Epilogue: Epiphany

Buffy squeezed Spike's hand as they walked down the tree lined street. The moon was high, patrol had been wonderful and her mother was due home tomorrow. She wasn't quite sure why they weren't tucked away in her bed, making the most of their limited time.

"I did something rash, Love."

"I didn't know vampires could do that. Is is itchy? Maybe contagious?" She smirked as he glared at her. "What did you do?"

"Bought a house." He stopped and turned her to face a two story Victorian with all the fussy trim. The place was like five different colors, had a wraparound porch, and a wrought iron fence. "Bought this house."

She tilted her head and stared at the place. It looked to be in good shape. She glanced over at Spike in his punk attire. There was a subtle tightness in his shoulders and a stiffness in his jaw. He was nervous.

"Did you pick it because you like all things Victorian?" She teased.

"Picked it for you. I could be happy enough in a crypt, but you need indoor plumbing and a kitchen." He grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently. "You know, those pesky human things."

"Poor baby, married to a human. It must suck to be you." She bumped his arm with her shoulder.

"Only when I'm very lucky." He trailed his finger along her neck, nudging the shirt aside to trace the permanent imprint of his teeth that rode there. She shivered. A house was a big deal. Couples were supposed to make these kind of big decisions together, but she couldn't muster up even a little irritation.

"So, show me the place." She tugged on their joined hands. "Then you can explain how we can afford all this."

"Used my money. It's ours now. Need to add you to the accounts." He looked at the ring on his finger as he opened the gate.

"Accounts?" There were accounts?

"I've taken the money I had in my human life and invested." He shrugged. "Always good with finances."

"So, are we rich?" She bit her lip.

"Comfortable. The Judge took a big chunk of it." He looked at her sheepishly. "Had to grease a fair amount of palms to get all those bloody pieces here."

"Yeah, stealing the rocket launcher to slay him was no picnic either." Buffy grinned.

"Gonna dig out the treasure that was with the ring. That'll set us up right and proper." He curled a piece of her hair around his finger. "Need to show your mum that I can be what you need."

"She's always liked you." Buffy smiled as they strolled up the walk to their house. "She'll probably be more concerned about my age. Guess we'll find out at dinner."

Spike pulled her to a stop at the bottom of the stairs that would lead them to their front door. He cupped her face between his chill hands and kissed her. It was sweet and brief.

"I'll win her over eventually. Only thing that has ever beaten me is you." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Together, nothing will stop us."

"So, show me this giant place you bought for us." She smiled. "I was hoping we could manage a studio apartment, but this is pretty amazing."

They walked up to the double doors and he swung her up into his arms. She giggled and circled his neck with her arms. The goofy, romantic side of her mate was coming to the fore far more often. It was too cute. She buried her fingers in the soft hair at the back of his head. He pushed the doors open with his foot and strode in.

"Traditionalist." Buffy dropped a quick kiss on his cheek and enjoyed the slide of their bodies against each other as Spike returned her to her feet.

"It's our home. Four bedrooms, three baths, library, basement, lots of room, a great kitchen, and we can keep the furniture you like and toss the rest. Close to a campus and your watcher's. Not much in this town that isn't. Best part is the necroglass. The stuff protects me from the sun. You won't have to mind the curtains here. I won't be dragging you into a life of darkness."

Buffy looked at the thoroughly modern interior of the home and smiled. It was the opposite of her mate. He was, at his core, still the Victorian gentleman. She stroked his arm as she looked around the space. Spike worried so much about providing for her. The house was huge. It would be a pain in the ass to clean, but she would be able to make love to him with sun pouring in through the windows.

"It's perfect. When do we move in?" She grinned at his obvious relief. "Were you that worried?"

"You like to make the big calls, Love. I know that."

"On patrol? Yeah. When it's just you and me, not so much. This place is more than I imagined, but it's of the good."

"Want the whole tour?"

"Tell me you put fresh bedding on the master bed, and we're good."

"Would I have brought you here if I hadn't?" He swung her up onto his arms. "I'll have you thanking the stars for my traditions before the sunrise."

"Traditions?" She traced the curve of his ear with her fingers.

"Epiphany is a day for worship and feasting, Love."

Author's Note

Merry Christmas. Hope you enjoyed the story. I wanted to write something lighter than my usual, so all the really awful stuff gets left to your imagination. I really appreciate the time you give to my stories. Readers and reviewers inspire me. This story developed from seeds planted by several sources. Thank you.

I went and wrote the sequel. It's a Valentine's Day piece. I'll post it in February. I have a whole holiday related series worth of ideas for this fluffy pair. Let me know if you think I should continue.

Now, we come to the shameless self promotion. Three of my stories are nearing their conclusions. I hate saying goodbye to them, but there are always new stories brewing in my mind. I have several stories in development, and this time you get to choose which one I post next. I have a poll at the top of my profile page with descriptions of each option. The poll will remain open until the end of January, so vote. Please.

I have recently joined a forum here on FF, TieDye's & Friends' Buffy Challenges. There are several interesting challenges listed there. I would love to see some feedback on them. I am a bit curious to see who will pick up the gauntlets and eager to read the results.

I hope your holidays are full of comfort and joy.

Thanks for reading,

Anna