moved away. “Please,”

“No, I want you first.” Buffy echoed his words, watching eagerly as he caught her meaning and groaned roughly deep in his chest. She smiled, lowering her lips to the line of his throat and biting gently at the pulse point. “Spike,” Holding his hands down against the bed, she pressed her lips to the skin of his chest, applying an eager tongue to each small nipple. Painting her touch and kisses down his skin, Buffy outlined each hard muscle of his stomach with the soft caress of her lips and the light scratch of her nails on her way down his body..

“Buffy...bloody hell, luv, please.”

Reveling in the need in his voice, Buffy wrapped a hand around his erection, feeling his body arch into her touch. “Buffy,” His tenuous control shattered and Spike pulled her up over his chest, rolling her beneath him. “God, my sweet Buffy. I need you.” Pressing hard against her, he settled his hips between her legs, groaning against her throat. “I love you so much, Buffy.”

“I love you, Spike.” She wrapped her arms and legs tightly around him, pulling him harder against her body. “I need you, Spike, please.” Buffy rocked her hips against his, feeling the hard length of him so close, but not close enough. “Please, now.”

“God, luv,” Groaning helplessly against her lips, Spike raised her hips and pushed him ins inside her. “Buffy, luv...so good.” Fisting his hands in the sheets beneath her, he pressed slowly deeper within her, feeling every inch of her surrounding him.

“Spike,” Sighing, Buffy tightened her legs around his waist, arched at the heavenly feel of his body inside hers. Sinking her nails into his shoulders, she locked her eyes with his watching his face as her hips arched up eagerly to meet each of his thrusts. Seeing the love in his eyes heightened the already intense sensations flooding her body. Buffy reveled in the urgent pressure of his body above her and the soft rub of the cotton sheets beneath her. “So good, Spike.”

Groaning, Spike moved more eagerly inside her, losing himself deep within her heat. The sound of his name on her lips, the sharp bite of her nails in his skin, the sight of the emotion in her eyes, and the feel of her sheets in his hands: Buffy pushed Spike closer to losing control with every inch of her body. “Buffy,” Kissing her passionately, Spike rubbed a hand down her hip, lifting her harder against him and plunging even deeper within her. “I want to feel you come around me. Come for me.”

Her neck arched back and her arms tightened around him, her body shuddering in his arms as her climax washed over her. “God, Spike!”

Following her right over that edge, he shouted her name and buried his face against her throat. Slowly recovering his senses from the ecstacy she’d sent him into, Spike brushed his lips across hers, curling her hair around his fingers. “You have never been as beautiful to me as you are right now, Buffy.” The touch of his fingers stroking her cheek held love and awe.

“What? Thoroughly had?” She looked slightly offended, well, maybe more than slightly.

“There is that,” He stroked a thumb over the pouting tip of her breast, feeling and enjoying her reaction the small touch. “But really, luv, now you’re open to me.”

“Open?!” She struggled under his weight, raising one hand and its nails to his skin.

Spike knew death when he saw it and moved quickly to pin her hands to the mattress on either side of her head. “Before you go and get all mad and hurt me, let me explain, Buffy.” Twining his fingers through hers, he kissed the back of her hand. “I never though you’d ever let me see you again and now I’m here, in your bed, in your arms” He raised an eyebrow and settled closer against her with sex in every line of his expression, “In your body. You finally said you love me, you opened up to me at last. And you were never more gorgeous.” Leaning down, Spike pressed a soft, heart-filled kiss to her lips.

“Spike,” she returned his kiss just as tenderly, “I’ve dreamed of you, as hard as I tried not to. You were here, holding me, and I couldn’t pretend I didn’t like it. Hold me tonight, Spike.”

“Always,” Reluctantly leaving her arms, he padded across the room naked to close the drapes securely and turn off the lights. Hurrying back, he met her in the middle of the bed, wrapping her in his arms and her blankets. Just like she’d dreamed about.

Just like they were always meant to be.

“Hmm, Spike,” Cuddling down into his arms, Buffy treasured the feel of him holding her so tight. “I love you so much, Spike.”

“You know I love you, Buffy Summers. I love you so much.” Pulling her closer, he stroked a hand down her leg, tugging her knee over his body. “I love it that you let me touch you, I love it that you let me in.” Tilting her chin up, he kissed her, sweetly brushing his lips across hers. “Good night, luv.”

“Good night, Spike.” Brushing a fingertip over his scarred eyebrow, Buffy smiled at him lovingly and settled deeper into his arms, falling asleep wrapped in the safety of his touch.

Holding her close, Spike treasured the warmth of her in his arms until he too fell asleep.

***

Still in her pj’s, Dawn stood leaning against the door jam with a huge smile on her face. The sight before her was simply precious and there was no denying it. Buried in covers up to her neck, Buffy was fast asleep sprawled across Spike’s chest. A bump in the blanket could only be his arm wound tightly around her waist and the fingers of his other hand were clenched in her hair, holding her cradled as close as possible.

Buffy, for her part, seemed to be clinging just as tightly to Spike: one arm was curled around his shoulder, her head was tucked under his chin, and her legs were intertwined with his under the blankets.

Crossing her arms over her stomach, Dawn sighed. They were so cute cuddled up together like that. Finally Buffy had admitted to herself and to Spike that she really did care about him. She trusted him enough to lay sleeping and vulnerable in his arms. “How sweet,”

Congratulating herself on her role in getting them together, Dawn silently shut the door and tiptoed down the stairs. “I think it’s gonna be a beautiful day.”

The End.