Buffy the Vampire Slayer Preferences + imagines/one shots

Spike - Forgotten

As soon as I awake to the sound of birdsong in Spike's crypt and remember it's my birthday, I'm so sure that the day is going to be great. I roll over to find my boyfriend already looking at me with bright, blue eyes.

"You're in a good mood." he remarks.

"What gave it away?" I beam as I stretch my arms and sigh.

"Perhaps the massive grin on your face?"

I haul myself out of the comfy bed and gather my things for a shower. With my hand on the bathroom door, I call back to Spike, "Care to join me?" because hey, it is my birthday.

He smirks, sitting up. "I could get used to this good mood."

"Well, it can't be my birthday everyday." I reply and it's his eyes that betray him. They go wide for a slight second before he tries to mask his surprise. But I saw it.

"Right, yes, love."

"You forgot." I say quietly and I hate how deflated it sounds.

"I - Okay, maybe, but in my defence, I thought it was next Saturday."

I huff and slam the bathroom door behind me. It's a stupid, little thing to be upset about but... damn it, I thought he'd remember!

When I emerge, my hair wet and birthday outfit feeling a little less special, I can't help being annoyed.

I catch Spike's eye and give him a glare, walking right past him to pack my bag up.

"Love!" he calls, somewhat ashamed, somewhat desperate, "I'm sorry! I'll make it up to you. Blow off class, spend the day with me."

I know if I look back at him, those puppy dog eyes will win me over so I walk straight out the door - not even grabbing breakfast - and say, "I'll see you later."

Class drags and it's a long day. I have classes and commitments back to back until the sun has started to set over Sunnydale. I thought I wouldn't mind, fuelled by birthday spirit, but I can't believe Spike forgot! It nags at me all day like an itch I can't reach.

Still, when it's time to go home, I can't help feeling accomplished and relieved. The air is warm despite the darkness already setting in and I fantasize about what takeaway I should get for dinner.

As I'm contemplating if I'm in the mood for pizza or pad thai, I hear fast approaching footsteps behind me. I whip around, hands clutching the stake in my pocket, just to realise it's Spike.

He doesn't look as sheepish as he should, in my opinion. There's a glint in his eye I recognise and it puts me on edge.

"What." It comes out flat, not exactly a question, and Spike cracks into a small smile.

"You're still mad?"

I turn my back on him in response, milking it a little. Don't get me wrong, I won't be letting him forget about this for a long time but by this point, I've cooled off.

"Okay, fine. Fair! A bloke deserves that for forgetting his girl's birthday but before I totally make it up to you with showers of gifts and the like... we have an errand to run."

"Do we now?" I ask as he falls into step beside me. The instinct to grab his hand is strong but I ignore it. "You can clean up your messes yourself today, buddy."

"Ouch. But it's not my mess this time. It's Giles'. Something about a smashed crate and demon goo at The Magic Box. Told him we'd help."

I sigh. I can't not help Giles, but I also really don't want to.

I take my bag off my shoulder and thrust it into Spike's arms. "You're carrying my bag then."

"Bloody hell! What're you studying again? Bricklaying?"