Animal

Chapter 3

I am overwhelmed by the reviews and emails I have received for this story. Of course reviews give me a happy and my muse? Since I was kind and filled her up with yummy chocolate she has been whispering all kinds of ideas in my ear.


More presents and kisses

She was giggling uncontrollably, still grasping the gift in her hand. “Spike …oh Spike…I …I love you.” She gasped as she laughed.

She sobered instantly. “Oh…I…”

“*What* did you just say?” Spike asked, unblinking, not daring to move.

“I…Uh…” Buffy was blushing down to her roots. ~ Shit. No getting out of it. He had to have heard that. ~ She thought to herself as she racked her brain for something to say. She squirmed a little, uncomfortable with his scrutiny.

Spike was shocked when Buffy threw herself at him giggling. He just knew when he got the idea for her present that she would love it.
~ I know she’s never had one. Told me so herself. ~ Spike thought happily. Then he heard her say the words he would have waited an eternity for ~ ‘ I love you?’ Is that what she just said? ~ Spike asked himself and then opened his mouth and voiced his question.

“Slayer…please answer me…I…I need for yo ans answer me.” Spike said, his voice was so hoarse with emotion she barley heard his words.

“I…I said I love you Spike.” Buffy said softly looking at the floor. “I thought… I wasn’t sure that I …but I do…you know me Spike. You know *me*. You love me. I’m positive of that now. It wasn’t just the pen though. You have never broken a promise to me.” She smiled shyly up at him.

“That sodden *pen* made you realize I am in love with you?” He asked incredulously. “What exactly about that *pen* made you realize I truly am in love with you?” He asked gently tucking a fallen strand of hair behind her ear.

FLASHBACK

“Look at all these names, why don’t they have a spot for unique names?” She asked pouting.

“Cause not enough people would buy them Slayer.” Spike smiled at her. ~ She is so adorable when she pouts. I want to take her in my arms and kiss her until she forgets about everything but my lips on her. ~ He sighed softly. “Look here’s one that says Elizabeth.” fferffered holding out a cheep purple pen with ‘Elisabeth’ written in pink.

“But that’s not…I want one that says ‘Buffy!’” she whined in his direction. Buffy’s bottom lip jutted out. “It’s not my fault I have a unique name.”

“Well Luv, they don’t have one here. I promise I’ll find you one though, you’re just too cute when you pout.” Spike said laughing. ~ Mmm delicious. ~ He thought staring at her.

“But Spike…I…”

“Now no more pouting, let’s grab the Halloween candy and get back to your place. The store is closing right away and Dawn is waiting to see what we have picked out. Can’t believe the Nibblet is staying home to hand out candy tomorrow.” ~ And you’re going to that party with the wanker. Why can’t you admit you have feelings for me Slayer? ~ Spike asked himself watching her eyes roam greedily over the little bags of Halloween treats.

“Thank you for agreeing to stay with her.” She said softly tearing her eyes from the candy to glance at him. ~ He looks so hot. Standing there staring at me with lust filled eyes. Bad Buffy. No thoughts of this *sexy as hell vampire* ~

“S’no problem Luv. Get to spend some quality time with my favorite girl.” He said. ~ Come on Slayer…you have *got* to say something to that. ~ Spike thought to himself flashing her a grin.

“Dawn is your favorite Girl?” She squeaked

“Yeah.” He shrugged looking at the ground. “She believes me when I tell her I love her.” He said softly.

“Spike I …It’s not…” She sighed. “It’s complicated…I can’t…I’m the Slayer.” She said softly.

“Yeah Buffy you are. But you are also an amazing *woman*, and that’s why I changed.” Spike held up his hands to ward off her protests. “I’m not …I know you Buffy, better than you know yourself. I know you don’t believe I’ve changed, that I can love…I just hope one day…”

“Wal-Mart will be closing in 10 minutes Ladies and gentlemen if you could take your purchases to the front cashiers.” The voice over the loudspeaker startled them both.

END FLASHBACK
~~~~~`

“Spike…when we went to Wal-Mart for Halloween candy I …I was so jealous when you said that Dawn was your favorite girl…and I really wanted a pen with my name on it. I can’t believe you got me one. I really can’t believe you remembered that.” Buffy smiled down at him.

Spike looked into her eyes. “I memorize every detail about you Luv, you are my world. I know you don’t…”

“I’m beginning to see that Spike.” She said softly leaning in to kiss him. “Do you want your next present?” She asked suddenly sitting up.

“There’s more?” He asked, excitement in his voice.

“Hell yeah there’s more. This next one though…it’s a doozy.”

“Yeah? …Gimmie.” He said gleefully holding out his hands.

“This particular present isn’t something you can touch…she said softly. But I think it’s gonna be one of your favorites.” She was suddenly nervous. ~ Oh god…I can’t believe I’m gonna tell him…he’s not gonna take no for an answer after I tell him. Do I really want to say no anymore? ~ Buffy asked herself.

“Well what is it Slayer?” He asked curiously.

“I …I broke up with Riley. That’s why he’s gone. He went home to his family for the holidays and I don’t think he’s coming back.” She said softly looking into his eyes.

“Why? Why did you break up with him?” Spike asked.

“You want the real reasons? Or the ones I’m telling everyone else?” She asked quietly.

“Real reasons of course Luv.” He replied. ~ Especially if I am one of the reasons. ~ He thought smiling to himself.

FLASHBACK

“Buffy…when are we gonna exchange Christmas presents?” Riley asked.

“Oh…I uh…do you want to do it now? I know it’s four days till Christmas but you are leaving tomorrow.” Buffy replied pulling herself from his embrace. ~ Uhhh, sometimes he’s so hot and sweaty. ~

Buffy got up naked form the bed and went to her bag. She pulled out a box with Riley’s name on it.

She turned around to make her way back to him and he was leering suggestively at her. “Seeing you naked makes me so horny Buffy.

~ Yeah lucky me. ~ She thought sarcastically. Buffy got closer to the bed and noticed a tiny ring shaped box in his hands. ~ NO! Oh no…Please don’t let that be what I think it is. ~ She thought to herself perching on the side of the bed.

Riley passed her the tiny package wrapped in gold foil. “I love you Buffy.” He said happily.

“I know. I love you too.” She said miserably.

Buffy passed Riley the present and watched him rip the wrapping paper off. He opened the box and inside he found a gorgeous sweater. “It’s beautiful Buffy.” He said getting out of bed to put it on.

~ I can’t pretend anymore. ~ “Good bye Riley.” She said collecting her clothes and pulled them on hastily.

“Buffy…what’s going on? I don’t understand you can’t just…”

Buffy handed him the the tiny package she clutched in her hand. “Here. You take this back.” She admonished. “I can’t be with you Riley. I can’t do it any more.”

“What is it Buffy…please we can work this out.” He pleaded.

“No Riley we really can’t.” She said softly. “I…I don’t want to get married. If you knew me at all you’d know that. But you don’t.” She sighed exasperatedly as he tried to put his arms around her. ~ Heat. No. Wrong. He should be cool. ~ She thought to herself pulling away from him.

“Buffy…don’t shut me out like this.” He begged.

“Riley…it’s over. I am sorry but it is.” She said softly.

“But…but you love me…” He whispered.

“Riley…I don’t think I really know…what love is.” ~ But I know if I loved you I wouldn’t be terrified at the thought of spending my life with you. ~

“Please Buffy…lets talk about this.” He pleaded grabbing her by the shoulder. “I know you love me…let me prove it to you…let me make love to you.” He said softly rubbing himself into her.

“No.” Buffy replied, she pushed him away and finished getting dressed. She headed for the door.

“Buffy if you walk out that door…like this…” Riley threatened.

“What? What will you do?” She asked spinning towards him so fast that Riley backed up a few steps from the fury in her eyes.

“I won’t come back…I’ll stay in Iowa.” He replied smugly.

“Well…maybe that would be for the best.” She said softly.

“It’s him isn’t it?” He asked quietly.

“Hio?” o?” She asked innocently.

“Spike. You’re in love with him.” Riley said venom dripping from his words. “I’ve seen you…around him. The way you act stealing glances when you think no one is looking.”

“No. I am not in love with him. He’s a demon Riley.” She said softly. “He’s not capable of love.” ~ But I do want him. He makes me feel things you never could. ~ She thought sighing to herself.

END FLASHBACK

“So he’s gone?” Spike asked happily. “Gone for good?”

Buffy could only nod. “Spike…when I opened this pen…I …it matches my diary.” Buffy said smiling. She looked at the beautiful white pen with her name in silver scripture. “You get me things I can treasure.” She said softly. “I like things I can treasure. You know that. You know me. That’s what makes me believe that you truly love me.” She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.

“Buffy love you so much sweetness…” Spike sighed inhaling her scent.
~~~~~`

Well? Do you want me to continue? Or are you bored with this story?