Chapter 10

He awoke to find Buffy still beside him, her head resting on his shoulder, deep in slumber. She was so young and vulnerable; he would protect her from the world if he could. Spike would do anything to keep her at his side. He could tell that the sun had risen without needed the aid of a clock, stroking her cheek gently. That one movement caused her to waken, her eyes slowly opening to gaze into his. His heart nearly came back to life at the breathtaking smile she graced him with.

“Morning, did you sleep well?”

How could he not? “Best bloody sleep I’ve ever had, it’s no fun in this bed all by my lonesome. I may just have to keep you here.”

As much as that appealed to her, Buffy knew she would have to be getting home soon. “What time is it?”

Spike shrugged. “Not sure, but I would say about seven.”

She nodded, letting out a yawn. “I can probably get away with one more hour.”

He cuddled her back to his side. “You’ll get no complaints out of me. Oh, I almost forgot.”

Buffy pouted when he suddenly jumped out of bed, licking her lips at his naked backside. The man was beyond gorgeous. “Hey, who said you could get up?”

Spike grinned, finding what he was looking for and immediately returning to her. “Your birthday present, I would have given it to you last night, but I was a bit distracted.” He handed her a black box, hoping that she liked it.

Buffy took it from him with raised eyebrows, opening it to reveal an elegant emerald necklace. “God, Spike, it’s so gorgeous.”

He sighed in relief at her reaction. “You really like it?”

She shook her head, gazing up at him. “I love it. Where did you get this?”

Spike rubbed the back of his neck, which was somewhat of a nervous habit. “I’ve always had it, actually. It belonged to my mother.”

That was the last thing she expected to hear. “I wouldn’t feel right about keeping this. It must mean a lot to you.”

Spike took the necklace from her, placing it around her neck. “And that’s why I want you to have it, Buffy. I know my mother would have been happy with my choice.” He sat back to stare at her, feeling so much love for this girl. “Beautiful, it really brings out your eyes.”

Buffy smiled. “Thank you, I’ll treasure it always.” She gave him a hug, feeling content when he wrapped his arms around her. This was definitely a birthday to remember.


* * * * *


“I can’t believe you. I stood up for you with Mom, convinced her to let you stay the night at Spike’s, but I didn’t think you would have actually been stupid enough to sleep with him.”

Buffy rolled her eyes. “Like you’re really one to judge, you slept with Angel when you were sixteen, and look how well that turned out. I had nothing to worry about; Spike doesn’t even have a soul to lose.”

Faith scoffed. “Yeah, that makes me feel so much better. I don’t want you to get hurt like I did.”

“I’m not you. I know you’re still wondering why Spike is able to love me without a soul, when Angel couldn’t love you. For the first time in my life, I’m really happy. Why can’t you just be happy for me and stop comparing the two of them? Angel was a total douche, you’ll find someone else. I don’t believe all that crap about a Slayer destined to be alone forever. If that was the case, you probably wouldn’t have us. Stop doubting yourself over what happened with Angel, he’s not worth it.”

Faith felt her eyes tear up, but held them back. “When did you get to be so smart?”

She shrugged. “I’m a year older now.”

The brunette smiled then. “Nice necklace, I won’t even accuse Spike of stealing it.”

Buffy glared at her. “Good, because he didn’t. It belonged to his mother. He’s really amazing, Faith. You would realize that if you took the chance to get to know him. He might just end up surprising you.”

Faith watched her sister walk away, shaking her head at herself. “I think he already has.”


* * * * *


“Gotcha,” Buffy stated, pinning him to the mat with a stake poised at his heart.

He grinned up at her. “That you do, pet. Now that you have me at your mercy, what do you plan on doing with me?”

She crashed her mouth to his in a passionate kiss, the stake falling from her hand.

Spike used that to his advantage, tearing away from her succulent lips and switching their positions, so that he was now the one on top, her arms held above her head. “Do you surrender?”

“Never,” she responded, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Spike suddenly felt something sharp at his back, realizing it was the fallen stake that was now pressing into him. “Well played, even though you’re a bloody cheater.”

Buffy gave him an innocent look. “Sweet little me? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He distracted her with his lips this time, causing the stake to once again drop to the floor. “I could really get used to sparring with you if this is the outcome. Faith isn’t as much fun.”

Buffy growled, biting his bottom lip. “She better not be.”

He chuckled. “Only you, baby, you know that.” Spike stood up, pulling her with him. “You’re a quick learner, I’m very impressed.”

Buffy blushed under his gaze, still not used to his praise.

“Come on, I better get you home. It’s getting late.”

She nodded, letting him lead her out of the gym. They walked through the cemetery, both lost in their thoughts, when Spike was unexpectedly ripped away from her.

Buffy was taken by surprise by the large man now standing over her boyfriend, repeatedly hitting him in the face. She grew angry, using all the power she had to throw the dark haired man away from Spike. She wasn’t strong enough yet to send him very far, but it got the job done. Buffy hurried to Spike’s side, helping him up and checking to see if he was okay. Besides a few cuts and bruises, he seemed to be fine. She turned a glare on the man who attacked him. Once he stood up, Buffy was finally able to recognize him. “Angel?”