Spellbind {Buffy the Vampire Slayer x Supernatural}

"I love you." Is the last thing Spike says to me before I smile and head out of the crypt, back to my house. It doesn't faze me anymore. He's so comfortable with the words now, unlike me. 

I don't know what love is.

I've been spending so much time at the crypt that some of my things have just accumulated there. At first a hairbrush, then a toothbrush, followed by a selection of clothes. It makes me wonder if I should invite Spike round to my place. My flat isn't very easy on the eye, but it's special to me. Maybe I'm ready to share it with him.

It's early morning and I really need something to eat.

I stop off at the local coffee shop, treating myself to a latte and donut with pink sprinkles. I enjoy them on a park bench before the obnoxious buzzing of my phone startles me out of my relaxed state.

"Hello?" I say tentatively, tossing my empty cup into the bin.

"Hey, Harley? It's Sam."

I cough out the remnants of my donut accidentally. "Oh hey! I wasn't expecting to hear from you guys."

"Yeah, sorry, I - We're ok and all, it's just that..." There's a brief pause where all I can hear is the hum of a car engine, "A hunt is actually bringing us to Sunnydale, we'll be arriving in about an hour."

"Oh."

"Yeah, we were wondering if you wanted to meet up? Grab coffee or something? Recommend any good motels?"

I'm stunned to say the least, at this sudden contact, but I say with a smile, "Sure. No problem. I can meet you outside the town hall, if you like. It's easy to spot."

"Great. We'll see you soon. Harley," Sam's crackly voice softens to a whisper, "Dean's pretty excited to see you again. But you can talk to him when we get there. Bye for now." 

"Wait, Sam -" I try to shout, but he's hung up.

I sigh and turn around, making my way back to Spike's crypt. 

-------------------------

"They're WHAT?"

"I know, I know. It's gonna be so awkward!" I drop my head in my hands and feel myself redden at all the awful, awkward possibilities.

"You could say that again. Dean's pretty excited to see you again? " The vampire does an atrocious impression of Sam's American accent. "You know what that means..."

"We can't presume anything," I cut in, although I'm subconsciously picking at some skin around my nail. It's a nervous habit I've developed, and I scratch too much. 

I suck on my bleeding thumb and ponder the situation. Maybe I'm overthinking it. I'm stressing out. 

"Come here, love." His voice is suddenly soft and I walk over to him. He takes my hand away from my mouth and just holds me against his chest. "Since when did you start to get all worked up about these things?" He chuckles, the vibrations from his chest gently shaking me. 

I mumble into his shirt, "I don't know who I am anymore. Everything's changing."

"What do you mean?" Spike's voice is more serious, but not harsh as he pulls away to look me in the eye. 

"It's you." I hit his chest lightly before turning away. I don't want to talk about it. I don't know how to talk about it.

But at the same time, I can't stop myself. "You're Spike! You've tried to kill my friends more times than I can count and I'm supposed to hate you! But every time I'm near you, I feel more like myself. And I want to be near you. All the time. My brain feels like its tearing in half, and I don't know which side to keep." I'm breathing so hard now, my lungs hurt, "You're the nicest arsehole I've ever met." 

Spike is genuinely taken aback. His mouth contorts into a sad smile. He opens his mouth to say something but closes it promptly.

"What?" I whisper, my eyes glistening with threatening tears. 

"I..." he starts, "Harley. I think you're in love."

His words are like a blow to the stomach. 

"But -" There's nothing else to say because... he's right. He's right.

"I love you." I say quietly, testing the words in my mouth. I expect them to taste sour but they don't. "I love you." I repeat, the phrase sinking in.

"I love you." I finally say, meeting his eyes. One single teardrop escapes and rushes down my cheek. 

Spike's eyes are a mixture of emotion. My heart is still drumming in my chest. 

"There is nothing better than hearing you say that." Spike says. 

This time, I'm the one to make the move, and I kiss him. It's passion and romance and for the first time, love. Actual, proper, head-spinning, heart-mending love. It makes me dizzy with happiness. His hands pull me in and I forget about everything. I'm only present in this moment, and I wish we could stay like this forever. His hands are stroking my hips, my waist and I scratch my hands down his back. He lets out a breathy moan and I press closer into his body. 

"Harley," he says.

I pull away. I study his face, admire his beauty. I trace a single finger along his jawline and then I lean in to kiss his cheek. "You know I love you now."

"Yes." he sounds like he still can't believe it.

"So I'm gonna need you do me one small favour."

He smirks, "Oh yeah?"

"Come with me to meet Sam and Dean. Please."