"I don't know, Willow." the Slayer was saying, "I'm just not in 'date-mode' right now."
"I understand, having your boyfriend return from Hell, then leave town can have that effect on someone. Gee, did I just say that." Willow replied a little meekly. "Sorry, Buffy."
"No prob, Will. Don't worry about it. But just so you know, it was a mutual decision to not be together."
"So, you still haven't answered my question. Are you going to meet us at the Bronze for the big Halloween party Saturday night?" the net girl asked trying to get the conversation back on track.
"Sure, why the heck not. Unless of course there is some sort of prophecy or something that I have to avert first." the Slayer responded half joking, but yet half serious.
"Good, I'm glad" Willow responded "What you need is to have fun. Who knows, maybe you'll meet some mysterious stranger and he'll sweep you off your feet."
"This is Sunnyhell, Will. Fat chance of that happening. And besides....."
Buffy and Willow were unaware that someone lurking in the shadows across the room was watching them. His preternatural hearing had allowed him to divine on their conversation without being noticed. He had heard enough and smiled as he took one last look at the Slayer before drifting off into the night. He needed to get busy; he had plans to make.
============
Halloween Night - The Bronze
The Bronze was bustling with activity when Buffy arrived. She blushed a little at the look that the bouncer at the door gave her as she went by. Maybe dressing of Seven-of-Nine from Star Trek, Voyager wasn't such a good idea. She wondered how she let Xander talk her into it. But he did have a few good points, if she had to fight any vamps she could move easily in it and if they were all turned into their Halloween costumes again, she could still kick some serious butt!
She made her way through the crowd and over to the table where the Scooby-Gang was sitting. Willow, Oz, Xander and Cordelia were already there.
"Hey, Buffy" Willow said cheerily "I'm so glad that you came. Great costume."
Buffy was feeling a little uncomfortable being the odd man at the table. As if he could sense her feelings, Xander instinctively said, "Okay Summers, let’s go boogie down."
Buffy and Xander had been dancing for about 10 minutes when a hand tapped Xander shoulder. He stopped dancing and turned around to see who had tapped him. The stranger who stood before him held his hand out to Buffy and said, "May I have this dance?"
Buffy stared for a minute at the sight before her. The man asking her to dance was dressed as Zorro. He was dressed all in black from his leather boots and pants to his silk shirt and cape save for his red silk cummerbund. He wore a black mask over his eyes and he had a wide brimmed black hat pulled down low on his forehead.
When her breath returned to her, Buffy said, "Yes." The man bowed to her and led her further into the dance floor. As if on queue, the dance floor thinned out and a slow song started playing.
They read you Cinderella You hoped it would come true That one day your prince charming would come rescue you You like romantic movies And you never will forget the way you felt when Romeo kissed Juliet And all this time that you've been waiting You don't have to wait no more
'Zorro' took Buffy in his arms and started dancing, never once removing his eyes from hers. Buffy was mesmerized by the man who was holding her. His touch was electric and her heart raced at the feelings it was provoking in her.
I can love like that I would make you my world Move heaven and earth if you were my girl I would give you my heart Be all that you need Show you your everything that's precious to me If you give me a chance I can love you like that
Buffy's mind was swimming with the sensations that were coursing through her. Unknown to her, the man who held her was having similar feelings. He should have never come back here, but the urge to see her again was overwhelming. He didn't understand it, nor did he try. When he'd seen her and heard that she would be here on this night, the desire to hold her in his arms had been too much.
I'd never make a promise I don't intend to keep So when I say forever, forever's what I mean I aint no Casanova but I swear this much is true I'll be holding nothin back when it comes to you You dream of love that's ever lasting Well baby open up your eyes
The eyes that held her captivated were like fathomless black pools. Buffy wanted to sink into them let them drowned out her world. Here in his arms, these ‘strangers’ arms she felt at peace as she gazed longingly into those eyes. At the back of her mind, she felt the slightest sense of dejavu, of recognition. But those thoughts were quickly quelled.
I can love like that I would make you my world Move heaven and earth if you were my girl I would give you my heart Be all that you need Show you your everything that's precious to me If you give me a chance I can love you like that
The arms that held her tightened slightly and pulled her in closer. She felt her knees weaken a little at the nearness of him. The cool silk of his clothes was a sharp contrast to the fire of his touch. His scent was unique, but yet oddly familiar. It was a very male musk with a hint of what she could only describe as earth and damp grass. Her senses were on overload.
If you want tenderness, I got tenderness And see through to the heart of you If you want a man who will understand You don't have to look very far
Just then, he pulled her even closer, nuzzling her neck and caressing her back with a lovers touch. All other sounds and sights faded from Buffy's senses. It was if they were the only two people in the room. He brushed little kisses all along her neck and jawline. Her stomach clenched as desire flooded through her whole being. She had never felt like this before, so out of control, so swept along with her emotions.
I can love like that I would make you my world Move heaven and earth if you were my girl I would give you my heart Be all that you need Show you your everything that's precious to me I can love you like that Oh yes I can love you Make you my world, always kiss and hug you Move heaven and earth I can love you like that
As the final strains of the song played his mouth captured hers in a deep kiss. His tongue sweeping past her lips and caressing hers. Buffy returned the kiss with all the passion and longing that she was feeling. As the music stopped he pulled back from the embrace and held out one long stemmed red rose. When she took the rose, he grasped her hand and kissed it. Then turned on his heels and disappeared into the crowd leaving a bewildered Buffy staring after him.
When Buffy made her way back to the table, they all asked, "Who was that?" She sighed and replied "I have no idea..."
========
In the alley outside the Bronze he stopped and leaned against the wall, looking up towards the heavens. "What the bloody hell was I thinking! She's the damn Slayer." he muttered to himself. He could still smell her scent on his clothing, still almost feel her in his arms. He knew that he shouldn't have come here, knew that he should have never seen her again. But the opportunity to see her and hold her in his arms was too much. There was no denying it now, Slayer or not, he had fallen in love with her and he would move heaven and earth to be with her if he could. If only she felt the same way and if only he weren't a vampire....
========
The End. Masquerade Series, part 1
Part 2
Every ounce of his being longed to hold her in his arms again, to kiss her soft lips. Her pulse had raced when he'd held her close and when he'd kissed her. She had been attracted to him he had sensed it. But she didn't know who 'he' was at the time. Would that make a difference? Could she ever look past the demon and see the man?
The Slayer, that damn bloody Slayer. Her scent was still assaulting his nostrils. He couldn't think straight because he couldn't stop thinking about her. Frustrated, Spike sighed deeply and looked up towards the heavens again, as if the stars held the answer to his troubles.
A voice shook him from his reverie.
"This isn't exactly a safe place to be star gazing this time of night."
It was her. The Slayer.
"I can take care of myself" he replied
"I, uh, needed some air." came her reply.
"Okay." She held her hand out to him "My name is Buffy, by the way. What should I call you?"
"Zorro, will do for tonight" he countered with a heart stopping grin and shook her hand.
They walked in silence. Each sneaking glimpses at the other along the way. Spike could contain his urge to touch her no more and he reached out and grabbed her hand. Buffy jumped a little at first then twined her fingers in his and smiled at him.
Spike's thoughts drifted once again to the Slayer as they walked hand-in-hand down the streets of Sunnydale. He thought of their battles and their brief alliance to defeat Angelus. But mostly he thought about how she made him feel. When he was with her, he felt alive.
Buffy silently wondered to herself who this mystery guy was. He seemed so familiar to her, but then the thought would be gone. She was definitely attracted to him. He was an amazing dancer, so light on his feet. She fingered the rose that he'd given her after their 'dance' and smiled.
Spike noticed her smiling to herself and wondered if she was thinking of him. "What's so funny?" he asked. "Nothing funny. I was just thinking of dancing with you" she replied honestly. Spike's heart soared and he couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as he gave her hand a little squeeze.
"Well, here we are. Home sweet home." Buffy stated as they reached her house.
"Here we are." Spike repeated
"Well, I really had a good time tonight dancing with you...Zorro" she said with a grin and then added "Thanks for walking me home."
"My pleasure, on both accounts Luv.....ely lady"
What the hell Buffy thought to herself as she leaned in, stretched to her tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss. She said "Goodnight" and turned toward the door.
As she turned, Spike caught her shoulder and pulled her into his embrace. He bent his head down and captured her mouth with his in a deep kiss. But this time it was her tongue that swept past his lips. He was a little surprised at her boldness, but none the less pleased. Her hands roamed over his back. Spreading flames every place that they touched. Every fiber of
his being tingled at her nearness, her warmth, her scent, her taste. He never wanted this moment to end.
Buffy felt the same way. His touch was electric, like little static shocks when he touched her. Once again, her stomach clenched with desire for the man standing before her. She felt a little cheap for getting so personal and not even knowing his name, but she didn't care. He was amazing.
Just then, the porch light came on, causing both of them to jump a little and then laugh.
"Guess we've been busted" Buffy quipped "I should really be getting inside."
"Will I ever see you again?" she added expectantly
"If you'd like." he replied with a little smile
"I would, very much." she added with a smile of her own
"Well, until then..." he said as he bowed and gave her hand a quick kiss. And with that he jumped down from the porch and disappeared into the night.
=========
Spike sat on the park bench silently looking back up at the stars. Seemed like he'd been doing that a lot lately. The Slayer filled his mind. She'd kissed 'him'. He still couldn't believe it, but it was true. Maybe there was hope yet, maybe she wouldn't run or worse try to kill him when he revealed his true self. But, he wouldn't worry about that tonight. Tonight he would bask in the warmth of her memory. The memory of the feel of her lips on his, her hands roaming his back, her scent filling his nostrils. Tonight, she had been his.
=========
The End. Masquerade Series, part 2
Part 3
Buffy's heart sang as she patrolled. Her mind kept drifting back to her masked admirer. For the first time in a long time, she felt giddy with joy. She smiled as she remembered the look of surprise in his eyes when she'd kissed him on her porch. She shivered a little as she remembered the way his lips felt on hers, the tenderness of his embrace and the passion in
his eyes. Those beautiful eyes of his that seemed so familiar to her, but she still couldn't place.
Buffy's heart stopped singing and skipped a beat when she noticed who was sitting on the park bench ahead of her. It was him. She was shocked to find him here. He was looking up at the stars and seemed to be deep in thought. Buffy approached the bench slowly, so wouldn’t startle him.
As if he could sense her presence, he looked up and smiled at her. She returned the smile. He made a sweeping gesture with his arm inviting her to sit with him and she obliged.
"Fancy meeting you here" he said with a smile.
"Like wise" she replied "You looked like you were having some deep thoughts"
"I was" he stated, obviously still thinking
"Anything special?" she pressed
Spike looked over at her and sighed. "You" he stated barely above a whisper.
"Me?" she echoed as a grin spread across her face
He nodded and closed his eyes. His senses were filled once again with the woman at his side. He knew that he needed to end the masquerade, he needed to tell her the truth. He had to be honest with her; he needed to reveal himself to her and hope that she would give him a chance.
With a low groan he reached for her, whispering her name as he pulled her into his embrace. His lips found hers and he kissed her with all the longing and desperation that he was feeling. He knew deep in his heart that this would probably be the last time he kissed her. In a few minutes she would either run screaming from him or put a stake in his heart.
Buffy pulled back from the kiss, confusion and concern evident in her expression. "Who are you?"
"Someone who thinks he loves you, even though he shouldn't" he replied, unable to meet her eyes.
"Loves me? You don't even know me."
"Ah, but I do Luv" he replied meeting her gaze this time
Buffy locked eyes with his, confusion turning to recognition, recognition turning to bewilderment. "No, it can't be. It just can't." she said shaking her head slowly.
"I'm sorry, Pet" he said as he removed his hat and mask.
"Spike..." she whispered "Why?"
"I already told you, pet. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I had to see you again."
"No, I don't believe you. You left town with that 'ho girlfriend of yours and left me for dead at the mansion. You're lying." Anger boiled to the surface as her masked admirer dissolved into that of her mortal enemy.
She leapt from the bench, pulled a stake from its sheath and assumed her fighting stance.
Spike shook his head. "I don't want to fight you, can't you see that. I'm not trying to trick you and I don't want to hurt you. I just wanted to see you again."
Buffy's eyes brimmed with tears. "Liar! I bet you're pretty happy with yourself for fooling me like that huh? I bet you and your vamp buddies are having a good 'ol laugh at my expense." she ground out before turning and running away.
Spike closed his eyes and clenched his fits. "Damn it to bloody hell" he muttered. He'd hurt her, made her cry. He knew he should have never come back. Anguish overcame him and he screamed into the night to try and ease the ache in his heart.
============
Buffy lay curled in her bed clutching Mr. Gordo to her chest. Why, why had he done that to her? And more so than that, why was she so hurt by it? Her mind kept replaying parts of the night. Their dance, their first kiss, him walking her home, the kiss goodnight on her porch. He'd been so gentle, so caring. His kisses seemed genuine. She knew that her feelings towards him had been. She was attracted to him and wanted him. Hell, she still did even now that she knew who he was. Maybe he wasn't lying. Maybe he did really care for her?
She shook her head trying to clear the thoughts from her mind, but her they kept returning to Spike. Sleep finally came and with it dreams of him.
============
When Buffy awoke the next morning, the first thing that caught her eye was a vase of red roses on her dresser. The note simply stated "I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
Part 4
He had given her three weeks to come to terms with her feelings. Three long weeks since he'd climbed in through her window to leave her the roses and ask for her forgiveness.
He'd watched her for some time that night while she slept. His heart ached to hold her in his arms, touch her warm skin, and kiss her soft lips. But he did none of those things. He simply watched her and hoped that she could find it in her heart to give him a chance, give his love for her a chance.
Spike had been very patient and kept his distance while he was waiting. Patience was something that did not come easily for him, but he knew he needed to give her some time, some space. The time for being patient and waiting was over, he couldn't take it an longer.
Tonight would be the night. He knew she would be at the Bronze with her friends. He thought it seemed fitting that his last effort should be at the place where it all started. The place where he had first laid eyes upon her. Tonight, if she rejected him he had decided to cut his losses and go back to Prague. He hoped it wouldn't come down to that though.
=============
Buffy had been dancing with Xander when she spotted Spike. He was lurking in the shadows across the Bronze watching them. Her heart jumped when she saw him a mixture of anger and excitement spreading through her.
She told Xander "I've got something that I need to take care of. I'll catch up with you guys later. Okay?"
Xander shrugged and said "Okie-dokie, Buff." and went to find Cordelia.
Buffy made her way across the Bronze to where Spike stood. Her mind raced as she walked over to him. What should she do, what should she say. She was still mad about being tricked, but at the same time she couldn't stop thinking about him.
"Hello, Cutie." he said when she finally reached him.
"Ya' know, stalking is not really considered at turn-on." she spat.
"No? Then why don't you tell me what is, Pet?" he shot right back at her.
Buffy was caught off guard by his reply and just stared at him for a minute.
Spike saw the opportunity that he needed. "Dance with me?" he said.
"What?" was her confused reply?
"Dance. You know, Luv. Me, you, out there" he said pointing to the dance floor. "Just one dance? What could it hurt?" he prodded
"Okay. But just one dance and that's it." she stated firmly. "And don't think of trying anything funny or you'll be meeting Mr. Pointy." she added.
As they headed out onto the dance floor a slow song started to play. Spike took Buffy very loosely in his arms. He wanted to pull her close but restrained himself. He took a deep breath in and her scent filled his nostrils. He closed his eyes briefly to savor the moment.
Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me there you'll search no more
Spike opened his eyes to find Buffy staring at him. He expected to find bitterness in her eyes, but he didn't. What he found was confusion laced with longing. Spike smiled at her and gave her a little wink. Buffy blushed a little and looked away. She felt stupid for getting caught staring at him. She couldn't help herself though, he was so damn good looking and had the most captivating eyes.
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
He took a chance and pulled her in a little closer so that their bodies touched. To his surprise, she didn't resist. He felt her pulse quicken at the nearness but could sense her inner turmoil. He would let her make the next move when she was ready. Buffy was so confused. Her mind was telling her not to trust him. But her heart was telling her to let things take their course, that he cared for her and wasn't going to hurt her.
Look into my heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all - I would sacrifice
Buffy's heart won the inner battle and she snuggled in closer and laid her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and thought of their dance a few weeks earlier. He had been so tender with her, so loving as he held her while they danced. And when he'd walked her home, he'd been the perfect gentleman. She had been the one to initiate the kiss goodnight on her porch.
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
Buffy raised her head and brushed her lips across Spike's. Then snuggled her head back into his neck and kissed his adam's apple. A small groan escaped Spike as he felt her lips on his skin. Her touch was so warm and her lips were like fire. He longed to sweep her into his arms and carry her off into the night.
There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way
Spike tightened his embrace and captured her lips in a hungry kiss. Their lips parted and their tongues started dueling. This is what he wanted, this is what he'd been waiting for weeks to do. He didn't bloody care that it made no sense that he wanted the Slayer. Even less sense that he felt he was in love with her.
Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - I'd die for you
He pulled back from the embrace and looked deeply into her eyes. What he saw there made his heart skip a beat. There in the depths of her eyes, he could see acceptance. She had accepted him and was facing her feelings about him. He knew that there would still be many issues to work out, but now he knew that deep down inside, she was willing to try. He had hope.
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
As the song ended, she reached up and dragged his head down to hers for a quick kiss then said "Walk me home?"
"I'd love to, Pet." he replied talking her hand as they left the Bronze.
==========
The End. (Masquerade Series - part 4)
Part 5
The moon shone high over head as Spike walked Buffy home from the Bronze. Spike looked over at the girl walking beside him and sighed to himself. The moonlight danced across her face, illuminating her perfect features and making her eyes twinkle like the stars.
Buffy looked over at Spike and smiled. "You're staring."
"Sorry Pet can't help myself." he replied giving her a lopsided grin. "When I look at you, I...well, I just...I can't explain it. Never mind." He added in a rush and looked away.
Buffy stopped and turned Spike so they were facing one another. "Please, Spike. Try and explain it. Please?" She put her hand on his cheek and he instinctively nuzzled into her palm. "I want to understand you. I need to. If we're going to make a go of what ever this is we're doing, we need to be honest with one another."
Spike closed his eyes, took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. When he opened his eyes he found Buffy looking up expectantly at him. Unable to deny her anything, he resigned. "Okay, Luv, you win...when I look at you it's like, well, it's like basking in the sunlight on a summers day. You light up the dark places inside of me, Slayer."
"You sure know how to make a girls heart swoon." she replied smiling broadly at him. The smile on Buffy's lips fell abruptly when she noticed that he was not returning the gesture. "What is it? What's wrong?" she asked hesitantly.
"I wasn't finished, Luv."
"Sorry." she replied sheepishly. "Please finish."
"Sometimes when I look at you" Spike paused briefly, "I am ashamed of what I am, of the things I've done. I have always enjoyed being a vampire, the thrill of the hunt and all that rot you know. But the kill, I just don't enjoy it the way I use to. Bloody hell, I've even left my last three victims alive!"
Buffy gently stroked his cheek with her hand and looked him in the eyes. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think that you were growing a soul." She said softly.
"Not bloody likely, Pet." he snorted back at her.
Buffy couldn't help but giggle at the indignant expression on his face.
Seeing the laughter light her eyes, Spike could contain the urge to hold her no longer. He quickly pulled Buffy into his arms and kissed her passionately before trailing tiny kisses across her jaw and down her neck to her collarbone. He nuzzled his face against her neck and groaned "Do you know what you do to me, Slayer? Do you know how you make me feel?"
"No, but if it's anything like how I feel when I'm near you...." she stopped and blushed a brilliant shade of red.
Spike captured her lips once again. This time sweeping his tongue past her lips and gently caressing hers. He snaked one hand up behind her to caress the back of her neck. His other arm went around her waist and pulled her in tightly against him.
Pulling back from the embrace Spike said "Well, Pet, we best be getting you home before your mum starts to worry." Buffy was momentarily taken aback by the love and longing shining back at her in his eyes.
She took his hands and smiled "I'm in no hurry. Maybe we could go to your place for a while?"
"Anything to make you happy, Luv."
"Anything?" she questioned with a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"Anything." he stated as calmly as he could. His heart and mind were racing trying to figure out exactly what she meant by 'anything'.
He gave her hand a little squeeze and started down the street to his place. He had a feeling that this would be night to remember.
==========
The End. (Masquerade Series - part 5)
Part 6
Spike slowed as they approached an abandoned warehouse. "Just bloody terrific" he muttered stopping in his tracks. Buffy looked up and saw Spike's minions milling around the building. "Well, Slayer looks like you won't be getting a tour tonight." he said with a shrug.
Buffy thought for a moment. "We could go back to my house?" she suggested hopefully.
"I don't think your mum would be too glad to see me, Pet." he replied seriously.
"She's out of town on another one of her buying tours for the gallery."
Spike's eyes glinted with mischief. "Well, then. What are we waiting for, Luv?"
Buffy closed the door behind them quickly when they reached her house and threw herself into his arms. Their mouths hungrily devouring one another, tongues dueling, hands roaming.
"Spike, I want you to make love to Me." the words were simple and spoken so softly that he doubted a mortal could have heard them.
"You're sure, Slayer?"
For an answer, Buffy took his hand and headed up the stairs to her bedroom. Helpless to resist, Spike followed. Each step closer was filling him with excitement and a touch of uncertainty. This is what he'd dreamt of for so many months and his dream was about to come true. The Slayer wanted him. Wanted him as much as he wanted her.
Once inside her room, Buffy's bravado seemed to desert her and she stared at Spike with uncertainty in her wide eyes.
"We don't have to do this, Pet." Spike said to try and calm her fears.
"No, I want to." Buffy said quickly and then added with a blush, "It's just, well, I just, um, don't really know where to start."
Spike stifled a laugh and pulled her into his arms. As he held her in his arms he could feel her shaking. Was it from nervousness or excitement he wondered? "Slayer." he murmured as he found her lips and kissed her passionately.
Buffy responded to his kiss with spirit, pressing her body into his and circling his neck with her arms. Spike placed tiny kisses all along her jaw and neck. Buffy groaned low in her throat as she felt his tongue lap at her collarbone.
"Ah, Slayer. Do you know how long I have dreamt of holding you? Of this very moment?"
Buffy looked up into his eyes, they were filled with passion, longing and..... Love. She couldn't suppress the smile that lit her face. He wanted her and loved her. Everything felt so right.
She pulled his head down to hers and captured his mouth with her own. Her tongue plundering his mouth even as her hands deftly worked the buttons on his shirt. Buffy slid her hands up his smooth, sculpted chest and over his strong shoulders, sending his shirt quickly to the floor.
Buffy removed her mouth from his and ran her tongue down his chest and across to a dark brown nipple. She gently suckled and nipped causing a chorus of small gasps and groans to escape Spike's throat.
Spike ran his hands all over her body. Needing to feel her skin against his, he pulled her T-shirt up over her head and threw it to the floor to join his. Then he undid the clasp on her bra and slid the skimpy material down her shoulders and off her arms, revealing her perfect breasts. They were high and firm and clamoring for his touch. He ran a thumb over her taut nipples and was rewarded with a gasp and a shudder.
Spike backed Buffy gently towards the bed and she froze and stiffened in his arms. He pulled back and looked down at her. She was staring at something across the room.
Buffy felt her breath catch in her throat. She felt as if time was standing still. There in the mirror she could see herself. Naked from the waist up, face flushed with passion. But Spike, who stood right beside her, cast no reflection. Memories and emotions came flooding back to her. Vampire. Demon. The words echoed in her mind. She closed her eyes to try and stop them, but they came anyway. Memories of Angel and that same mirror. How could she have let herself get so swept up in her emotions that she could have forgotten that Spike was a bloodthirsty fiend?
Spike watched the blood drain from Buffy's face until she was white as a sheet. "What is it?" he asked, "What's wrong, Pet?" Then he followed her gaze to the mirror where only her wide blue eyes stared back at him with apprehension and confusion.
Buffy unconsciously took a step back. Spike reached out a hand to her and she flinched away. Spike didn't miss the significance of her reaction and bristled. "You know what I am." he said in a cold, defensive voice.
"I know." she said in a small voice. "It just startled me a little. It's okay, really. I guess I just forgot."
Spike sighed "This isn't going to work, Slayer. I should have known that. I was stupid to think that you could look past what I am to see who I really am."
"No, really. It's okay." Buffy said almost in tears.
Spike reached out to touch her cheek and she flinched back again. Spike dropped his hand back to his side and clenched his fist. He felt a white hot fury building up inside his gut. Grabbing his shirt off the floor, he fled out of her room, out of her house, out of her life and back into the night. The night that seemed so much darker to him now.
A single tear ran down his cheek as he ran through the night with preternatural speed. He yelled into the darkness of the night with all the fury and heartbreak in his being to try and ease the ache in his heart.
Back in her room, Buffy sat on the floor with her knees pulled up to her chin and slowly rocked herself back and forth. Tears streaming down her face as she wondered what had just happened.
Spike was a demon, a bad guy. Why did she keep forgetting that? Even more confusing, if he was her enemy why was he so kind to her? Why hadn’t he killed her while she slept the first night, the night he had brought her the roses? She was sure that it was love she had seen in his eyes, but how could he love her he didn’t have a soul. Or did he?
Buffy took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. Maybe it was time to talk to Giles?
==========
The End. (Masquerade Series - part 6)
Part 7
Buffy knocked on the heavy wood door and waited for an answer. She looked around a little anxiously, suddenly aware how odd her being here at this time of the night might look to the neighbors. Getting a little impatient, she knocked again. Finally, the lock rattled and the door creaked open revealing a half asleep, bathrobe clad Giles.
The sight of his Slayer standing on his doorstep at 2am shook Giles awake. "Buffy i-is everything all right? What's happened?" He ushered her inside and shut the door behind her.
"It's a long story, Giles." She said with a sigh. "Do you have any coffee?"
"No, no coffee, but I can make a pot of tea?"
"Tea would be good." she replied sinking down onto the couch.
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Giles came out of his office still reading a book. "Buffy, I think I've found..." he began before he noticed she was sound asleep, head pillowed on a book at the large library table. After she had told him everything that had happened with Spike, they'd come to the library to do some research.
They had been researching through the night together. Searching for something, anything that would explain Spike's behavior.
He sighed deeply and shook his head. Pulling his glasses off he massaged the bridge of his nose and wondered how his Slayer had managed to fall in love with a vampire again. She was the strangest girl, but she was his Slayer and he had found the answer she was looking for.
Giles gently placed a hand on Buffy's shoulder and shook her gently. She came instantly awake. "Giles! Did you find anything?"
"Y-Yes, I-I think that I have," he said.
"Well then, what are you waiting for? Spill it." Then she added quickly "And in English."
"Um, well, I found a reference in one of the Watcher diaries about a vampire that didn't always kill his victims. The Watcher wrote that this certain vampire was in control of his demon."
"His soul was restored? Like Angel?" she questioned
"No, well, not exactly. Mr. Sacamoto hypothesized that somehow this vampire had maintained or regained a degree of his humanity. He did not have a soul, but he felt compassion and love. Certainly not ordinary traits for a vampire."
"So, what you're saying is, that it's possible that Spike could be in control of the demon?"
"Yes, well to a degree. It would explain his feelings for you and the fact that he cared for Drusilla all those years after the incident in Prague."
Buffy jumped up from the table and hugged her Watcher. "Thank you, Giles. You're the best. I gotta go find Spike." Then she was jogging across the room towards the doors
"Buffy, I don't suppose I need to remind you..." he called, but she was already out of the library. "to be careful" he finished to himself.
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It was early afternoon by the time Buffy reached the abandoned warehouse that was currently serving as Spike's lair. Buffy climbed in an open window and carefully looked around. Since it was daylight, the minions were no where to be seen.
Buffy finally found Spike's room and quietly slipped inside. She immediately saw Spike on the bed and went over to him. Her heart lodged in her throat. He wasn't breathing. He looked dead. Buffy smiled a little to herself for being silly. He was dead and he didn't need to breathe she silently reminded herself.
Spikes eyes fluttered half open and he regarded her for a moment. "Have you come to kill me, Slayer?" he asked in a quiet voice.
She was shocked by his words. "No, I don't want to kill you. I just wanted to see you. I talked to Giles..." she stopped talking when she noticed his eyes were shut again.
Spikes eyes fluttered open once more. "Lay with me, Luv? I want to hold you."
Buffy quickly scrambled onto the bed and snuggled up next to Spike, pillowing her head on his shoulder.
Spike pulled the blanket over the two of them. Then he kissed her forehead and whispered "I love you" into her hair before drifting back to sleep.
Buffy couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. She felt so safe in his arms, so contented. But, most of all she felt loved. With a sigh she drifted off to sleep as well.
Things were going to work out for them she could feel it. Love had found a way.
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The end - Masquerade series, part 7
Part 8
Spike woke just as the sun fell from the sky. Buffy's face was the first thing that he saw, her hair splayed across the pillow like sunlight. In her sleep, the intensity that was the core of her being softened. In sleep she looked venerable and angelic. Emotions welled up inside him like a swift current. She had come to him willingly and had trusted him enough to fall asleep in his arms. He knew in that moment that he never loved her more and couldn't live without her.
He had been aware of her beside him throughout the day while he slept. Her hair brushing against his cheek like the finest silk. Her arm resting across his chest, the warmth of her skin penetrating the cold that enveloped him. The slow and steady beat of her heart had soothed him like a mother's lullaby. And the one slender leg that nestled so intimately between his had fueled his desire for her all the more.
She stirred in his arms, her eyelids fluttering open and smiled at him. "Good morning" her voice still rough with sleep.
"Luv, you have no idea what it means to me, to wake up and find you here beside Me." his voice raw with emotion.
For an answer, Buffy covered his mouth with her own and kissed him tenderly before snuggling her head back down on his shoulder. Spike rolled onto his side, and needing to feel her closer to him, pulled her in tight against his chest.
"Spike, I'm so sorry about last night." Buffy began "It's just..."
Spike made a little shushing sound and murmured "Don't worry about it, Luv. You're here with me now and that's what matters."
"But it does matter, Spike. I hurt you." she looked up at him with tears glistening in her eyes and added fervently "I promise I'll never hurt you like that again. I'm so sorry, please forgive me for being so silly?"
Spike looked sternly at Buffy and said, "I'll have no more of this. You have nothing to feel bad about. You had doubts about me, about us, as well you should. I've not given you much reason to trust me yet. We were mortal enemies not all that long ago."
Buffy placed little kisses all along his neck, eliciting a small groan from Spike. He in turn ran a hand up and down her arm, hip and thigh before tracing lazy circles across her back.
Buffy reached up and caressed his cheek with her hand. Spike instinctively nuzzled into her palm before turning his head and kissing it tenderly. Gently, she trailed her fingertips across his forehead to trace the faint white scar on his brow, then brushed his lips with her own. Spike drew her closer and deepened the kiss.
With a sigh, Buffy melted against him, her hand sliding down his bare chest, down over his stomach, inching ever so slowly downwards. Spike gasped as her hand stroked him and Buffy grinned broadly.
"I should have guessed that you didn't wear anything to bed." she quipped still running her hand up and down his length.
"Well, Luv, you never know when a beautiful young lass might crawl into bed with you." he stated very matter-of-factly before bursting out laughing. The laughter died on his lips when he saw the serious look on her face. "What is it, Pet? You know I was only kidding, right?"
Wordlessly, Buffy rose and moved a few feet from the bed. Spike began to follow her but stopped when she put her hand up, motioning him to stay put. He opened his mouth to protest, but closed it again when she winked at him. It was then that he noticed a hint of mischief in her eyes and he breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't sure what she was up to, but he had the feeling he would find out soon enough.
As Spike lounged back on the bed, Buffy began to slowly pull her shirt over her head. Her movements were fluid, sensual as she removed each article of clothing. Then, standing before him in utter nakedness, she ran her hands delicately over her body, stroking her breasts, stomach and thighs. Never in all his years had Spike wanted anyone, like he wanted her at that very moment. Never could he have imagined that she would be standing before him tempting him, teasing him.
Spike rose from the bed and embraced her naked form. "You are so beautiful, Slayer. I don't deserve to have you here with me."
"Make love to me Spike. Please?" she whispered
Spike lifted her into his arms and carried her over to the bed, gently and reverently setting her down upon it. Buffy stretched out her arms and he sheathed himself in her welcome embrace. Desire coursed through her veins like fire. Running her fingers through his hair Buffy kissed him with all the passion in her heart. Her hands skimmed his back and his body, boldly exploring; learning what made him smile, what made him groan with delight.
Buffy gazed into his eyes and felt the heat of her own desire reflected back tenfold. With a low groan, Spike gently buried himself deep within her. Time seemed to stop as their bodies became one. His hands caressed her, igniting little fires every place he touched. Moving in time to an age old rhythm, she met him thrust for thrust slowly building tension in her core.
"Buffy...Buffy...Buffy..." He whispered her name slowly over and over in her ear. Not Slayer, not Pet, not Luv, Buffy.
Hearing her name on his lips sent her over the edge. She called his name as waves of pleasure crashed over her and rippled though her being. She felt Spike convulse one last time before the shudders of delight wracked his body as well.
He sighed deeply and buried his head in the crook of her neck, basking in the afterglow. "I love you, Spike." she whispered softly in his ear. He rose up on his elbows and stared down at her for a second. "What did you say?" he asked, sure that he had heard her wrong.
"I love you." she stated again simply. "I'm not afraid of what you are. I love you for who you are and I believe in the power of your love for me."
The End