Chapter 9

“I feel bad that we left him. He was bleeding, Spike.”

“Funny, I feel absolutely nothing when it comes to that bastard. Sometimes I really enjoy not having a soul or a pesky little conscience.”

Buffy tried to run her fingers through her hair and whined when she couldn’t. “What if this crap makes all my hair fall out?”

“Then you’ll be bald.” Spike chuckled as Buffy pouted. “There’s another reason why we ditched the boy, your hygiene is much more important to me.”

“I wonder if he’s really a commando.”

“I didn’t think you had any doubts about it when you were poking me and shoving my face into your cleavage.”

“I saw his outfit and freaked out.”

“He did have some nifty weaponry; weapons that could’ve come from a lab...”

“The same lab that held you captive,” Buffy frowned. “He could fight pretty well too...Riley’s definitely not the Joe-normal I thought he was.”

“He couldn’t fight that well, Slayer.”

“Are you jealous of Riley?”

“’Course not, especially not now, look at you,” he teased. “If he wanted to sweep your mucky self away, I’d let him.”

“That’s not funny.” Buffy crossed her arms. “What are you doing?”

“Putting my hands in your pants, kitten.” Smirking, Spike dangled her house keys in her face after finding them in her pocket. “Hate to disappoint you.”

“Just unlock the door.”

“Wait a sec.”

“But--.”

“Joyce’ll have my head if I let you track demon in the house and on the carpet.” Spike took off her socks and shoes. He also rolled up each of her pant legs to the knee. “Straight to the bathroom with you.”

“You’re good at this.”

“And you’re not. How long have you been fighting evil? You’ve never been sprayed by disgusting secretions before?”

“Giles warns me and I wear a raincoat.”

“You’re kidding. Into the shower.”

“I’m not. It’s hard to fight in a floor-length poncho, let me tell you.”

“I can only imagine.” Spike stripped off Buffy’s clothes and threw them into the sink. “We’ll have a bonfire later.”

“It’s bad enough that you shredded my favorite underwear, now I’ve got a whole outfit being tossed out. Those pants were expensive—designer, Spike.”

“Ooo, I’m impressed.”

“What are you doing?”

“Getting naked so I can join you. I learned long ago that these things work best without clothing.”

“But I’m gross.”

“True.”

“Spike,” Buffy whined.

“What?” He turned on the water and pulled her under the showerhead. “Look, kitten, it’s all going down the drain.”

“But still...I don’t want—not in the shower, ok?”

“What are you getting at?”

“No hanky or panky.”

“We’re back to that? Good.” Spike began shampooing her hair and Buffy let out a little moan. “You wouldn’t believe how much I’ve missed that moan, love. Don’t you think I can control myself for fifteen minutes?”

“I don’t know,” she said softly. “It’s just, look at you...”

“You checking me out?”

“All the time, Spike.”

“You do realize that it’s you that makes me like this, right?”

“Yup,” she flashed him a smile, “you’ve reminded me many times...with and without words. I make you horny. I try not to, but…” she pointed at his erection.

“Come here and kiss me, Buffy.”

“Demanding much?” Smiling, Buffy pecked him on the cheek. She cried out once Spike pulled her into him and lifted her a few inches off of the floor of the tub. As they kissed, Buffy whimpered as he kneaded his fingers into her backside. “This...stuff like this causes deadly slippage, Spike.”

“I’d catch you.”

“I know you would.”

“But it’s not proving that I can control my randy urges now, is it?”

Buffy tried not to frown as he put her down firmly on the shower floor. “I’m very proud of you.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m a model of self control. Buffy, really, all the blood rushing through my veins only goes to one target...”

“Not that, I mean, I’m proud of you for other stuff. You helped me tons, you researched, you put yourself on the line for Riley...you helped all of Sunnydale get over laryngitis,” she said with a laugh. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Sweetheart, this could turn into a very mushy moment, are you sure you want to start talking like this now?”

“Why not?”

“Due to the fact I can’t even remember the last time someone has spouted such things about me...”

Buffy caught his face between her hands. “Look at me.”

“I’m looking, Buffy.”

“There isn’t a doubt in my mind about you. I’m not only proud of you, I believe in you. You’ve turned out to be really something; I ignored it before but I can’t anymore. I see you, Spike.”

“That’s a doozy of a speech.”

Buffy thought her heart would explode. She felt more affection for him as he looked uncomfortable and shy under her compliments and loving gaze. “You know what? I think I’m clean enough; how about you?”

“I’m alright.”

She turned off the water and grabbed two towels.
***

“You’ve turned very quiet on me.”

“Sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. I’m just worried that I said too much.”

“To be honest, love, I’m just in a recovery stage. It’s a lot to swallow.”

“Oh. I’ll save the rest of my praise for another day then.” Buffy pulled on an oversized t-shirt and went under the covers of the bed. “You staying up?”

“I’m knackered but antsy.”

“Well, come to bed anyway.” Buffy lifted up the sheets, inviting him to join her. He rolled his head around but eventually shed his clothes, lying beside her. “I don’t even know why you got dressed again.”

“You’ve got that shirt on.”

“Want me to take it off?”

“Yes.”

Buffy tossed it aside and settled against him, pillowing her head on his chest. “I made things weird between us, didn’t I? I thought you’d want to know how I feel about you.”

His fingers went to her left breast and teased her nipple. “I’m not Angel,” he said.

“What?”

“I don’t give a damn about redeeming myself. I’m a vampire, evil is what I do; it’s what I was made for. I’m a selfish bastard and I’m only doing this for me. I want violence and you, that’s why I’m fighting for the sake of goodness. Sod everybody else.”

“Violence and then me?”

“Alright, maybe you could switch the two...but then they could be interchangeable as well.”

“Oh.”

“I’m not trying to upset you. I’m trying to keep things real and honest.”

"I'm not taking anything back." Buffy looked Spike in the eye and gave him a dirty look. "I don’t think you’re that bad. And if you truly love violence more than me, I’ll show you some violence.” She growled and kissed him hard.

“Buffy...”

“No.” She refused to give in to his attempts to soften their kisses. When she ran out of breath, Buffy moved away from him and started at the ceiling. “Why do you have to be like this? So, if I tell you that I love you will you be dumb about that too? ‘I’m not Angel’,” she mimicked, her voice bitter.

Spike was silent and listened to her heavy breathing and fast heartbeat.

“I know you’re not Angel. I don’t want Angel or a freaking Angel impersonator; I want you. I love you, Spike.” She leaned over and turned off the light, leaving them in darkness. After mumbling good night, Buffy closed her eyes, lying on her side.

She felt his hand first. It rested on her hip a few seconds before scooting her back, towards him. Then his lips pressed against her shoulder, neck and hair.

“I love you, Buffy.”

“Don’t whisper. I want to hear your voice.”

“The things you said...I didn’t know what to do—I still don’t. I’m overwhelmed. I’m touched.”

“Tell me you love me more than killing things.” Buffy threaded their fingers together. “Tell me you love me more than--.”

“I do.”

“Good answer,” she said. “Closer please.”

“Just how much closer, pet?” He rubbed against her, grinding into her lower back.

“Really closer, but let me...” She faced him, kissing his mouth. “I need to see you.”

“You sure do know how to flatter a bloke. I’m humbled, my love.”

Laughing softly, Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck. “I didn’t think that was possible.”

“Neither did I.” Spike tangled their legs together and watched Buffy yawn. “It’s been a long day, huh?”

“Very.”

“You just wanna sleep?”

“You sure that’s okay?” Buffy felt very comfortable in his arms. “I kinda hope so because I don’t want to move.”

“I can shag the life out of you in the morning.”

“I’ll take that as permission to wake you early then. Remember, school.”

“Hell, Buffy, ditch. We have newly proclaimed love to consummate.”

“You’re right; you are totally evil and a bad influence. To compromise...I’ll miss my first class; my professor doesn’t take attendance anyway.”

“Deal. I want you home by sunset tomorrow; we have a dinner and movie to go to.”

“Our date.” Buffy yawned with a smile on her face.

“I’ll take care of everything.”

“Should I be afraid?”

“No.” He nuzzled her face, giving her soft kisses. “About what you said, all that, I...”

“You’re welcome, Spike.”
***

Buffy woke early and was shocked to see that she was alone. Not bothering to dress, she walked downstairs and found Spike in the kitchen.

“Are you cooking?”

“Yes and it was supposed to be a surprise so get your ass back upstairs and fall asleep again.”

“I am surprised. You’re making me breakfast.” Buffy hugged him and rested her cheek on his back.

“Where are your clothes?”

“I lost them.” Buffy smirked and unbuttoned his jeans.

“You’re going to make me burn everything.”

“If that happens, we have Pop-Tarts.” She pulled his pants off his hips and kissed along the curve of his ass. Spike groaned when she tickled between his legs. “You promised.”

“What did I promise?”

“That you’d make love to me.”

A noise escaped from the back of his throat and he spun around, taking Buffy into his arms and pushing her against the cabinet. “You’re a wicked girl.”

“You’re wicked. You made me come at school. My friends were in the room.”

“You loved it.”

“It was weird.”

“Don’t lie. Hold on.”

Buffy clung to him as he lifted her into the air. With one thrust of his hips, Buffy moaned as he filled her.

“Now say it.”

“I love you.”

“With my name on the end.”

She closed her eyes as their steady rhythm knocked her against the cabinet over and over again. “I love you, Spike. Your turn.”

“You know how I feel about you, Slayer. I wanted this since the moment I saw you. Loved you since the first time you kicked the shit of me.” He lifted her up more, changing the positioning. “I love you, Buffy,” he said, his voice raw with emotion.

Buffy screamed out once his thumb rubbed against her clit. “God,” she hissed.

“Say my name, kitten. I want you screaming it all morning long.”

She nodded, “More.”

Spike moved as fast as he could until her body shook from orgasm, his name on her lips.
***

“What was my problem? I mean, I cried and I passed out.”

“I thought you were bonkers. Open.”

“Why do I have to try it first? You think it’s edible?”

“Here I slaved away, getting up at the crack of dawn and you won’t eat my food. This is a token of my love and bloody affection. Eat it, princess.”

“Well, if you put it that way.” Buffy rolled her eyes and opened her mouth. “It’s okay, just a little on the crunchy side.”

“Good.” Spike grinned and moved closer to her. “Are you cold?”

“No. This is nice, sitting with my honey on the kitchen floor after being banged into the cabinet, counter, and refrigerator. We need pick up all of mom’s magnets.”

“Hey, that was some quality love making. You forgot the table and you didn’t mention my breakfast.”

“Sorry.” Buffy kissed his cheek. “I’m also sorry that I put you off, I just couldn’t rush into anything... I promised myself that I’d never have another one nighter.”

“You really think I’d let you go after just a night? Maybe I would, but you wouldn’t be able to sit for weeks without being reminded of me.”

“So conceited.”

“Am I really your honey?” he smirked.

“Oh, yeah, you’ve been elevated to boyfriend status. That okay with you?”

“Is that okay with you? The Scoobies will know about us.”

“Let them, I don’t care. I think they all got a few hints yesterday.”

“They did.” Spike kissed her shoulder. “When’s your class?”

“The next one starts at eleven, since you made me miss two classes already, Spikey.”

“We have plenty of time then.”

“To do what?” Smiling, Buffy let him drag her off her feet.
***

“You look happy,” Willow whispered. “Late and happy.”

“We lost track of time, again.” Buffy beamed, looking for a pen in her bag. “You have something I can write with and maybe some paper?”

“You’re not prepared to learn?” Willow teased, shaking her head. “Here -- and what do you mean by ‘we’?”

“We,” Buffy sighed dreamily. “Me and Spike.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Ms. Rosenberg, Ms. Summers, is there something either of you would like to add to my lecture?” Maggie Walsh glared and the rest of the class stared at them.

“No.” Buffy said and Willow just shook her head.
***

“So I’ll see you all Monday for a final review session.”

“Man, that was an exciting class, huh?”

“Oh yeah,” Buffy said, yawning.

“And the last twenty minutes was a revelation, she laid out everything we need to know for the final. I’d hate to have missed that.”

“Willow, just tell me that I didn’t snore.”

“Very discreet. Minimal drool and only a little moaning.”

“Moaning? You’re kidding.” Buffy rubbed her eyes as they walked out of the class.

“So were you dreaming? Was it steamy? Because Buffy, you’re blushing.”

“It...it was kind of intense.”

“Intense, huh? You looked so peaceful.”

Buffy turned, “Riley. Hey.”

“So, Buffy, it’s nice to talk to you again.”

“Yeah, uh, are you alright?”

Riley laughed nervously, looking at Willow. “Of course.”

“Guys, you know, I’d hate to run but I need to run.”

“Bye, Will. I’ll talk to you later.” Buffy watched her friend leave before turning to look Riley in the eye. “Riley--.”

“We need to talk, I know.”
***

Buffy silently took Riley to her dorm and they sat on separate beds, staring at their hands.

“We should speak up. I have to get home before sunset.”

Riley twiddled his thumbs and then minutes later he said, “What are you?”

Taken aback, Buffy blinked. “A Capricorn, what are you?”

“Sorry,” Riley laughed nervously. “That came out a little blunter than I intended. It’s just... you are amazing! Your speed, your strength...”

“I’m also passionate, artistic and inquisitive, with a very serious boyfriend, buddy. Who are you?”

“You know who I am. The rest...what I do...I can’t tell you.”

“Well, then let me guess. You’re part of some military monster squad that captures demons, mostly vampires -- you probably have some official sounding euphemisms for them—like unfriendlies or non sapiens.”

“Hostile Sub Terrestrials.”

“So, you deliver these HSTs to a bunch of lab coats, who perform experiments on them, which among other things, turn some into harmless little bunnies. How am I doing so far?”

“A little too well, actually.”

“Meanwhile by day you pretend to be Riley Finn, corn-fed Iowa boy,” Buffy frowned as Riley looked away. “Is that even your real name? God, who knows who you really are? Have you even been to Iowa?”

“You know who I am, I told you. But I still don’t have a clue what you are.”

“I thought a professional demon chaser like yourself would have figured it out by now.” Buffy stood and started to pace. “I’m The Slayer.” She rolled her eyes when Riley gave her a blank look. “Slayer? Chosen One? She who hangs out in a lot in cemeteries? You’re kidding; you really have no clue? Ask around. Look it up: Slayer comma The.”

“And you fight demons. I mean, you wailed on those guys. Is your boyfriend one too? You guys were just—wow.”

Buffy stiffened, not willing to talk about Spike to Riley. “You did pretty well yourself.”

“But I’m a walking bruise today. You see me with my clothes off I look like...”

“I’m so not interested.”

“Sorry,” he blushed. “I mean...I have--bruises... I don’t see a scratch on you.”

“Well, they’re there, believe me.”

“So, uh, what do we do?”

“I don’t know,” Buffy shrugged.

“I know I don’t have to tell you that...”

“I won’t tell and I expect you to do the same, Riley.”

“Ok,” he stood, brushing his hands against his pants. “I should get going.”

“Yeah.” Buffy headed to the door and shrieked when the room started to shake.

“Over here!” Riley pulled her to the closet and they stood under the doorframe until the earthquake ended. “Wow, what a ride!”

Buffy glared at Riley, annoyed by his excitement.

“Sorry, I’ve just never been in a real earthquake before. Once at an amusement park, I—ok, I’ll stop now.”

“Please do.”
***

“Something bad is going to happen!”

“Like what?”

“Something really bad.” Buffy dropped her purse and sat next to Spike.

“I hope it happens after Passions. How was school?”

“I’m serious.” Buffy tried to pull his face away from the TV. “Spike, did you even feel the earthquake?”

“Of course, a few things broke and I fixed them. Found some super glue and glued my fingers together three bloody times in the process of saving some doodads and knickknacks.” Spike showed her his hands and pouted.

Buffy sighed and kissed his fingertips. “Last time there was an earthquake...I died, Spike.”

“What?” He finally ignored the soap opera. “You died? You seem very alive to me, pet.”

“Well, I came back...I was only dead for a few minutes.”

“And now you’re spooked by today’s quake?”

“Very,” Buffy chewed on her lip and went into his open arms. “I was with Riley when it happened.”

“Keep talking.”

“Well, he’s one hundred percent commando. I don’t know what to do now.”

“Other than beat the shit out of him and get him to fix my head, you mean.”

“I think you shouldn’t be treated like an animal but I don’t want to tell Riley who you are if he’s just going to turn you into a lab rat again. I’ve got my new boyfriend and you’re staying around, damn it.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“I’m not telling him unless I know it’s safe.”

“What do you mean, pet?”

“If I have to, I’ll get Riley to trust me and tell me more about his organization and then when the time is right, I’ll have him fix you.”

“How are you going to get him to trust you? I could tell that he wants you, Buffy. He was slobbering over every move you made last night.”

“Spike, I can take care of myself and I won’t keep anything from you.”

“You’d better not, Slayer.” Spike arched his brow and gave her a sideways glance.

“Like I would, you jerk.” Pretending to be offended, she pouted, sticking out her lower lip.

“Gonna get that lip,” he whispered.

Buffy smiled as they kissed. “Been waiting for that all day.”

“Me too.”

“Did you get bored without me?”

“Not at all.”

“Jerk. What time is it?”

“Well, since you made me miss most of Passions, it’s now around four.”

“Four!” Buffy jumped to her feet. “I’ve only got two hours now! I’ve got to get ready. Can you call Giles and tell him what we know about Riley?”

“Buffy,” he whined. “You just got here...I don’t want to call the Watcher.”

“Do it.” Buffy kissed him until he agreed.

“You’re the evil one.”

“Maybe, I’ll see you in two hours.”
***