Restive Nature
Rated NC-17
Chapter Eight
Fireworks
Buffy stared at the ring box her boyfriend was holding before him. She glanced up at his beaming face, then back to the ring. She tried to speak, but her mouth had suddenly gone dry. She cleared her throat and tried again. "W-what?"
Spike shook his head ruefully. "It’s a simple question luv. Will you marry me?"
"Spike," her brow furrowed together. She glanced down at herself helplessly. "You weren’t supposed to ask me like this."
"What do you mean?" he asked, suddenly nervous. "Buffy-!"
"I was supposed to be dressed up, not sweaty," she whined. "And we were supposed to go out to dinner. And flowers. You were supposed to bring me flowers. And champagne. A-and it was going to be romantic. But y-you..."she was very close to tears. But Spike understood her. He hadn’t given her any of the clues females normally expected. He’d caught her off guard and she didn’t know how to react. He moved forward to wrap an arm around her waist.
"Instead, I ask you in the middle of a busy day," he crooned softly in her ear. "Right when you’re trying to concentrate on what you’re doin’ and you’re all sweaty with your hair flyin’ every which way. Lookin’ incredibly sexy like always." She smiled at his gentle teasing and leaned her head against his shoulder. "If you want romantic," he continued, "then we’ll do romantic. That’s fine. But I’m askin’ right now, in this life we’ve made for ourselves. When we’re distracted and have things to do, when we’re arguin’ with each other, and you know we will." She giggled. "When we’ve got bills to pay and dead end jobs and a floor to scrub. With all that, could you be my wife?"
Now it was Buffy’s turn for understanding. And Spike was right. A ring was more than just announcing the intention to wed. It was the life two people made together. And he had a good point. Before this, they’d been floating along, content to be with each other and focusing on slaying. Before that, they’d simply encroached on each other’s territory. She’d visited his crypt. He’d lived in her basement. She let her imagination roam. She could indeed see all those things he mentioned and relished it.
"Yeah," she finally murmured. "Yes, I want to be your wife." Spike beamed at her as she pulled back to look up at him. There was just a microsecond there that he’d been worried. But he knew her well enough now to be sure of her answer. It had been their plan for a while, but no definite plans had been made, until now. He pulled the ring from the box and slipped it on the appropriate finger, sealing the promise with a tender kiss on her knuckle. Buffy glanced once more at the ring in its new nesting place before launching herself at her fiancé. "We’re getting married!" she squealed.
Spike laughed as they fell to the floor. This was the reaction he’d been looking for. But the laughter didn’t last long as she began to rain kisses all over his face. Within seconds their delight had transformed itself back to the insatiable lust they still felt for one another. Her hands impatiently pushed the tee shirt up his chest, her lips caressing the silky skin underneath. He wasn’t idle either, his hands roaming over the curve of her backside. She sat up long enough to allow him to remove her shirt, before descending again. They continued for a few minutes before a thought occurred to her.
"Oh!" she pulled back and stared down at him, a mirthful grin on her face. "Um honey…Dawn?"
Spike glanced upwards. "Still in the shower. I think we can get past her." Buffy nodded and scrambled up to her feet. Spike followed and before she could get far, had swept her up in his arms. He hurried down the hall and took the steps, two at a time while Buffy nuzzled at his neck. Luck was with them that the bathroom door was still shut. Spike nudged their door open and kicked it shut after stepping through. He continued moving forward, never relinquishing his hold on her.
He carried her to the bed, seating himself with her on his lap. He nudged her so that she was facing the mirror. Buffy squirmed in his lap, feeling his erection straining at his jeans. She turned her head back and caught his lips again. Spike moaned slightly as she continued to move against him. His hands slid slowly up her belly until they were cupping her breasts. The satiny material of her bra heightened the sensation of his fingers playing over her. He continued rubbing until her nipples stood hard then moved to release the front catch. Her breasts spilled out and his hands moved up to pull the straps down her arms. He broke off the kiss and feathered kisses along her shoulder.
Buffy turned back to the mirror, enjoying the simple eroticism of watching themselves at play. Spike’s fingers returned to her now bare breasts, teasing again. She rested her hands on his forearms, reveling in the strength as they flexed and moved. Her head tilted back as he sucked gently on the pulse at her throat. One hand stole down to unbutton her jeans and with exaggerated slowness, slipped down to caress her curls. She moaned loudly, heedless of anything else around them. "Need you," she whispered.
"Me too luv," Spike breathed in her ear, his voice husky. His other hand came down to help push her clothing off her body. Reluctantly she stood, but he was right behind her. She stepped out of the clothing and left them where the fell. She turned in his arms and carefully pulled his shirt off of him. Then made short work of his jeans. She grinned to herself, noting that even living with a teenager again, he was still going commando. Of course she didn’t mind, as it was to her advantage at the moment. Nimble fingers caught his erection, stroking with ever increasing pressure. Spike’s eyes nearly rolled up in his head as he enjoyed her attention.
He continued to stroke her, his fingers slipping closer to her opening. Just when she was panting with need did he slip his fingers in. His other arm caught her around the waist as her knees began to buckle. He backed them towards the bed allowing the rush to take him over as they fell quickly through the air to land on the plush comforter. He rolled them over so that he was above her; his legs tangled with her. He didn’t worry about his weight on hers, knowing that in a small way it made her feel secure. She always wanted to feel him there, with her; to be sure that he wasn’t leaving her. A small insecurity she carried still, but one that he indulged.
Spike used his entire body to entice her into readiness. His hands stroked up her belly tingling at the heat she was creating. His tongue licked lightly at the corner of her mouth until she opened her own and he thrust in as his hips mimicked the motion at the juncture of her thighs. Buffy moaned slightly into his mouth as she drew her feet up along his calves. Each moment, each movement was familiar to them by now, but with the emotion pouring through them, it felt brand new again. She smiled as she realized this. Spike pulled back, with a matching grin, he felt it as well.
Bracing his knees against the bed, he shifted his weight to pay attention to her breasts. He laved first one, then the other, until they were glistening wet. Buffy arched her neck, her hands reaching for his chest. Her nails lightly scratched his flat nipples and he growled at her. She shivered, loving the sound. She’d long ago accepted that she liked a little bit of naughtiness in her sexual romps. Spike returned his fingers to her core, pinching gently, stroking softly. She followed his lead, catching his member and echoing the pace he had set. But finally she could no longer stand the teasing.
"Now Spike," she panted, "please." He caught her lips again as he pulled out of her hand. He tilted his hips to catch against her opening and slowly lifted up until he positioned just right. He slid into her slowly, drawing out the sensation as long as he could. He paused a moment, then finished thrusting all the way home.
Buffy met his thrust eagerly, but was too impatient to endure more teasing. She pulled her hips back, wriggling a little as she went to encourage him. He followed eagerly and soon the only sound between them was the rhythmic connection of their slick selves. Their orgasms built together, as they often did now. All too soon, she could feel her mind and body clamoring for that perfect moment. "Oh Spike," she gasped. "Harder," she urged. He obliged with a muffled grunt, knowing that she wanted him to come with her. He sped up slightly, how he didn’t know. Their lips met with his final thrust, both of them shivering as her passage clenched around his quivering member.
*****
Dawn shook her head as she climbed out of the shower. Even over the spray of the water, she heard the familiar sounds of her sister and her best friend. She gave a rueful smile that at least they’d made it to their bedroom. She could count the number of times on one hand that she’d accidentally caught them. But each and every one was embarrassing all around. She knew it was a basic part of life, having experimented a little at boarding school. But that didn’t mean she wanted it in her face all the time. She quickly donned her terry cloth robe and grabbed a towel for her dripping hair. On silent feet she stole down the steps, knowing that they probably wouldn’t care where she was, as long as it wasn’t near them.
She paused in the kitchen for a glass of water, noting that Buffy had finished mostly everything before taking her little break. With a grin, Dawn picked up the discarded shirt from the floor, grabbed one of the cookies and headed down to her bedroom, thankful that the sound didn’t carry as badly as some of the places they’d stayed together. She figured that by the time she’d dried off, dressed, applied her make-up and did her hair, they might be done.
It took nearly an hour before she was ready to head upstairs again. She noted that her alarm clock read one-thirty now. She’d set it fifteen minutes fast, to give herself that extra time to be ready. She hurried now, knowing that their guests would be arriving soon. As she emerged from the basement, she heard movement on the floor above her and was glad that she wouldn’t have to interrupt them. She moved into the kitchen, stealing another cookie as she contemplated what was left to be done. The cake needed frosting, but they wouldn’t be eating that until later. So she checked and decided to slice some onions for the burgers, then attack the lettuce. She smiled as she remembered Buffy’s argument that cheeseburgers with onion, lettuce and ketchup actually did constitute a balanced meal.
The doorbell rang just as Spike was making his way down the steps. He and Dawn met in the hallway, both with shared grins on their faces. Spike yanked the door open, ready to be the pleasant host. All was right with his day and not even a demon appearing on their doorstep could ruin it for him. Which, in a way was exactly what he got.
Cordelia took in the look on his face as she stepped in. "Hmm, looks like someone started celebrating early," she teased. If anything, Spike’s grin widened.
"You don’t know the half of it," he replied. He held his hands out and Cordy set the bowls she’d been carrying into them. Dawn held her hand out for the sweater she’d been carrying over her arm. She stowed it in the coat closet.
"Buffy just got out of the shower," Spike called back over his shoulder as he took the salads to the kitchen. "She’ll be down in a minute. Dawn, why don’t you show her your bedroom," he suggested heavily. Dawn rolled her eyes as she motioned for the Seer to follow her.
"That’s code speak," she told the other woman as they dutifully traipsed down the stairs. "That means Buffy wants to change the sheets before the rest of the tour."
"Dawn!" Cordy protested with a slight blush.
"What?" the teen asked, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Cordy eyed her; the knowledge hitting her unexpectedly that little Dawn had grown up quite a bit. She sighed.
"You’re probably right," she admitted with a chuckle. The pair waited downstairs for ten minutes, with Dawn explaining about the changes they initially made in the household. They moved upstairs once more when they heard the doorbell again. Buffy was hurrying down to answer it, her hair still wet. This time, it was Willow.
"Hey Wills!" Buffy greeted her, noting that Kennedy was nowhere in sight. She let her loose, immediately sticking her hands in the pockets of her jean shorts. Her friend stepped in with a nervous smile.
"Hi," she greeted the group. "Um, Kennedy was going to come, but uh, she has a headache. She said she might stop by later."
"Okay," Buffy nodded with a bright smile. She could see how embarrassing it was for the redhead that her girlfriend has stood her up. For it was obvious to her that the end was near between the two. But there was no way she’d make a big deal of it. Especially in front of people. She promised herself that she’d catch Willow alone later and make sure she was okay. For now, she’d go on as expected. And that meant making her friend feel comfortable and welcome. "Well, come in and see the house."
"Maybe I should put this in the fridge," Willow frowned, holding out the large pan she still held. "It’s layer salad."
"Sounds yummy," Buffy grinned, gesturing down the hall with her right hand. Willow nodded and hurried out of sight. A knock sounded and Dawn caught it this time. Fred, Gunn and Wesley stood on the doorstep, each carrying something. The teen stepped back to allow them entry. Buffy chuckled when she took in the package in Gunn’s hands. "You wrapped your salad?" Gunn glanced down.
"Nah girl," he grinned. "It’s a housewarming, ain’t it? That means presents."
"I knew there was a reason I liked this idea," Buffy said quickly. The group moved around awkwardly in the small space, but they finally got themselves in and the door shut. Wes held his offering out to Spike, explaining quickly that he and Gunn were hopeless at salads. So they had brought the beer. Spike exclaimed over the imported ale that Wes had chosen. It was one of his favorites from the mother country. He placed the beverages to cool in the refrigerator and led the men out to the deck, wanting to get the grill going. Buffy led the women to the kitchen to deposit the rest of the food and set the presents on the table.
She led them upstairs for a quick tour of the house. Willow, Fred and Cordelia chuckled over their surprise when they saw the hastily made-up master bedroom, but wouldn’t share with the Summers women. The tour continued, ending in Dawn’s room. Willow expressed her relief that Dawn had a modicum of privacy, knowing from experience how difficult that could be with other people in the house. As everyone laughed at Buffy’s sudden blush, Willow took a closer look at her friend. She seemed filled with nervous energy. Which could be written off to her dislike of parties. A fear that was completely understandable. But it seemed different that the nervous Buffy she was used to. This nervous Buffy wasn’t babbling. As they trooped upstairs again, Willow hung back a little before heading up, Buffy close behind.
"What’s up?" she asked quietly.
"Nothing’s up Willow," Buffy denied quickly. "Why would you think that something’s up?"
"Just that you’ve got your hands stuck in your pockets," Willow noted, "and you’ve been very quiet, for you. And you just seem…"
"Excited?" Buffy asked, her eyes twinkling.
"Yeah," the redhead nodded. "Kind of."
"Well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out Willow," Buffy assured her with a smirk. Willow watched her friend with a small gasp. Now she knew for sure. Something big was going on.
Once they’d gotten the grill warming, the men moved back into the living room. The group gathered in the living room, settling themselves in. "Is Connor coming?" Cordy asked Buffy. The blonde shook her head.
"I invited him and Alyssa," Buffy explained. "But they’re spending the day with his family. Alyssa is heading back to her family tomorrow, so they wanted to spend some time alone later."
"Makes sense," Gunn nodded. "Now, let’s get to the presents!" Everyone laughed. Spike retrieved them from where they had been set.
"You guys really didn’t need to," Buffy protested, but Cordy hushed her.
"Yes we did," the Seer contradicted her. "It’s not everyday you move into a new house. And we thought about what you guys might not have or something you needed. And this is what we came up with." Spike handed one of the large packages to Dawn who accepted it eagerly. Everyone watched as the teen ripped open her gift. Inside was a brand new set of sky blue sheets, with a matching comforter. Her favorite color. She grinned at everyone.
"That’s so cool, thanks you guys," she squealed. As one, they turned to Buffy and Spike. They glanced at one another; the Spike tilted his head down to the gift on her lap. It was a similar size to Dawn’s.
Buffy took a deep breath. She’d been trying to conceal her hand, but there was no way now. It had amused her to see how long she could go without anyone noticing. Willow had suspected, but she was sure that her friend hadn’t suspected this. "Well, you guys know I love presents," she began. "But I think I already got my best one today." Cordy rolled her eyes.
"Please, no details," she instructed. "My ears are already burning from Dawn’s hints," she gave the girl a good-natured glare.
"That was after," Buffy giggled. With as much pomp as she could manage, she withdrew her slightly hidden left hand and rested it on the gift. As she expected, there was instant shrieking from the women. The girls gathered around her quickly, all exclaiming over what they hadn’t noticed.
"Oh my Goddess!" Willow laughed. "I knew it! I knew it!"
"Oh, you did not," Cordy snorted as she held Buffy’s hand up.
"Actually she did," Buffy countered. "Just not in the knew it was a ring sense."
"Oh, I’m so happy for you guys," Fred sighed, wiping a joyful tear from her eye. Romance always caught her off guard, for all her scientific nature.
Dawn, after hugging her sister in a choking grip, turned to Spike. She smiled tremulously. "So, I finally get my… my W-I-S-H," she spelled it out laughingly. Spike grinned back and held out his arms. She launched herself at him, employing the death grip on him now. The group continued congratulating the happy couple, while Dawn danced around the living room, singing "I’m getting a brother!" at the top of her lungs.
They finally settled down to let Buffy open their gift. It was like Dawn’s, a new set of sheets and comforter. But theirs was black silk with a deep purple comforter. Buffy understood and pointed out why the girls had been giggling in the master bedroom. The colors would fit perfectly in their mauve painted room. Buffy thanked them all, then took the gift up to their room, to be put to use later. When she returned, Willow was asking if they’d set a date.
"I don’t know Red," Spike grimaced slightly. He glanced at Buffy. "Knowin’ our luck, any day we’d pick, we’d have some sort of apocalypse." Buffy laughed, while Willow and Dawn each took a turn smacking him lightly on the arm. "What?" he protested indignantly.
"You just jinxed your wedding day," Cordy explained with an aggrieved roll of her eyes.
"Well, he does make a good point," Wes interrupted in a slightly stuffy manner, the innate Watcher in him coming out. "You’d want to choose a day that won’t be interfered with."
"The only day I can think of that we know is quiet in the Vamp community is Halloween," Willow laughed. The room grew silent as Buffy and Spike stared at each other, silently communicating. Buffy nodded once and Spike laughed. They both saw the irony of it, knew the memories associated with the day. It felt right, in a lighthearted manner that they needed in their life.
"Halloween it is luv," he grinned. Buffy moved forward to kiss him quickly, before turning back to their friends.
"I think we just chose a date."
With the initial ice broken, the group went about making merry. They dined on the burgers that the manly men argued over. Dined on the varied salads that the women had laboriously prepared. And finally, were presented with an uniced chocolate cake that was delicious nonetheless. As dusk approached, their neighbor, Denise, came up through the backyard and reminded them of the invitation. The group agreed and gathering their coats followed the chatty woman down to the beach. It seemed the entire neighborhood was there, with children running about excitedly.
The party found their own places among the sandy stretch and chatted idly until the fireworks began. There were many sighs and whispers of appreciation. Dawn turned to point out an impressive display to her sister, only to see her and Spike locked in a gentle kiss that spoke of contentment and love. She watched them for a moment; the happiness swelling in her heart until she thought it would burst. Then she turned her eyes back to the sky. ‘If I still made those W things, I’d want a love like that,’ she thought to herself.
Bouncing Baby Boy
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