| Title: The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Author's Name: Scarlet Author's Email and URL: www.oocities.org/karenmnick Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em. Joss does. Mutant Enemy does. But I don’t. Got it? Got it, I say???? Distribution: Any and all-just let me know so I can visit my babies any time I want… Rating: NC-17 Pairing: Giles/Spike Feedback: Yeah! scarletsfiction@yahoo.com Dedication: Many thanks to Kris for the beta and big birthday wishes to Sofy-many months after the fact. Author's Notes: This takes place after Season 5/The Gift. This is in answer to Challenge #2-Sofy Style on Your Mission… It started as a PWP but raged out of control. Summary: Spike teaches Giles a lesson about romance that he’ll never forget. (I know that sounds trite and cheesy, but that really is what the story is about! I swear! _______________________________________________________________________________ "I just don’t see how this is a fair trade. You did something enormous. This isn’t enough." "It’s fair enough. Just hand them to me." Spike took the three tiny, squirming lumps form Giles’ arms. He placed them in the small basket perched on the Magic Box Counter and turned to leave. "You saved my life tonight, Spike. That Shenlor demon would have killed me-and Dawn. If it weren’t for you, then…well, I shudder to think what would have happened." "I told you, you don’t owe me no thanks. We have to look after each other now. That’s what I’m here for. That’s what I promised her. You ‘n the bit. You’re safe as houses with me now that she’s gone.” Giles smiled a sad, bitter smile. "I wasn’t aware that vampires were such loyal creatures." "Well, not all vamps." "But you?" Spike sighed. "She asked me…in her house, just before…to protect you two and keep you happy, as you didn’t have no one but each other. I promised her. So, yeah. I keep my promises…just…." "Yes?" "Don’t let that get out." "Yes, of course. Thank you. Oh, right. No thanks. Well..." An awkward silence filled the store. The last customer had left nearly 20 minutes ago and Giles was putting away the new cases of the merchandise. "Tell me, Spike, what are the kittens for?" "Jus’ a little ‘hobby’ of mine. Nothing to worry about." "You collect kittens?" Spike grinned. "If I’m lucky." Giles opened a new box and began setting thick candles on the shelf behind the counter. "Essence of Slug? I’m certain that will be a best seller," Spike snorted as he crossed to the door. "I’ll have you know that Essence of Slug is one of our more popular items. It’s quite potent and used in several tribal love spells." Spike snorted again. "What? Is there something you want to say?" Giles stopped stocking the shelf and stood with his hands placed defensively on his hips. "No love. I’m sure you’re the expert on love. Spells, of course." Spike rolled his eyes. "And what is that supposed to mean?" "Nothing. Forget it." "I’ll do nothing of the sort. Why did you make that sound?" Spike sighed and put down his basket of kittens. Crossing to the counter, he said, "It’s just…It's all a load of crap, mate. If you want someone to love you, you light the candle with ‘em. Its called romance. You don’t need a candle for a spell, you need a candle for atmosphere. Folks spend too much time working on love spells and not enough time working on love. That’s all I’m saying." "Well, thank goodness many of my patrons would disagree with you. If not, I would be sadly destitute." "Suit yourself. But you know I’m right." Now it was Giles’ turn to snort. "I know nothing of the sort. It has been my experience that love is highly overrated." Spike gaped at the Watcher, his eyes wide with incredulity. "Overrated? Love is overrated? That’s like saying food is overrated or music is overrated or sex is overrated." "Not that I want to discuss this with you, but now that you mention it—" "No! Do not tell me that you think sex is overrated." "Okay, I won’t." "Good." Spike turned to go. "But since you brought it up—" "I don’t believe you! How can you say it’s overrated? Sex is like chocolate-even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty damn good." "Really, Spike. Must you be so crude? I’m not saying that it is not pleasurable. I’m simply stating that in it’s basic form, sex is merely the action of rubbing skin against skin to achieve a pleasurable reaction and to encourage procreation." "Well, when you state it that way, of course it sounds overrated." Spike leaned in conspiratorially. "Come on, Rupert." He licked his lips. "Haven’t you ever been fucked through the mattress? You know, blown so hard you thought your balls would come out through your scalp?" The Watcher stared at him with wide eyes, his mouth hanging slightly open and gaping like a fish. "You can tell me," Spike drawled slowly, leaning only inches from Giles’ face. "Haven’t you ever had a kiss so hot that your toes curled and your dick wept?" The question hung in the air for several moments, before Giles removed his glasses and began polishing them. He directed all of his concentration to them, making small circles on the glass and avoiding Spike’s gaze. Finally, he spoke. "No, Spike, I don’t believe I have. But unlike you, I don’t believe that sex should be a purely physical, animal act. The most erogenous zone a person has is the mind. When that is stimulated, all physical acts pale." "So the migratory habits of the Eastern Woodpecker should be considered foreplay. Is that what you’re saying?" "Of course not, you ridiculous cretin. I’m speaking of romance. Something I’m sure you know very little about." Giles replaced his glasses smugly. "Romance. I don’t know about romance?" "Well, I wouldn’t know about your—" "No, you wouldn't. So if you know what’s good for you, you’ll shut your yap. I know romance. Know it like I know my own hands. You don’t love someone for a century and not know about romance. You think it’s sex that keeps folks-demons or humans-together for more than a night? ‘Cause it’s not, mate. It’s the deep belly rumblings that tell you you’re alive and connected to someone else. It’s the game of love. The joy of love. Without it, sex is just what you said. Skin on skin." He looked at Giles’ tense face and shook his head. "I’m sorry." "It’s alright. You’re allowed to share your opinion." "No. I’m sorry for you. ‘Cause if one thing is obvious, it’s that you have had far too little romance in your life. Me? I’m lucky. I’ve had enough for a dozen lives." "Well, then perhaps you are the lucky one," Giles muttered, staring at the floor. Spike looked at him speculatively for a moment. He cocked his head and let his gaze rake over the Englishman. "I’d appreciate it if you stopped staring, Spike. You’re making me very uncomfortable." The vampire appeared to be deciding something. Finally, a wicked smile broke across his features. "I’ve made a decision. I think it’s one you’ll like. An’ if you don’t, I’ll be terribly disappointed," he said with mock-seriousness. "And what decision is that?" "A gift." "What gift?" "A little pressie." "I’m sorry? I don’t follow." "A present. For you. From Buffy." "She’s gone." He said bitterly, turning to unpack his candles. "I know. But her promise isn’t. I promised her I’d keep you and the nibblet happy and that’s what I’m going to do. Dawn is easy. Movies and milkshakes and she’s right as rain. But you… Known you for a couple of years and I’ve only seen you with two women. Something wrong with that. Now, you can protest all you want, but I think you’ll like my gift." "What do Jenny and Olivia have to do with this ‘gift’ of yours?" Giles asked. "Nothing at all. It’s what you have to do with this gift. I’m gonna give you romance." "I’m sorry? You’re going to what?" "Romance. You need it. I’m going to give it to you." "And how exactly do you plan to do that? Do you have an assortment of ladies in your duster pocket that you trot out for special occasions?" "Come now, Rupert. Do you really need sarcasm for this? No, I don’t have any ladies in mind. I was figuring on using my own vast personal skills to do this job. Now, what do you say?" "What do I say to what?" "You’re a bloody fool. You know that, don’t you? Me. You. Together. That’s the first question. Tell me, does that idea warm your pants or your fists?" "Spike," he began, as if speaking to a small child, "you are a vampire. I have no intention of beginning a physical relationship with a demon that—" "But not a bloke." "What?" "You said demon and vampire but not a bloke. You didn’t mention the male thing first. A telling statement." "Well, not that it is any of your business or that of anyone else for that matter," Spike snorted as Giles continued, "but no, that would not be an obstacle." "Well, then. We’re half way there. Be home early tomorrow. Right after you close-no later than 8:00." Spike abruptly took his kittens and left before Giles could protest again. With a confused shake of his head, Giles finished emptying his box. ~*~ The next day passed quickly and Giles had barely a moment free to speculate on what Spike’s intentions towards him were. Between the frantic pace of day to day business and the quick research he fit in while trying to decipher an ancient codex that might give them a slight advantage with a new demon presence Willow was detecting in town, he had his hands full. Without Buffy to guard the Hellmouth, each Scooby was working double and triple shifts patrolling and researching. The results were fairly heartening-there had been only a slight increase in demon activity all-around. Still, the loss of the Hellmouth’s guardian had effected them all on a physical and on an emotional level. Never had Giles felt so exhausted, so worn out from the daily drudgery of life. Sunnydale remained safe because a handful of teenagers, an ex-demon, a robot, a vampire, and a quickly-approaching-middle-aged Englishman made it so. The responsibility was enormous. He was bone-weary and feeling every one of his years as he approached his front door that night. The first thought he had was that he’d left the stereo on. The sweet sound of Chopin’s Nocturnes resounded from his home as he turned the key in the door and, as he stepped through, he noticed why. "You’re late." "Spike? What are you doing here?" "Your gift, " he said with infinite patience. "I’m sorry. My what?" "Romance, you git." "Spike, I’m really not in the mood for—" his words were silenced by cool lips pressing onto his own. A completely rested, alert Giles would have firmly pushed the vampire away, but this was not that Watcher. Giles was exhausted on every level, and as Spike’s hands slid up to his neck and behind his ears to cradle the back of his head, he found himself moaning and leaning into the kiss, allowing the vampire to simply claim him. His lips parted and a cool tongue darted in gently. Their kiss became more urgent and Giles felt himself pressed tenderly, but firmly against the front door. Finally, Spike pulled back and Giles lifted heavy, flustered lids to see him smile softly. "There now. That wasn’t so hard, was it?" The vampire whispered. Giles was breathless and could do no more than nod slightly. "You’re late. I’ve made dinner. Now I know what you’re going to say. Gender roles, domesticity, woman’s place, blah blah blah. I’m home. You’re not. It’s that simple. I can’t say as it’s good, but it does smell edible and I did try fairly hard, so I think that counts for something as far as romance is concerned." Spike led Giles into the kitchen where a veritable feast awaited. "Spike?" "Yeah?" "These are all of my favorite foods." "And?" "No. I mean, these are all of my favorite English foods. How did you know I—" "Your mum. Lovely woman. We chatted for about an hour. Your father’s ulcer’s givin’ him pains. Terrible thing that is. Tell him that a nice tonic of—" "You talked with my mother?" Giles could not keep the horror from his face. "Well she called. I was going to make macaroni and cheese, but then she talked me out of it." "Good heavens…" Giles looked quite pale. "I know what you need. A bath. I’ll get you some wine, you get in the tub, and we’ll reheat dinner when you’re done. That’s what a microwave is for." Giles was about to protest, but the earnest look on the vampire’s face shamed him into making his way to the bathroom. He carefully shut himself inside and began removing his clothing. Though carefully pressed, his shirt was beginning to show wear from living on the Hellmouth. There was a small purple stain on the left sleeve where demon blood had splattered and he had been unable to remove it with regular cleaning agents. The seam on the shoulder was coming loose as well. He sighed. He was too old for this. The water continued to run as Giles slipped his underwear off. Naked, he stood before the steaming tub as the gentle strains of Chopin echoed through the door. He eased himself into the scalding water and settled in. At first tense, he soon let the water do it’s magic and before long, his eyes drifted shut. "Um-hum." Spike cleared his throat. Giles eyes snapped open. "Your wine." He handed him a glass of wine, his eyes openly raking the immersed man’s body. "Good heavens, Spike. Will you leave? Please?" Giles' face flushed and he tried futilely to cover himself with a washcloth. "Now why would I want to do that? The view’s in here," he smirked. "Spike." The Watcher’s voice was low and serious. "Fine. But before long, you’ll be asking, I dare say beggin’, me to join you…" He left the bathroom with that pronouncement. Giles finished his bath and his wine quickly and wrapped himself in a thick bathrobe. When he entered the kitchen, Spike was preparing a plate of food. "Here you are. Eat it while it’s hot." Giles wanted to take another opportunity to protest the newfound relationship between his mother and Spike, but the food was too good and the hour was too late. He ate until his belly was bursting and his head was nodding. When he was done, Spike whisked the plate to the sink and led him to the bedroom. While Giles could hold his liquor, he was no match for a full stomach and physical exhaustion. His head was swimming and his bed sounded quite welcoming. "Would you like a massage?" Spike asked. "Sleep. Lots and lots of sleep." Giles answered, too tired to debate any details of the night or to ask how it was that Spike had managed to get into his apartment in the first place. Some things, he reasoned, were better left unsaid. "Tomorrow, then. Goodnight." The vampire placed a rather chaste kiss on the man’s lips and set him on the bed. Giles began to tilt toward the pillow when he was stopped by Spike. "Can’t sleep in a bathrobe, Rupe." He opened the robe and pulled it from Giles’ body. The vampire turned out the light and left the room. "Sweet dreams, Rupert," he said. But Giles was already asleep. ~*~ "Good morning, Anya!" Giles called out as he entered The Magic Box the next morning. "You had sex," the demon accused. "I beg your pardon?" "You. You had sex. I can tell. You have the well-rested look of someone who went to bed exhausted. I find that terribly unfair. Xander was tired, too, but all he would do was the nipple game and—" "Anya, I beg you not to finish that sentence. I did not have sex last night. I simply got a good night’s rest. That is all." "Who’s having sex?" Willow asked, entering the store. "Giles is, only he won’t admit it." Anya said. "I am not having sex with someone. Anyone. Oh, for heaven’s sake Anya. Would you mind inventorying the lizard’s tongue. We may need to reorder." Having changed the subject, Giles began to prepare for the day and let his mind drift to more pressing matters, namely Spike. When he’d awoken this morning, the vampire was nowhere to be found. Giles wasn’t certain if he should be relieved or disappointed by this, but he told himself that if Spike wanted to play nursemaid and give him a nice evening, he was not one to argue. Besides, he could see how Spike enjoyed the task. Much the same way Giles had taken to lengthy training sessions with the Buffybot, Spike was no doubt glad to have an outlet with which to mourn Buffy. Given the "therapeutic" nature of the act, Giles was loathe to stop him. It did, however, arouse certain…concerns, as to the lengths Spike would go to make good on his promise to Buffy. Giles could only hope that Spike would be tactful in his administration and lose interest quickly. The vampire did have the attention span of a 5-year-old after all. As long as Spike didn’t mention his "gift" to any of the others, he would be all right. The last thing Giles needed was more confusion in his life. Complications came on their own. From demons to teenagers, Giles always had his hands full. Romantic feelings would only serve to muddle things further. The day moved on as usual and with the exception of Anya’s accusing glances, Giles gave no more thought to the previous night’s events. He was deeply engrossed in Anya’s new filing system ("See Rupert? If we file our mail-order customers by credit limit instead of name, we can…") when It arrived. "It" being a 6-foot stuffed Winnie the Pooh and a small bouquet of violets. The deliveryman looked like the cat that swallowed the canary and asked, "Where could I find a Mrs. Giles?" The Watcher choked as Anya spoke up. "That’s Mister Giles. Why are you carrying that gaudy toy?" The man’s look changed from excited to pained. He consulted his clipboard and cleared his throat. "Well, uh, I have a delivery for a ‘Giles’ and uh, I need someone to sign for it." As Giles was still catching his breath, Willow stepped in. She took the toy and flowers from the man who made a hasty exit and staggered to the others. "This cutie is big! He’s taller than me!" She shoved the bear onto the counter and passed Giles the flowers. "Ummm…they smell yummy!" "I’m certain there has been a mistake," he said, drawing in a deep breath of violet-scented air. "Oh, how lovely!" A smile broke his serious demeanor before he got back to the matter at hand. "There has obviously been an error on someone’s part. Perhaps these are from Xander, Anya?" He looked hopefully at the demon. She stared back at him as though he had asked if she would mind draining her checking account and investing in dairy cows. "Xander doesn’t know where the flower store is, Giles. Remember the day before Joyce’s funeral when you had to pick him up because he got lost?" Willow volunteered. "Oh, well, maybe these are for someone next door," Giles said. "I don’t think I know anyone who works at Manny’s Boot Repair named Giles," Willow said with a smile. "Are you sure you aren’t seeing someone new?" The look of sheer horror crossed Giles’ face. He wouldn’t. He would not. Would he? "There’s a card—" Anya started, but was cut off when Giles snatched it from her hand. "Don’t you two have research you could be doing right now? Shelves that need stocking, customers that need helping, that sort of thing?" With guilty looks, the witch and the demon slunk off. Giles pulled the tiny card out with dread. A single word was printed in surprisingly lovely script. As he read it, he felt a warm tingle spread through his body, though he immediately dismissed it. Tucking the card into his pocket, he got back to work, the single word ringing through his head. Tonight. ~*~ It was with growing anticipation that Giles approached his door. Though he had been more than a little tired the night before, the memory of Spike’s kiss and the tender care he had taken with pleasing him still warmed him. What did Spike mean? Tonight. Tonight. Tonight I call your mother for more information on Baby Rupert? He cringed. Tonight I get some of my vamp buddies to work you over before draining you? Tonight we share another bone-melting kiss? The possibilities were varied and endless. The Watcher hadn’t been this excited in—wait. He wasn’t excited. Excited was for teenagers and newlyweds. Yes, he felt an anticipatory burn in his chest but he felt that when a new spellbook arrived. Questions about what new surprise Spike had in store for him had to wait because Giles’ arms were full with flowers and the large stuffed toy. He finally managed to get the Pooh inside the door and set the violets on an end table. Arms free, he turned to the room, but there was no one around. He searched from room to room, but could find no trace of the vampire, other than the lingering scent of cigarette smoke left from the night before. Confused by the disappointment he felt, Giles set about making himself something to eat. Once full, he settled himself onto his couch with a tome on ancient demonology. His attention waned, though, as he picked up the scent of violets. Giles found himself moving to the other side of the couch to be closer to the sweet blooms. His face was turned toward the book, but his mind drifted. Tonight. The gifts were from Spike. They had to be. Didn’t they? But the card said "Tonight" and Giles was utterly alone. His disappointment was growing stronger by the minute and he resented the bitter feeling. He leaned in to sniff the violets once again. Spike always was quite good at torture. Perhaps he had— "Your mum said they were your favorites." The voice was smooth like silk. Thick with desire. Giles knew without looking who stood behind him. "Yes they were. When I was eleven. I’m a grown man now and I don’t need you calling my mother—" "Would you prefer I ask Willow then? Or Xander? Dawn, maybe…?" The threat hung in the air and Giles scowled. "Right, then. Off with your shirt." "I’m sorry?" Giles’ head was spinning. "What?" "I said, off with your shirt." Spike slung his duster over the arm of the couch and moved to sit next to Giles. "I offered a massage last night and I fully intend on fulfilling my offer." "How long do you intend to continue with this game—" "—present, Rupert." "Fine. Present then?" "Oh, I don’t know. How long do you intend on being a stuffy ponce?" "I’m not—" "Rupert, a single man wearing a sweater vest is not allowed to argue when someone calls him stuffy." "I’ll have you know that this sweater was a gift from your new best friend." "Well, then I’m sure Edith wouldn’t mind if I put it in a nice safe place, like a ball under the couch." Spike slid his hands over Giles' chest and pulled at the hem of the sweater. "I’m going to tell my mother you said that." "Stop. Talking." Spike kissed him, then. Giles accepted the kisses hesitantly. Spike’s hands pulled at the sweater and he broke contact to lift it over the Watcher’s head. Breathless and a little skeptical, Giles could only stare at the vampire. "Turn around." Spike’s voice was low and husky. Giles obeyed and Spike settled behind him on the couch. Strong hands slipped around his torso and began unbuttoning his shirt. Giles let his head fall back before he realized what he was doing, but the vampire only wrapped his arms tighter around the Watcher, encouraging the intimacy. When Spike was finished unbuttoning the shirt, he slipped it off. Giles was disappointed at the second loss of contact. For several moments, Spike did not touch him. He began to worry that the vamp had simply gotten up and left him alone on the couch before he realized Spike was searching for something in his discarded duster. "What are you—" "No worries, love." The vampire purred at his shoulder. A deep, musky smell filled the air as Spike placed his hands on the Watcher’s shoulders. Bliss. That was the only word his muddled mind could come up with. Spike kneaded the rigid muscles, his hands coated with rich oil. They made their way between his shoulder blades, down his back, across his arms, and back again. The tension began to drain out of Giles’ body and he let his head roll forward. "Did you like the surprises today?" Spike asked suddenly. His voice was calm but Giles detected a thread of apprehension. "They were quite a surprise," he said finally. "It was the largest one they had," Spike admitted. "I gave the guy a twenty to get it to you before lunch." "…expensive…" Giles grunted. "Your credit card," Spike answered. "Why doesn’t that surprise me?" "Wanted you to think about me." Against his better judgement, Giles smiled. "Anticipation, Rupert. Romance is all about anticipation." "Well, I dare say it worked," Giles laughed. "Although I had quite a hard time explaining it to Anya and Willow." "Well that’s part of the fun, too." He continued his ministrations and a comfortable silence ensued. Eventually Spike asked, "Who’s patrolling tonight?" "Um…"Giles tried to find his thoughts. "Willow, Tara, and the Buffybot, I believe." "My turn tomorrow, then?" "If you wish. You don’t have to—" "We go through this every time. It’s what she would do, so it’s what I will do." "As you wish." Spike chuckled. "What?" "Do you remember that time Buffy made us watch ‘The Princess Bride’—" "—and Dawn ate all of that popcorn and threw up in Willow’s bookbag?" Giles laughed. "Good times…well, not for the bit, but…" "How about the time you killed that Tralstor demon and it exploded on Buffy and she—" "—smelled like tuna for three days," Spike finished. They smiled contentedly, each caught in their own memories. For the next half-hour, Spike worked his magic on the Watcher’s body. When one man was struck with a memory of Buffy or a comment he felt like sharing each did so, allowing the sweet camaraderie to put them at ease. Giles began to relax under Spikes care. When the vampire’s arms came around him, his pulse increased pleasurably. Friction-warmed hands slid up over his chest and began stroking his nipples. He opened his mouth, panting softly. Encouraged, Spike nestled closer to the Watchers' back, pressing his lips against the nape of his neck. Giles’ tipped his head forward until his chin rested on his chest. Spike kissed along his neck and shoulders, licking softly at spots he deemed sensitive. His hands worked at the hardening nubs, pulling and stroking. Giles mumbled low in his throat. "What was that, love?" Spiked asked, his voice thick. "Kiss me," the Watcher pleaded. He twisted his head towards the vampire that eagerly claimed his mouth. Hot and sweet, their tongues slid slickly against each other. Giles managed to turn his body before Spike had him pressed horizontally against the couch. The vampire’s hands grazed over the surface of Giles’ skin, touching softly but not staying long. Giles was becoming desperate. His hands pressed against Spike’s torso, plucking at the fabric of his t-shirt. He slid them under the material and groaned happily at the smooth texture of the vampire’s skin. "Like that, do you?" Spike asked, out of breath. Giles had only a second to wonder how a vampire could sound out of breath before Spike slipped his shirt off and lay the bare skin of his chest against his own. His heart was beating furiously. Giles knew Spike could hear it because Giles could practically hear it himself. It was a roar, echoing in his ears. His vision blurred and he felt himself falling…He felt the insistent pressure of Spike against his thigh, and knew there was an answering pressure of his own against Spike as well. The vampire pulled back, searching the other man’s eyes as his hands moved toward Giles’ belt. The Watcher nodded and let his lids fall closed slowly with pleasure. Spike smiled briefly, then worked at his pants while placing sweet kisses to Giles’ lips, cheeks, and eyes. Giles nestled his hands into bleached curls, pulling the vampire to his throat where Spike gently licked the smooth skin. Drifting in pleasure, Giles gasped as a cool hand slid under his boxers and grasped his heated member. His body trembled as it hadn’t in a long, long time. As if sensing this, Spike kissed him again tenderly and pulled gently at Giles' cock sending thick ripples of pleasure through his body. Eyes wide, Giles' head rolled back and one hand slid from Spike’s hair to clutch at his shoulder. His body ached for more contact and he rocked up, pressing his crotch more fervently into Spike’s hand. His breathing became rapid and before long, Giles arched up with a loud cry, spilling his seed in a warm sticky stream across the vampire’s hand and onto his own belly. For many long moments, he could not speak or sit up. Spike used his t-shirt to wipe Giles clean. "That was…" Giles could not finish his sentence. He sat up awkwardly, unsure of what he should say. "You’re welcome," the vampire smiled. "You don’t do that too often." Giles observed. "How would you know?" he teased. "Smile, I mean. It’s…it’s lovely." Spike swallowed, oddly shy. "Well, don’t let that get out, either." Composed again, he tucked his legs around the other man, running his palms over the softly curling hair of Giles’ chest. He leaned in to kiss him, then pulled away before his lips could do more than brush the other man’s. "You…" he sighed with a smile, "…It’s easy to see why people love you." He said it simply and then left a firmer kiss on the Watcher’s lips before standing and donning his damp shirt. "You’re leaving?" Giles could hardly hide his disappointment. "Tomorrow," the vampire smirked, then slipped on his duster. Before Giles could object further, Spike was gone and he was left on the couch, relaxed and still buzzing slightly with pleasure. "Tomorrow." Giles found himself looking forward for the first time to the coming workday. ~*~ The morning passed uneventfully as Giles waited with eager anticipation. Each jangle of the door’s bell made his heart skip and left him wondering what new surprise Spike had planned. His questions were answered when Spike entered through the sewers after lunch, looking for him. "Giles. Could I talk to you? Need your help with something. Pretty tricky." His earnest expression would have made the other man laugh if not for the customers and Anya, who he knew were watching. "I suppose I could be of service. Anya?" He turned to the ex-demon. "Will you be alright at the counter without me?" The look she gave him implied that he need not ask such ridiculous questions. Giles followed Spike to the back room where, once out of the line of sight from the front of the store, he found himself consumed with warm, wet kisses. His tongue sought out the vampire’s hungrily and his legs began to feel weak. Gasping for breath a moment later, he asked, "Is that what you needed, or are you having another problem?" "Um…" he appeared to think about it, while eyeing Giles' bottom lip. Claiming it between his teeth, he smiled and then released it. "I think that was all." "Oh, good. Good." "I called Xander." Confused at the change of direction the conversation had taken he said, "What?" "Told him he didn’t need to come patrolling tonight. Said we’d take care of it so he could have more time with his bird." "Well, that was very generous of you." "Ulterior motives, I assure you…" He ran his tongue across Giles’ lips. "Tonight." The vampire nipped lightly at Giles’ ear and then swept off toward the sewer tunnel. Giles found himself pacing for several long minutes until the obvious bulge in his pants abated. When at last he felt confident enough to reemerge, Giles took his place at the counter. "Did you fix Spike?" Anya asked. "I’m sorry?" Giles asked, clearly confused. "His problem." "Oh, yes. Fixed him right up. Right as rain." He smiled and began searching for a pen to finish signing the purchase orders Anya had requested. Instead of a pen, however, he found an envelope. Small and white, it was addressed to him. It took only a moment for him to realize that Spike had slipped it into his pocket. He tore the small rectangle open and read it eagerly. "Rupert," it read, "I write this and I watch you sleep. I suppose you would find that strange, even threatening; a vampire entering your home when you weren’t aware. I don’t dare ask because I know you wouldn’t let me. You fear being seen as vulnerable. You and Buffy were so alike in that way. Like Watcher, like Slayer, I suppose. Now, though, you fear nothing. You smile at some dream (About me? I can only hope.) and your face holds none of the strain I see in it when you are awake. In sleep, you are free and I wish that I could be that freedom for you. That in my kisses you could find that relief. Your hands stretch for me without even knowing I am here and I am hypnotized by them. Do you know about your hands? Do you see what we see-what I see-in those hands? Their competence. Their beauty. Their love. I want you to put those hands on me. To mold me. To touch me. To be inside of me and leave your prints where no one can see, but where I can feel them every moment of every day. I watch you and I know why Buffy loved you. Why Dawn loves you. Why I find myself loving you a little more with every shred of affection you direct my way. Last night (earlier tonight?) I held you in my arms. I felt you shudder, felt you cum at my touch and I was complete. Now, I watch. I wait. I want so badly to slip under the blanket with you, to roll onto your body and take your cock in my mouth. I want to make you cum and watch as I suck every last drop with my waiting lips. I could sustain myself with just this fantasy, if it weren’t for the yearning I feel myself; my own desire. How badly I want you to wake up. To cross to this window where I sit and smoke, writing this letter to you. I want you to kiss me (I wonder if you realize that you have never kissed me. I wonder if it matters to you?) and claim me. I want you to tip me across this windowsill and fuck me until I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want you as badly as I do right now. You stir and for a moment, I indulge in the thought that you have read my mind, but now you turn away from me and curl close to yourself. You protect yourself, even in sleep, but you don’t need to. You’ll find no harm in me. Only devotion. Only love. Until we are together again." It was signed with a small letter s. He reread the letter three times, committing it to memory. Anya had busied herself on the other side of the store and Giles had to thank the Powers That Be for small blessings. Swallowing hard, he tried his best to continue the regular routine of the day. ~*~ As evening approached, Giles found himself growing nervous. "Patrolling tonight?" Anya asked as they locked the front door. "What? Oh, yes. Tonight. My turn, yes." "Things were pretty slow last night, I heard. Willow said they only found one vamp and the Buffybot dusted him." "Um-hum." Giles was rereading his letter. "You might not even need to patrol at all." "Um-hum." "Earth to Giles? Come in Giles?" "Um-hum." "I’d like a 200% raise and a paid vacation." "What? What are you talking about?" Finally, the Watcher looked up. "You’ve been staring at that letter all day. What is it?" "Oh, just a…a note from my mother." He put the offending letter in his pocket. There came a sharp rapping at the door and Anya moved to unlock it. "It’s Spike, Giles. Should I let him in?" she asked. "Yes, I suppose," he asked smoothly while his heart thudded painfully in his chest. Spike swept in with a cigarette dangling from his lips. He crushed it on the store’s floor and pulled himself up onto the counter. "Spike, would you please refrain from using my store as an ashtray?" Giles asked with exasperation. The demon raised a single scarred eyebrow at him before flipping him a most unpleasant signal. "Will I have to separate you two? How do you expect to kill any evil creatures tonight if you can’t work together? Xander and I never fight when we are on patrol," Anya lectured. "Tha’s ‘cause he knows if he argues, he won’t be getting any—" "—Spike? A word?" Giles jumped in before the ex-demon and the current-demon had a chance to dismember each other. "Of course, Rupe." Spike jumped from the counter and followed the other man to the back of the store. Once secure from Anya’s eyes, Giles turned to the vampire and pressed a fervent kiss to his lips. Had he the need for breath to start with, Spike’s would have been taken away. As they parted, Spike peered into Giles’ eyes with wonder. "Now you’re getting it." ~*~ Anya’s prediction had been correct. They had patrolled for nearly two hours and not a single vampire or other demon had appeared. Spike made several attempts to touch his patrolling partner, but Giles was adamant about staying alert. "Don’t see what the big fuss is all ‘bout. Storm’s coming. Nothing out here tonight but us," Spike said. "You’re probably right, but I don’t feel like disproving that theory with my death, Spike." Giles was getting bored and, truth be told, wanted only to fling the vampire to the ground and fulfil several of his most fervent fantasies. His intention must have been reflected in his face because Spike immediately pounced on it. "I saw that! Admit it, Giles. Patrolling is not the only thing on your mind right now. Am I right?" Giles’ attempt at a straight face failed miserably. He was about to protest again when a crack of lighting sounded above them. Fat drops of rain began to fall, instantly drenching the two men. Giles began searching fruitlessly for shelter. Unfortunately, Shady Meadows was named for its tall shade trees and not for it’s covered mausoleums, of which there was a distinct lack. He stumbled from headstone to headstone, squinting against the heavy rain to find a bit of shelter, but could find nothing suitable. Spike observed the Watchers' progress with indulgence. When at last the man was thoroughly convinced that they were doomed to walk back to Sunnydale in the rain, he rejoined the vampire leaning against a tall tree, a damp cigarette drooping from his mouth. "You know, you could be helping me look instead of just standing there," Giles snapped testily. "Well, this is far more fun, innit?" Spike smirked. "Watching you stagger around, completely blind to your own good fortune." "My what?" Giles asked, his vision obscured by the rain dripping across his glasses. Spike flicked the wet cigarette into a stand of trees and leaned close to the other man’s face. "Your." He brought his lips to Giles’ ear but did not touch it. "Good." He tilted his head to Giles’ throat and flicked briefly at it with his tongue. "Fortune," he murmured moving to run his lips lightly against the other man’s lips and then Giles’ felt a hand grasp firmly at his cock through his wet pants. His body shuddered in delight and he let out a low moan. "Tha’s what I’m talking about, pet. No one around but us. No vamps." He unbuttoned Giles’ fly. "No demons." Slipped the zipper down. "No teenagers." A wet hand slid into Giles’ pants and grasped his hardening cock. "Just a little fucking Romance." His lips closed over the Watcher’s and worked them hungrily. Between kisses he instructed, "This is your lesson for today, Rupert. Romance doesn’t always have to mean candles and moonlight. Sometimes, Romance can be glorious, animal sex…dependin’ on who you’re with…" Giles felt himself pressed up against rough bark. His khakis were soaked and he felt the soggy fabric slip down his legs, pooling at his ankles. Never had he been seen in such an unrespectable position-even at the Academy-but that was the point, he supposed. No one was around to see him now. Part of him felt that he should be scrambling to keep his pants on-perhaps talking Spike into returning to his home with dry sheets and more wine-but another part of him, a feral part that had sat dormant for far too long, scrambled to remove the vampire’s shirt and work desperately at his fly. Spike continued to grind his lips against the other man’s while rocking into his embrace. He kicked off his boots and jeans and stood, naked, in the rain. Though dark, the lightning offered brief moments of illumination and Giles was in awe of the site before him. Spike spread his legs, anchoring himself in the damp grass. "I want to fuck you," Spike said simply. Giles nodded, aroused and nearly incapable of making sound. He turned to face the trunk and felt hands stroking his body, warming him and relaxing him. For long minutes, Spike was content to let his hands run over the wet planes of Giles’ body. He pealed the dripping shirt from him and lay it in a muddy heap on the ground. "That shirt—," Giles began. "Let it go, Rupert. No harm in getting dirty once in a while." Spike began licking drops of water from Giles’ neck. He ran a rough, cool tongue over each vertebrae, marking a deliciously wet trail to the man’s tailbone. Giles was panting. He knew where Spike was-could sense him squatting behind him. He had an idea where Spike was going, too, but even prepared for the intrusion, he gasped at the cold tongue that parted his cheeks and licked lightly at his entrance. "Maybe we should…oh…" Giles’ words died on his lips as Spike began to thrust his tongue more forcefully into him. A pale arm wrapped around his waist and a hand began working his cock. His knees felt weak and he pressed his cheek against the tree and held on with both hands. His body was betraying him, growing hard and limp in all the right places when his mind knew he should be at home with a nice cup of tea. "Tea-shmea," Giles whimpered to himself as a finger slid into his body. Spike continued to work his magic and, finally, Giles cried out happily and felt himself cum. It was only the strong arm at his waist that kept him from sliding down and collapsing into the tiny rivers of mud forming under their tree. Their tree. What an odd thought. It wasn’t as if anyone could own a public tree any more than anyone could own a parks’ picnic table or own a random star in the sky. Nonsense, really. Their tree. Romantic foolishness and…dear lord! He was beginning to learn from Spike. "Hang on, Rupert," a husky voice whispered in his ear. Spike stood, raised Giles’ arms over his head, and pressed them against the bark again. The vampire laid his body against Giles’ and he felt Spike’s rigid member pressing instantly against him. He spread his legs and let his head roll forward until his forehead rested on the trunk as well. Slick with rain and Giles’ own fluid, Spike slid into the waiting man. Giles gasped at the intrusion. The vampire waited, mercifully, until he felt the Watcher press toward him with a low moan. Encouraged, Spike began to thrust more forcefully. "How long?" he moaned into Giles’ ear. "Wha—" Giles grunted loudly, trying to be heard above the rain. "How long since you’ve been buggered good and proper?" "Don’t know," he gasped, "Too long." The rain continued, cold and heavy. It ran in small trails down their arms and dripped steadily onto the thrusting bodies. When, at last, Giles heard Spike’s blissful shudder and accompanying howl, he relaxed his body and let the vampire slip from him. Too exhausted to stand, they slid to the ground in a tangle of limbs. "Dear lord. That was…" Giles went silent, finally at a loss for words. "Yeah. It was." Spike slid muddy arms around the other man and nuzzled his neck. "We…we should get dressed," he panted. They continued to wallow in the mud for several more minutes before finally dressing in mud covered clothes and heading toward Giles’ car. As they drew near the curb, the rain began to ease. Giles scrambled for his keys but before he could open his door, Spike seized the handle and opened it for him. "Chivalry. It’s not just for the ladies." Spike dipped in and kissed him quickly before crossing to his side of the car. "Ah…now that one, I knew," Giles laughed. "I fear that there is little left you can teach me." "Bite your tongue!" "Any time you like," Giles quipped. "Rupert…you’re beginning to sound like me." Spike smiled. "You may be right. I think my work here is almost done." ~*~ "Hi Spike!" Willow called as she entered the Magic Box. "Ooh! What’s that?" She gestured to the large blue bag Spike had clasped in one hand while he tried to light his cigarette with the other. "This? Oh, just a gift. So, how’s that little witch of yours? Sorry she couldn’t make it tonight…" "Hey there? Fangface? Don’t change the subject," Xander taunted, "Who’s it for?" "Not that it’s any business of yours, Harris, but it’s not for anyone. It’s from someone—and before you ask, no, I’m not going to tell you who." Spike shifted the gift bag to his other hand. "That’s right. Spike doesn’t have to tell you anything. He is a big badass who doesn’t answer to anyone. Isn’t that right, Willow?" the Buffybot chirped. "Red, I thought you were going to get all that out of her," Spike snarled. "I’ve tried. That guy Warren just did a really good job. I’ll keep working on it. I know…I know it’s upsetting." Willow sighed heavily and crossed to the Buffybot. She opened her access panel and began working. Anya soberly finished locking the Magic Box door and pulled out a chair next to Xander to sit in for the night’s Scooby meeting. "Why is everyone so tense all of a sudden? If it is about that gift, I can tell you what it is!" the Buffybot said brightly. "It’s a teddy bear wearing shiny red panties. Willow, why would a toy need underwear? And why would anyone need panties that don’t cover your bottom? That doesn’t seem to be an effective use of fabric." Willow choked back a laugh and answered, "Well, Buffy, that’s called a thong. Some people find...um…underwear like that…uh…romantic. I guess. Do you understand?" "Oh, yes. Like butt-plugs and cock rings, right?" The Buffybot was beaming, pleased to finally understand. "Spike! Did you teach her that? I mean, did you have Warren teach her that? That is so wrong!" Xander sputtered angrily. "Don’t have any idea where she learned that! And I’ll thank you to not assume everything in that metallic little brain of hers is my fault. Warren said he’d—" "Warren said he would what?" Giles walked in from the back room, his arms full of books. "Giles, Spike programmed the Buffybot to know about cockrings and butt-plugs! Don’t you find that distasteful?" Anya agreed with Xander. "I’d prefer to not answer you because…well, quite frankly, I don’t really care. Now, see here, I’ve found six volumes on the Reks demon you ran into last night Willow and—oh, how is Tara?" "Better. Still a little freaked out about the whole ‘glowing in the dark’ thing. Neither one of us could sleep last night. Did you know that even her hair glows? It’s a little disturbing." "Well, we’ll see what we can do about that. I’m certain the effects are temporary, but it’s a good idea she decided not to leave the house tonight. I think she might draw more attention—" "Spike has a teddy bear with a thong, Giles." Giles coughed uncomfortably and the Scoobies turned to stare at the Buffybot. "Well, it’s true!" she smiled. Spike pulled out the bear and slammed it on the counter. "Fine! Yes, I have a toy with naughty undergarments on it! There! You happy? Don’t know why everyone’s so bleedin’ upset. Its not like I’m wearing ‘em right now, is it?" "Ew! Scary visual place," Xander grimaced. "You’re right, Spike. We’re sorry. It’s none of our business who you get naughty presents from." Willow smiled playfully and finished rewiring the Buffybot. "Thank you. Now, could we please find something new to talk about? This isn’t helping Red’s little Wiccan Wonder, is it?" "Right," Willow agreed. "And if your secret playmate decides to make themselves known, make sure you bring ‘em by ‘cause, the more the merrier. Right Giles?" "Why would you ask me?" Giles said, flustered. "Well, ‘cause it’s your store, big guy," Xander said, taking a book from Giles’ arms and settling in for the night. "Spike’s guests are used to being ‘invited’ if you know what I mean." Anya used air quotes to emphasize her point and then settled in with another large volume. "Don’t worry." Spike gave Giles a lecherous grin. "If I decide to play, I’ll make sure Giles is the first to know." With that, Spike grabbed the smallest book off the pile and settled himself onto the counter, ashing his cigarette onto the floor. Giles was about to interject once again that his store was not an ashtray but found himself silent as Spike tucked one arm around the teddy bear and began flipping pages in the dusty book. Shaking his head, Giles joined the Scoobies at the table. He made a mental note to give Spike romantic gifts after Scooby meetings in the future. ~*~ Giles knew the library would be a good place to meet. There was no chance that one of the others would find them or overhear their conversation. Plus, the Sunnydale Public Library had a patronage only slightly larger than that of the high school. Even now, not a single person roamed the dusty aisles in their corner of the building. An odd sound had settled into the room before Giles figured out what it was. Silence. In the last five years, he had had blessed little of that. "I’ll get right to the point, Spike. I’m leaving Sunnydale." Giles leaned across the table and held the vampire’s gaze, searching for a reaction. When Spike didn’t respond, he continued. "I’m not telling the others. I thought it would be best that way. I leave today. You’ve helped me to realize that my home is in England. Without Buffy, my role here is unnecessary. The Hellmouth has you and the others to guard it and I truly feel my place is with the Counsel. I’m sorry." "Can’t go." It was spoken in a whisper and Giles wondered if that should concern him. But they were in a library and Spike could have been being socially appropriate, for once. He sighed. "Why not?" "What about my promise?" Spike leaned across the table to take Giles’ hand. "Look, you don’t have a job here anymore. I get that. You do have a job there. I get that. I know we aren’t bosom pals or star-crossed lovers. I get that. But I made a promise to a girl. Two, actually. I can’t keep those promises if you’re on the other side of the bleedin’ world." Giles walked around the table to kneel near the vampire "You’ve fulfilled your promises. And then some. Spike, these last few weeks have been…indescribable. You’ve awakened in me parts that had been dormant for years. I’m happier than I ever thought I could be and it’s because of you. That is what you promised Buffy. And now you’ve finished what you started. You’ve done what she asked you to do." "Are you sure?" "I am more certain about this than anything else in my life." Spike was silent for a long time before he spoke. "Good, then." Giles gazed up at the vampire and stroked his cheek. Then, he leaned in and kissed him. Spike stood and drew Giles up with him, pushing the chair out of the way. Their kissing grew more feverish until Giles pulled away, out of breath. He pressed his forehead to the vampire’s and smiled. "And you’ll remember the things I taught you?" Spike joked, leaning to kiss the Watcher’s neck. "Oh, yes, uh…" Giles swallowed hard, catching his breath. "Dinner…massages…be nice to mothers…it’s okay to find nostalgia in the oddest of places." Spike began suckling his ear. "Candles and…uh…gifts…thoughtful gifts…but not in front of the Buffybot." Spike chuckled and moved to kiss the other side of Giles’ throat. "Romance can mean sex…but it doesn’t have to—oh!" Spike bit gently at an earlobe. "And, uh…with the right person, sex can be romantic in…in an unusual place or at an…unusual time…" Grinning wickedly, Giles slid his hand down the vampire’s chest and plucked at his shirt. "Like now." With a determined smile, he lifted the vampire’s shirt from him and turned him so he was pressed over the table. Surprised, Spike’s arms shot out, knocking books to the ground. One arm snaked around the vampire’s waist and unbuttoned his pants, working them down over his hips. Giles ran his hands along the smooth planes of his back and slid his palms under his body to briefly stroke Spike’s nipples. "Have to make sure we have a suitable farewell, don’t we?" Spike groaned happily under Giles' hands and spread his legs for better balance. Giles slipped a tube of lube from his pocket. He pulled down his suspenders and set about preparing them both. He could hear someone several aisles over coughing and sent a brief prayer to the Powers That Be that the patron would stay there. When both his dick and Spike’s entrance were thickly coated, he pushed in to the cool, waiting body. Spike did not attempt to quiet himself, only growled deeply and thrust backward towards Giles. They set up an urgent rhythm, knowing that at any moment they could get caught. Spike’s hand snaked out and began working his own stiff member while Giles leaned over him and continued to share the results of Spike’s tutoring. "…food can be romantic if it’s used the right way…don’t ever hide lube in Xander’s couch cushions…" Spike grinned briefly at that memory. Anya was so mad… "…and there’s always room for smutty love letters." Spike felt Giles shudder and cry out his name. He slipped free as Spike achieved his own release, spurting across a few open books. Giles wrapped his arms around Spike’s back and leaned on him, sweating and panting. Exhausted and happy, he nuzzled the smooth skin between his shoulder blades and closed his eyes. A sudden cough brought him to attention. An elderly woman with several mystery novels was staring at them from the space between two shelves. "Get an eyeful?" Spike snarled and she left with a small squeak. He laughed, standing slowly. Giles was panting heavily, still trailing small kisses along Spike’s back. "I suppose it’s time I departed." "Yeah." Spike put his shirt on and began buttoning his jeans. "You know you’re more than welcome to visit, don’t you? See the motherland again and all that." "Thank you, but the nibblet needs me, too." "I certainly hope you aren’t keeping her happy in the same way you’ve been educating me!" Giles joked. "Bite your tongue!" "I told you…" He trailed off as Spike claimed his mouth, nibbling gently on his tongue. Finally they parted and Giles turned to leave. "Any chance I could talk you into returning to Sunnydale?" Spike asked, as he began to follow Giles to the front door. Giles smiled. "I don’t believe that anything short of Buffy herself could make me reconsider." ~*~The End~*~ |
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| The Gift That Keeps On Giving |