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Changing Hearts Series - Time -- by Ruby
Rating: PG-13
Description: Time for Willow to give Spike his present, sequel to Christmas Vampire.
Note: Spoilers -- Wild at Heart, The Initiative.
Disclaimer: Joss owns all.
Willow poured herself a fresh cup of coffee and followed the blonde vampire into the living room. "Sit," she commanded as she set the mug on the coffee table.
He dutifully complied, and she dashed up the stairs and returned a few minutes later, her arms laden. Willow plopped down beside him, tucked a wrapped gift behind her, and handed him a large, red fleece stocking.
"This first," she told him.
He looked at her curiously and turned the stocking upside down, emptying several small packages onto the coffee table. He picked up one and tore off the paper.
"A garlic press," he said dryly, dangling the utensil from his fingers.
"It gets better," she grinned.
He shook his head and chuckled as he reached for another small gift and unwrapped it. Inside was a travel mug imprinted with the words, "Vampires do it from dusk to dawn." He snorted and snapped on the plastic lid as Willow picked up another present.
"This goes with it," she told him.
He shot her an amused look and opened it to reveal a blue, plastic, twisty crazy straw. "You're insane. You do know that," he grinned and slid the straw through the hole of the lid on the travel mug.
"Must be the company I keep," she shrugged. "Here, one more."
She handed him the last gift from the stocking. He tore off the paper from the rectangular box and flipped open a flap on the end. A small wooden easel slid out, with several wooden blocks sitting in its tray.
"It's a perpetual calendar," she explained.
"I got that," he laughed, turning over one of the blocks that had numbers printed on each of its sides.
"If anybody needs one, it's you," she teased.
"Perpetual calendar," he muttered and shook his head.
Willow reached for the gift she had placed behind her and offered it to him, "Okay, here's the real one."
His fingers brushed over hers as he took the package. She watched him intently as he peeled away the wrapping and opened the lid on the large gift box inside.
"I hope you like it," she said nervously. "I mean, I've never bought a present for a vampire before."
He lifted out a heavy, brass mantle carriage clock. "I found it in an antique store in town, and look," she turned the clock around and pointed at its back.
"It was made in London, 1896. Were you in London then?"
He nodded and swallowed against the tightness in his throat as he turned it to look at its face. He ran his fingers over the smooth metal casing. It was in perfect condition, and he knew she must have paid a handsome price for it.
"I was only at your place the one time, but I noticed you like nice things, and I thought--"
"It's wonderful, pet," he smiled and reached for her hand. "Too expensive, but--"
"No. I do a little tutoring on campus. I can afford it. And I wanted to get you something nice. You really like it?" she asked hopefully.
"I really like it," he nodded.
She sighed happily, "Good. Because I took it and...well...here--"
She turned the clock around once again and pointed to an inscription below the date, "I know I ruined its value, and I'm not really all that great with words, especially when I start babbling like--I am--right now."
He chuckled and looked closer at the neatly etched script and read the words softly aloud. "'A timely utterance gave that thought relief, And I am strong again.' With timeless gratitude and love, Willow"
The little redhead breathed in as he looked back up at her, his eyes mirroring intense emotions. "It's Wordsworth," she said quietly. "I just wanted you to know--"
"Willow," he murmured and pulled her into his arms. She hugged him tightly, and he set the clock on the table and drew away to take her face in his hands. Their eyes met and locked briefly before his mouth moved to hers to kiss her deeply for a long moment.
Their lips parted, and she laid her hand against his cold cheek.
"Spike," she said softly.
"Yeah, luv," he nodded, staring into her sparkling eyes.
The intimate moment skittered away on the playful smile that tugged at her lips, "You got your present _and_ smoochies, as well. Now, where the hell is _my_ gift?"
He laughed out loud and covered her hand with his, pulling it to his lips, "What would you say if I told you I left it at my place?"
"I'd stay it'll be interesting to see if you can get your sexy butt back there before it turns to sunlit ashes."
"We'll never know, will we?" he smiled.
"Why not? Where is it? It's here, isn't it?" she demanded.
"It's here," he nodded and reached for the mug of coffee, which was now cold. "Go get yourself a hot one of these, and I'll see if I can remember where I put it."
She grinned and scrambled off of the couch, sloshing coffee over the rim of the mug as she flew to the kitchen.
The End
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