The Thin Line Between Love And Hate by ya_lublyu_tebya

Chapter #1 - One

Chapter One ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It had been three months. Three months since they had defeated Glory. As usual, the averted apocalypse had been followed by a period of relative calm so by Sunnydale standards, it had been three months of bliss. Except, Buffy was feeling less than blissful right now. Just a week ago, her Watcher had announced that he was going back to England. “I just don’t understand why he’s going,” she exclaimed, turning to her companion with a frown. Spike took a drag of his cigarette and turned to her, raising one eyebrow. This was another new development in the last three months: it seemed fighting Glory had given Spike a taste for violence of the good kind and after he had stalked her on patrol for a couple of weeks, she had finally give in and invited him to join her. After all, another pair of – super strong – hands could never be a bad thing. “Watcher’s got an inferiority complex.” “Huh?” “His li’l Slayer’s all grown and don’t need him teaching her anymore.” “That’s not true!” “’Course it is. When was the last time you trained with him?” Spike asked pointedly. She frowned as she tried to recall. She had been training with Spike a lot lately- again the perks of a super strong partner – but Giles hadn’t seemed to mind. “But I still need him for…for bookey things…” “And that’s supposed to keep him here?” She frowned and crossed her arms, turning away from Spike. What did he know anyway? “I don’t see what’s so great about England anyway,” she sulked, kicking at a stone on the ground, sending it flying at the nearest gravestone, “It rains all the time.” “You’d be surprised how much you can miss a thing like rain. ‘Specially in this godforsaken town. Hardly ever bloody rains here.” “So he’s going all the way back to England for the rain?” she remarked sarcastically, turning to the vampire. “Doubtful. But it’s the little things… proper tea… Bovril… Yorkshire puddings…” The vampire almost looked wistful as he spoke and she rolled her eyes, moving on around the graves. “So, it’s the cuisine that has him making with the leaving?” The vampire caught up to her again and she didn’t miss the roll of his eyes. “Least he’ll be somewhere where they speak English,” he muttered. “Hey!” she protested, but suddenly her argument with Spike was forgotten as she spotted a demon up ahead. She pressed her back against a crypt, dragging Spike to her side. “Yeah, yeah, take it easy. I saw him.” “You go right, I’ll go left.” “Deal.” She turned and met his eyes for a brief second and then they split up, moving in a wide circle towards the demon. She got to the demon’s side and glanced to the other side, ready to signal to Spike - but he was already breaking out of the bushes and attacking the demon. With a groan, she dashed out and joined the fight just as the demon deflected Spike’s first hit, sending him flying into a nearby gravestone and knocking him out. She smiled slyly and launched at the demon alone, lashing out with a roundhouse had it stumbling backwards. She followed that up with a series of hard punches that sent the demon finally stumbling into the wall of a crypt. She kicked it hard into the stone and it roared weakly, before crumbling to the floor. Quickly, she leant over and twisted its neck sharply - and then jumped back when it melted into the ground and disappeared. “Eww,” she got out quietly and then, brushing her hair out of her face, she turned back to where Spike appeared to just be coming round. She went to him and smiled sweetly as he raised his head and frowned at her, blood trickling down from his temple. “You always get knocked out this easy?” she teased. “No,” he bit out, taking the hand she held out and yanking himself to his feet roughly, wiping away some of the blood with his sleeve. “If you’d have waited, that wouldn’t have happened.” “You were taking too long,” he countered, hands fumbling in his pockets. He frowned and then turned, spotting his cigarette packet and lighter on the floor where he had fallen. He bent and picked them up and turned back to her with a grimace, putting a cigarette between his lips and lighting it up. They moved on, walking silently side by side. “You look rough, by the way,” she pointed out, glancing at the smear of blood across his forehead. “Cheers ever so,” he muttered, wiping at his head again with his sleeve. “You’re just making it worse.” She could see him clenching his jaw and smiled to herself - she did so enjoy taunting him. She had been worried that after his declaration of love (which was still wigging her out majorly) he would be annoyingly stalkery and there would be none of the bickering she had been so used to. She had been much mistaken though – their relationship remained the same as ever, insults and fights galore. Sometimes though, she would catch him watching her when he thought she wasn’t looking and she saw then a tenderness in his expression that didn’t sit well with the Big Bad’s look. Generally, she chose to ignore it though. “Bloody hell,” Spike muttered, drawing her out of her daze and back to him. He was frowning at the blood smeared across the back of his hand and across his beloved jacket. “Is it bad?” he asked, stopping and turning to her. “You’re such a baby,” she replied, rolling her eyes as she stepped forwards and pressed her fingers to the cut. “Ow,” he moaned, moving away from her touch, and she rolled her eyes again. “Stop moaning and stay still so I can look.” He did so but squirmed every time her fingers went anywhere near the cut on his temple. “Always knew you were a sadistic bitch, Slayer.” She lowered her eyes to his and narrowed them, pulling her hands away. “You’ll be fine. Just need to clean it up. You look a mess.” Now it was his turn to narrow his eyes at her and she smiled sarcastically, wiping her bloody hands on her jacket with a small frown. They reached his crypt and she followed him inside. “What do you think you’re doing?” he asked, frowning at her. “I’m supposed to be going to Giles’ going-away party and I’ve got your blood all over my hands…and my jacket. I need to get cleaned up.” “And you expect yours truly to play the attentive host?” “After I saved your ass, yeah.” He said nothing in reply, sulking as he moved across the room, slipping out of his jacket and laying it across a chair. “Here, use this,” he muttered, throwing a bottle of water in her direction. “Too kind,” she answered, perching on the sarcophagus that took up the middle of the crypt and taking her jacket off. There was no use trying to clean it- it would need to be dry-cleaned. She frowned and laid it down, opening the bottle. “Have you got a cloth or something?” She looked up to find him attempting to clean his own wound and rolled her eyes. “Look, I’ll do that in a minute, just get me a cloth to clean this with.” “Yes, ma’am,” he bit out sarcastically, getting to his feet again and appearing a moment later with a dirty cloth. She frowned at it but took it, then paused for a moment, catching his arm as he turned away. “Come here,” she sighed – after all, it didn’t make much sense to clean her hands before his head as she would just get dirty again. He stood deathly still as she poured some water onto the cloth and touched it to his cut gently. “Ow!” he hissed. “You’re just lucky it’s not alcohol. Stop being a baby.” He fell silent again as she cleaned the wound as best she could with the dirty cloth. “There. It looks a bit better,” she announced, pulling back – only to find him watching her intently. He quickly dropped his eyes from hers and touched his fingers to his head. “Thanks,” he mumbled. “Welcome,” she answered absentmindedly as she took the cloth and cleaned her bloody hands. When she had finished, she threw the cloth down and pushed herself to her feet. “Right, I should get going to Giles’s.” “Yeah,” the vampire murmured, eyes now fixed on the television as he slouched in his armchair. “Patrol tomorrow?” “Probably.” “Great,” she sighed, moving towards the door as she called out, “Night, Spike.” “Night, love.” She ground her teeth together at his use of the endearment but decided to leave it for now, heading out of the crypt for Giles’s.

Chapter #2 - Two

Chapter Two ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “I can’t believe you’re really going,” she whispered, her eyes watering as she looked up at her Watcher. “It’s best.” “It doesn’t feel best,” she murmured, hugging herself tightly. He reached out and placed his hands on her shoulders, squeezing them softly. “I’m just at the other end of the phone if you need me.” “Not close enough,” she sulked, knowing that she sounded like a petulant child even as she did so. He sighed and pulled back, removing his glasses and wiping them before replacing them and looking at her again. “Buffy, you’re the daughter I never had…but my place just isn’t here anymore.” “Why not?” she asked, a tear escaping despite her efforts. She brushed it away impatiently and forced her gaze to Giles’s again. “I’m not needed anymore.” “But you are,” she protested weakly, knowing that nothing now was going to change her Watcher’s mind. He smiled weakly and she stepped forward, hugging him tightly. “I’m gonna miss you so much.” “And I you.” “Hey, drinks anyone?” She pulled away from her Watcher and turned to face Xander with a weak smile. “Yeah, drinks are of the good.” She felt Giles squeeze her shoulder and she threw him a tiny smile, before following Xander through to the living room. She took her drink and sipped it, standing close to the door as she watched her sister hug Giles tightly. He smiled and hugged her back before pulling back and talking to her with a smile. She was going to miss him so much. “Swinging party.” She jumped at the sound of Spike’s voice at her shoulder and whirled to face him with a frown. “What are you doing here?” “Got bored. Figured I’d come say goodbye to Watcher Boy,” he answered with a shrug, leaning against the wall next to her. “Big Bad getting all sentimental?” she teased, drawing a scowl from him. “Not likely. Glad the bugger’s off.” “Charming,” came Giles’s voice and the vampire winced slightly, turning to her Watcher, “And here I was about to offer you what little whiskey I have left.” “The good stuff?” “Quite.” “Well then, bon voyage and all that. Sure you’ll missed.” “Thank you for the sentiment, Spike…however hollow.” “Now, ‘bout that whiskey…” Giles rolled his eyes but turned towards the kitchen and she smiled as Spike followed him through. “Are you looking forward to being back in England?” Anya asked politely as they sat, scattered around Giles’s almost empty living room. “Well, quite…It will be quite nice to see some old friends. Of course, I shall have to report to the Council.” Buffy grimaced at the mention of them and she and her Watcher exchanged a small smile. “They won’t send anyone out to replace you?” she asked worriedly. “I sincerely doubt it.” “Phew,” she replied, settling back on the chair. “Will you miss the sunshine?” Dawn asked. “Well, I guess…somewhat.” “Not when he’s got Yorkshire puddings,” Buffy grumbled and she heard Spike laugh. “Ah, yes, Yorkshire puddings…” Giles mused with a small smile. “On a full roast with gravy,” Spike added and Buffy could have sworn the two Brits exchanged a look of understanding. “What time’s your flight?” Willow asked. “Two-thirty tomorrow. And I fear I still have so much packing to do. A lot of it’s staying, but I’m shipping some things home.” “Hey, no worries,” Buffy spoke up, “We can sort that out.” “Are you sure?” “Yep, we’ll be little shipping elves. Just let us know what you want shipped.” “Thank you,” Giles murmured with a smile. “Anytime.” Some time later it was time to leave but Buffy lingered at the door as the others left, Dawn and Spike hanging back to wait for her. “We’ll come and see you off tomorrow,” she whispered. “You really don’t-“ “We’ll be here. Don’t think you can just run away, Mister!” she exclaimed, pointing at him threateningly, even as she felt herself welling up again. “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he conceded with a smile. On an impulse, she stepped forward and hugged him again tightly. “Buffy… my ribs.” “Oh, sorry!” she got out, releasing him with a grimace “Are you okay?” “Fine,” he gasped out. “Buffy!” Dawn called out, “I’m getting cold!” “Coming,” she called to her sister and then turned back to her Watcher, “Tomorrow.” He nodded and reached out and squeezed her arm. “Tomorrow.” With a sad smile, she turned and joined her sister and the vampire to make their way back through Sunnydale. Spike left them at the cemetery and made his way to his crypt, leaving the two sisters to continue on to Revello Drive. “I’m going to miss Giles,” Dawn exclaimed as they went into the house. “Me too, Dawnie. Me too.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ They were a subdued group as they gathered in the airport to say their goodbyes to the Watcher who had been like a father to most of them. “And you’ll call every day,” Dawn remarked, hugging the Watcher tightly. “I’ll certainly try.” She let out a little sniffle and then released the Watcher to move onto to Xander. They shared an awkward moment, not sure whether to shake hands or hug, but eventually decided to sacrifice their masculinity and hug. With a smile, Giles pulled back and patted the boy on the shoulder before turning to Anya, who enveloped him in a tight hug. “I’ll look after your money really well.” “I have no doubt you will,” he answered with a smile and Anya pulled back, moving to one side as he turned to the witches. He embraced Tara quickly and then moved to Willow. “Willow, I don’t even know where to start...” Willow bit back a sob and hugged him tightly, burying her head against him. With a sniffle, Willow parted from him and he turned finally to Buffy. She stepped forward with a sad smile, biting her lip as she tried to hold back her emotions. “Well, good luck. And if you need anything...” “I know, right the other end of the phone.” He nodded, removing his glasses and cleaning them before replacing them and looking at her again with a sad smile. She stepped forward and threw her arms around him, breathing in the familiar scent of Giles with a sad smile. He pulled away, his hands resting on her shoulders. “And look after everyone… Make sure Spike doesn’t drink all my whiskey in one go.” “Will do,” she answered, trying her best to give him a smile. “And all my books are in the shop.” “I know,” she answered, nodding slightly. A tannoy announced the boarding for Giles’s flight and he stepped back, looking at all of them as he gathered up his carry-on luggage. “Well... that’s me.” He met all of their eyes once more and nodded slowly, before taking a deep breath and turning to make his way to the gate. He handed his ticket to the attendant and glanced back at the group one last time, his eyes meeting Buffy’s. She gave him a sad little wave and he smiled, taking his ticket and then with one lingering glance disappearing through the gate.

Chapter #3 - Three

Chapter Three ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She kicked at the ground, caught up in memories of her Watcher’s departure earlier that day. She wrapped her arms around herself and moved on through the cemetery, hoping that something would turn up for her to slay so she could have some sort of distraction from her gloomy thoughts. “Anything out tonight?” She jumped at Spike’s voice and whirled to face him with a frown. “Jesus, Spike! Bell. Neck. Look into it.” He smirked and fished out a cigarette, placing it between his lips and lighting it before answering her. “Come with a nice leather collar, does it?” She rolled her eyes and turned away, feeling him fall into step beside her. “Really not in the mood tonight, Spike.” “Oh right, yeah. Watcher Boy get off alright then?” “Fine,” she got out, walking just a bit faster in the vain hope that she might lose the vampire. “Big soppy group hugs and that?” She glared at the vampire and refused to answer but he just smiled softly. “It’ll be alright. You’ll cope without old Rupes.” If she didn’t know better, she’d think Spike was actually trying to comfort her. She shrugged awkwardly and carried on. “You know what you need?” Spike spoke up after a few minutes’ silence, “A bit of rough and tumble.” “Excuse me?!” she got out, halting in her steps and turning to stare at the vampire incredulously. “Yeah, a nice bit of rough and tumble…that’ll sort you out.” Dumbfounded, she could only stare at the vampire, her hand itching to reach out and hit him. “Speaking of which, here comes a vamp right now.” Shaking off her daze, she turned in the direction Spike indicated and spotted a large vampire prowling through the cemetery. “Slaying?” she got out, turning back to the vampire. “Err, yes,” he answered, giving her a look like she was stupid, “What else?” He paused for a moment and then his eyes lit up and a smirk spread across his face. “’Course if you wanted that sort of rough and tumble-“ “If you finish that sentence, I’m wiping that grin off your face with my fist,” she threatened, glaring at him. “My lips are sealed,” he got out, obviously suppressing a laugh. Ignoring him, she turned towards where the vampire had been and frowned. “Hey, where did he go?” On her words, something hit her from behind, sending her flying to the floor, its heavy weight on her back. Great. She’d been so busy arguing with Spike, the vampire had managed to sneak up on them. She struggled to shift the vampire off but then its weight was gone and she quickly rolled over and flipped herself to her feet as Spike punched the vampire, sending it stumbling backwards. “Nice of you to join us, Slayer,” he taunted and she sent a glare his way before focussing on the vampire again. He hit a tree and looked between the two of them squared up against him – and turned and bolted. “Hey, no fun!” Buffy called, breaking into a sprint after him instantly. Spike was at her side in an instant and they sprinted through the cemetery, dodging gravestones as they chased the vampire. Spike jumped up onto a grave and launched himself at the vampire, tackling him to the ground with a thud. By the time they were both on their feet again, Buffy was on the vampire, kicking him so he went straight back on the ground again. “That’s for running away!” She kicked him again as he tried to get up and crouched over him, slipping a stake out of her jacket and dusting him. She sighed and rose to her feet, brushing the dust off her trousers and turning to Spike. He was watching her again with that expression just bordering on awe and she sighed, crossing her arms across her chest almost defensively. “Spike!” she bit out. He jolted out of his daze and raised his eyes to hers, clearing his throat nervously. “Right, yeah…good fight.” “Didn’t see you doing much fighting,” she commented as they fell into step side by side. “Hey, I’m not the one who got jumped ‘coz I wasn’t paying attention.” She sighed but only rolled her eyes in answer. “Well, it was fun and all, but I’ve got important Bronze-ing to do.” She felt his eyes on her and finally gave in, turning to him with a glare. “You and the Scoobies partying tonight?” “That wasn’t an invite,” she got out. “Didn’t realise I needed your permission to go to a public place.” She groaned and rolled her eyes. “Can you not just leave me in peace for one evening?!” “Find I don’t much care for it," he answered with a smile. She sighed loudly and halted in her steps, turning to him with her arms crossed tightly. “Okay, look, I can’t stop you following me around like some…puppy-“ He glared at her and she smiled sweetly. “-but could you at least be, you know, nice…to my friends.” “They’re not nice to me.” “Can’t blame them,” she muttered, blowing her hair out of her face. “That’s not fair,” he said quietly and she raised her eyes to his, feeling something like shame when she noticed his hurt expression. “Okay, I know. But you do drive me crazy, you realise that?” They shared a smile and she looked away, shaking her head slightly. She began to move again and sure enough, felt him follow her. “You so owe me a drink.” “Seems a fair payment for the pleasure of your company,” he answered and she rolled her eyes as she spotted his smile. “Who says you’re getting any of my company? You can pester someone else once you’ve bought me a drink.” “You’re a cruel woman,” he remarked in a light-hearted tone. “What can I say? Me and vampires don’t mix well...especially ones who follow me around checking out my ass.” He quickly stepped forward, meeting her stride for stride, and attempted to look innocent. “I wasn’t-“ “Don’t even,” she said, turning to him and smiling in amusement at the guilty look on his face. Normal Spike returned within an instant though and he smirked. “Can’t exactly blame a guy when you wear tight l’il trousers like that.” She laughed helplessly and shook her head as they moved on through the graveyard. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Scoobies were yet to arrive but she found herself actually enjoying herself with Spike as company (not that she would admit that to him in a million years). “Come on, Slayer.” “No way.” “Use your co-ordination for a good reason.” “Since when is catching peanuts in my mouth a good reason?” she asked, arching an eyebrow as he threw a peanut up above his head and caught it in his mouth. “Fair enough. Li’l Miss Proper Slayer wouldn’t dare actually have fun now, would she?” It was an obvious challenge and she could tell he knew it in the smile he tried to hide but she sighed and took a peanut, throwing it up in the air and catching it in her mouth. “There, happy now?” He smiled and tilted his head, watching her with that soft expression she still wasn’t used to. “Knew there was someone else hiding in there.” “She’s called Buffy. She does occasionally have this crazy thing you like to call fun.” He smiled again and she swivelled on her chair, scanning the crowded bar for her friends before turning back to the bar. “Getting bored of me already, eh? Can’t wait for your friends?” “There’s only so long I can bear you, Spike, before I need reinforcements,” she answered sweetly, popping another peanut in her mouth, “And you still owe me a drink.” “Okay, okay, what do you want?” “Surprise me.” He raised an eyebrow and turned to the bar, gesturing to the bartender. “Whiskey for me and a Woo Woo for the lady.” “Did you actually just say the words ‘woo woo’?” she asked with a laugh, “You’re kidding me right?” “Just trust me.” The bartender placed their drinks down in front of them and she inspected hers as Spike downed half of his in one mouthful. She drew it towards her and took a hesitant sip through the straw, surprised at just how good it tasted. “Mmmm, this is good,” she remarked, smiling at the vampire, “What’s in it?” “Bit of vodka, some schnapps, lots of fruit juice.” “You trying to get me drunk?” she asked with a smile. “Why? You think it might work?” She just laughed and took another sip of her drink, giving out another sigh of content. She wasn’t usually one for alcohol but this hardly tasted of any and was just too good to refuse. “Mmmm, I think it might work if you keep me in these,” she answered absentmindedly. “A drunk Slayer...I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing,” he laughed, “What’s the likelihood of you kicking my ass drunk?” “Probably 50:50,” she replied with a smile. He laughed and lifted his glass to her, smiling widely as he drank the rest of it down before turning and ordering a beer. She smiled and sipped at her drink, scanning the room and finally spotting her friends just settling at a table. “Scoobies are here,” she announced, “Finally.” She slid to her feet and turned to Spike with a questioning look. “You coming?” “Nah, I’ll leave you to your bonding fun,” he answered, turning back to the bar. She frowned but then shrugged and picked up her drink. “Thanks for the drink.” “No problem.” She made her way through the crowd and plopped herself down at her friends’ table. “Hey, hey!” “Hey, Buffster!” Xander called, “How long you been here?” “Thirty minutes or so. I am delving into the exciting world of Woo Woos,” she remarked, holding up her drink with a smile. “Wow, Buff, experimenting with the alcohol,” Willow commented, “Bad night?” “Actually, no. It was quite fun. The Woo Woo was Spike’s influence.” “He’s here?” Tara asked quietly. “Yeah, sure,” Buffy answered, turning on her stool, “He’s just...Oh, he was just over there. Guess he had evil lurking to do.” She shrugged and turned back to the table, taking another mouthful of her drink. It was making her pleasantly relaxed now and she smiled as her friends continued their small talk. She drained her glass and turned her gaze to the bar, but frowned when she saw how crowded it was. As if by magic, a new drink appeared in front of her and she turned to smile at Spike where he had just appeared beside her. “Saw you were running low,” he explained awkwardly, his eyes just flitting to her friends, “Figured I owed you a drink still.” She raised an eyebrow and smiled but before she could reply, he had walked off. She frowned and turned slowly back to the table. “He was so much easier to talk to when he wanted to kill me.”

Chapter #4 - Four

Chapter Four ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Some nights later, she was in Restfield and made her way to Spike’s crypt. She knocked on the door and went in, scanning the room for the vampire. “Spike?” There was nothing for a moment, but then he appeared from the lower level, pulling a T-shirt over his head. “Slayer, what do you want?” She cocked an eyebrow at his sharp tone and moved to lean against the sarcophagus. “Thought you’d be up for a bit of patrol,” she answered with a shrug as he moved around the crypt, glancing at her only about once as he fished out a bottle of something and took a swig. “Maybe I’ve got other plans,” he answered, flopping down into his armchair. Well, that was definitely not like Spike - passing up a chance for violence. “Have you?” she asked. “S’none of your business.” She frowned at him, studying him as he ignored her, his eyes on the wall in front of him. “What’s up with you? You’re all bad moody.” “I’m fine.” She said nothing and he rose to his feet, going to the door and opening it. “That all?” he asked pointedly, nodding to the door. She pushed herself upright and went to him, frowning. “Fine. I’ll leave you to mope,” she bit out, pushing past him and leaving the crypt. What was his problem anyway? She walked along, biting her lip pensively. If it had been anyone else, she would have thought Spike was depressed. She laughed a little and shook her head. This was Spike – he was probably faking it. Not that she could figure out why he would. Why was she even bothered if he was acting weird anyway? At least she got some time to herself on patrol. But then, with everything that had been going on lately, she had wanted a distraction. She really didn’t want to think about Giles being gone, or Dawn being a typical teenager and she definitely didn’t want to think about the mountain of unpaid bills that seemed to be growing on a daily basis. So yeah, bickering with Spike would have been a pleasant distraction from everyday life. She frowned again but suddenly picked up on the tingling at the back of her neck and stopped, crossing her arms. “Thought you had other plans?” she got out. “Apparently not. After all, what could I possibly have that’s more important than following the Slayer like a - what was it you said? - puppy.” She sighed as he came to her side, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “If you’ve come out just to annoy me by being in a bad mood, please go home again,” she told him, “I’ve got enough to worry about as it is.” She had already moved off but his low voice stopped her. “Anything I can help with?” She sighed and turned to him, shaking her head. “’Fraid not. Non-supernatural problems.” “Want to talk about it?” he asked softly, head tilted to one side as he watched her with concern. She shook her head and began to walk slowly, feeling him fall in beside her. “I’m trying to live in denial right now,” she commented with a slight grimace. “Not always a good plan.” “I know, really. But it’s stressing me out and I just…” She trailed off with a sigh and flashed him a weak smile. “Come on, you’re halfway to telling me already. What’s wrong?” She smiled again and moved to lean against a nearby grave, feeling his eyes on her. “It’s money stuff mainly. After Mom...she left us money but once the hospital bills got paid off...well, there wasn’t exactly much left. And what was left is disappearing fast.” “You talked to any of the others ‘bout this?” “I spoke to Giles, before he left. But I don’t want Dawn to worry. I’ll look after her, just like I always have... Okay, so this is a little different from a hell god after her, but...” He was silent and she sighed, crossing her arms. “How ‘bout we make you some easy money?” She raised her eyes to his and raised an eyebrow, sure he was about to suggest stealing – and ready to shoot him down. “Come on,” he murmured, holding out a hand, “Trust me.” She twitched an eyebrow but seeing that he wouldn’t let up, she sighed and put her hand in his, letting him pull her to her feet. “Now, pet, do you know the rules of poker?” he asked with a smile as she fell into step beside him. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “You play for kittens?!” she whispered sharply, amazed as the three demons around the table pulled out a kitten each and placed it in the bowl in the centre of the table. She was perched at Spike’s side and he leant in close to her. “Each one of these tiny tabbies is worth a hundred bucks easy,” he murmured, pulling back slightly to smile at her, “So let’s win you some money.” She shook her head in disbelief and scooted her chair closer to the table. “Okay, who’s going to stake me a kitten?” Spike asked the table. The other demons were silent for a moment but then one to Spike’s left - a floppy-eared demon – sighed and retrieved another kitten from his stash. “Thanks, Clem. I owe you, mate.” The kitten was placed in the bowl and she peered over Spike’s shoulder as he glanced at the cards in front of him, careful to hide them from the others. The game was soon underway and she watched avidly for some time, before finally growing bored and starting to fidget. She had never been good at sitting still for long periods and she was getting antsy now, especially surrounded with so many demons – even if they did seem fairly harmless. She sighed and shifted her legs, bouncing one leg as it rested over the other as she played with the fabric of her skirt. Suddenly, a long pale hand reached back and rested on her knee and she stopped. Spike glanced back at her with a smile. “You’re distractin’ me with your fidgetin’, love.” She was about to make a sharp comment back but then, remembering that he was trying to win money for her, she sighed and bit her lip. “Sorry,” she whispered, glancing at the other demons as she tried to stay as still as possible. Spike chuckled lowly and then removed his hand from her knee, going back to the game. She sighed and began to look around the dingy room, searching for something to keep her mind occupied. “Royal flush,” Spike announced suddenly and she heard the other demons groan as he rose to his feet. She jumped to her feet beside him and looked at him questioningly. “Did you win?” she asked, going to his side as he began to put the kittens into a basket. “’Course I did,” he answered with a smile, “Won us a nice little collection of tabbies.” She smiled and helped him place the kittens in the basket. They bade goodbye to the demons and left the bar quickly, just in case they decided not to part with their kittens without a fight. They finally came to a stop outside her house and she smiled as the kittens continued to mewl inside the basket. “Be glad to get rid of them,” Spike huffed, shifting the basket to his other arm, possibly in some attempt at making himself not look so ridiculous, “Know a demon who’ll change them into ready cash. I’ll get to him soon as I can and get you your money. Should be at least six hundred’s worth here, I reckon.” “You really don’t have to give it all to me. I mean, you won it. All I did was sit there.” “You were my good luck charm,” he answered, smiling softly, “’Sides, I’d just waste it on booze and smokes.” “I really can’t-“ “Slayer, shut up and accept it, okay?” he said firmly. “Okay,” she agreed, a smile spreading across her features, “Thank you so much, Spike. I really...Thanks.” He smiled, his eyes shining as he looked down at her. “No problem, Slayer.” “I should get back in,” she murmured after a pause. “Yeah.” She turned to go but paused, turning back to Spike. She stepped forward and reached up to press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you again.” Avoiding his gaze – even though she could feel it burning into her – she turned and skipped up the steps, letting herself into the house.

Chapter #5 - Five

Chapter Five ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A couple of days later, she bounced down the stairs with a smile, dressed in her smartest clothes ready for the interview she had that morning. She paused when she spotted an envelope by the door and went to retrieve it, turning it over to find her name in a scrawling script. She opened it and gave a little gasp as she saw the wad of money inside. She found a slip of paper inside and pulled it out to read the message on it: Little over six hundred, just like I said. Spike She clutched the envelope to her chest and smiled widely, sending a silent prayer of thanks to the vampire as she skipped into the kitchen. This money would tide her over for now and hopefully, the interview would go well today and she would be getting her own money pretty soon. She smiled again and sat at the counter, peeling a banana. Things were starting to look up in the world of Buffy. Her sister dragged herself into the kitchen then and plonked herself down on a chair. “Hey, Dawnie!” “What are you so happy about?” Dawn murmured, pouring her cereal out almost mindlessly as she let out a little yawn. “Nothing. I’m just psyched about this interview.” “Why are you getting a job anyway?” “Well, I can’t sit round the house cleaning up your mess all day,” she answered glibly, ruffling her sister’s hair as she went to the fridge and pulled out the orange juice. She poured herself a glass and quickly drank it as she set the carton down next to Dawn. “Don’t be late for school.” “Yes, Mom,” Dawn answered sarcastically as Buffy gave her a little wave and pulled on her jacket as she left the house. “Frankly, Miss Summers, I think you’re overqualified for this job,” the manager said seriously, regarding her across the table, “Someone with even the start of a college education really exceeds what we look for in a receptionist.” “I know, I just…I need the money and I-“ “Despite that,” he remarked, interrupting her, “You’re really the best candidate I’ve seen. When can you start?” She was silent, blindsided by the unforeseen swing in her favour. “Huh?” she got out, looking at the manager in confusion. “I said, when can you start?” he repeated, smiling, “We could use an intelligent girl like you on board.” “Oh, wow. Erm...Monday?” “That sounds excellent. I’ll get the forms sent to you and as long as you bring them along on Monday, we’re good to go.” He rose to his feet then and she got to hers somewhat clumsily, still reeling from the shock. She had a job! “I look forward to it,” he remarked, holding out his hand. She shook his hand and mumbled a ‘thank you’ and then made her way out into the corridor. She got out into the fresh air and let out a hesitant laugh, skipping down the steps of the office front onto the pavement. Things were definitely looking up! She made her way slowly back through Sunnydale, enjoying the sunny day, but slowed as she began to pass Restfield. On a sudden whim, she turned on her heel and made her way into the cemetery, weaving her way around the gravestones before finally coming to a halt in front of one. She crouched and ran her hand over the smooth stone of her mother’s grave. “Hey, Mom, guess what?! I got a job!” she spoke, tracing the letters of her mother’s name before continuing softly, “Everything’s going to be okay now. I’m going to look after Dawnie and the house.” She smiled and brushed away a wayward tear before getting to her feet again, her fingers lingering for a moment on the cool surface. Her eyes were drawn towards the crypt just across from her and with another smile, she made her way towards it. She knocked lightly on the door of Spike’s crypt and went in, scanning the dimly-lit space for any sign of the vampire. He didn’t seem to be about, but it was the middle of the day so she doubted he was out. She suddenly heard a low sound from somewhere below her and her eyes went to the hole that led to the caves below the crypt. With some hesitance, she approached the hole and looked down into the dark cavern, lit only by a few flickering candles. She made her way down the ladder slowly, hit with the memory of being down here once before: when Spike had chained her up to declare his love. Grimacing, she moved onwards, eyes scanning the darkness as she made her way through the small corridor, her hand on the rock. She rounded the corner and stopped, eyes taking in the scene before her. There were candles dotted around the place, lighting up the shadows of the cave and revealing what looked to be a halfway-decent bedroom. There were a few pieces of furniture, covered in random bottles, clothes, books and right in the centre, a large bed. Her eyes moved now to the bed and more specifically to the vampire sprawled in the middle of it, one hand tucked under his head, the other resting on his bare chest. He was fast asleep, his eyelids twitching as he dreamt, his lips curled into a slight smile. Never had William the Bloody looked so harmless and she almost laughed out loud at the thought. Her eyes were drawn of their own accord to the sculpted muscles of his chest and she swallowed hard, her cheeks flooding with colour. Her eyes drifted lower, to the edge of the sheet that was slung over his hips and she found herself licking her lips unconsciously. Suddenly realising what she was doing- and embarrassed by her body’s reaction to a half-naked Spike – she turned and was already halfway to the ladder before she was halted by Spike’s sleepy, uncertain voice. “Slayer?” he called, “Buffy?” She froze and turned back to him slowly, crossing her arms over herself almost instinctively. “Err, hi,” she got out weakly, avoiding his gaze as he propped himself up on his elbows. “What are you doing here?” he asked, his voice still husky with sleep. A little tingle went through her at his low voice and was followed immediately by a shudder. This was Spike, for God’s sake! She raised her eyes to his hesitantly – and immediately wished she hadn’t. He was watching her with a tiny smirk, almost as if he knew what she was thinking and she frowned. “You know what?! I’m not sure.” She turned back to the corridor but before she had got very far, Spike’s hand was on her arm, halting her. “Come now, love, what’s the rush?” he asked and she turned back to him reluctantly. It didn’t exactly help that she realised then that his other hand was holding the sheet around his waist. She looked down and frowned. “Please tell me you’re wearing something under that,” she got out, raising her eyes to his once more. He laughed and released her arm, moving back to the bed and sitting on it, holding the sheet firmly around his waist. “Sorry to disappoint,” he answered with a smirk. She rolled her eyes, fidgeting on the spot as he got out a cigarette and began to smoke. “So, what’s up?” She raised her head but was unable to meet his eyes, strangely uncomfortable with this situation. “I, err, well...I got a job. So I can pay you back...for the kittens.” “There’s no need. You just worry about them bills,” he answered lowly and she forced herself to meet his eyes, biting her lip slightly. “Where you going to be working then?” he asked amiably, leaning back on one arm as he took a drag on his cigarette. “A little office in town. Receptionist job, but hey,money.” “Things looking up then.” “Looks like it, yeah,” she answered, meeting his eyes briefly once again, “Anyway, I should get back to Dawn. Tell her the good news.” “Sure,” he got out, getting to his feet to conduct her to the door – but she held a hand out, halting him. “I’ll walk myself to the door,” she remarked with a little smile and a glance at the sheet that was still draped around his waist. “Fair enough,” he replied with a smile, “See you later for patrol?” “Probably.” “See you, Slayer.” She moved to the opening of the corridor and paused, glancing back at the vampire. “Thanks again...for everything.” “Anytime. I mean it.” She met his eyes and they shared a small smile before she nodded and turned, making her way out of the crypt.

Chapter #6 - Six

Chapter Six ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She woke with a start some mornings later, breathing heavily as reality slowly broke through the cloud of her dream and brought her crashing back into the real world. She clutched the covers to her chest, taking deep breaths as she tried to calm her racing pulse. She closed her eyes for a moment and quickly opened them again as she was hit with images from the dream she had just woken from. She had had dreams like this before...fantasies, really...but never about him. No way was Spike taking up root in her subconscious. It had just been a silly dream, probably brought on by their encounter in his bedroom just the other day. It didn’t mean anything. Hell, he probably could kiss like that – in fact, she knew he could, thanks to Willow’s thy-will-be-done spell almost two years ago. And she was pretty sure he could do the other things she had dreamt about... She shook her head and sat up abruptly, throwing herself out of bed. She had a job to go to – she really didn’t have time to lie around analysing a stupid dream that meant nothing. She began to move around her room, getting herself ready for her first day at work. She sat down at her dresser as she did her make-up and froze for a moment, studying herself in the mirror. When had she started looking so old? She frowned and leant a little closer to the mirror, searching her face for signs of age. Shaking her head suddenly with her stupidity, she sat back and finished applying her make-up. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Her first day at work had flown by in a flurry of new names and information and she was glad that evening to get back to the job she had perfected at the tender age of fifteen. Slaying always helped her to clear her mind and a small smile graced her lips as she strode through one of Sunnydale’s countless cemeteries, a slight breeze brushing her skin. She spotted trouble up ahead and with a smile, sped up her strides until she reached the vampire and his intended dinner. The girl was shrinking back against a tree, holding out her hands as the vampire approached her slowly. “Didn’t anyone every teach you not to play with your food?” she quipped, drawing the vampire’s attention to her. He snarled and she looked at him pointedly. “Slayer,” he growled, turning fully to face her. “Well, least I don’t have to introduce myself,” she remarked with a shrug, jumping forward and punching the vampire square in the face. He fell to the floor and she turned to the still-trembling girl. “Go! Run!” The girl heeded her words and took off at a sprint across the cemetery as the vampire scrambled to his feet. “You’ll pay for that, bitch,” he bit out. She just rolled her eyes and blocked the clumsy punch aimed at her. He recovered quickly though and kicked her, spinning her and almost causing her to lose her balance. She quickly regained her balance though and kicked his legs out from underneath him as he came at her. She moved to straddle him but he kicked her away and before she could roll to her feet, he had a knife at her neck, pinning her to the floor. “Erm, you do realise you’re a vampire, right? You don’t need weapons.” Lashing out, she managed to grab his arm and moved it away from her, bending it back at an awkward angle until he finally dropped the knife – but not before he had slashed her arm. The scent of her blood seemed to spur on his attack but she quickly got to her feet, spinning into a roundhouse that sent him flying into a nearby crypt. She followed him and launched into a series of punches that disoriented the cornered vampire. Before he had another chance to retaliate, she whipped a stake from her waistband and drove it through the vampire’s chest, turning him into dust. She replaced the stake and brushed her hands together, turning her attention to the cut on her arm. It was then that she felt eyes on her and she whirled round, tensed for attack – before she spotted the tendrils of cigarette smoke and the glow as the cigarette was thrown to the floor just to her right. Spike stepped out of the shadows, his eyes burning even as he smiled in that soft way he seemed to have developed of late. “You alright?” he asked, moving towards her, his eyes drifting to the cut on her arm. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Didn’t realise you vamps usually carried weapons of the non-fangy kind.” “Has been known to happen,” he murmured, stopping just in front of her, his eyes still fixed on her cut. “Err, Spike,” she got out, “Freaking me out a bit.” He snapped out of it and his eyes darted back to hers. “Sorry.” She smiled slightly and he returned with a sheepish smile. “Want some help cleaning that up?” “Err, yeah, I guess. Thanks.” She leant against the sarcophagus as he went about trying to locate the first aid kit, frowning at the blood that was already coming through and staining her top. She held her hand to the cut, hoping to stop it from bleeding even a tiny amount. Spike reappeared from the lower level and moved to her side, placing the kit down on the sarcophagus behind her. “Think he killed your top,” he commented, guiding her hand away as he gently rolled her sleeve up and examined the cut. “I know,” she sighed, “I wish they invented demon-proof clothes.” He laughed and pressed his fingers to the cut. She hissed in pain and he pulled back slightly, smiling reassuringly. “S’not too deep. Think your top’s the main casualty here.” She smiled as he leant forward and picked up some cotton wool and disinfectant. “This is going to sting, isn’t it?” she moaned, eyeing the cotton wool as he doused it in disinfectant. “Didn’t know you were a big baby, Slayer.” She glared at him and he smiled, one hand holding her arm still as he leant forward and dabbed the wound. She couldn’t watch what he was doing so instead she found herself facing forward, eyes on his neck, musing to herself at just how much paler his skin looked contrasted with the black of his T-shirt as she tried not to wince at the disinfectant seeping into her wound. His closeness suddenly brought scenes from her dream crashing back and she shook her head a tiny bit, trying to drive them away. Spike paused and pulled back ever so slightly, eyes studying her. “You alright?” “Fine,” she got out quietly, avoiding his gaze until finally he gave up and went back to cleaning her wound. She let out a shaky breath and shifted away from him as best she could with his hand on her arm holding her still. “Stop fidgeting,” he murmured, not pausing in his ministrations but tightening his grip on her arm ever so slightly. She was flooded with the image of his hands on her arms, pinning her down as he kissed her hungrily and she let out a little groan, wishing she could get this crazy dream out of her head. Spike pulled back again to look at her and she couldn’t help but shrink away from his piercing gaze. “Slayer?” he breathed and she raised her head hesitantly, reading the sudden desire in his eyes, mixed with an amusement that expressed itself in the hint of a smile on his lips. “Is it, err, fixed?” she asked breathlessly, avoiding his gaze once more and looking to her arm. “Not yet. Got distracted by a delicious smell.” It took her a moment to figure out what he was talking about and then she reacted instinctively. “Eww, gross, Spike!” she spat out, shoving him away and moving free from him. He caught her by her good arm though and drew her to a halt. “Come on, love, I was only playing,” he soothed, smiling as he moved in front of her, “Let me finish fixing you up.” “Fine,” she sulked, shaking her arm out of his grip and crossing her arms across her chest. Which turned out to be the wrong thing to do in her low-cut top and she realised it when Spike’s eyes dropped to her chest. Glowering, waiting for him to raise his eyes to hers again, she tapped her foot against the ground. “Err, excuse me?” He raised his head with none of the sheepishness he usually displayed and smirked, eyes flirtatiously heavy-lidded. “What’s wrong, love?” She rolled her eyes and turned her back on him, moving back to the sarcophagus and waiting for him to join her. She heard him chuckle as he moved back in front of her and she narrowed her eyes but didn’t dare to raise her eyes to his. “Want me to kiss it better, Slayer?” he murmured silkily, his hand returning to her arm. “Do you ever shut up?” she snapped, her eyes still on her feet. “Only if I’ve had a good workout,” he practically purred, indicating just what kind of workout he was talking about. She fell silent and he was silent too, gentle touches cleaning her arm and finally wrapping it in a small bandage. “You want a spare shirt?” he asked, pulling back, “Could find you something to throw on.” She looked up at him, noticed that the smirk was gone for now, and with a sigh, nodded. “Thanks. Think my top’s ruined.” He moved away into the lower level and reappeared with one of his seemingly endless supply of black T-shirts. “Thanks,” she muttered, taking the T-shirt from him and looking up at him expectantly, frowning when he made no sign of moving. “Spike!” “Right, yeah,” he mumbled, turning his back and moving away from her. She watched him for a few moments, waiting for him to peek, but when it didn’t seem he was going to try, she quickly pulled off her own top and replaced it with his. “Done,” she called out and he turned back to her, his eyes sweeping over the T-shirt and darkening ever so slightly – a fact she decided to ignore for now. “Well, thanks. Again. I should get going.” “You okay?” he asked, taking a step towards her, “You’re all twitchy.” “I-I’m fine. Just not used to this work thing. I guess.” “Right.” There was an awkward pause and she looked up to find him watching her. “Well, err, night.” “Night, love,” he murmured, sending a little sliver of desire straight through her that spurred her out of his crypt even faster.

Chapter #7 - Seven

Chapter Seven ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “One week down!” she exclaimed, smiling widely as she picked up her drink and raised it to her friends before taking a large mouthful. Damn, but these Woo Woos were too good. Maybe this was Spike’s new way of killing her: creating an addiction to sweet, fruity alcohol. Whether intended or not, it certainly seemed to be working and she was on her second of the night, already at that stage of slightly giddy cheeriness. “I want to dance!” she suddenly announced, sliding from her stool and grabbing Willow’s hand, “Come dance!” Willow shrugged and followed her into the crowd with a smile. Buffy dragged her to the centre of the floor and then turned to her, beginning to sway to the music. This felt good. She had a job, she had money and now she got to relax and enjoy herself. She closed her eyes and moved with the music, swinging her hips in time with the beat. She could feel eyes on her and opened hers, turning to spot a cute guy watching her as he danced somewhat awkwardly next to a friend. She looked to Willow and they shared a girlish giggle before she turned and moved over to the guy. “Hi!” she called out with a smile. “Hey. Wanna dance?” “You bet,” she answered, moving closer to him and glancing over her shoulder to smile back at Willow. Willow winked and turned to dance with Tara who had just joined her. Buffy smiled and closed her eyes again, getting lost in the music, hardly remembering the last time she had felt so free. She finally left the dancefloor - much to the obvious disappointment of her dance partner – and made her way back to the Scoobies’ table. “Hey, Buffster!” Xander exclaimed, “Enjoying getting your dance on?” “Definitely.” And she did. She enjoyed at least pretending for a little while that she was a normal twenty-year-old girl. “I need another drink,” she announced and pushed through the crowd to the bar to get herself another Woo Woo. She finally got it and took a sip, closing her eyes in bliss at the taste. “Damn that vampire’s got me hooked,” she murmured, turning from the bar and making her way back to her friends’ table. She almost tripped on the way but was steadied by a smiling frat boy and gave him a flirtatious smile before moving on. She slid onto the stool and took another sip of her drink, letting out a little ‘mmm’ of satisfaction. The frat boy who had saved her appeared at the table at that point and asked her to dance and she followed him with a smile and a little wave at her friends. After she had returned, she downed the rest of her drink and rested her head on her head as she felt her head spin. “I need another drink.” “Err, Buff, I think you’ve maybe had enough,” Willow suggested. “You’re right, Willy-Willow. I gotta go,” she slid to her feet and pulled her jacket, smiling to herself, “Gotta go see a vamp about some kittens.” “You gonna be okay?” Willow asked uncertainly. “Ya-huh. I’m all good. Later.” She hummed to herself as she weaved a somewhat unsteady path through the cemetery, a small smile still playing on her lips. This was the life. Suddenly her path was blocked and she looked up with a frown at the large demon that stood in her way. It growled and lunged at her and she dodged, just managing to escape its sharp claws. She punched it somewhat sloppily and went flying to the floor when it lashed out, hitting her around the face. She scrambled to her feet, trying to clear her dizzy head as she kicked the demon, the kick doing hardly anything except sending her to the ground again as she lost her balance. The demon let out an ear-splitting roar and she covered her ears helplessly, curled up on the ground. The sound suddenly cut off though and she looked up to see a large pole protruding from the demon’s neck. It fell to the floor beside her and she looked up at the figure in black that now stood before her, her hand on her spinning head. “Spike!” she called out with a wide smile, “I was coming to see you.” “Slayer, you alright?” he asked, frowning as he reached out and helped her to her feet. She giggled slightly as she wavered slightly and looked up to find him frowning again. “Have you been drinking?” “I just had some Woo Woos,” she explained with a giggle, “Woo Woo!” Spike didn’t seem too impressed with her train impression and raised an eyebrow at her. “Okay, let’s just sit you down and make sure you haven’t broken anything, yeah?” She nodded, smiling still as she let him lead her across the cemetery to his crypt. She scrambled onto the sarcophagus – with some assistance from Spike – and sat, her legs dangling over the side as he shed his coat and came to stand before her, worried eyes running over her. “Not the best idea to go fighting when you’re tipsy, love.” “He started it!” she sulked, pouting like a small child. She saw Spike’s gaze linger on her lips for a moment and she smiled. He quickly moved away though and found a bottle, bringing it back to her. “What is it?” she asked, opening it. “Water. Help you sober up.” “I’m not drunk!” she protested, “I’m just...giddy!” She laughed and took a sip of the water, her eyes falling on Spike, who was watching her with amusement now. “What?!” she asked, wiping her mouth as she set the bottle set down. “You’re such a lightweight,” he remarked with a smile, “Couple of cocktails and you’re gone.” “Your fault,” she moaned, “Introduced me to the lovely yummy Woo Woos.” “If I’d known you were that easily led...” She didn’t quite follow where he was going but smiled and jumped to her feet, her head spinning even as she did so. “Woo, spinning room,” she breathed, giggling as strong hands caught her by the arms, steadying her. She raised her eyes to his and smiled. “I think I figured out how to get you out of my dreams,” she murmured, hands resting against his chest as she tried to stop the world from spinning. “You have dreams about me?” he asked softly, smiling. “Yeah,” she answered in a stage whisper, “Naughty dreams. Dreams a Slayer shouldn’t have about a...about a bad vampire.” “Oh yeah?” he drawled. “But I figured out how to stop it,” she announced with a coy smile, “I just have to get you out of my system.” She smiled again and leant into him. “That okay with you?” she whispered. Before he could answer though, she leant up and pressed her lips to his, letting out a little moan at the cool feel of his lips. Suddenly the room was spinning too much though and she pulled away abruptly, holding a hand to her stomach and meeting Spike’s gaze for a split second before turning to the side and vomiting.

Chapter #8 - Eight

Chapter Eight ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She lurched into consciousness and was instantly aware of the pounding in her head and the horrible taste in her mouth. She moaned and shifted slightly, wanting to bury herself in her pillows. She stretched slightly, and froze as her hand brushed against something. She moved her fingers over the smooth fabric, feeling the hardness underneath. Her hand moved slowly down and collided with what could be nothing but a waistband and belt. Her eyes flew open and she started at the sight of the black-clad figure next to her. Eyes going wide, she sat up and took in her surroundings. Oh God, she realised with a groan, she was in Spike’s crypt. In his bed. With him. She seemed to be under the sheets while he lay on top of them and she pulled them around her as she scooted away from him. Her movement must have woken him though and his eyes flew open, sleepy and confused for a second, before they finally cleared and he smiled softly. “Slayer.” This had to be another one of those dreams. Not that any of her dreams had ever been this chaste, she reminded herself with an internal groan. No way was she actually in Spike’s bed though. How had she got here anyway? She frowned and looked round once more. “What happened?” she asked, slightly scared by the fact that she couldn’t remember much past coming to Spike’s crypt yesterday after her drunken encounter with the demon. “Can’t remember?” he asked with a laugh, pushing himself up on his elbows. And God, this felt way too much like a morning-after conversation and that spurred her out of the bed, even if her head protested at the sudden movement. “I remember...being sick,” she murmured cautiously. “Yeah, all over my floor.” “Oh. Sorry,” she mumbled with a grimace, fiddling awkwardly with the hem of her top so she would not have to meet his eyes. “S’fine,” he answered with a laugh, sitting up and looking at her. “Then what happened?” she asked hesitantly, “Afterwards?” He paused for a moment and then answered her, his voice coloured with hurt. “Best night of your life and you don’t remember?” Her eyes flew to his and her mouth dropped open in horror. “Oh God,” she got out, covering her mouth as she turned away from him. She was never drinking. Never ever again. “Oh God.” What had she done? Oh God, this was bad. So very, very bad. She didn’t know who to blame more: herself or the vampire. How dare he take advantage though? Vampire, her mind reminded her. Caught up in her torment, she had not noticed that Spike had moved until she felt his hands on her shoulders and she jumped, whirling round to face him with wide eyes. She had to fix this, explain that she had been drunk and- She stopped in her tracks as she noticed the wide smile on his face and she closed her eyes helplessly, groaning. “Buffy, love, I’m joking,” he laughed. "What?!" Her eyes snapped open again and narrowed on the highly-amused vampire. She shoved him away and sighed loudly. “I hate you.” He just laughed and moved back to sit on the edge of the bed, taking out a cigarette and lighting up. “Nothing happened. Cleaned you up and got you to bed.” “How do I know you didn’t take advantage?” she got out, half-angrily, half-scaredly. He raised an eyebrow and removed the cigarette from his lips. “You really think that bad of me, Slayer?” he asked, growing serious. She shrugged uncomfortably and turned her head to avoid his piercing gaze. “Not that I think you would have minded, way you were last night.” “Excuse me?!” she got out, turning back to him with wide eyes. “Do tell about these dreams you have about me. I’m real interested to hear.” She grimaced and closed her eyes as she took a deep breath. “I was drunk. I was talking stupid.” “That so?” he asked, watching her intently, “So you haven’t been dreamin’ ‘bout me?” Somehow, trapped in his bright gaze, the denial got stuck in her throat and she stumbled uncertainly backwards, needing to get away from him. He was up on his feet and in front of her before she could get anywhere though, hands on her arms restraining her. “Huh, Slayer?” he purred, his eyes blazing as he looked down at her. She was frozen, trapped in the spell of his eyes – that was obviously why she didn’t pull away immediately when he dipped his head and kissed her softly; why her arms wrapped around him as she pressed herself against him helplessly. It was probably a thrall of some sort. She pushed him away with a gasp and raised her hand to her mouth, covering it in shock. “No!” was all she could get out. He tilted his head, eyes still blazing as he watched her with a smile. “Come, now, Slayer-“ “No,” she repeated, taking a step backwards as he took one forwards, “There will be no - none of that. I’m going...going home.” She stuttered out the last as he took another step towards her, effectively pinning her to the wall, blue eyes boring into her. Thrall, it had to be thrall, she chanted in her head as he lowered his head and kissed her again. She pushed him away and scuttled out of the circle of his arms, breathing heavily. “No...Dawn...I have to...” Without finishing her sentence, she fled from the crypt as fast as if he was chasing her.

Chapter #9 - Nine

Chapter Nine ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Oh God, there was something wrong with her. There had to be, right? What Slayer in her right mind would be obsessing about a couple of silly kisses with a vampire? Mistaken kisses as well. Kisses that really should not be repeated...no matter how much she couldn’t get them out of her head. Maybe this was Spike’s master plan: drive her to distraction with kisses. Not that he had really initiated them, she remembered with a frown. She - stupidly, drunkenly - had been the one to tell him about the dreams. She couldn’t quite remember, but she was pretty sure she had kissed him. She seemed to vaguely remember doing it...but maybe somewhere along the line her dreams had got blurred with reality. She sighed and turned back to the pile of documents waiting to be filed in front of her. She really needed to be out, slaying, trying to release some of this pent-up tension, but it was still a few hours until she finished work. Not that she had been in the best frame of mind for work today. She had been avoiding Spike and his crypt and his whole cemetery for the last two days but knew she would have to face him at some point. And she was dreading it. Because he would know – just as well as she did deep down – that she wanted to kiss him again. Now she thought about it, she really couldn’t see what was so very wrong in some harmless kissing. He hasn’t got a soul, a voice suspiciously like Giles reminded her. Soul, schmoul, another voice replied, He kisses damn well. She buried her head in her hands with a groan. This was how she was going to go: death by obsession over vampire kiss leading to insanity. She was glad to get out into the fresh air later, to be walking, driving away confusing thoughts with the pleasant simplicity of movement. It was a cool evening, dark clouds dotted through the darkening sky. It looked like rain but as so often happened, it would likely pass, leaving the Hellmouth untouched. Like Spike had said, it rarely rained in this place. Spike...again. Her thoughts just seemed to keep going in wider and wider circles, trying to get away from the core of her problem – only to go sauntering around a corner and slamming into it. She let out a shaky breath and twirled her stake in her hands. A demon or two - or six - would have been a nice distraction about now. The demon that did appear in her eye line just a moment later was not, however, what she had been hoping for. She came to a dead halt, falling back on her perfected method of defence - barbs and crossed arms - as she faced the bleach-blonde vampire. “You better not be following me,” she snapped out. “You’re the one in my cemetery,” he answered with a smile, discarding his cigarette. “Patrolling. You know, that thing I do where I hurt creatures of the night,” she said, glaring at him pointedly. “Oh, I bet you’d hurt me real nice, Slayer,” he purred. She covered the instinctive guttural moan caused by his sin-coated voice with a cough and glared at him, wishing her Slayer powers included laser vision at that point. “You really need to get a life,” she commented, spinning on her heel and moving away to the right – knowing without a doubt that he would follow her. “Wanna help?” he murmured, falling into step beside her. She rolled her eyes and sped up her steps, even though he kept up easily. Luckily, distraction soon presented itself in the sudden downpour that burst upon them. She let out an admittedly girly shriek as the cold water drenched her in a matter of seconds, soaking through her jeans and flimsy top. “Inside,” Spike growled, grabbing her by the arm and dragging her over to his crypt. They burst into the crypt and he shut the door behind them as she moaned lowly, fingering her wet clothes. She was soaked through - not exactly having dressed for the weather – and her clothes were sticking to her in all sorts of unpleasant ways. She frowned and raised her gaze to find Spike staring at her – or more specifically at her now see-through top. “Perve,” she accused and his eyes whipped up to hers. He paused for a moment and then smiled. “Can’t blame a guy.” “Guess not,” she murmured, her eyes running down his own water-soaked front, taking in the planes of his chest where his T-shirt clung to him. Their gazes clashed and she saw his eyes darken with desire, probably reflecting her own. He gave his head a little shake though and moved around, dropping his coat and going to a chest, from which he retrieved a towel. He came to her and draped it around her shoulders, his eyes avoiding hers. She could feel her body reacting to his nearness and groaned lowly, causing him to turn towards her. The next thing she knew, she was kissing him, hard, her arms around his neck as his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her up against him. The towel lay forgotten on the floor as she moaned at his touch, pressing herself to him. His cool mouth moved over hers, setting her alight as she clutched at his shoulders. They parted breathlessly and she raised wide, shocked eyes to his. Somewhat awkwardly, she stepped back and he dropped his hands as she cleared her throat nervously. “Erm...so what are we going to do now?” she asked, looking at everything in the crypt but him. “Could watch some TV if you want. ‘Til the rain stops.” “Right, yeah. TV sounds good.” They sat next to each other on the battered sofa, eyes fixed on the grainy picture of the television. Her eyes may have been on the television, but her attention was completely focussed on the vampire next to her. Her body was still buzzing from his kiss and she let out a shaky breath as she tried to calm herself. It was useless though: he was so close still, so that when he shifted to make himself more comfortable, his arm brushed hers. She let out a sigh and breathed his name. “Spike.” He turned to her with a questioning look and she leant towards him, pressing her lips to his once more. He let out a groan and his hand rose to her face, tugging her gently closer as he kissed her, his lips sliding across hers sensuously. She strained closer to him, mouth parting eagerly as his tongue slid over her bottom lip before delving into her mouth and drawing a choked moan from her. She was light-headed from his kiss and sagged against him, her fingers twisting in his damp top as she pressed herself against him. He grabbed her around the waist, turned her and dragged her onto his lap – all without breaking the kiss – and she tightened her arms around his neck, letting out helpless little sighs as he plundered her mouth with his. He pulled away from her and his mouth dropped to her neck, causing her to gasp. “So sweet and hot...” he murmured, his tongue tracing over her skin, before he drew her skin into his mouth and suckled on it lightly. She moaned loudly and twisted her fingers in his hair, fidgeting on his lap as she tried to subdue the tingling between her legs. He moaned at her movement and sucked on her skin harder. “So beautiful...Jesus, Buffy...taste so good...” “God, Spike...do you ever shut up?” she gasped out, guiding his mouth back to hers and kissing him hungrily as she wriggled impatiently on his lap. Suddenly he pulled away from her though, one arm clamping down across her legs as his burning gaze met hers. “You gotta stop doing that or I won’t be responsible for my actions.” Her head clearing without his mouth on hers, she bit her lip coyly and shifted ever so slightly against him, smiling as his eyes fell closed and he let out a moan. His eyes snapped quickly open again though and fixed on her, dark with hunger. “Playing with fire, Slayer,” he all but growled out and she felt a little frisson go through her. She smiled coyly and traced her finger over his jaw. “Well, I do need warming up,” she whispered, leaning close and scraping her teeth over his ear. He groaned lowly and she smiled to herself, amazed inwardly at just how sensitive he was to the slightest touch. It would almost be cruel to continue to tease him. With a wicked smile, she wriggled against him again, her teeth scraping his neck as she pressed her chest against his. “Slayer,” he growled, his arm almost painfully tight around her. “Hmm?” she asked innocently, trailing her lips over his neck and biting down lightly on his collar bone. “Oh God,” he moaned, bucking against her. Strong hands reached up and caught her face, guiding her away from his neck as his mouth collided with hers roughly. She gasped and wrapped her arms around, needing even more contact – and hissing with pleasure when he granted it, his hand slipping under her top and resting on her back. God, how long had they been avoiding this? All that tension that had been bubbling under the surface since god knows when had exploded and she was heady with her desire. She just wanted to keep kissing him but breathing became an issue and she pushed him away gently, her head ducked as she took in long, shaky breaths. “Jesus,” she got out shakily. “Been called many things in my time...” She rolled her eyes and raised her gaze to his with an unimpressed look. He smirked and just like that, the old tension was back. “How about pig? Perve? Sick weirdo?” “Hear it all the time,” he countered, his fingers tracing a maddening pattern on her skin that she desperately tried to ignore, “Funny thing is though, the girl who usually calls me them is currently writhing and panting in my lap so guess I can’t take her too seriously.” “I am not writhing!” she protested, stilling her body’s helpless movements against him. He just smirked and she narrowed her eyes. “Less talking, more kissing. You’re much less annoying when-“ She was unable to finish her sentence as he tugged her against him, his lips finding hers again – this time softer, but no less passionate. She got the feeling he was really tasting her this time and took the opportunity to do the same, relaxing her grip on him as she succumbed to his gentler kiss. Her body was still tingling and she could feel the evidence of his desire against the back of her thigh, but for now, the frantic hunger of just seconds ago was gone. She relaxed in his embrace, sinking against him bonelessly as he kissed her, one hand cupping her cheek as he held her close. This time when his mouth dropped to her neck, she gave a contented sigh, her eyes closing as he pressed butterfly kisses along her neck. “You’re still a perve,” she muttered under her breath. “Don’t see you complaining, Slayer.” “No,” she sighed, arching against him as blunt teeth scraped across her pulse point, sending her heartbeat racing, “Not complaining.” He pulled away though and she let out a helpless whimper, opening her eyes with some effort and focussing on him. “We should stop,” he got out, breathing just as heavily as her. “Huh?” she answered inelegantly. His eyes met hers, softer now, and he smiled slightly, raising a hand to brush a hair from her face. “Not saying I’m not enjoying this...but I think we need to slow down, don't you?” “Wow, I must be hallucinating. Spike trying to be a gentleman?!” He gave her a withering look and she smiled sweetly, but acknowledging his point, slid off of his lap and onto the sofa. They were silent for a long moment and she sighed, sinking back into the sofa. “Well, now what are we going to do?”

Chapter #10 - Ten

Chapter Ten ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She sat at her dresser, regarding herself in the mirror with a dreamy smile. She had got home eventually - long after the rain had stopped – but it had only been because staying would have led to something far heavier than the passionate kissing they had indulged in. Surprisingly, it had been Spike who had stopped them – again – when she had been beneath him, pinned to the sofa by his hard body. It was probably a good thing. She smiled again and let out a little sigh of contentment and started to fix her hair. She brushed it back from her face and paused suddenly, spotting something in the mirror. There on her neck was a small purple hickey. Hmm, so much for being able to hide the evidence of last night. Deciding to leave her hair down for the day and let slayer healing get rid of the mark, she finished getting ready for work, feeling somehow refreshed. Maybe there had been something in that rain that had drenched her. With the memory, an image of Spike in his soaked T-shirt flitted through her mind and she smiled. Her head definitely felt a lot clearer now. Kissing good. Vampire...well, not quite bad. Hence, more kissing okay. She smiled to herself once more and headed out of her room, bound for another day of office drudgery. After work, she headed for the Magic Box and entered the shop to find her friends, as usual, gathered around the table, sharing a box of doughnuts. “Ohh, doughnuts! Any left for the hard-working receptionist?” “You’ll have to rush,” Dawn pointed out with a giggle, “Xander’s working his way through them at an unnatural speed.” Buffy smiled and moved to the table, sitting as she retrieved a doughnut from the box. “So, how was work?” Xander asked. “Same old. But it pays the bills better than kittens so I’m not complaining.” “What’s with the kittens?” Willow spoke up with a puzzled look and Buffy paused. “Oh. Demon currency.” “As in...money?” Xander asked, “They use kittens for money?” “It’s a very sensible system,” Anya piped up, “And much more reliable than the dollar. Especially with inflation the way it is right now.” There was a silence as they absorbed that new information and Xander shook his head in disbelief. “Who’d a thunk it?” Buffy smiled and bit into her doughnut. The jam oozed out over her tongue and she shut her eyes with bliss. A very naughty image involving a certain vampire’s chest and jam skipped before her eyelids and she opened her eyes again slowly, smiling. “How ‘bout that rain yesterday?” Willow spoke up, turning from her laptop, “Freaky or what?!” “Got completely soaked on patrol,” Buffy added with a frown, her mouth half-full with doughnut. “Seemed unnatural.” “You think there’s such a thing as demon rain?” Buffy quipped and the others laughed. “Anyway, I’m gonna do some training before patrol-time,” she announced, pushing herself to her feet and pulling off her jacket to hang on the back of the chair. “Still quiet?” Willow asked. “Kinda. Think everything’s still recovering,” she answered with a smile as she got a hairband out of her pocket and tied her hair up in a loose ponytail, “But I figure things will be pretty much back to normal soon.” She noticed as she righted herself and smoothed her hair back that her friends were staring at her and she lowered her arms self-consciously. “What?” “Get into a bad fight?” Xander asked. “Huh?” “That doesn’t like a bruise,” Willow added with a slight smile. “Oh my God, it’s a hickey!” Dawn exclaimed and Buffy immediately blanched. Oh crap, she’d forgotten about Spike’s little present. “Of course it’s a bruise. A slaying thing. Not a hickey. Definitely not a hickey.” She had a feeling her fervent denial wasn’t helping her case much as Willow smiled widely and Dawn gave her a smug look. Damn. “Okay, okay. It’s a hickey.” “From who?” Dawn asked excitedly. “None of your business!” Just at that moment, the training door burst open and she knew without even looking that Spike had decided to make a badly-timed entrance. “Spike!” Dawn called out, confirming her fears. She sighed and turned to him, greeting him with a weak smile. “Hey, Spike!” Buffy called out, “Patrol?” “Sure,” he answered with some surprise and she quickly headed for him, hoping to escape. “Uh-uh!” Willow called out, “That was pathetic! You can’t run away. We want to know about your secret man.” She sent a wide-eyed look Spike’s way but he just smirked in reply. Some help he was going to be. “Retreating out of staking distance might be a good idea,” she whispered to the vampire before turning back to the group. “Well...erm...you’re looking at him!” she got out, gesturing to Spike, “Bye!” Before anyone could even blink, she grabbed Spike by the arm and dragged him back through the door and out into the street. “I don’t think they’re chasing us, love,” he spoke up after a few moments, drawing her to a halt. “Oh, right,” she murmured, glancing back down the dark alleyway. “And here was me thinking it was going to be our little secret,” he murmured lowly, drawing her attention to him. “It’s your fault!” she exclaimed, tilting her neck slightly to show him the hickey that had given them away. He only smiled, reaching out to run his fingers over the mark. “Well...” he drawled slowly, his fingers sending delicious tingles through her, “Now what are we going to do?” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* She knew she wasn’t going to get out of it that easily though and so she wasn’t surprised to find the gang assembled when she got home. She sighed as she realised her appearance wasn’t exactly going to help things: her hair was a mess and her clothes were crumpled. Sure, Spike had contributed to some of it, but most of it had been the work of a pack of Ghora demons. She stepped into the living room, feeling all of them fix their gazes on her. “Can we get this out of the way?” she sighed, “I’m really tired.” That wasn’t exactly helping either, she realised as she saw Xander’s eyes widen. “Eww, please. What kind of girl do you think I am?!” she exclaimed, “There were Ghora demons. Things got messy.” She stood in the centre of the doorway, arms crossed – looking strong and confident, even if she didn’t quite feel it. There was a silence but finally Willow spoke up. “So...Spike? Really?” “Yeah. It kinda happened,” she got out with an awkward shrug. “What, like you tripped and his mouth ended up on your neck?” Xander quipped. She rolled her eyes and took a calming breath before meeting her friend’s gaze. “No. More like two consenting adults acting on an impulse.” “But, Buffy...it’s Spike.” “Yeah, I had noticed that,” she murmured with a smile. “You hate Spike.” “I don’t think any of us really hates Spike anymore, do we?” “I don’t!” Dawn piped up and Buffy smiled. “But he’s...” “What? A vampire? Knew that.” “Evil.” “He plays poker for kittens. Doesn’t seem too evil to me.” There was a pause and she dived in with her main argument – aimed primarily at Xander, who was obviously her chief opponent. “Look, Xander, you’re my friend, right?” “Of course.” And you want me to be happy?” “Yeah. You know I-“ “As long as it’s on your terms, right?” she remarked. “No. Buffy, I just...I worry about you. Angel-“ “Oh, you are so not going there. That was a long time ago. And this is a completely different vampire.” “Not better, though.” “You think I don’t know that?” she quipped with a sardonic smile, “I mean, God, it’s Spike!” There was a pause and then she continued. “If you really care about me, you’d want me to be happy. And this thing...well, it’s fun. I’m enjoying myself. With Spike.” She paused and frowned. “That sounded better in my head.” Dawn giggled and she softened, sharing a smile with her sister. “That’s all this is? Fun?” Willow asked uncertainly. “Well, yeah. It’s not like I’m in love with him or anything. It’s just...nice, you know. You’ve got Tara...and Xander, you’ve got Anya. Is it so wrong for me to have someone?” She turned to Xander as she addressed him and she could see him softening. “I know it’s Spike and he’s...well, he’s Spike. But, don’t you think I should get to have a little fun? Sometimes I feel like a fifty-year-old nun instead of a twenty-year-old girl!” “Buffy’s right,” Willow spoke up after a moment’s pause and Buffy turned to her, smiling warily. Willow turned to her and smiled. “You deserve some fun. And if Spike’s your fun guy, then hell, go for it! He is kinda hot, in a punky way.” Buffy giggled and moved forward to hug her friend and whisper a ‘thanks’. She turned then to Xander, pouting. He glanced at Anya and she rolled her eyes. “This is good for Buffy. She can have many pleasant orgasms with Spike and they can join us on double-dates.” She wasn’t sure if that was helping her argument or not but then Xander turned back to her and smiled hesitantly. “Just be careful, Buffy.” “Totally. You know I’ll totally stake his ass if he puts a foot wrong.” Looking somewhat relieved, Xander smiled and she drew him into a hug. “Cool. Well, I’m off to bed. Need all the sleep I can get to cope with Spike, you know?” Her friends laughed and with a smile, she left the room and made her way to her bedroom. She was pretty sure there would be another Scooby meeting – without her – to go through all the pros and cons of Buffy’s latest wild adventure, but right now, she couldn’t be bothered to worry about it and just hoped things would work out. She planned on lots more kissing.

Chapter #11 - Eleven

Chapter Eleven ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She climbed the stairs and opened her door, flicking the switch as she went in and stopping as she spotted the figure sitting on her bed waiting for her. She shut the door behind her and gave him a pointed look. “I don’t remember inviting you to come back to my bedroom.” “That’s what fun guys do,” Spike answered with a smirk. “So breaking and entering and eavesdropping?” she asked with a smile. “Didn’t break anything.” She rolled her eyes and laughed, slipping her jacket off and laying it across a chair. “So, what are you doing here?” “Just came for a visit. Nothing wrong with that, is there?” She raised an eyebrow and shook her head slightly, unable to stop her smile. “Besides, I brought you something.” “Oh yeah?” Before she could blink, he had her backed up against the dresser, his lips cool and soft against hers. She let out a little moan and traced her hands up his chest to twine round his neck. He broke away and she smiled softly, eyes opening slowly. “Mmmm. S’that all you brought me?” “’Course not,” he purred, dropping his head and leaving a trail of kisses along her neck. He pulled back, hands resting lightly on her waist as he gave her a surprisingly boyish smile. “So you can go now,” she murmured playfully, “Now you’ve given me my presents.” “Got plenty more presents for you, love,” he murmured silkily, his fingers stroking her sides gently. “Did you not hear the bit about me not being that sort of girl during the eavesdropping?” she asked, smiling. “Chose to ignore that bit. Think you could be that sort of girl real easy.” She gave him an unimpressed look. “Gee, thanks. Full of compliments, you.” He smiled and dipped his head once more, landing a soft butterfly kiss on her neck. “Make it up to you?” Oh, she was very tempted to take him up on the offer but with a little steadying breath, she placed her hands on her chest and guided him backwards gently. He gave a little groan and moved away to sit on her bed again. “Little tease,” he growled affectionately. Turning serious, she crossed her arms, avoiding his bright gaze. “I just...I’m not ready...I can’t.” “Buffy,” he spoke up softly and she raised her eyes to his, biting her lip. This was the bit where he decided it wasn’t worth it, right? He held out a hand to her and she paused for a moment before stepping forward and taking it. He pulled her smoothly into his lap, burying his head in her hair for a moment before pulling back to look at her. “Love, even being this close to you is more than I ever thought possible. Not gonna push for anything more.” “Who are you and what have you done with Spike?” she whispered. “Well, okay, not gonna push hard.” He gave her that boyish smile again and she couldn’t help but smile back, leaning in and kissing him tenderly, one hand reaching out to cup his face. It was a little scary how normal this felt – but she dismissed the thought as soon as it came, deciding instead to lose herself in the already familiar taste of him. At that moment, there came a knock at the door and she started, pulling away from him. “Buffy?” Dawn called out. She somehow managed to scramble out of Spike’s lap only moments before her sister pushed the door open. Dawn froze as she saw Spike perched on her bed and then a smile spread across her face. “I was just gonna say, I’m glad you’re giving Spike a chance,” Dawn explained, obviously trying to suppress her smile – and failing. “Err, well...I...” Buffy had no idea what to say and could feel herself blushing. Spike moved at that point, coming to her side and wrapping an arm around her. “Thanks, Bit. Sure when your sister’s brain catches up, she’ll be real pleased to hear that.” She tilted her head to glare at the vampire and he smiled sweetly. “Well,” Dawn continued, “I’ll leave you two alone.” “He’s not staying here!” Buffy burst out, receiving an amused glance from her sister and a chuckle from the vampire, “I mean, not with me. We’re not-” “I really don’t want to know,” Dawn got out with a laugh, “And, Buffy, you’re the adult round here.” “Right, yeah...Erm...go to your room!” Dawn laughed and turned to head for her own room. “Night, Spike. Night, Buffy.” “Night, Nibblet,” Spike called, shutting the door again and turning to her with a smile as she blushed. “Don’t look at me like that,” she grumbled, turning her back on the smiling vampire. His hands came to rest on her arms, holding her still as she crossed her arms, refusing to look at him. “Come on...you did good really,” he murmured, nuzzling her hair with his nose and dropping soft kisses against her skin. She let out a little huffy sigh and he chuckled softly. “God, I love you, woman.” She tensed slightly at his words – reminding her of how much more this meant to him – but as if sensing it, his hands starting kneading gently at her skin as he brushed gentle kisses to her skin, all of it working to relax her. “Let me stay...just for a bit...and I’ll make it up to you,” he whispered, his breath brushing her hair. “There really is no getting rid of you, is there?” she murmured, leaning into his touch, her whole body relaxing under his gentle caresses. “You’d have to try really hard,” he answered lowly, his voice tinged with laughter. She let out a sigh of contentment as his fingers worked away all the tension in her shoulders. “Just for a little while...” he murmured and she found herself nodding mindlessly – anything to keep him working his magic on her tense muscles. After disappearing into the bathroom for a moment to change into her pyjamas, she had soon made her way back to him where he was stretched out on her bed. She lay partially on her front now, arms tucked under her, her face turned towards him. He was propped up on one elbow next to her, his free hand rubbing soothing circles into her skin. He was smiling softly, eyes fixed on hers as she worked to keep her eyes open, relaxing even more with his touch. She told herself that it was only her tiredness preventing her from sending him packing but, really, she was kind of enjoying this calm intimacy. “Don’t think you’ve ever been this quiet,” she murmured sleepily, arranging her head in a more comfortable position. “Savouring the moment, pet,” he answered lowly, his fingers brushing down her back and grazing the patch of bare skin between her vest and her pyjama bottoms. “Savouring good,” she whispered with a little yawn. He chuckled and leaned over to press a kiss to her forehead. She smiled and lifted her head to catch his lips in hers, sinking against him as his arm tightened around her. He kissed her achingly softly and then pulled away, blue eyes shining as he looked down at her. “I should go. Let you get some sleep.” “I guess so,” she murmured hesitantly. He smiled and released her from his embrace, moving from the bed and throwing on his jacket. She pushed herself up on one arm, watching him with something like disappointment. He turned back to her and smiled. “Just as long as this isn’t the last time I get welcomed in your bed,” he murmured. She smiled and shook her head. “You could at least ask before you show up next time though.” He laughed and moved to the window. “Night, Spike,” she murmured, scooting under her covers and settling on her pillow. “Night, love.” She closed her eyes, smiling softly as she heard him slip out of the window, closing it behind him, and descend to the ground. With the same soft smile on her face, she fell into a deep sleep.

Chapter #12 - Twelve

Chapter Twelve ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They were in the Bronze, just the two of them, and she was trying to pick out vampires that might be prowling the club for that night’s dinner but one vampire was set on distracting her with mind-blowing kisses. She parted from him, breathing heavily, and pressed her hands to his chest to prevent him from moving close again. He was smirking when she raised her eyes to his and she narrowed hers. “This isn’t a date. This is work.” “Nothing wrong with mixing a little business and pleasure,” he murmured, one hand trailing down her arm and sending all sorts of pleasant tingles through her. “Stop distracting me. I’m working,” she huffed, turning her attention to the crowded club. “I’m helping,” he murmured, his hand now resting on her knee, his thumb just stroking over the fabric. She looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “Helping?” “Helping you blend in with the crowd,” he replied lowly, that trademark smirk spreading across his face. “With that hair?!” she retorted with a pointed look at his head. “Ouch, Slayer. Got a bit of pent-up frustration?” he asked with a leer, his thumb increasing its pressure just above her knee. She rolled her eyes and gave him a shove to the chest before moving past him and heading into the crowd. Dressed as she was in a low-cut halterneck top and a flowing skirt (not for Spike’s enjoyment, she convinced herself), it wasn’t long before she had a partner on the dancefloor and with a smile, she moved to the music sensuously as he rested a hand on her waist. The back of her neck was tingling furiously, making her more than aware of the vampire watching her intently. She was reminded for a moment of the night she had danced just like this with Xander in order to make Angel jealous and couldn’t help but smile to herself. Dance of the Jealous Vampire Part Two. When she felt her partner disappear and felt a distinctly cooler breath against the back of her neck, her smile grew. “If you wanted some attention, you could have just asked, Slayer,” he murmured in her ear, pressing himself against her back, his hands firm against her hips. “I knew you’d come running,” she countered, “Just like a little...puppy.” She punctuated her words with a roll of her hips that pressed her even tighter against him and she felt his answering growl against her back. He spun her around and caught her in his arms, locking them around her. Smiling up at the vampire coyly, she ran her hands up his chest and twined them around his neck. His eyes were like dark slits – an interesting mixture of anger and arousal. “You’re a tease, Slayer.” “Got a problem with that?” she asked, pressing herself up against him. He growled lowly but his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her body flush against his. The tingles at the back of her neck were growing and with a glance at a couple near them, she leant up to whisper in Spike’s ear, smiling as she pressed herself against him. “See the vamp and the girl?” “Yeah,” he growled. “I’ll get the vamp. You get the girl.” She pushed away from him and moved away, stumbling as she reached the vampire and colliding with him, knocking him away from his dance partner. “Hey!” he protested. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed, catching him by the shoulders, “Hey, don’t I know you?!” The vampire looked confused and she righted herself, nodding. “Yeah. Didn’t we work together once?” “Jay?” the girl he had been dancing with called out in confusion and he glanced at her but when Buffy turned, she saw Spike talking to the girl, one hand on her shoulder guiding her in the opposite direction already. She tightened her grip on the vampire and turned to him with a sweet smile. “Hey, let’s finish this chat outside, yeah?” His eyes widened in fear and she smiled, dragging him out of the club with very little effort. She staked him with just as little effort and turned as she heard a clapping. She rolled her eyes as Spike clapped, stepping towards her. “Hardly put up a fight,” she moaned, pouting. “Vamps these days. Just haven’t got the stamina,” he answered, the last whispered in her ear as he caught her in his arms, “Give us all a bad name.” “’Coz you have such a good reputation otherwise?” she quipped, trying not to let on just how affected she was by the hand stroking the small of her back. “Me? I’ve got a pretty good reputation in terms of stamina.” She rolled her eyes again and let out a laugh. “Modest, Spike.” “Oh, s’all true, I assure you,” he murmured, his breath tickling her temple as he pressed a kiss to her skin, “And one day, I’ll show you.” “As if,” she murmured weakly, already leaning into his caress. “Slayer, will you just switch your mouth off for a minute and actually go with what your body’s telling me.” “It-“ She barely got the word out before his mouth covered hers and she moaned helplessly, coaxing his cool tongue inside her mouth as she slung her arms around him, arching into his body. His hand was right at the bottom of her back, holding her firmly against him – so she was under no illusions as to what his body was telling her – as his mouth slid over hers, tasting her, teasing her. When she needed to breathe, he parted from her and his mouth dropped to her shoulder. “That’s more like it,” he murmured as she let out a whimper. Narrowing her eyes, she shoved him away and righted herself. He smiled and quirked an eyebrow at her. “Love, you can fight it as much as you like, but your body’s giving me a pretty clear message about what you want.” “It’s obviously crazy,” she answered haughtily, even as she was still struggling to catch her breath. He stepped towards her again and raised a hand to her face, brushing his fingers across her skin and tucking her hair back behind her ear. “Come on, Slayer. You don’t have to fight me every minute of every day,” he whispered, his voice low and coaxing, “Sometimes you can just give in. Won’t hold it against you. No-one else here to see.” She leant into him instinctively, eyes fluttering shut at his tender caress. “I like fighting you,” she whispered, her lips quirking into a slight smile. “Oh, I know that,” he murmured, “Enjoy it myself. But I also enjoy doing this without a fight.” He leant down and brushed his lips over hers softly, barely touching her. His hands fastened around her arms loosely, just holding her lightly against him as she succumbed. She should have known there was no winning with Spike – there never had been so far.

Chapter #13 - Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Somehow, they had ended up back at his crypt and he was propped up against the headboard of his bed, watching her as she inspected the various belongings scattered around what she supposed was his bedroom. There were a few books, a pile of CDs and a number of items of clothing scattered about the place, but apart from that, it was surprisingly tidy. And surprisingly homely, she surmised, looking around at the rugs which covered the stone floor and the candles flickering around the room. And of course, that huge bed that, coupled with the vampire on it, was looking awfully tempting right now. “You’ve really done this up quite nice,” she commented, brushing her fingers across the dresser. “Glad you approve.” She turned to face him and found him watching her with that soft look that she was more than used to by now. She smiled somewhat nervously and moved towards the bed, settling by his side. It was cold down here this late and she wrapped her arms around herself to fight off the cold. “Cold?” Spike asked almost instantly and she nodded. He shifted and she felt cool leather around her shoulders and lifted an eyebrow in surprise when she realised he was wrapping his duster around her. She had always imagined he would be over-possessive about his prized possession but apparently not. She smiled in thanks and when he returned to his former position, she leant back and rested her head against his shoulder hesitantly. His arms wrapped around her and she let herself relax in his surprisingly comfortable embrace, still unnerved by just how normal this felt. “Spike?” she murmured, her fingers just skimming over his shirt. “Not kicking me out,” he answered, his voice muffled where his mouth was buried against her hair. “It’s your crypt.” “Wouldn’t put it past you.” She sighed and rolled her eyes, settling against him more comfortably. “Do you get moments where this feels totally surreal?” she questioned. “This?” “This thing with us.” “Not really,” he replied with a chuckle, pressing a kiss to her hair, “Enjoying myself far too much to worry ‘bout that.” “It’s just...it feels like yesterday we were trying to kill each other.” “Last week at least,” he murmured. She sighed and rested against him, not sure she was going to get anything sensible out of him: he was obviously not feeling the same way she was about this whole thing. “Look, love,” he started, brushing his hand over her hair, “Know this isn’t something you like hearing, but I love you. Just want a chance to make you happy. So why don’t you sit back and enjoy the ride instead of worrying your little head so much.” She was silent for a moment and then she pulled back, resting her head next to his and he turned to her with a questioning look, one hand trailing over her arm. “Enjoy the ride?” she repeated softly, trying to stop the smile that wanted to break out. “Yeah,” he answered. “I think I need to inspect the ride first,” she said, eyes shining with amusement. “Inspect the...? What?” he got out puzzledly. She smiled and trailed her hands down to his waist, tugging at his T-shirt and pulling it out of his jeans. “Off,” she commanded with a heated look. He was still for a moment and then, obviously catching up, he smirked and sat up to pull his T-shirt over his head, discarding it on the floor. She bit her lip as she took in the smooth, pale expanse of his back and smiled coyly as he settled back beside her, propped up on one elbow. “Now, what would this inspection involve?” he asked in a low voice, smiling as she wriggled to face him, one hand reaching out and resting on his chest. “Oh, it’ll have to be very thorough,” she whispered with a smile as she ran her hand down his front to rest on the hard muscle of his abdomen, loving the way his muscles twitched underneath her fingers. “Sounds interestin’,” he murmured, his voice coarser, lower. She smiled and leant forward to press a kiss just below his Adam’s apple even as her fingers skirted over his lower abdomen, delighting in the feel of his taut, cool skin. He let out a low groan and she smiled against his skin, moving her mouth to his collarbone, her hands growing more confident, tracing all over him now. She ran them up the hard planes of his abdomen, over his chest, and then trailed her fingers down his sides and slipped her hands round to follow the curve of his spine. He was surprisingly still but she could tell by the tension in his body that it was with much effort and she smiled, nipping at his skin playfully. One hesitant hand snuck under the hem of her top, just resting at the small of her back, and she smiled again, pulling back to meet eyes alight with desire and affection. “So, what do you think?” he asked with a smile. “Hmm,” she answered thoughtfully, trying hard to remain serious, “I guess I might be able to enjoy the ride.” He smiled and dipped his head to catch her lips with his, his kiss starting off gentle but growing quickly hungry as she arched against him, her hands continuing their random patterns on his taut, smooth skin. He shifted so he was slightly over her and she moaned, arms looping around him and nails digging into the soft flesh of his shoulders. He gasped and broke from her, eyes dark as he looked down at her. She smiled shakily and bit her lip. “You know...” she started, trailing her fingers gently over the skin she had just hurt, “This still doesn’t mean I actually like you.” The tension broken, he laughed and dipped his head, his body shaking against hers. He moved to her side again, still laughing lightly, and brushed his fingers through her hair. “You’re unbelievable, you know that,” he murmured. “In a good way?” He laughed again and shook his head. “Unbelievable in the way you still try to convince me you don’t like me, when you know I can sense every little reaction your body has to mine.” “I have to at least keep up the illusion,” she answered sweetly, “Now get back to the kissing.” He laughed but acquiesced, dipping his head and kissing her sensuously, his hand stroking her waist as his lips moved over hers. Oh, he was right, of course. Her body was arching against his, every nerve tingling with his closeness...but she didn’t have to tell him that. It would give him far too big a head anyway. She smiled inwardly and went back to enjoying the ride.

Chapter #14 - Fourteen

Chapter Fourteen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It had been a week since her little speech to the Scoobies and despite numerous meetings between them, it was their first outing with the group as a pair. They were headed for the Bronze together after patrol and she couldn’t help but bite her lip as the club came into sight. “Not worried, are you, Slayer?” Spike teased lightly, his fingers brushing against hers as he walked at her side. She frowned and turned to him. “A little,” she admitted weakly. “Glad to know you care, Slayer,” he murmured, draping his arm around her shoulder and drawing her against him. “Who says I was worried about you?” she answered playfully, hearing him growl in her ear, “Maybe this is all a cunning plan to get you staked.” “You are a cruel woman.” She laughed and drew herself out of his embrace as they reached the door of the club. “You love it,” she quipped back and he paused, before giving a shameless nod. She smiled and rolled her eyes and headed inside with him following just behind. She spotted her friends easily and felt a little fleeting stab of panic but then Spike’s hand was at her back, spurring her onwards. She didn’t know why she was getting so worked up. The Scoobies had pretty much accepted what was going on – even if they hadn’t actually seen the two of them together yet. And it was only a bit of fun, after all. Nothing serious. Even as she thought it, she glanced at the vampire beside her and knew that for him, even though he hid it, this was deadly serious. She bit her lip but when he threw her a pointed look, she stopped and gave him a sheepish smile as they finally reached the table. “There you are!” Willow called out, “We’ve been waiting for you!” “We got sidetracked,” Buffy explained, quickly amending it with: “By vampires. Slayage.” Willow smiled widely and she bowed her head for a moment, flushed with embarrassment. “How ‘bout I get you a drink?” Spike spoke close to her ear. She raised her gaze to his and smiled hesitantly. “A drink would be good.” “What do you want?” “No Woo Woos,” she got out quickly as he smiled, “Staying away from those. I’ll just have a soda.” “Right. Be right back.” He moved away and she watched him for a moment before turning back to the table. Xander and Anya went to dance, Xander throwing her a somewhat hesitant smile, leaving her with the two witches. “So, how’s it going?” Willow asked with a little eyebrow waggle, scooting her chair closer as Tara smiled affectionately at the redhead. “Well, you know...good. Things are good.” “You don’t seem so sure,” Willow teased and Buffy glanced over to the bar, spotting the vampire’s blonde head instantly. “I’m sure,” she answered absentmindedly before turning back to the table, “Just...well, nothing much has changed really. We still argue and I still want to beat him over the head sometimes...but then, you know, a bit less arguing and a lot more kissing.” She smiled hesitantly and leaned in towards her friend. “To be honest, I’m kinda waiting for the other shoe to drop.” “You think Spike might...” “Oh no,” she answered with a laugh, “I think I’m stuck with him. I just...I worry Xander’s not really as okay with it as he seems.” “Don’t worry about Xander so much,” Willow soothed and Tara shook her head in agreement, “I think it’s just something he has to get used to.” “Yeah?” Buffy asked uncertainly. “Yeah. Now cheer up. You’re supposed to be having fun.” “Not without me, I hope?” Spike said, appearing at her side with her drink and sliding onto a stool next to her. Buffy smiled and took her drink with a ‘thanks’, turning her thoughtful gaze on the dancers as Spike chatted with the two witches. “Love, you get wound up any tighter, you’re gonna burst,” Spike murmured in her ear, one hand coming to rest on her arm. She jumped at his touch and turned to him quickly, noticing the absence of the witches. “Sorry. Just got thinking.” “Didn’t think you could with the noise in this place,” he remarked with a smile. She smiled back and rested her elbows on the table, playing with the straw in her drink. “If you want me to leave...” “No!” she exclaimed, reaching out and grabbing his arm, “Of course not, Spike! Sorry, I’m just a bit out of it.” “Only I’m supposed to have that effect,” he murmured lowly, leaning in close again, his breath brushing against her ear as he rested his hand on the small of her back. “So modest,” she teased, turning her head and meeting his lips with hers. Kissing Spike definitely had a way of making her forget every thought that had been in her head a second ago and she smiled against his lips, leaning into his half-embrace. His lips trailed across her cheek and moved to her neck as she lolled against him lazily. “We could get out of here,” he suggested, his breath tickling her neck. She laughed even as she leant into his touch. “Yeah, that’ll look real good. You’re supposed to be doing the whole hey-I-can-hang-with-your-friends thing like a good boyfriend.” “That what I am, is it?” he asked, raising his head to meet her eyes, “Your boyfriend?” “Well, I hope you don’t think I go round acting like this with every vampire I know,” she quipped softly, spotting the twitch of a smile at his lips, “So, yeah, I guess so.” He smiled properly then, leaning in and kissing her once more. She pulled away though, smiling. “Still doesn’t mean I like you.” “’Course not,” he murmured, catching her lips in a scorching kiss again. After a makeout session bordering on indecent for the confines of the Bronze, she finally dragged herself away from the vampire’s lips. She rested her forehead against his for a moment as she caught her breath and then sat up, smiling. “I’m going to dance. You coming?” “Not yet,” he got out with a leer. She rolled her eyes and slid to her feet, waiting for a sensible answer. “Much prefer watching,” he said and she smiled, leaning into him and pressing a kiss to his lips. “I’ll be back,” she whispered as she pulled back, meeting his eyes before turning and heading for the dancefloor, more than aware of his eyes on her. She picked the witches out of the dancing crowd and joined them with a smile, moving to the music. “Detached yourself from your vampire for five minutes?” Willow asked with a wide smile. “I got distracted,” Buffy answered with a wide grin, “He’s very good at that.” Willow raised an eyebrow and then they both laughed. “It’s still a bit weird, seeing you guys like that,” the redhead admitted. “It’s still a bit weird, being like that!” Buffy replied with a laugh. “But you look happy, which is good.” Buffy smiled in reply and continued to sway to the music, glad that their first outing had gone so well.

Chapter #15 - Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She stumbled backwards and hit the sarcophagus with a gasp, feeling the stone digging into her back as Spike pressed her against it. He had one arm locked around her back, the other buried in her hair as he kissed her hungrily, teasing her with tongue and teeth as she sank against him helplessly. It must have been the fight that had him so worked up, she thought as his teeth scraped her lip, drawing a helpless moan from her. There had been something wild in his eyes as he had turned away from the demon’s corpse to face her and the instant they had crossed the threshold of his crypt, he had pulled her to him roughly, almost crushing her in his arms. She knew that any sensible girl would not be reacting as fervently to the violence of his embrace, his kisses, but she was helpless as he pressed against her, his body all hard lines as hers yielded to him. She had her arms thrown around him, dragging him even closer, returning every kiss with just as much passion, just as much force. He dragged his mouth from hers, leaving her gasping for breath, but his attack didn’t stop as he lowered his mouth to her neck, sucking on it. She knew she was definitely going to have a least one hickey by the morning. He moaned lowly against her, his pelvis grinding against hers and she let out a gasp, fingers clenched in his shoulders now. “God, Spike!” she gasped breathlessly. Her words seemed to penetrate the haze of their lust and she felt him retreating, eyes ablaze with hunger when they finally met hers. For a moment, they were still, her hands gripping the edge of the sarcophagus as her chest heaved with her rapid breathing. Then, his eyes softened and he let out a shaky sigh. “Jesus, Slayer,” he murmured, his voice husky as one trembling hand raised to brush her hair back behind her ear, “You’re so bloody beautiful. Want you so bad.” She trembled as his touch drifted lower, skirting down her side, her eyes fluttering closed. She let out a little moan as his hand slipped under her top and rested against her waist, cool against the heat of her skin. He moved closer again and her mouth fell open in a helpless ‘O’ as his mouth ghosted over her ear, her jaw, her neck. His hand, meanwhile, was on a path north and she arched against him as he cupped one breast in his hand. He was gentle now, teasing her with barely-there kisses and skimming caresses and she keened lowly, pushing herself against him. “Spike.” “Could take you right now and you wouldn’t stop me, would you?” he murmured, his mouth against her ear, teeth catching the lobe and sending a bolt of pure want through her, “Could take you down to my bed and strip your clothes off and kiss you all over.” She let out another choked moan, one hand tangling in his hair as her fingernails dug into the leather of his coat. And then, just like that, he was gone. Her eyes flew open as she let out a startled moan, steadying herself against the sarcophagus. “Won’t though,” he murmured, eyes boring into her, “Not ‘til you want it.” “There was want,” she moaned, still trying to get her tingling body to catch up with the loss of his cool mouth and soft touches. “Oh, m’sure there was,” he answered with a low chuckle, “But I’ll wait ‘til you’ve got a clear head and can decide for yourself.” She was silent for a long moment, looking at him in bewilderment. Then she shook it off and glared at him. “You are so evil. I hate you.” He smirked, eyes swimming over her and taking in every little sign of her body’s reaction to him. “What’s the matter, love? Got you all worked up?” She frowned at him now and pushed herself away from the sarcophagus, hating how unsteady her feet were underneath her. She approached him slowly and stopped barely an inch from him, leaning up to place her mouth next to his ear. “You’re not the only one who can play this game, Spike,” she whispered, delighting in the tremor he could not hide, “Just remember that.” “Gonna play with me, Slayer?” he murmured, hands trailing down her arms, “I look forward to it.” She pulled back to meet his bright, hungry gaze and willed herself not to move. Both as stubborn as the other, neither moved for long seconds, a silent battle of wills taking place between them. Later, she couldn’t remember who moved first - and it didn’t seem to matter – but they collided again in a frenzy of rough, passionate kisses, hands grasping at hair and clothes and skin. Her hands tugged at his T-shirt, slipping underneath to find the smooth, hard planes of his back as his hand twisted almost painfully in her hair as he devoured her. There was none of that softness that had pervaded their encounters before – this was pure, animalistic desire and she was caught up in it. She knew they would have to stop, needed to stop, but she couldn’t seem to stop her treacherous body. He was lifting her off her feet then and her legs wrapped around his waist instinctively as he stumbled and hit the wall, hands braced either side of her as she clung to him. They parted, both breathless, and she rested her forehead against his, slowly coming down from the heady heights of her lust. She could feel him pressing against her and couldn’t stop herself from wriggling against him but he let out a moan and raised his eyes to hers. “You know,” he got out, “I’m trying to behave and you’re making it really hard.” “Oh, I know I’m making something hard,” she whispered, following it with a giggle that suddenly broke the thick heavy cloud of tension. He smiled and coaxed her legs from around his waist, lowering her to the floor. “Buffy,” he breathed, kissing her softly now, his lips moving tenderly against hers in a brief caress. “I know,” she whispered, resting her head against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her tightly, “We really need a chaperone.” He laughed and pressed a kiss to her hair. “How ‘bout we go spend some time with the Bit?” She nodded with a smile and finally extracted herself from his arms.

Chapter #16 - Sixteen

Chapter Sixteen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dawn was more than happy to see them and the three of them settled down to watch a film together. Spike sprawled on the sofa in that sexy way he had and with a smile, she sat next to him, leaning against him as he wrapped an arm around her. Dawn made a gagging gesture in their direction and Buffy gave her sister an evil smile before turning and kissing the vampire, who quickly caught onto the game and kissed her back. “Eww, please! I don’t want to watch you two play tonsil hockey! I want to watch the movie!” Buffy laughed and parted from him, grabbing the remote and starting the film as Dawn curled up on the floor in front of them. She leant back against the vampire and rested her head in the crook of his neck, enjoying the slight brushing of his fingers over her arm. She wrapped her arm around his waist and relaxed against him, feeling his breath stirring her hair lightly. She had definitely missed having someone to share cuddles with and had found, to her surprise, that the vampire was prone to cuddles. Remembering the hours of their engagement, she should probably have guessed, but she had put that down to the spell. In reality, it seemed Spike would use any excuse to have her in his arms. She smiled and shifted her head against him to get comfortable. “Not your pillow, you know,” he growled teasingly. She giggled and curled up against him even more as he pressed a kiss to her hair. As the credits rolled past, Dawn got to her feet and gave a slight yawn. “Bedtime for me.” “Okay, Dawnie, sleep well.” Dawn nodded and yawned again, giving a sleepy stretch. “Night, guys.” “Night, pet.” “Night, Dawnie. Don’t forget to set your alarm for school.” “Yes, Mom,” Dawn answered sarcastically, giving them a tired wave and heading up the stairs to her room. “Ah ha,” Spike exclaimed lowly, drawing her even closer to him, “Got you all to myself now.” She smiled and tilted her head to meet his lips in a gentle kiss. All of the desperate, dizzying hunger of earlier seemed to have dissipated and she smiled against his lips, leaning into his touch. He pulled back and leaned further into the sofa, stretching his legs out in front of him. She curled up against his side, running her fingers in lazy circles over his shirt. “What you thinking about?” he asked, brushing a hand over her hair. “Not much. My brain’s asleep,” she answered with a giggle, nuzzling his chest with her nose. He laughed and hugged her close to him, hooking one of his legs around hers. A knock at the door brought them out of their sleepy cuddle and Buffy sat up with a frown. “I wonder who that is. It’s quite late.” She got to her feet and peeped through the window – and jerked the door open when she spotted the person waiting on the porch. “Giles!” she cried, stepping forward and hugging him tightly, “You’re back!” “So it would seem.” Releasing him from her bear hug, she pulled back to look at him. “Why are you back?” she asked, continuing before he even had a chance to answer, “Oh, come in. This is so great. You never said anything on the phone the other day.” “Well, it was somewhat of a last minute decision,” he explained, stepping into the house and setting down his bag as she shut the door, “I was talking to Xander and-“ He froze in the doorway of the living room and she bit her lip as she moved towards her Watcher. She hadn’t exactly been forthcoming with her Watcher about her relationship with Spike. “Spike,” Giles said tersely. “Rupert,” Spike answered with a nod, already on his feet by the time Buffy reached the room. He glanced to Buffy and smiled wryly. “I’ll get going. Leave you two to catch up.” “Oh,” Buffy got out, nodding but unable to keep the disappointment out of her voice, “Right. Okay.” He was already at the doorway and she turned to Giles. “Why don’t you, err, sit down? I’ll just see Spike out.” Giles gave her a strange look but finally moved into the living room as she followed Spike onto the porch. “He knows, Slayer,” Spike said, as soon as she joined him on the porch, shutting the door quietly behind her. “Huh? Knows what?” “’Bout us. And he’s not happy about it.” “Don’t be silly. He hasn’t said anything.” “Slayer, I saw the way he looked-“ “Spike,” she interrupted, stepping close to him and resting her hands on his chest, “I really doubt Giles came all the way from England to lecture me about my love life.” Spike gave her a doubtful look but she leant up and kissed him and by the time she had pulled back, the look was gone. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” “’Course.” He bent and pressed another quick kiss to her lips and then dropped to the path and disappeared into the darkness with a swirl of his jacket. She went back into the house and smiled as she moved into the living room to sit beside her Watcher. Before she could speak, express her surprise at seeing him, he spoke up, eyes fixed on the coffee table. “So it’s true.” “What’s true?” she asked. He raised his head, tired eyes meeting hers. “You and Spike.” With a frown, she got to her feet. “Oh my God! You did come all the way from England to lecture me about my love life!” Giles said nothing – but he didn’t need to, she was already fuming. “You said you spoke to Xander. He told you, right?” “He’s worried about you.” “I knew he was just pretending to be okay with this!” she cried, pacing the small distance between the coffee table and the door, “I can’t believe this.” She took a deep, calming breath and turned to her Watcher, steeling herself against whatever he might say. “You’ve wasted a trip. You don’t control my life. Not since you left me to make my own decisions.” “I expected them to be sensible decisions though!” Giles burst out, immediately reining himself in again, “Not the decision to start some sort of depraved relationship with that vampire.” She forced herself to stay calm, even though she would much rather have screamed and shouted. “I think you should leave, Giles. I really don’t want to speak to you right now.” His eyes met hers and she could see the disappointment there as he rose to his feet. “Fine. When you feel you might want to talk – and I won’t leave ‘til we have talked – I’m staying with Xander and Anya.” She gave him a curt nod but refused to meet his gaze as he left the house, feeling tears ready to break through.

Chapter #17 - Seventeen

Chapter Seventeen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She was still upset the next morning as she barrelled into the vampire’s crypt and startled the vampire as she climbed into bed next to him, burying her head against him. “Buffy?” he asked sleepily, arms encircling her as he woke. “Expecting someone else?” she joked sadly, burying her face in the cool skin of his neck. “Buffy, what’s wrong?” “You were right,” she sighed. “’Bout what?” “I was stupid to think Giles actually came because he wanted to see me...missed me,” she got out on a sniffle. “Oh, love. What happened?” he asked softly, strong hands stroking her back and hair, soothing her. “Xander told him about us...and he said it was...depraved.” “Depraved?! Man needs a lesson in depravity, I tell you. I’ll show him depraved!” “Spike.” “Right, yeah, sorry.” He hugged her tightly and pressed a kiss to her head. “We knew Xander might do something stupid. Personally, I was expecting a staking-attempt.” She sighed and buried her head against him even more, pressing her body against his. She pulled back with a little start though and met his questioning gaze. “Are you naked?” He smiled roguishly and tugged her against him. “You’re the one who jumped in my bed without any warning.” She laughed, momentarily distracted, and settled against his chest again, just patting the edge of the sheet where it lay across his hips. He chuckled and caught her hand, bringing it to his mouth and pressing soft kisses to her fingers. “Gonna put me aside then, Slayer?” “What?!” she got out, raising her head sharply to meet his eyes, “No!” “I’d understand,” he murmured, his mouth still pressed to her fingers, his expression carefully veiled. “You know, you’re such a dope sometimes.” He looked mildly offended and she slapped him on the chest lightly. “Ow, what was that for?” “For thinking that I’m so fickle that I’ll dump you just because my Watcher thinks this is wrong.” “Not gonna dump me then?” he asked uncertainly. “No!” she answered firmly, moving to give him another slap. He caught her hand though and flipped them over, pinning her to the bed. “Why’s that then?” he asked, eyes boring into her. “I told you. I’m not that fickle.” “Not what I’m asking, love,” he murmured, “Want to know why I’m worth a fight with your Watcher.” “Spike...” she started, but he caught the hand she pressed to his chest, eyes holding hers firmly. “M’serious, pet. Want to know this means something to you.” “Of course it means something to me,” she whispered, stunned by his sudden urgency and by the emotions swimming in his eyes. “What?” he pushed. “Spike,” she whispered, freeing her hand from his grip and touching his shoulder, “I...I care about you. How can you doubt that?” “Kinda hard to know where your head is, love. One minute we’re fighting, next we’re kissing. Not entirely sure it isn’t just the fight getting you hot.” She gave a little laugh at the ridiculousness of the idea and met his eyes seriously. “Spike, it’s you and you know that. I...I want you. And I...care about you.” “But I’m just your bit of fun. Not gonna be fun if your Watcher’s on your back all the time.” Not knowing how else to stop these crazy words that seemed to have come from nowhere, she raised her head and kissed him softly, catching his top lip between hers. She pulled back and met those shining blue eyes. “Spike, I don’t do feelings well, you know that. But this...I never meant it was just fun and nothing else. I...I like being with you. I like you.” He watched her without saying anything and she gave a choked laugh. “I really wish you hadn’t eavesdropped on that conversation, you know. Everything was so new and I was totally blagging it and-” He cut her off with a gentle kiss and she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. He parted from her, his eyes studying her. “Why didn’t you say any of this before?” she whispered, running a hand over his shoulder. He gave a little shrug and moved to lie on his side next to her, pulling her tightly against him. “Thought I could cope without knowing what you felt. Thought I could just go with it.” She laughed lightly and rested her head under his chin, wrapping her arms around him tightly with a little sigh. “We’ll fix this thing with Rupes, love. M’sure I can make him like me.” She gave a helpless laugh and tilted her head to kiss him, wanting to lose herself in him for a while and not have to think about what was happening. As she entered the shop later that morning, she noticed the sudden silence of the three people in the shop - Xander, Anya and Giles – and steeled herself, trying to retain some of the confidence she had left Spike’s with. She met Giles’s gaze, willing herself to remain calm. “We need to talk.” He nodded and with a glance at the other two, they disappeared into the back room, leaving Slayer and Watcher alone. Buffy moved to sit at the table, her hands clenched together in front of her. “You know, I thought you trusted me,” she spoke lowly, “Trusted me to know what I’m doing.” “I do, Buffy,” he answered, moving to sit opposite her, “But I just can’t understand how this could have happened.” “It’s really quite simple, Giles. I like Spike. I like spending time with him. What’s so wrong with that?” she implored. He sighed and removed his glasses to clean them. “But sleeping with a vampire can be exceedingly-“ “Who said I was sleeping with him?” she asked, cutting him off, “Xander?” He paused, meeting her hard gaze. “You’re not?” “No,” she answered, “We haven’t...we’re not at that stage yet.” He seemed stunned and she carried on in a quiet voice, straining to keep it from shaking. “Look, Giles, I know last time I was with a vampire a lot of innocent people... people I - we - cared about…got hurt. I know that. You don’t think it scares the hell out of me that I could even want to be with another vampire after that?” She paused, letting out a shaky breath. “But Spike’s not like Angelus. We both know that.” “If the chip were ever removed-“ “That’s not the issue here, Giles. The issue is you not trusting me to make a sensible decision. Believe it or not, being with Spike was a sensible decision.” She paused for breath and looked to her Watcher. “After you left, I kinda floundered for a bit...and Spike helped me. Got me money when I was struggling to pay the bills.” “Spike got you money?!” “Kitten poker,” she admitted with a laugh and Giles smiled softly. They were silent for a moment and then Giles spoke up. “It seems I mistakenly believed you were not sure of what you had got yourself into,” he admitted, “Not helped by listening to Xander...when I should have spoken to you.” “Too right you should have spoken to me, Giles! I can’t believe you just took what Xander said at face-value. You know he has all these vampire issues...which is so totally stupid what with him going out with a thousand-year-old ex demon.” Giles nodded sagely and smiled hesitantly. “It would seem I’ve wasted a trip on a fools’ errand.” She reached out and placed her hand over his. “It was really good to see you anyway,” she said with a smile, “I’ve missed you.” “And I you.” She smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. “Stay ‘til the weekend at least. It’s Tara’s birthday and we’re having a party. And I...I’d really like you to see that Spike can be, you know, almost normal.” They shared a laugh and then he nodded and she smiled, moving to hug her Watcher.

Chapter #18 - Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Is S-Spike coming?” Tara asked as they sat in the Summers’ living room a few days later, gathered for the witch’s birthday. “Oh yeah, he’ll be here,” Buffy answered with a smile, “You know what it’s like though. The ‘Big Bad’ couldn’t be on time or it would ruin his reputation.” “Not talking about me, I hope.” Almost as one, they turned to the door as the vampire spoke and Buffy stumbled to her feet, only to stop dead, her mouth unconsciously dropping open. She heard the others greet him but she was still frozen, eyes running over the breathtaking vision before her. Dressed in a smarter than usual pair of black jeans and a light blue shirt that brought out the colour of his eyes and with lightly tousled hair to top it all, he was looking hotter than usual. She could just... “Buffy? Love?” She hadn’t realised he’d moved and snapped out of her daze with an embarrassed flush, giving him a shaky smile. “Hi.” “Hey,” he answered with a knowing smile, brushing his fingers against her arm, “So, how’s about we get this shindig started?” He produced a bottle of champagne from behind his back and the group cheered lightly. Sinking onto the arm of the chair she had jumped from, she could hardly drag her eyes from him as he went to Tara and gave her the bottle, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Happy Birthday, Glinda.” “Th-thank you so much, Spike.” He smiled and turned to face her, his eyes burning into her as he moved towards her and sank into the chair she was perched on, his hand just grazing her leg. With a deep breath, she looked up and her eyes met Willow’s across the room and Willow raised her eyebrows with a slight nod in the vampire’s direction. Buffy shrugged and smiled, relaxing as the party got under way. She moved into the kitchen to prepare the cake and felt the vampire behind her almost instantly. “You look beautiful,” he murmured, leaning down to kiss her neck. “Likewise,” she got out, leaning into his touch, “Except, you know, in a manly way.” He chuckled and strong arms wrapped around her waist. “Are you trying to distract me?” she asked with a smile. “Never,” he answered, brushing his lips along her neck and sending a tremor through her, “Why? Is it working?” She laughed and pushed him away as much as she could. “I’ve got to fix the cake. And you’re supposed to be on your best behaviour today so Giles doesn’t decide to stake you.” “I’m being a good boy,” he murmured, one hand trailing over her shoulder, “Got dressed up and everything.” “I noticed.” “Yeah, I know,” he whispered huskily. She rolled her eyes and went back to putting the candles on the cake. He seemed determined to distract her though and she felt him at her back again, his mouth moving over her hair. “Spike,” she got out. “Hmm?” he answered innocently, one hand moving her hair aside to find with his lips that point just below her ear that made her knees turn to jelly. Taking the opportunity, he spun her around so that she was trapped between him and the counter and she raised heavy-lidded eyes to his. He was just inches away and every sense was overwhelmed with his closeness. She wanted to come out with some snappy comment to show that she was not affected, but in reality all she could do was close her eyes, steadying herself on the worktop. She felt his breath tickle her neck and seconds later, his lips brushed her skin. Her hands tightened on the worktop as she tried to fight her body’s instant reaction to his touch – but it was useless to even try when his mouth found hers. She sank against him, helpless to pretend anymore as her hands moved to his arms, gripping him tightly as he pressed her against the counter. She was aching for more contact as he kept his hands flat on the worktop and she wound one hand in his hair as she kissed him harder, leaning up on tiptoes to press her body to his. She found his tongue with hers, gasping for breath even as their kiss grew more intense. The sound of a throat being cleared brought her slowly back to her senses and she pulled away, her eyes fluttering open, taking in first the stormy blue eyes fixed on her then forcing her gaze to the intruder – her sister. “Dawnie,” she got out, embarrassed at how husky her voice came out. “Cake, guys.” Clearing her throat nervously and pushing the vampire away, she turned back to the cake, placing the final candle on it. “Done.” She looked up to find her sister giving her an amused grin and she avoided her gaze, picking up the cake. “Let’s go.” She moved through to the living room with the vampire right behind her and presented the cake with a flourish as they sang a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’. She turned to move back to the kitchen for a knife but Spike already had one and handed it to her with a smile, making sure to brush his fingers against hers as she took it. She gave him a pointed look and turned back to the cake, cutting it into slices. Trying to get him away so she could clear her head, she handed him a slice of cake and waved him away and with a smirk, he moved to a chair, his eyes not moving from her and making her just as flushed. When she had handed out the cake and had her own slice, she moved to perch on the arm of his chair and gave him a light slap to the shoulder that only made him laugh lowly. “So, how does it feel to be twenty-one?” Buffy asked the blonde witch. “Not much different from twenty yet,” Tara answered quietly, smiling softly at the redheaded witch next to her. “No special presents?” Xander asked. “Well, erm, Willow got me this spellbook I’d been looking for.” Willow smiled and took the other witch’s hand. “I had a bit of help with that actually,” she admitted, sending a smile Spike’s way. Buffy turned quickly and gave the vampire a bewildered look but he just smiled. “Had some contacts,” he spoke up with a shrug. Shaking her head slightly in disbelief, she turned back to the group. “Well, it’s my turn next for birthday fun!” Buffy exclaimed, “Bring on the twenty-one goodness.” “Getting old, Slayer,” Spike teased, resting a hand on her leg. “Coming from the only one in this room not born in the last century.” “Yeah, but also the only one not getting any older. I get to stay this young and good-looking forever.” Rolling her eyes, Buffy laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “Ego much?” He just smiled and caught her hand, pressing a kiss to it and making her blush. Some time later, she moved into the kitchen for another drink and smiled when her Watcher came in and slipped onto a stool beside her. “I’m really glad you’re here,” she murmured, smiling softly. He smiled and reached out to squeeze her hand. “So am I. I don’t think I’ve seen you this happy since before your mother was ill.” She shrugged awkwardly, ducking her head and then raising her eyes to her Watcher once more. “Things are getting back on track. At least it seems that way. Guess I shouldn’t say that, though...I might jinx it.” He laughed lightly and she smiled as she went back to cleaning her glass. “I have to say...I have been pleasantly surprised by Spike today.” She raised her eyes to his once more, searching them for the truth. “Same,” she admitted with a smile. “I really...I still worry for you. I think I always will, even if he were a human. But I...well, he...” “Are you trying to say maybe he’s not so bad?” Buffy asked with a light smile. “Well, quite,” he admitted with a timid smile. “I agree,” she murmured, filling her glass and following her Watcher back into the living room to perch on the vampire’s chair once more, smiling when his hand came to rest against her back.

Chapter #19 - Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Yesterday was so great!” Willow gushed as she settled opposite Buffy on the large, comfortable sofa. They were meeting for lunch and had headed for the Espresso Pump for coffee and girly chat. "Tara was really happy,” the witch added. “I’m glad. She deserves it anyway.” Willow nodded in agreement and Buffy smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. “Not that I didn’t have ulterior motives for wanting everything to go well,” she added with a smile. “Well, I think your vampire impressed everyone yesterday!” “I’m glad,” Buffy answered with a laugh, “I was so worried he’d be, you know, Spike and Giles would be totally mad.” The witch giggled and Buffy smiled, thinking back on her Watcher’s delicately encouraging words with a smile. She then turned to her friend. “Did Spike really help you get Tara’s present?” “Yeah. I was talking to Dawnie about how I really wanted to get this book but I couldn’t find it, and then Spike said he had ‘contacts’.” Buffy giggled, imagining the vampire saying those exact words. “And then he got it for me, at like half the usual asking price. It was amazing!” Buffy smiled and leant back on the sofa, taking a sip of her drink. Yet another point for the vampire. She was musing when Willow spoke up again. “So, is it true that you...I mean, you and Spike...that you- I get that you maybe don’t want to say but- I mean-“ “Willow,” she interrupted with a smile, “Sentences, please. And with breathing.” Willow blushed and smiled, before taking a deep breath and watching Buffy intently. “Well, is it true that you’re not, you know, sleeping together?” The last was whispered with a nervous glance around the busy coffee shop and Buffy almost would have laughed - if not for the fact that she was amazed that her friend had brought it up. “Excuse me?!” “I mean...it’s not true, right? ‘Coz you guys...major sexual tension!” “Maybe it’s all unresolved,” Buffy suggested with a smile, turning to her friend and leaning in, “Who told you that anyway?!” “Well, Xander...he said that Giles-“ “Oh my God! Giles is gossiping about my sex life!” “Well, I think it was to try and, you know, pacify Xander.” “I swear I’m going to beat him over the head,” Buffy exclaimed, burying her head in her hands, “That’ll pacify him.” Willow laughed and she threw her friend a reluctant smile. “So, you’re really not...” “Really not,” Buffy answered honestly, “What kind of girl do you think I am?” “Oh, I didn’t – I mean...I-“ “Wills,” she interrupted, laying a hand on her friend’s arm to stop the flow and smiling, “Joking.” “Oh, well...I mean it’d be okay if you...” “Thanks. I think we’re...well, we’re kinda circling second base at the moment,” she admitted with a wry smile. “Really? I kinda figured you guys for the hot and heavy kind...no offence.” “None taken,” Buffy answered with a laugh, “Trust me, there’s plenty of hot and heavy. I just...” She trailed off with a sigh and settled more comfortably on the sofa, smiling at Willow’s open, attentive look. “I just don’t think I’m ready to go there with Spike yet. I just...I guess Buffy the mighty Slayer is scared.” “Scared?” She nodded and sighed once more. “It’s his own fault you know!” she commented with a smile. Willow looked confused and she continued. “Well, you remember when he had the Gem of Amarra and we fought?” “Ya-huh.” “Well, half of the fight was actually insulting each other...in that way we used to do,” she reminisced with a slight smile, “But anyway, he knew about Parker, somehow, and he totally threw it in my face. Along with the whole Angel mess...” “And now karma is coming back to bite him on the ass,” Willow finished sagely, a smile twitching her lips. “Exactly. I mean, I don’t really think he’d be at all like Parker, you know, if we did... But still... scared.” Willow smiled and reached out to take her hand. “He totally adores you, you know. It’s really obvious in everything he does. I don’t think you have to worry about Spike ever going evil on you. You’ve got that vampire totally under the thumb!” They both laughed and Buffy nodded in agreement. “What can I say?! It’s just too easy.” They laughed again and fell back against the sofa cushions. They were silent for a moment as they composed themselves and then Willow spoke up again. “Do you love him?” She had thought for a moment and had given Willow a little shrug and a nervous smile and told her that she didn’t know. But now, wrapped up in his arms on his bed, she wasn’t so sure. But then, when had she ever been sure about anything to do with Spike? She sighed and sank her head against his chest, enjoying the soft brush of his fingers over her hair and shoulders. He let out a contented sigh and pressed a kiss to her hair and she smiled, leaning into his touch. There was definitely something to be said for unconditional devotion. “You’re quiet tonight,” he murmured, brushing a hand over her hair. “Doing that savouring thing,” she answered, her voice muffled against his chest. She felt more than heard his chuckle and raised her head to meet his bright eyes. “S’bout time you got back, I guess.” She paused for a moment and then spoke, twisting her fingers in his shirt. “I was thinking about staying here tonight actually,” she answered shyly, avoiding his gaze, “I mean, if that’s okay with you.” He caught her chin and guided her eyes to his. “You seriously think I might say no?” he asked, a smile twitching at his lips. She shrugged embarrassedly and he laughed, drawing her against him and hugging her tightly as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “My sweet, darling Slayer,” he murmured against her skin, “Of course you can stay here.” There was a somewhat awkward moment as she changed into a spare T-shirt of his and joined him in the large bed, but as soon as he drew her into his arms, it felt normal again. She soon relaxed and curled up against him, her head resting in the curve of his shoulder. She couldn’t believe it had taken a month to get to this point – yet another facet of her imposed distance - and laughed a little at herself for being so silly. “I can’t believe you thought I wouldn’t want you here, you silly girl,” the vampire teased and she moaned, burying her head against him. “I know, silly Buffy.” “But very lovely Buffy,” he murmured, his hands running over her arms as he began to press kisses to her temples and gradually worked his way - guiding her head upwards - to her cheeks and her eyes and her nose and finally finding her lips. She let out a little sigh as his lips brushed over hers achingly softly before moving to her jaw and then to her neck. “I hope you don’t think I’m staying for anything other than sleep,” she whispered with a smile, even as her neck arched with his kiss. “Why do you think I’ve still got my jeans on?” he murmured against her skin, “Don’t trust myself in my usual pyjamas.” She laughed and looped her arms around his neck, rolling onto her back and drawing him with her so he was propped above her. “Glad we’re clear on that then,” she murmured with a smile, before pulling his mouth down to hers.

Chapter #20 - Twenty

Chapter Twenty ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ She had grown quickly used to sleeping alone after Riley’s departure – almost a year ago now – and so she woke several times in the night, starting awake at the weight of Spike’s arm around her waist and the prickling sensation at the back of her neck that let her know a vampire was close. She would jolt awake, her heart beating, her neck tingling – and then she would remember where she was and she would let out a shaky breath, settling back against the vampire’s hard chest. When she woke for the fourth time in as many hours, she let out a little groan of impatience, annoyed that she just couldn’t seem to sleep the night through in the vampire’s arms. Judging by the steady, if unnecessary, rise and fall of his chest, Spike was still fast asleep - and had hardly moved through all of her shifting and waking up. Except sometime between the last time she had woken up and this time, the T-shirt she was wearing – that had reached mid-thigh – was now bunched around her hips and Spike’s hand was splayed low on her stomach. As she woke up some more, she became more than aware of the pressure of his hand, tantalisingly close to the waistband of her panties. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, willing herself to go back to sleep again. Only seconds later though, Spike shifted against her – if he was awake, she would have said rubbed himself against her – and let out a low moan that vibrated against her neck. His fingers twitched against her and he moved again – definitely more of a thrust now. “Buffy,” he murmured, his nose buried against her neck. She was pretty sure he was still asleep and half of her was glad, but half of her wished he would wake up and dissipate some of the ache that was building low in her stomach. She arched against him, pressing her bottom against him, and his hand tightened on her stomach. If that had not signalled to her that he had woken, it was reaffirmed only moments later when his lips brushed against her neck. “Wha’s matter, love?” he mumbled sleepily, even as his hand slipped under the T-shirt, tracing patterns over her stomach. “I can’t sleep.” “You’re wound up all tight,” he murmured, his lips skimming along the nape of her neck. “Not used to this,” she whispered, arching against him as he moved against her once again. He gave a low murmur of agreement, his mouth on her neck, his hand burning into the skin of her stomach. “Spike,” she moaned lowly. “Hmm?” he purred, not pausing in his maddening ministrations. She arched her neck, her eyes closing with the feel of his mouth on her neck. “Move your hand.” “And where do you want it moved, my sweet Slayer?” he asked, openly teasing her now. She groaned as his thumb skimmed over her skin, just below her breast. “Anywhere,” she whispered, pushing herself against him. He chuckled lowly and drew on the skin of her neck as his hand slid up her stomach and cupped her breast lightly. “That better?” She gave a whimper in reply and he chuckled again, pressing a kiss just below her ear. It was funny – she had forgotten all of these delicious stages on the way to fourth base. All those little advances that made you tingle with anticipation; intimacies that brought you closer and closer to that crucial moment. She had forgotten that the build-up (in her limited experience, anyway) was often sweeter than the culmination – full of teasing touches that left you wanting more and flashes of white-hot desire. Spike’s teasing touch quickly brought her out of her trip down memory-lane though and she moaned, eyes falling closed as he stroked his thumb over her. And just as quickly, his hand was gone and she was mourning his loss for a full few seconds before he skimmed his hand over her front and brought it to rest dangerously low on her stomach. “So warm,” he murmured, his voice still deliciously sleep-coated as he pressed another kiss to her skin. “Spike, please.” Okay, so she had resorted to begging now, but if that’s what it took to prompt him into motion, it was worth it. She couldn’t help but arch back against him with a gasp as his hand finally moved, slipping under the fabric and setting her alight with just one touch. He groaned and buried his head in her neck, murmuring jumbled phrases of adoration into her skin. She whimpered helplessly and tried to calm her frantic breathing, reaching back and holding his shoulder in a clumsy grip. He shifted then, rolling her onto her back so those dark blue eyes were staring down at her, aflame with desire. She met his gaze for a long moment, forcing her fluttering eyelids open as he moved his hand against her, and then her hand locked behind his neck and brought his mouth crashing down on hers. There was nothing but Spike – Spike and his hand, and his cool lips scattering kisses all over her face and neck, and the smooth lines of back as she ran her hands over him, urging him closer. Only afterwards would she be able to marvel at the strength of his self-control; amazed – and maybe a little disappointed – that he hadn’t made any attempt to push for more. It took long minutes for that level of coherence to return to her though as she lay in a boneless pile, head lolling against Spike’s shoulder as he threaded his fingers through her hair. “Love you,” he whispered, drawing her closer to press a kiss to her forehead. She could only nod in reply and he chuckled. “Think you can sleep now?” She murmured in agreement and he chuckled, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her against him. “Glad I could be of use.” She pressed a chaste kiss to his chest and rested her heavy head against him, already fighting to keep her eyes open. “Very useful,” she mumbled sleepily. He pressed another kiss to her hairline as he chuckled and ran his hand down her shoulder. “Night, love. Sweet dreams.” She smiled and sank her head against him, letting her eyes fall closed.

Chapter #21 - Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After that night, she spent almost every night in Spike’s bed, or he in hers – and yet, somehow, they had not moved on from the fragile intimacy gained during those short hours before dawn. They grew bolder, both of them – he daring to touch without express permission and she daring to return just some of that tenderness and desire. That one night had somehow turned their relationship on its head and now they rarely bickered, and only then for fun. They were closer than ever before and Buffy was sure that if Willow repeated her question, she would not be able to hide the fact that, yes, she had fallen for the vampire. The only problem was, she did not know how to tell him. He was so free, so easy with his declarations of love – but she had never been like that, and wasn’t sure that she could be now. She wanted him to know, but something held her tongue, even in the comforting darkness of her room. She tried instead to show him with actions and only hoped that he understood. “You almost got your ass kicked, you stupid vampire,” she scolded, her soft tone contradicting the anger in her words. “Didn’t though, did I?” he countered, leaning into her touch as she pressed her hand to his cheek. “It’s not nice to make me worry like that though,” she sulked. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise,” he murmured, his hand trailing down her arm and drawing her closer to him. “You better,” she whispered, reaching up to meet his lips in a soft kiss. She left him in the darkness of his crypt, ordering him to rest and concealing just how worried she really had been when she had seen his opponent’s crude stake arching towards his chest. Her heart was thumping with the thought of it and she felt a pain low in her stomach. She had reacted with a sharp cry and had thrown herself at his attacker, tackling him to the ground. She didn’t even want to think about what might have happened if she hadn’t been fast enough. She entered the Magic Box and greeted her friends, moving to sit at the table. “Lost your vampire?” Willow asked with a smile, “You guys are pretty much joined at the hip lately.” “He’s been ordered bed rest,” she explained, “Stupid vampire almost got himself staked earlier.” “Is he okay?” Dawn asked worriedly. “Yeah. I think I’m more shook up than he is,” she admitted with a wry smile. The others laughed and she rolled her eyes. “He thinks he’s invincible, I swear.” “Well, he’s managed to stay alive for like a hundred and fifty years already,” Xander offered, “Guess he’s got real good at it.” She smiled and nodded slightly. “So, Buffster, birthday plans?” Xander asked. “I really don’t know. I want to do something...but maybe that’s just jinxing it.” “Oh, Buffy, you have to celebrate!” Willow exclaimed, “It’s not every day you become a proper adult!” “Very true,” she conceded, “Just as long as it doesn’t turn into as much of a disaster as every other birthday I’ve had in Sunnydale.” “We’ll make sure it doesn’t!” Willow added with a wide smile. “I guess I could have a party at mine. Something small...just us guys.” “As opposed to our many many other friends?” Xander joked with a smile. “Point taken.” She smiled softly and rested her cheek on her hand. At that moment, the door opened and she turned, giving the vampire a pointed look as he entered the shop. “You’re supposed to be resting.” “I got bored,” he countered, slipping into a seat next to her, “S’not like I’m actually hurt anyway.” “Well, you could’ve been!” she answered with a pout. He smiled and slung his arm around her shoulders, drawing her towards him and pressing a kiss to her forehead. “So sweet when you worry about me.” “Well, you know, it’s my birthday soon...and that would be one less present...” she teased with a smile. “Maybe I don’t plan on getting you a present.” “Oh, you better, mister. Or else.” “Or else what?” he asked with a smile, one eyebrow cocked. “Oh, I’ll think of something,” she answered, wrinkling her nose at him and turning her back on him, even as he wrapped his arms around her, his chin resting against her shoulder. “Is it just me or have they got even more gagworthy?” Dawn exclaimed with a laugh and Buffy turned to her, poking out her tongue. “You just wait, Dawnie,” Willow teased, “One day you’ll find yourself a hottie and you’ll be the same.” “I will not!” she protested. “Don’t give her ideas!” Buffy remarked at the same time. “Hey, maybe I could copy my sister and get myself a vampire boyfriend!” Dawn teased, a wide grin on her face. “You realise I’d have to kill him, l’il Bit,” Spike commented. “Well, that’s no fair!” “Oh, not ‘coz he’s a vampire,” he explained, his breath stirring the back of her neck, “For going anywhere near you.” Buffy laughed loudly and Dawn shook her head, trying not to laugh. “You’re worse than Buffy. She says I can’t date until I’m eighteen!” “I would have made it twenty-five at least,” Spike said and Buffy laughed again, wrapping her fingers through his where they rested around her waist. “You think we can restrain her that long?” “Good point,” he answered lowly as Dawn protested with a ‘hey!’, causing the whole group to laugh at her. They walked back to Revello Drive hand in hand, Dawn at their side, discussing her birthday plans further. When they got to the house and Dawn left them to go to bed, Spike drew her against him where he sat on the sofa, arms wrapping around her tightly. “So you’re having this party on the Saturday before?” “Yeah. Seems like a good idea,” she answered, burying her head against his chest, “I just wish I didn’t have to work on my birthday.” He laughed and pressed a kiss to her hair. “So, party Saturday, work Monday...think you can fit me in on Sunday?” “You’re not coming on Saturday?” she asked in surprise, sitting up to look at him. “’Course I am,” he soothed, brushing his fingers over her cheek, “You know I wouldn’t miss it. But I want you to myself on Sunday. Got something special planned.” “Oh yeah?” she asked with a coy smile, “What is it?” “It’s a surprise,” he answered, leaning down and brushing his lips over hers. “No fair. I want to know,” she mumbled, leaning into him and wrapping her arms lightly around his shoulders. “You’ll just have to wait.” “Mean,” she whispered, catching his lips as he brushed them over hers again and kissing him softly. She felt him smile against her lips and she slapped him lightly, before giving up on her sulking and focusing all of her attention on kissing him.

Chapter #22 - Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Her birthday party had – for once in all her years in Sunnydale – passed without incident. Well, unless you counted Xander spilling his drink over himself and a very unimpressed Spike. Apart from that though, it had been perfect. She had been surrounded by everyone she loved and she had had a great time. Plus, so many great presents. Except from Spike, who refused to give her her presents until Sunday. She had sulked but it had made her more and more antsy to get to Sunday evening already. She wanted to know about this special night Spike had planned but he had given no further information, despite her very best efforts at persuasion. So, now she was dressing – smart, but still fairly informal – and readying herself for her surprise. Dawn knocked on her door and came in as she was fixing her hair. “Wow, you look great, Buffy,” she commented, leaning on the door frame. “Thanks,” she answered with a smile, glancing at herself in the mirror, “Think I’m dressed okay for a birthday surprise?” “Na-huh,” Dawn got out with a laugh, “I’m not telling you anything.” “So you know about this big secret?” “Doesn’t mean I’m telling you anything!” Dawn laughed, “You’ll just have to wait.” “You’re so mean. Both of you.” “You’ll love it, I promise.” Buffy smiled and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “I’m sure I will. Right, time to get going before that vampire tells me off for being late.” “Have fun.” Buffy smiled and skipped down the stairs, pulling on her jacket and heading out into the cool night air. She strolled along the road leading to the cemetery with a smile and sped up ever so slightly, eager to see her surprise – and her boyfriend, of course. She had barely set foot in Restfield before she felt familiar tingles at the back of her neck though and she stopped, smiling softly. “I knew you’d get impatient,” she commented with a smile, hearing shuffling behind her. She turned – and froze. Wrong Aurelian. Angel was standing just a few metres away, giving her a sheepish smile. “Angel!” she got out in shock, “What are you doing here?!” He stepped forward then and moved towards her. “I’m really sorry to do this, Buffy, but I need your help.” “Excuse me?” “I’ve been tracking a demon. Suvolte. It made a pretty big mess in LA and now it’s come to Sunnydale.” “Right...demon...” “It’s bad,” he added, “It’s going to lay eggs soon and when they hatch...there won’t be much left of Sunnydale.” “Oh. Well, err, that’s not good.” “No,” he answered, giving her a strange look, “Look, I think it’s hiding out in the caves. But you know them much better than me...” “Right, caves, yeah,” she answered absentmindedly, still trying to catch up with the shock of Angel being in Sunnydale. “Buffy, we really need to kill this thing.” “Right, sure. Well, I’ll just, err, go do this thing I was doing and I’ll meet you later-“ “I need you to come now.” She frowned and bit her lip. “I can’t come now. I’m meeting someone.” He looked down at her and frowned slightly. “A guy?” he asked, getting that wounded-puppy look. “Look, it doesn’t matter. I’ve got plans...I really can’t-“ “Buffy, this is a serious problem.” “I get that. But I can’t... You know it’s my birthday tomorrow, right?” “Oh,” he got out hesitantly, “Yeah, of course. Happy Birthday.” “Thanks. So, look...well, I don’t really want to be slaying on my birthday... hmm... Right, I’ll go see this...person...then I’ll be right with you.” “Buffy, there isn’t time,” he exclaimed, reaching out and grabbing her arm, “We need to find out if this thing’s laid its eggs yet.” “I...” she faltered, her eyes drifting across Restfield. “Buffy, please. I need your help.” With a sigh, she turned back to him and nodded slowly. “I just need to go and tell-“ “There isn’t time,” he cut in, already starting to guide her out of the cemetery. She shook his hand off and glanced back at Restfield with a sigh. She’d just get this done quickly and then she’d be with Spike in no time. Several hours later, she was seriously not happy. They had finally found the Suvolte, hidden deep in the caves, and had found no sign of any eggs. Unable to kill the demon, Angel had suggested they return the next evening with more weapons. She had nodded weakly and after a polite question about his accommodation for the night, she had left him and headed for Restfield as quickly as she could. She reached the crypt and went in, her eyes quickly growing used to the dim light. “Spike?” she called out. There was no answer and she frowned, heading for the lower level. She climbed down the stairs and rounded the corner – and came to a halt in surprise. The room was covered with twinkling candles – more so than usual – and there were rose petals scattered over the bed. Her eyes were drawn then to the tray on the table beside the bed and she let out a little groan as she moved towards it. It contained a bottle of champagne, two glasses and a bowl of strawberries. She sighed and turned back to the room, biting her lip as she felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. There was no sign of Spike at all and she sighed again, sitting on the edge of the bed. She had the feeling that she had seriously messed up tonight. Just looking at all the effort Spike had gone to, she felt awful. She wished he was here so she could explain about the demon emergency. She was sure he would understand. Yeah, sure. Because Spike is always very reasonable wherever Angel’s concerned. She sighed and rose to her feet once more. She searched out a scrap of paper and a pen and left him a short note, explaining the demon emergency and left it on the bed. With one last glance around the room, she frowned and made her way out of the crypt.

Chapter #23 - Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When she still hadn’t heard anything from Spike the next day she was getting more and more worried by the hour. He would understand, she reassured herself. She just had to find him and explain. She finally got her chance as she was training at the back of the Magic Box and the door flew open and the vampire strode in, stopping instantly when he saw her. “Buffy,” he got out woodenly. “Spike!” she exclaimed, moving towards him, “Did you get my note? It was crazy.” She leant in to kiss him but at the last minute, he turned his head and she brushed his cheek. She frowned and pulled back but he would not meet her gaze and he carefully extracted himself from her embrace, moving away from her. “Spike, I’m really sorry. I tried to get to you as soon as I could but you weren’t there.” “Needed a drink,” he mumbled and she bit her lip, hating that he wouldn’t even look at her. “Spike,” she pleaded softly, going to him and placing her hand on his arm. Without even looking at her, he gave a deep sigh. “Buffy, I really can’t be arsed with this right now,” he got out tiredly. “I just want to explain.” “Don’t need to explain,” he answered tautly, “Pretty clear what happened. Lover Boy turned up and clicked his fingers and you went running.” “It wasn’t like that,” she protested and he turned to her, dark blue eyes pinning her. “Really?” “There was a demon. Suvolte. It’s hiding in the caves.” “Well, I’m sure you’ll have a very romantic evening killing it with Peaches.” He was already moving away, heading for the front of the shop, but she grabbed his arm, halting him. “Spike!” Before she could say anything though, he spoke up, pulling a small box out of his pocket. “Happy Birthday, by the way. Here.” He shoved the box into her hand and she looked down at it in confusion. “Was going to give it to you last night, but you might as well have it now.” Her eyes flew up to his but he looked away and before she could say anything, he had stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. She watched him for a long moment before turning her attention back to the box. She examined it before opening it carefully, gasping when she caught sight of the beautiful necklace inside. She pulled it out and laid it across her palm, fingering the heart with her name engraved on it. Oh God, she’d really really screwed up. Trembling slightly, her stomach aching, she placed the necklace back in the box and slipped it into her pocket. So much for this birthday passing without incident. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ She met Angel outside the Magic Box later that evening, her heart feeling leaden as they made their way across town. He must have noticed her quietness because he finally spoke up. “Are you okay? You’re quiet.” “I’m fine,” she lied, throwing him a weak smile. “Really?” he asked in disbelief. She looked up at him again and gave him a wry smile. “I just made a big mistake and I’ve got to fix it.” “Oh?” “The, err, the person I was meeting last night...not very happy about me being like four hours late.” “Well, it was important.” “Don’t think he sees it like that,” she muttered, forgetting for a moment that her companion had vampire hearing. “He?” he repeated, “So there is a guy?” “Yes,” she sighed, “There is a guy. But he’s really mad at me right now. I don’t really want to talk about it.” He fell silent but she could feel him watching her and deftly ignored his gaze for the rest of the walk to the caves. They reached the entrance to the caves and paused for a moment, readying themselves. Just as they were about to move though, there was a sound from the bushes behind them and they both whirled round, only to find Spike moving towards them, an axe slung over his shoulder. He stopped just in front of them, glancing at her only briefly before turning to his grandsire, chin jutted out in defiance. “Heard there’s a beastie needs killing.” “I didn’t ask for your help, Spike,” Angel bit out. “Find I’m in the mood for some killing tonight,” Spike answered testily, throwing a glance in her direction, “So shall we get this out of the way and then I’ll toddle off and leave you two to catch up.” She could only frown at his back as he strode into the cave, Angel following right behind. Yeah, she had a lot of work to do to fix this. With a sigh, she moved to follow the two vampires into the cave. They quickly found the Suvolte and she spotted a new addition – several disgusting looking eggs. “Angel,” she called, “You destroy the eggs. We’ll get the momma.” He nodded in agreement and with a glance at Spike, she threw herself at the demon, lashing out with a kick that hardly affected it. The demon lashed out and she ducked its claws as Spike got another kick to its head. She lashed out with a series of punches but was thrown backwards into the wall as the demon lashed out wildly. Spike continued to kick it and she was quickly back up on her feet, dodging its next blow and kicking it low in the stomach. This time, it caught Spike and sent him flying backwards and she was just behind him, colliding with him. They both righted themselves and he held onto her for just a moment longer than necessary, before turning back to the demon. He glanced at her and she nodded and then they launched into a simultaneous attack, stunning the demon and sending it staggering backwards into the wall. Before it could recover, she threw Spike the axe he had dropped and he caught it and swung it at the demon, embedding it in the demon’s neck in one smooth movement. The demon crumpled to the floor, gurgling in its throat and Spike yanked the axe out, only to embed it in the demon’s neck once again, beheading it and killing it. Breathing heavily, she locked eyes with the vampire and gave him a soft smile. For a moment he seemed to forget their argument and he smiled back but then his eyes were drawn to the other vampire and he frowned. She turned to Angel too, only to find him watching them with surprise. “You fight together a lot?” he asked in surprise, his gaze flicking to the dead demon. “Now and then,” she answered awkwardly, glancing at Spike and straightening her jacket. They made their way out of the caves in awkward silence and she kept throwing glances at Spike, wondering how on earth she was going to make it up to him. They stopped at the entrance to the caves and she took a deep breath of the fresh evening air. “Right, well, that was fun and all but I’ve got better things to do.” Her eyes snapped to Spike as he spoke and she went to speak but his sharp glare silenced her. “Leave you two to...whatever. Try not to get too happy, eh, Peaches?” He turned his back on them and strode off across the clearing, leaving her with a horrible feeling in the bottom of her stomach. She had to do something and quickly. “Well, he’s-“ “I’m sorry,” she cut Angel off, “I’ll be right back.” She took off at a sprint after Spike, catching up to him just at the other end of the clearing. “Spike!” He drew to a halt and she saw his shoulders sag. “Slayer, I really don’t have the energy for this.” She frowned and stepped in front of him, uncomfortably aware of the vampire watching them from across the clearing. “Are you ever going to listen to me?” He sighed and his eyes dropped to the floor. “I can’t do this, Slayer. Just go back to Peaches.” “I don’t want to. I want to fix this.” “Well, it’s too late,” he answered dully, bright eyes rising to meet hers, “I’m tired. Tired of playing second fiddle to him. I’ve done it for most of my unlife, Buffy, and I just... I can’t do it anymore.” “Who says-“ “Buffy, please,” he pleaded, “Just leave it. Go back over there to Peaches and leave me be. Go back to the vampire you really want because I can’t-“ She silenced him in the only way she could think how - by leaning up and kissing him. He was still for an achingly long moment but then he let out a little groan and returned her kiss, wrapping his free arm around her waist and tugging her against him. She kissed him harder, twining her arms around him and pressing her body against his. She finally drew back with a smile and met his sparkling gaze. “You’re the vampire I want,” she whispered, trailing her fingers across his cheek, “You got that?” “You sure?” he asked huskily, his eyes shining so brightly, his arm still tight around her. “Positive,” she answered, “I...I love you.” He went deathly still for all of five seconds before he suddenly tugged her against him again and kissed her passionately, dropping the axe to wrap both arms around her. She smiled against his lips and kissed him back, her heart singing for joy. He lifted her off the ground and spun her slightly before replacing her and pulling back to look at her, his eyes wide with awe as he brushed a hand over her hair. “I love you, Buffy.” She smiled and leaned her forehead against his. “You’re not mad at me anymore?” she murmured. “No.” He smiled and kissed her again but she pulled back with a smile. “Save some for later.” “Oh yeah?” “Yeah. I think you should go back to your crypt and I’ll meet you there in fifteen minutes, as soon as I’ve got rid of Angel.” He smiled and kissed her once more, his fingers twining in her hair. “God, I love you.” “I love you,” she whispered. He pulled back then and with a smile, retrieved his axe from the ground. “Fifteen minutes?” “Hopefully less.” He smiled and moved to go but she stopped him again. “Spike.” “Yeah?” She pulled the box out of her pocket and placed it in his hand. “Maybe you could give me this properly.” He smiled and gave her a nod, pocketing the box and reaching out to squeeze her hand. “See you in a bit,” he murmured with a glance across the clearing. She nodded and with one last kiss, he was gone, leaving her with a big smile on her face.

Chapter #24 - Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “God,” she breathed, “I forgot how good that could be.” Rolling off her and onto his back beside her, Spike chuckled in reply. “I plan to remind you on a daily basis,” he murmured, trailing his fingers down her bare arm. She turned onto her side and smiled at him. “Is that a promise?” “Oh yeah,” he murmured, drawing her against him and kissing her, his hand buried in her hair. She moaned and pressed herself closer to him, delighting in the feel of his cool skin against hers. He pulled away and buried his head in her neck, kissing her lightly before drawing on the skin just short of painfully. “You might as well pee on me,” she mumbled and he chuckled, leaning back to look at her. “Can I help it that I want everyone to know you’re mine?” “And by everyone you mean Angel.” He had the good sense to look bashful and she shook her head with a smile. “Think he got that idea with our little display.” “Well, want to make sure it gets through that thick head of his, don’t I?” She laughed, wrapping her arms around him and pressing a kiss to his lips. “You’re terrible. How many times do I have to tell you that you’re the one I want?” “Couple more times at least. And I want to hear the bit about you running off on Angel again as well.” She laughed and rested her head against his chest. She turned round, struggling to suppress the smile on her face as she made her way back over to the older vampire. As she grew nearer, she spotted the look of absolute astonishment on his face and she laughed internally. She finally came to a stop in front of him and he rounded wide eyes on her. “Spike?!” he spluttered out, “Spike’s the guy?!” “Well, err … yeah.” “But… he…” The vampire kept opening and closing his mouth, attempting to speak so she spoke instead, struggling to suppress a giggle at the sight of him. “Yes, Spike’s the guy. I’m in love with him.” She didn’t think Angel’s eyes could get any wider, but apparently they could. “But-“ “I love him,” she repeated again, before he could protest. “Buffy-“ “Well, if that’s all you’ve got to say, I’ve got things to do. It was nice seeing you and all. Bye!” She turned on her heel and strode away from the vampire, just catching a glimpse of his shell-shocked expression as she turned away. She laughed again in remembrance of that little scene and when she tilted her head up, Spike was grinning. “Love that bit where you walk off on the poof. Would have loved to see his face,” he murmured and she smiled widely, pressing a kiss to his chest. They fell silent and he drew her against him as he laid back, wrapping both arms around her. “I love you, you know that?” he mumbled against her hair. “I did have a vague idea,” she replied, “But maybe you should get the chains out again.” He laughed and pressed a kiss to her head. “Chains, eh? Such a dirty little girl.” “You’re the one who owns the chains,” she pointed out. “Yeah, well, what can I say? I’m a bad, rude man.” “Not true,” she murmured, turning her head and pressing her lips to his neck. “No?” “Nope. You’re a good man. You just like pretending to be bad.” “Hey, I can be bad!” he protested and she giggled. “Right. I’ll fetch the kittens, shall I?” “That’s it, Slayer!” he growled, turning and pinning her to the bed. She laughed and wrapped her arms and legs around him, her desire flaring with his. She swept a desirous look down his body and finally met his burning gaze with heavy-lidded eyes. He growled low in his chest and then leant down, his mouth finding hers in a plundering kiss. With his head resting on her bare stomach, Spike was purring lowly as she threaded her fingers through his hair, releasing the curls he hated so much. “Mmm,” she murmured contentedly, closing her eyes, “That was good.” “Glad to hear it,” he answered, his hand trailing a teasing path up her thigh, “Although you might want to keep the volume down if we do that in your bed.” She swatted him lightly on the shoulder and he laughed, pressing a ticklish kiss to her stomach. They fell into comfortable silence and she closed her eyes, her fingers still playing with his hair. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this relaxed – and it was more than the relaxation afforded by several mind-blowing orgasms. She felt warm and content and all sorts of good. And maybe that was the endorphins working a little bit, but she put most of it down to the purring vampire who was nuzzling his nose against her navel. She smiled and traced her fingers down his neck to his back, drawing invisible swirling patterns on his skin. There had to be something meaningful in the way it was four years to the day that she had been with Angel that one time – and now here she was with vampire number two. A vast improvement, she thought with a smile. Seeing Angel again after another sizeable gap only helped throw into focus just how the vampires differed – and it was ultimately Spike who came out better. He loved more without his soul than Angel ever could with his and he had become a better man not because he was forced to – not in the same way as Angel had been anyway – but because he had wanted to. For her. It was a scary thought that she could inspire that much devotion, but she definitely wasn’t going to complain. She hadn’t felt this safe for years now. She opened her eyes and looked down at the vampire resting against her stomach and smiled warmly. “Spike.” He tilted his head, blue eyes meeting hers. “I love you.” He was still for a moment, closing his eyes as a blissful smile stretched across his face, and then those startling blue eyes met hers again. “I love you, Buffy.” She smiled and traced her fingers across the sharp line of his cheekbone. “Good.” He smiled and kissed her stomach, his lips cool against her heated skin. Her hand fell to her neck and she fingered the necklace he had placed around her neck with a smile. “I never got to thank you for this,” she murmured and his eyes met hers again. “We had more important things to do, as I recall.” She smiled and he grinned, wrapping one arm around her and leaning up on his elbow. “It’s lovely though. Thank you.” “Had to get something good enough for my girl.” She smiled softly again, running her fingers gently over his shoulders. “I think this has definitely been the best birthday ever,” she sighed, before amending, “Apart from the bit where you were mad at me.” “I was just jealous. Don’t like to think of you anywhere near the Great Poof.” She smiled and shook her head slightly. “Well, don’t. I’m in your bed, aren’t I? And I don’t plan to leave for… oh… several hours.” “That so?” he asked with a crooked smile, “What are we going to do to pass the time?” She shrugged but laughed as he pushed himself up and crawled his way up her body predatorily. “M’sure we can think of something,” he murmured, pausing to kiss her collarbone. “Mmm,” was the only reply she could give, wrapping her arms tightly around him and urging him closer. His mouth found hers in a kiss that started off gentle but quickly grew frantic as she clung to him, her nails digging into this skin. He was moving against her ever so slightly, teasing her, and she groaned, needing more. She was an addict already, it seemed. He pulled away and she forced her eyes open to see him smiling widely. “Love making you look like that…” he murmured, dropping his mouth to press a trail of tantalising kisses across her skin, “Love making your little heart race…” She gave herself up to the sensations he was creating in her and arched against him, one leg slung around his hips. He moved against her and she moaned deep in her throat. “Love that sound too…” “Spike,” she pleaded. “What do you want?” “Want you. Need you.” He smiled like a cat who had got all the cream and lowered his mouth to hers, teasing her with barely-there kisses until she groaned and flipped them over, pinning him to the bed. His eyes went wide with surprise but then settled into a desirous heat. “You’re a tease,” she murmured, hands splayed on his chest as she leant over him, her hair falling around them, “And that’s just not nice when it’s my birthday.” “I think it might be past midnight actually,” he purred, moving his body teasingly under hers. She smiled and dipped her head, catching his full lips between hers. “Well then, that was definitely the best birthday ever,” she murmured, biting his lip teasingly. “Just wait till next year.” They shared a heated look and then their mouths collided in a hungry kiss. The End