¤

May

¤

Vienna could have been any other city in the world the moment she saw him on the other side of the hotel lobby. She honestly couldn’t have cared less about where she was.

She had just gotten the key to her room. People were everywhere, and yet there he was, clear as day, his eyes holding hers as she began to walk towards him. She stopped in front of him, a small smile on.

“I hoped I’d see you,” she said. “Where’s Angel?”

“In Los Angeles.” She furrowed her brow. “I’m here in his stead.”

She smiled warmly at that.

“I’m glad.”

And she was. She hadn’t thought she’d be this happy to see him, but it was quickly spreading its warmth through her entire body. Like she was waking out of a dream. Like this was the only thing that was really real. Standing in front of him with the promise of being a part of him.

¤

She kissed her way down his chest, over his stomach; taking him in her mouth and enjoying the response she got from him. Her tongue knew just what pressure to use, what parts of skin not to miss, what would drive him out of his head and make him come as close to begging her for anything as he ever could.

¤

“To me it feels like he’s preaching,” Buffy said.

It was the following night; they had just finished the first session of the seminar. Spring was in the air and the city was in a vivacious flurry which only settled at this late hour. It was closing in on four a.m. but after having spent all day in bed – mostly sleeping – neither Slayer nor Vamp was ready to return to the hotel.

“He is preaching, that’s the point. The Neglars have always thought the way to turn others to their way of thinking is by linking as many bleeding fear-provoking words together as possible. Then they throw the snare out and... hope that it strangles a few people into agreeing with them.”

“But it’s so wrong. And it’s bad politics.”

“The Neglars don’t have politics. They have a mission.”

“But they shouldn’t be allowed to speak for that mission, when it sounds like what they want is a dictatorship.”

“I agree.”

“And did you see how smug their general looked? I wanted to smack him.”

Spike smirked.

“The seminar was started to form alliances, create understanding.”

“I know, but how understanding can you be when they’re standing there practically yelling that the ‘human race is superfluous’. You don’t think they pose a real threat, do you?”

“No,” he said. “They’re all balls, no brains.”

“That paints a disturbing picture.”

“Besides, their numbers are too small. The human race is safe.”

“The human race is never safe,” she disagreed, meeting his gaze.

“Speaking of – you hungry? Wanna grab a quick bite?”

She smiled.

“I’m good.”

¤

She was on her back, her eyes were closed, and the sensation of the chilly ice cream he was slowly dribbling on her burning skin made goose bumps spread all over her. The treat started its trail at her left foot, continuing up her leg, across her stomach, circling her right breast and ending at the base of her throat. When his tongue began lapping it up, she was already moaning.

¤

“But that’s ridiculous,” she exclaimed the next evening as they walked to the large building hosting the seminar.

“That’s the way it is,” he shrugged.

“But they can’t do that.”

“They already have.”

“And what do you say to it?”

“I never had an official partnership with him; I don’t have much to say to it.”

“Spike!”

“Buffy, it’s what they want to do. Christ, in a way they’re still newlyweds, they haven’t had time to go on their honeymoon! Selling the firm makes sense.”

“But you guys are what kept it from being ruined! By bureaucrats and corruption and you know they won’t take those innocent cases that have no money to bring in!”

“We’re selling to one of the Slayer branches, it’ll be fine.”

“Are you staying?”

“No.”

She stared at him, then looked straight ahead, being overcome by an inexplicable irritation with him. She felt his eyes on her, but ignored them. She didn’t want to fight with him and still she felt the need to yell at him practically overwhelm her.

“What?” he finally asked.

“You’ve worked with Angel for six years! You’re just gonna let him decide?”

“It’s his choice! I don’t own the firm!” he exclaimed.

“Have you talked to him about it?”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“You don’t want to work there?”

“It doesn’t matter!”

“Yes, it does!”

“Why?!”

“Because if it’s important to you...”

“Listen to me,” he said, making her face him. “I’m okay with it. Now leave it the sod alone!”

“You’re not okay with it. I can tell you’re not okay with it.”

“I’m fine with it!”

“No, you’re not!”

“So what the hell do you want me to say?! That, yeah, it’s bloody tough losing the place you call home? That your family’s splitting up? It doesn’t matter, Buffy. I’ve been there before. I got over it! I’ll get over this.”

She stared at him, taken aback by what she had thought she saw, proving so true.

“But you’re not okay with it.”

“Maybe not.”

“And you don’t seem to be all that fine with it either.”

“Buffy.”

“Have you told Angel?”

“What?”

“That he’s family.”

He glared at her and she smiled a little.

¤

She removed his shirt, her hands running over his muscular arms, torso, back, before her lips connected with his neck. Her fingers slid through his hair, her mouth meeting his. She unbuttoned his pants, got rid of them. Made him lie down. He looked at her, unmasked need in his gaze. She crawled slowly up to join her lips with his again.

¤

An hour later she rolled off him, but his left arm was underneath her and it promptly pushed her to him again. She smiled, resting her head on his chest.

“What time is it?”

“There’s still time,” he mumbled.

She grabbed her cell and checked.

“And I have to pack,” she sighed.

“Just five more hours,” he pleaded, and she giggled when he grabbed her by the arms and pulled her up so he could get to kissing her deeply.

“I’m tired,” she whined.

“I’ll find some way of keeping you up.”

“Seminaring’s exhausting.”

“The seminar’s over,” he smirked.

“I’m sweaty,” she pouted.

“And I like you that way,” he assured, his tongue preceding the kiss he placed on her shoulder.

She bit her lower lip as the ache in her groin started up again.

“But I feel...”

She trailed off as his fingers began to massage one breast, shivers running their delicious route through her.

“Yes?” he said. “How do you feel?”

She smiled; putting her hands on either side of his face she rested her eyes in his.

“Come here,” she mumbled.

¤

“You done?”

She turned her head toward the doorway in which he stood, meeting his gaze fleetingly before walking up to her bag.

“Done,” she said, zipping it shut.

She grabbed it and her pocketbook, walking up to him and passed him. He followed.

“When’s your flight?” she asked.

“Nine-thirty,” he answered.

“Then why are you up?”

“Because I want to be.”

“Spike,” she said, stopping by the elevator and pushing the button.

She pushed it again as it wouldn’t light up. Looking above the doors she could see that neither elevator was moving. She gave it up and headed for the staircase.

“You don’t have to be all noble and keep me company. A cab’s waiting,” she said as he walked beside her, beginning to descend the stairs as she did.

“Noble?”

“Go. Sleep. Wake when the sun isn’t trying to kill you.”

“Technically that’ll never happen.” She gave him a look. “Fine,” he shrugged, stopping while she kept walking. “Have a nice flight.”

“Thanks,” she said.

He was leaned against the wall when she, less than thirty seconds later, came back up.

“Where’s your bag?”

“Fourth step, fifth floor,” she answered before linking her arms around his neck and kissing him almost cautiously. “I’ll see you,” she murmured, swirling around and nearly running back down the stairs.

The objection was loudening, carrying the growing incentive to stay.