"Mom!"

"Mom, nothing. How can you expect me to treat you like an adult when you don't act like one?"

"But it's not fair!" Buffy pouted.

"You should have thought about that before you decided it was a good idea to lie to your mother." Joyce picked up her handbag. "Now, William has kindly agreed to come over and keep you company. He'll be here around six."

"I'm seventeen, I don't need a babysitter!"

"He's not babysitting - he's going to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't do anything stupid."

"Like what, play with matches?"

"Like break your grounding." Joyce left before Buffy could reply.

"Dammit." Buffy cursed, throwing herself down on the couch. She had been desperate to talk her mother round so she could go to Angel's eighteenth party intending tonight to be the night where Angel would finally notice her, be so captivated by her that he wouldn't be able to think of anything else but the goddess that was Buffy. She humphed out loud, kicking the couch with her heels.

To add insult to fatal injury, she had been landed with a babysitter so she couldn't even sneak out. Not that William was a bad choice of babysitter, he was a good choice. Great infact. Who was she kidding, he was totally gorgeous. Buffy had been crushing him since he'd moved in next door three years ago and had spent too many hours to count covertly watching him cavort around the garden with his many women. She'd even caught glimpses of him in the bathroom but the cursed frosted glance had prevented her seeing anything more than the outline of his exquisitely sculpted body.

She was pretty sure he knew how she felt about him - mainly due to the fact that each time she was in his presence, she flushed a bright shade of pink and failed to mumble anything more than hello and goodbye. He hadn't embarrassed her by mentioning it to her mother - he merely smiled and ignored her blatant discomfort. But tonight would be different. It would be just the two of them. They'd have to talk - have an actual conversation. Shit. Buffy eyes landed on the clock. 5:45pm. She looked down at her pastel pink sundress and white flip flops. Double shit. She ran upstairs to change.

~~

Twelve minutes later, Buffy was dressed in denim shorts and a white halter. She left her feet bare intending to go and sit by the pool once the awkward greetings were out of the way. Sunnydale had been wilting in a heat wave for the past three days and she could use the excuse of her being too hot to have to sit in an uncomfortable silence in the living room. Not that she wouldn't be fantasising about the hot man sat on her couch but she would save that for after he left. As she applied her favourite cherry lip gloss, she heard a faint tapping on the door. Giving herself one last check, she bounded down the stairs and flung open the door.

"Hi, William." She blushed immediately, her eyes already lowered to the floor as she stepped back to let him in.

"Buffy, hello." His English accent made her stomach flip. "I understand you've been grounded?"

Buffy nodded, blushing harder. How embarrassing!

"I hope he was worth it."

Buffy glanced up at him, questioningly.

"It's always about a bloke." William chuckled. "Come on, you can tell me all about it over a drink."

"Well I-" Buffy started after him as he walked past her into the kitchen. Her breath caught in her throat as she took the opportunity to give him a good appraisal. Tight black jeans that showed the flex of his ass with every step and a tight black tee that may as well have been a second skin. Holy hell. He must be hot in those… Geez, boy was he hot… "I wanted to go to a party." She stammered.

She took a seat at the breakfast bar whilst he plucked two glasses from the cupboard and a bottle of juice from the fridge. "And what was so important about this party that you had to lie about going?" He cocked an eyebrow at her. She nearly melted.

"Mom wouldn't have let me go. It's an eighteenth. And she doesn't like Angel -" She took the glass of juice he passed to her.

"Angel?" William spluttered. "What kind of poncey name is that?" Seeing her hurt expression, he back-pedalled. "I mean, I wouldn't have expected a guy you liked to be called that."

Buffy frowned and then laughed. "No, it is kind of poncey. But he definitely isn't poncey." She added defensively.

William gripped the countertop tightly as he sipped on his juice. He thought Buffy had a crush on him, he didn’t realise she was hung up on someone else aswell. Not that it mattered. He was her neighbour - her older next door neighbour who was babysitting her. He hadn't realised that he would be bothered when she turned her attention to someone else. He realised that this Angel must be getting the adorable blushes and mumbles he had grown accustomed to and secretly delighted in.

Buffy sipped her juice, glancing at William over the top of her glass. Suddenly, he seemed rather tense and distracted. "You must have better things to be doing than babysitting your seventeen year old neighbour huh?"

His eyes met hers, softening instantly. "Don't be daft. It's my pleasure." He winked at her before turning to put his glass in the sink. Bollocks. No flirting with the chit, dammit.

Squirming on her seat, Buffy fought the apparently rising heat. She wasn't sure if it was genuinely too hot in the kitchen or whether William's last comment had brought on a sudden fever. "I'm going to go and sit by the pool, cool off." Forcing herself to stand, she padded out of the kitchen and into the garden without waiting for a response.

Watching her go, William leant against the sink running his hands through his bleached curls. What was it about this girl that made his mind go to mush? It was the first time he had truly been alone with her and not only had he learnt that she no longer had a crush on him, he saw her finally for the woman that she was becoming. And that thought bothered him more than he ever thought possible.

Squirming on her seat, Buffy fought the apparently rising heat. She wasn't sure if it was genuinely too hot in the kitchen or whether William's last comment had brought on a sudden fever. "I'm going to go and sit by the pool, cool off." Forcing herself to stand, she padded out of the kitchen and into the garden without waiting for a response.

Watching her go, William leant against the sink running his hands through his bleached curls. What was it about this girl that made his mind go to mush? It was the first time he had truly been alone with her and not only had he learnt that she no longer had a crush on him, he saw her finally for the woman that she was becoming. And that thought bothered him more than he ever thought possible.

~~~~~~~

Buffy kicked off her sheets in frustration. The heat hung heavy in the air, oppressive and clammy. Her alarm read 2:00am. Groaning she swung her legs out of bed and went to sit on her window seat with the hope she’d be able to catch a faint breeze. From her window, she could see the side of William’s house, a slice of his front garden and the whole of the rear garden. She could see that there was a faint light on in the kitchen but she couldnt see beyond the sink.

She’d be lying if she said the heat was the only reason she was awake. As she had let her mind drift to catch its sleep, it had meandered back to the earlier events of the day and settled frustratingly on William. This shouldn’t have been new to her, she had spent a lot of nights dreaming of him. This time it felt different. Their first real interaction had sparked something fresh, new and very real.

No longer did he smile passively at her and look at her as Mrs. Summers daughter, he had spoken to her as Buffy, his neighbour. He acknowledged that she was mature now; that she was involved with boys and socialised with friends rather than hanging out in her bedroom like she had two summers ago. Admittedly, that had been the summer she had been crushing him on him majorly. She had spent the summer on her window seat watching him from her window whilst writing in her diary covered with William shaped doodles with hearts over the ‘i’s.

She giggled to herself at the memory. She had been fifteen and never been kissed. Now, she had kissed a lot of boys and done a bit more than that on occasion. She wasn’t the most experienced girl in her class but she was fair to middling. She was becoming a woman and she wanted to explore everything that that meant.

What she hadn’t expected was that William would notice. And he had. She had noted the traces of resentment in his voice when they had spoken about Angel and the comment he had made about pleasure with a wink. Had he been flirting or was he just being playful and friendly? Either way, his attitude towards her had most definitely changed. Not only that, she had proven to herself that she could speak to him using more than one word at a time.

What troubled her now was the conflict that this revelation presented her with. She didn’t realise she had a choice – she had been intent on becoming Angel’s girl. But now she couldn’t stop thinking about becoming William’s woman. Both had their pros and cons but only one made something low in her belly tingle.

~~

Sat in the kitchen at 2:30am, William lazily twirled his glass watching the whiskey spill against the sides. His mind’s eye had become haunted by the vision of Buffy’s tanned legs in her too short denim cut offs and the curve of breasts in the too tight, almost see through white halter.

She was a teenager for god’s sake. His teenage neighbour who he had known since she was fourteen who had blushed every time he walked by. She had spent an entire summer at her window, gazing at him from afar, no doubt indulging in some gawky teenage crush. He had thought it cute at the time and assumed – correctly – that she would grow it out of it one day and move on to a boy her own age. He had been right – she now saw him as William, her neighbour rather than William, the hot guy from next door.

And she had Angel – the boy from school. Or the ponce as William would refer to him from now on. What kind of soddin’ name is Angel for a bloke anyway? I bet he’s a big haired beefcake. He slugged down the last of his whiskey and reached for the bottle again. He consoled himself with the thought that it would be easy to avoid Buffy – as it was, their paths rarely crossed anyway. He suppressed the idea that he would become the face in the window, crushing on Buffy from afar.

He dropped his head on the counter, groaning at the simultaneous pain and dizziness from the room spinning. His eyes closed as he drifted into a drunken slumber – his mind filled with the lean limbs, honey tresses and cherry lips of the girl next door.

~~~

“Buffy, can you carry out these dishes for me please?” Joyce shouted.

Buffy entered the kitchen to find her mother flitting around the kitchen, preparing for the barbecue she had decided to throw for the entire neighbourhood. “Remind me why you think this is such a good idea?” She followed Joyce out into the garden, her arms stacked high with plates.

“Because it’s lovely weather and it gives everyone an opportunity to get together, socialise and relax.” She began folding napkins and arranging cutlery on the table next to the barbecue.

“And remind my why it has to be us that hosts this event?” Buffy grumbled as she adjusted a sagging string of fairy lights by the pool.

“Because Mrs. Adelman hosted it last year therefore, it’s our turn this year.”

Mrs. Adelman was their other neighbour. She was in her fifties and had a cat named Kiki. Buffy remembered that barbecue well. She had spilt soda down William’s back after tripping over his chair leg. She grimaced at the memory before resolving to make this year more memorable than the last – for all the right reasons.

Joyce stood back to appraise the garden. “Do you think we need more chairs?” Buffy shrugged. “I think we need more chairs.” She disappeared back into the house.

Despite the grumpy show she was putting on for her mother, Buffy had purchased a stunning aqua dress for the occasion. Strapless and low cut at the back, it was the perfect knock out outfit. And she would be a knock out. Looking up at William’s house, she squinted in the sun. He’d have no idea what hit him.

Despite the grumpy show she was putting on for her mother, Buffy had purchased a stunning aqua dress for the occasion. Strapless and low cut at the back, it was the perfect knock out outfit. And she would be a knock out. Looking up at William’s house, she squinted in the sun. He’d have no idea what hit him.

~~

Dressed in casual black slacks and an open collared white shirt, William arrived at the Summers house at precisely 7:15pm. The barbecue had been in full swing for almost an hour but having changed twice, he had been delayed. He navigated his way through the knots of people gathered at the side of the house before slipping through the gate and onto the patio.

Spying Joyce manning the grill, he made his way over to her. “Joyce, how lovely to see you.” He politely kissed her cheek and presented her with a bottle of white wine he had selected especially from his cellar.

“Oh thank you William, I’m sure this will go down a treat! Please, help yourself to beverages whilst I finish these ribs off.”

“Would you like me to man the grill for a while – give you a chance to mingle?” William asked. “Even the cook needs a break right?”

Joyce smiled at him warmly. “That would be wonderful – I won’t be long though, really, ten minutes maximum.”

“Nonsense – enjoy yourself, I’ll rustle up the grub.” Taking the tongs from her, he took up position behind the barbecue and set about turning the ribs.

From across the garden, Buffy saw William relieve her Mom from chef duty and giggled as his tongue curled in concentration as he turned the meat. Realising he hadn’t spotted her yet, she edged around the garden through the clusters of guests to avoid his eyeline. Manoeuvring herself towards the barbecue, she picked up a plate from the table and stood in front of the grill.

“Got any hot dogs?”

“They’re about to go on but-” He paused mid-sentence as his eyes fell on Buffy. Jesus Christ. He swallowed hard.

Buffy, delighted at his reaction, held out her plate. “Ribs will do for now.”

She was absolutely stunning. The aqua dress clung to her every curve, falling just above her knee. Her hair was pinned up leaving her shoulders bare, touched only by some ringlets which had already fallen loose.

The sight of William, open mouthed and in awe brandishing barbecue tongues was enough to make her forget the debacle of last year and emblazon this moment on her memory forever. If they only had this moment, she would die happy. “Ribs?” She waved the plate at him.

Looking down, he cursed loudly. “Shit. They’re a bit more well done than I’d anticipated.” He plucked two blackened ribs from the grill and put them on her plate.

“Would you like me to help?” She giggled.

“That really won’t be – bloody ow!” He cursed again burning his knuckles on the edge of the barbecue, causing Buffy to laugh even louder.

“Masterchef you’re not. Come here.” She seized the tongs and nudged him to one side with a pop of her hip. She dropped the scorched ribs into the nearby dumpster before taking up position at the barbecue. “Ok, gimme burgers and hot dogs.”

“I’ll have you know, I’m a very good cook.”

“Save it for someone who doesn’t know better.” Buffy waggled her eyebrows at him and he grinned.

“I was doing just fine until you showed up.” He reached around her to grab a plate.

The feel of his arm against her bare back made her gasp. “Oh, really?”

He noticed her shudder and bit his bottom lip hard to suppress a moan. “Yes, really.”

She tilted her head to look up at him. His eyes, usually a pale ocean blue had darkened to sapphire. She subconsciously licked her lips and he couldn’t help but groan this time. She was undoing him and he was helpless to stop it.

“Ah, I see I have two chefs!” Joyce appeared next to Buffy, glass of wine in hand. She kissed the top of Buffy’s head. “I knew you’d enjoy yourself, darling.”

~~

As the sky began to darken, Buffy switched on the fairy lights to gasps of surprise and delight. The food had been cooked and eaten and everyone was now firmly intent on drinking. Collecting the last of the abandoned plates, she stacked them next to the sink and turned on the tap. Since their earlier encounter at the grill, they had completed their chef duties in a silence filled with thoughts better left unsaid.

She could feel the burn of his touch on her back even now and her eyes slipped closed as she conjured the image of the storm in his eyes. Hugging her arms around herself, she swayed slightly. She was lost to him. The sight of her tongue wetting her lips had been enough to make him groan. She squeezed her thighs together at the memory of that sound, a rush of liquid pooling in her panties. If she touched herself now, she’d finish within seconds…

Her eyes flew open as the water cut off. Spinning round, she found herself face to face with William. His hands were resting either side of her on the sink, imprisoning her in his arms. They didn’t say a word. They just stared at each other, helpless. Helpless in the face of the fact that what they felt was wrong and they could never act on the feelings that were threatening to drown them both.

His hair was tousled and his eyes were wild. “I’m sorry.” His breath smelt of alcohol.

“Don’t be.” She whispered. Her eyes filled with tears.

He rested his forehead against hers. “I’m trying. I really am.”

“I know.” Her voice cracked. Her breath was coming in short puffs, the proximity of him and the sheer intensity of his confession threatening to completely overwhelm her.

His lips crashed down on hers, the sparks between them igniting an explosion that caused Buffy’s legs to give beneath her. Suddenly, his arms were round her waist and she was pressed against the hard line of his body, his erection grinding insistently against her. She whimpered as his tongue delved deep into her mouth and he pushed her back against the sink. The delicious sensations flooded her body as she felt the pressure building once more between her legs. Almost there…

“William, please…” She gasped, wrapping her leg around his, opening herself to him.

He growled loudly and stepped back abruptly as though he had been burnt. “You have to stay away from me, Buffy.”

“But I-”

He disappeared into the house, his departure punctuated by the slamming of the front door.

His lips crashed down on hers, the sparks between them igniting an explosion that caused Buffy’s legs to give beneath her. Suddenly, his arms were round her waist and she was pressed against the hard line of his body, his erection grinding insistently against her. She whimpered as his tongue delved deep into her mouth and he pushed her back against the sink. The delicious sensations flooded her body as she felt the pressure building once more between her legs. Almost there…

“William, please…” She gasped, wrapping her leg around his, opening herself to him.

He growled loudly and stepped back abruptly as though he had been burnt. “You have to stay away from me, Buffy.”

“But I-”

He disappeared into the house, his departure punctuated by the slamming of the front door.

~~

“You missed one hell of a party, Buff.” Xander slammed his locker shut and leaned against it.

“Yeah, it was a blast. Well, it looked that way from where we were standing. At the edge of the driveway.” Willow mused.

“What?”

“Earth to Buffster!” Xander joked. “What’s with you?”

“Nothing, just tired I guess.”

“Either that or your grounding has affected your entire capability to interact with the human race.” He quipped. Willow dug him in the rib with her elbow.

“Uh huh.” Buffy answered, distractedly. She was remembering her interaction with William. She had spent the entire Sunday on her window seat hoping to catch a glimpse of him but he hadn’t gone out and the curtains had been closed all day. Since he’d run out on her, she’d gone through a cycle of emotion. Regret, guilt, fear… But the memory of him embracing her, taking her in his arms and setting her alight with excitement and a need she had never experienced before threatened to overcome all those feelings. She had never dreamt it would go that far.

She had wanted to tease him but she had banked on him being the safety catch. Older man and younger girl – she may have been consumed by lust but she had expected him to maintain his control. She had underestimated his attraction to her and although it was wrong, she didn’t care. She was excited, high on the power of being able to summon a need in William as strong as the need he summoned her. She was a girl playing a woman’s game but did she really know the rules?

“Buffy?” Xander was clicking his fingers at her. “You in there?”

“Sorry – what did you say?”

“Bell’s gone – time for class.” Willow linked her arm. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just a bit spaced out – lack of sleep. Tell me all about the party.” She grinned.

“I thought you’d never ask!”

~~

Buffy must have dreamt her way through English, Maths and History because before she knew it the bell was ringing for last period. She hadn’t taken a single note all day which was of the bad considering she not only had a History test next week but also a Maths test. Groaning loudly, she dumped her books in her locker swapping them for her gym kit.

“Hi.”

Surprised, she turned too fast and bashed her forehead with her locker door. “Crap!”

Angel caught her as she almost toppled over. “Jesus, are you alright?”

Blinking hard to clear the stars shooting across her vision she managed to focus on Angel’s concerned face. A blush crept up her neck. Dammit, why am I always such a spaz?

“Yeah, just a bit startled!” Why is he talking to me?

“I missed you at the party on Friday.”

“You did?”

“How come you didn’t show?”

“Would you believe me if I said I was washing my hair?” No way was she admitting to being grounded!

Angel grinned, leaning in towards her. “How about we try again. Tonight. Eight o’clock. The Bronze.” He didn’t give her time to reply, instead sauntering off. He turned to look at her, gave her a wink and disappeared into the crowd.

A loud squeal from behind her made her jump again. “God!”

“I know, that was so awesome! He likes you Buffy, he really likes you!” Willow bounced up and down.

“What’s with the screeching and the spontaneous exercise?” Xander asked, appearing next to them.

“Angel asked Buffy out. Like, really!!!”

Buffy smiled. Angel had finally noticed her! Not going to the party had been more effective than if she had actually gone!

“What the hell-”

“Are you going to wear?” Willow finished excitedly. “How about…”

Buffy stood nodding as Willow put forward various outfit suggestions even though she wasn’t fully concentrating. Sure, Angel asking her out was probably one of the highlights of her school year so far but she couldn’t help but feel cheated. When Angel had winked at her she hadn’t felt that low burn in her stomach that she had felt when it had been William winking at her. I’m doomed is what I am.

~~

Later that afternoon, Buffy arrived home from school. William watched as she skipped up the drive, obviously happy and excited about something. It hadn’t taken her long to forget their encounter. He was glad. She hadn’t let it affect her. Life was back to normal. He peered around the curtain as she entered the house. Four, three, two, one. She appeared at her bedroom window.

He dropped the curtain. He couldn’t afford to let her see him. Not yet. Sighing, he went to the bathroom. His reflection was not pretty. Dishevelled hair, eyes dulled by alcohol, lined with the evidence of insomnia. He’d been in relationships before, had his heart broken as well as breaking some hearts himself and yet this seventeen year old girl was inflicting a new found torture on him. Temptation.

He’d yet to meet a woman he couldn’t have. But Buffy wasn’t quite a woman. Not yet. She may look like one but she had homework to do, cheerleading practice to attend, exams to revise for. He punched the tile next to the mirror in frustration. It cracked, as did his knuckle. Fuck. Blood trickled down his fist and into the sink, mingling with his tears. I’m losing the bloody plot.

~~

Twirling in front of the mirror, Buffy assessed her appearance. She had selected a black skirt that fell mid thigh with a cream lace top that complimented her tan. This outfit, together with her stylish, inaffordable black leather boots made her feel amazing. Her hair was loose, falling in thick waves down her back. Angel would love it, she knew.

So would William, if he could see her. She couldn’t help but think about him, compare Angel to him even though it was unfair. How could she compare an eighteen year old boy to a man like William? She couldn’t. But Angel was the one she should be with. The one she had wanted to be with for eighteen months. And it had finally happened! All those extra early mornings learning how to apply her make up properly and coordinate it with carefully chosen outfits had gotten her where she wanted to be. On Angel’s arm. On William’s lips…

Not two nights ago, she had been on the receiving end of William’s kiss. And it had blown her mind. She clicked off her bedroom light and looked out of her window. William’s house remained quiet, the curtains still closed. She was getting worried now. She usually caught sight of him drinking his morning tea on the decking or cooking dinner in the evening but since Saturday, she hadn’t seen any movement at all. Suddenly, at the window directly opposite her own, she saw the curtain twitch. She gasped and stepped back into the shadow of her room.

That room wasn’t his bedroom; he slept in the back room. She knew as she had caught sight of him dressing once. It was the summer before last and she had been sunbathing by the pool. The sight of his taut chest had been scorched on her mind’s eye. Sighing, she stepped forward again, convinced she had imagined the movement. But the curtain was now open an inch or two whereas before it had been firmly shut. She couldn’t see into the room beyond, it was shrouded in darkness. But she knew he was there.

The thought excited her. He must be looking at her right now. How interesting that it was him who was watching her rather than the other way round. Well, she’d give him something to see. Making sure her curtains were pushed as far back as they’d go, she snapped on her bedside light. She decided that she didn’t like the lace top with this skirt after all. Crossing her arms, she lifted the hem and slipped the lace top over her head.

~~

The light’s gone on again. She’s taking off her top. Oh god. Bloody hell. He remained in the shadow, as close to the window as he dared be without risking being seen. Did she know he was there? She dropped her top onto the bed and turned to face the window as she reached behind her back to unhook her bra.

His cock swelled instantly, tight against the confines of his jeans. He groaned as the bra fell away to the floor, leaving her breasts exposed. She was sheer perfection. Her skin was tanned all over, her pink nipples, dark and hard. And she looked like sin itself dressed in only that skirt and those boots... He could see her licking her lips, a lazy smile on her face. She’d remembered the effect that that simple gesture had had on him at the barbecue. He couldn’t help but growl. That’s my girl.

His hand moved to his groin, rubbing against his erection in little circles. He hissed as she ran her hands over her stomach before settling on her breasts. She squeezed them a little, her eyes focused on his window. She knew he was here alright. His hips twitched helplessly as he squeezed his cock. She was putting a show on for him. He moved his hand faster, his breath shallow and ragged.

Dropping to his knees, his hips thrusting his cock wildly against his hand. His jeans were already damp from the constant trickle of precum which served only to drive him wilder. He was almost there. The fact that his cock was restrained by the taut denim made the friction almost unbearable and all the more pleasurable. It was dirty and wrong and it felt fucking amazing.

His movements were frenzied now, his jaw slack as he watched her toss her head from side to side in obvious delight, her fingers kneading her breasts hard. As her mouth formed a silent ‘o’ of delight, he roared, his cock spurting hot jets of spunk into his jeans. He bucked helplessly as he felt the wetness seep through the denim instantaneously. Shuddering, he grunted as he felt the final moments of release wash through his body. Shit, I haven't come like that since I was fifteen… Panicked, he threw himself backwards, wondering if she’d witnessed him tossing himself off like some love sick puppy.

But she had gone.

Dropping to his knees, his hips thrusting his cock wildly against his hand. His jeans were already damp from the constant trickle of precum which served only to drive him wilder. He was almost there. The fact that his cock was restrained by the taut denim made the friction almost unbearable and all the more pleasurable. It was dirty and wrong and it felt fucking amazing.

His movements were frenzied now, his jaw slack as he watched her toss her head from side to side in obvious delight, her fingers kneading her breasts hard. As her mouth formed a silent ‘o’ of delight, he roared, his cock spurting hot jets of spunk into his jeans. He bucked helplessly as he felt the wetness seep through the denim instantaneously. Shuddering, he grunted as he felt the final moments of release wash through his body. Shit, I haven't come like that since I was fifteen… Panicked, he threw himself backwards, wondering if she’d witnessed him tossing himself off like some love sick puppy.

But she had gone.

~~

Scrambling to his feet, he edged slowly towards the window. Conscious that she could reappear at any moment, he pressed his back to the wall and peered cautiously around the edge of the curtain.

Movement below caught his attention. It was Buffy. With a man. A boy. Getting into a car. She had chosen a low cut red halter to replace the cream lace top from earlier. And she looked hot. He winced as he watched her laughing and giggling as she clipped on her belt. Had he been dreaming? He looked down at the stained denim. No, not a dream. He watched the car roar off. A nightmare more like.

~~

“William, to what do I owe this pleasure?” Joyce greeted him warmly.

“Sorry to disturb you Joyce, I wondered if I could come in for a moment.”

“Of course! Please don’t tell me Buffy has been playing her music too loud again. I do tell her but she insists on-”

“It’s not loud music that brings me here – it’s more of a favour I need to ask really.” William shuffled his feet nervously in the hallway.

“You know, anything you need, I’m here to help. That’s what neighbours are for!” She took William’s elbow and led him through to the kitchen. “I was about to make myself a hot chocolate – would you like one?”

“Erm.” He looked at his watch anxiously.

“Please, I insist.” She laid a hand on his arm.

William grinned. “Alright, that would be wonderful.”

“So, how I can help?” Joyce placed two cups on the counter along with a bag of marshmallows. She winked. “It’s not proper without marshmallows now is it?”

“Indeed.” He couldn’t help but like Joyce. She was a lovely woman, a good mother with a kind heart. “Again, I am sorry to disturb you but you see my flight leaves in the morning and I was rather hoping you could keep an eye on the place for me whilst I’m gone. You know, water the plants, report any intruders and the like.”

“Of course I will – I do hope everything is alright though?” She probed gently.

“Well, I’ve been promising my father I’d visit for some time now and I’m rather overdue. I thought whilst I’m between contracts I’d take advantage and have myself a holiday.” He said rather unconvincingly.

Joyce stirred the hot chocolate thoughtfully. “See, that’s a shame because I’d actually been thinking of asking for your help with a little problem I’ve been having.”

“Oh?” William’s brow shot up.

“Yes.” Joyce sighed. “It’s Buffy.”

William squirmed in his seat. Dear god, no.

“She’s been struggling for some time with her History now. I accept she may not have a natural aptitude for the subject but if she’d only apply herself like I know she is capable of doing, it would make a huge difference to her final results this year.”

“Does the school not run additional classes for students who may be struggling like Buffy?”

Joyce placed a mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows in front of William and sat down opposite him at the breakfast bar. He sipped it nervously.

“Yes, but I’m afraid she does not have the best relationship with her teacher. She refers to him as Mr. A. Hole.”

William grinned and Joyce couldn’t help but grin back. “I know, she’s insufferable but I also know a bad teacher can impact greatly on the quality of learning and I don’t want Buffy to suffer because of something out of her control. I know if she had the right support and guidance, she would be able to improve on her grades. I know you've been taking a break from your tutoring but I was hoping to appeal to your sweet nature!” She was embarrassed.

William nodded. “I see.”

“To be honest William, I am concerned about Buffy at the moment and it goes beyond her grades at school.”

William’s stomach knotted in anticipation of what Joyce was going to say next. Had she noticed something between them? Or was Buffy in another kind of trouble?

“She’s out tonight with this boy, Angel. She may well have mentioned him to you.”

“Yes, she has but only in passing. I get the impression she’s rather taken with him.” He swallowed hard to suppress the rising bile.

“And therein lies the problem. My friend at the gallery knows his family quite well and can I just say, his reputation precedes him.”

“Have you tried-”

“Talking to her about it? What seventeen year old girl is going to listen to their mother’s advice about boys. I grounded her so she couldn’t go to his eighteenth party but I can’t ground her forever can I? The more I pull in one direction, the more she pulls in the other.”

“Teenage girls eh?” William smiled tightly.

“She’s going through a phase I’m sure – she may think she’s in love with him now but in twelve months time it’ll be Angel who?” Joyce laughed.

“In love?” William choked.

“Aren’t all seventeen year old girls in love?” She smiled. “I just wish she’d fallen for someone who was worthy of her love. I was rather hoping you would be able to help with her History but now you’re ready to jetset off to England I feel guilty about burdening you with all of this.”

“Nonsense. You said it yourself, neighbours are here to help. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” He put down his mug, determinedly.

“No! You can’t put off your vacation to tutor my daughter!”

“I’m sure I can change my tickets to a flight later this summer. It’s in my power to help and what kind of person would I be if I didn’t at least try? I mean with her History of course. The boy stuff-”

“Well, of course I'd pay you whatever rate you normally charge. Plus, I saw you talking at the barbecue. She seemed rather comfortable with you. Maybe she’ll open up to you.”

“I don’t know about that.” He squirmed some more. What am I bloody getting myself into?

“I can only hope. Someone needs to talk some sense in to her. Angel is bad news, I know it.”

Spike frowned. “It sounds like it.”

Suddenly, the kitchen door swung upon.

“Mom, I brought Angel in to grab a quick-” Buffy’s mouth fell open as she spied William sat at the breakfast bar talking to her mother.

William turned to face them slowly. “Good evening, Buffy. Angel.”

“Angel, this is William, our neighbour.” Joyce filled the dead air as Buffy stood slack jawed in the doorway.

Angel smiled as he slipped his arm around Buffy’s waist. “Hey, Will.”

William forced himself to return the smile. What a cock.

“Mom, I brought Angel in to grab a quick-” Buffy’s mouth fell open as she spied William sat at the breakfast bar talking to her mother.

William turned to face them slowly. “Good evening, Buffy. Angel.”

“Angel, this is William, our neighbour.” Joyce filled the dead air as Buffy stood slack jawed in the doorway.

Angel smiled as he slipped his arm around Buffy’s waist. “Hey, Will.”

~~

“Buffy, it’s late. I think it would be a good idea if Angel went home. You can talk at school tomorrow.”

“Am I in trouble?” Buffy asked, eyeing William nervously.

“No, darling. It’s late that’s all.” Joyce smiled warmly at Angel.

William watched this exchange with interest. Joyce was playing this very well, all things considered. Go to battle with a teenager and expect a war. There were smarter ways to win wars than full on confrontation.

“I’ll catch you at school.” Angel leaned over to kiss Buffy lightly on the lips. William flinched and turned away.

“Bye, Mrs. Summers. Bye, Will.” He left the kitchen leaving a very anxious Buffy stood in front of the firing squad.

“What was all that about?”

“Honey, why don’t you sit down?” Joyce stood up and moved around the other side to allow Buffy to sit.

Oh god. He’s told her about my little show. He must think I’m a right slut… and he’s told my mother all about it. Oh god. I’m gonna throw up.

“I know you’ve been struggling in History recently – Mr. Snyder has kept me informed of your… lack of progress.” Joyce tried to be tactful. “And you know how much this has concerned me. However, William has agreed to postpone his summer vacation in order to tutor you.”

“What?” Buffy nearly rocked back off her stool in surprise. “You’re kidding me!”

William couldn’t help but grin. When he realised Buffy had caught sight of it, he disguised it with a cough.

“No, I’m not kidding. When it comes to your future, you can’t afford to be blasé. I understand that you currently have a number of other… interests, shall we say, that appear to rank higher on your priority list than studying. But this – this is non-negotiable.” This was the Mom voice. The stern, no messing voice.

“But!”

“But nothing. I suggest you apologise to William for you apparent lack of gratitude and set about arranging your first tutoring session.” Joyce glared hard at Buffy, as though daring her to voice an objection. “Now, if you’ll excuse me William, I have a phone call to make.”

Joyce left the room – Buffy and William sat facing each other across the breakfast bar once more.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Buffy hissed. “I hate History.”

“Look, I came round to tell your mother I was leaving. But when she told me about your flunking and the problems you’ve been having-” William tried to explain.

“Problems? What problems? The only problem I have is that my hunky as hell neighbour has been flirting like crazy with me and I can’t do a damned thing about it!”

“Don’t even come that with me. I saw your little show.” He curled his tongue in delight at her discomfort.

She flushed a marvellous shade of pink from her neck to the tips of her ears. “So.”

“So? I told you to stay away from me and yet you parade at your window, teasing me.” He leant forwards. “You know full well what you do to me and you enjoy it don’t you?”

“Don’t you?” She whispered.

His eyes rolled in his head at the memory. “God. Yes. I do. But that’s why I was going to leave. Clear my head, get some perspective.”

“And then what? You come back and nothing’s changed. You want me.”

He just looked at her.

“Tell me, William. If you were so intent on leaving, why did you decide to stay?”

“I told you – you’re Mum told me how concerned she was and she knew I had a shot at helping you.”

“Yeah, right. You saw me with Angel. That’s what this is about isn’t it?” It was her turn to be smug. “I’m dating a boy my own age and you can’t handle it. You want me, you can’t have me… but you don’t want anyone else to have me.”

“Bloody hell, get a grip love!” He shook his head but the truth was etched on his face.

“Don’t patronise me. I may be seventeen but I know what it means when a man looks at me like you do.”

“And what’s that?”

Buffy moved around the bar and stood next to him. He turned to her, helpless to look away.

“It means trouble.” She said softly.

“Yeah.”

“I like trouble.” She leaned forward and pressed her lips lightly onto his.

William shuddered at the contact. She pulled away, slowly. Smiling. “You may think you have me all figured out but you don’t.”

“I’m beginning to realise that.” He looked at her, completely thrown.

“You can tell me all about how you want me to stay away from you but I know different.”

“You’re playing grown up games now, pet. This isn’t one of those soppy soap operas.” He tried hard to pull something back, regain his composure.

She visibly faltered. Her mask of confidence slipped for a moment and he saw her for the seventeen year old girl she was. Adorable, naïve and incredibly tempting. But she was also empowered by the discovery that she had an effect on men that rendered them speechless and incapable of coherent thought. So help me God.

“I know.” She threw back her shoulders, tossing her hair

“So, what do you suggest we do about it?” Retain the high ground, be responsible.

“Should I draw you a diagram?” She giggled.

“Seriously. No matter how much I want you or you want me – we can’t do this. I won’t lie to you about it but that doesn’t mean I should act on it.”

“But…”

“But nothing, Buffy. It’s illegal! Your mother has asked me to tutor you for God’s sake!” He was exasperated now.

“I don’t want you to tutor me!”

“You don’t have a choice. I promised you’re mother I’d help and I intend to. Regardless of how I feel about you, if I can help you pass History then I bloody well will.”

“So we’ll just ignore the hippo in the room shall we?” She had her hands on her hips now. Her mouth pouty.

Shit. Bollocks. Dammit. He squeezed his eyes shut before refocusing on the conversation.

“Elephant. The elephant in the room.”

“Oh. Whatever. I don’t know if I can be around you and not…” Her voice tailed off.

“If I can, you can.”

Her eyes narrowed then. “Oh, you can, can you?” That was a challenge if ever she heard one.

“Look…”

“What happened before, at my window, wasn’t illegal was it?” She whispered. “Like, nothing actually happened did it?”

“Well, no.” What is she up to now?

“So say if that happened again, or something… then it wouldn’t technically be breaking the law or anything. Would it?”

“You’re not suggesting…”

“No. Of course not.” She said nonchalantly. A smile playing at the edge of her lips. “I wouldn’t dream of suggesting anything…Mr. Evans.”

Why did her saying his name like that make the room start spinning? He closed his eyes again.

She laughed and he felt his groin tighten. “So…Mr. Evans. When should we meet for our first tutoring session?”

“So say if that happened again, or something… then it wouldn’t technically be breaking the law or anything. Would it?”

“You’re not suggesting…”

“No. Of course not.” She said nonchalantly. A smile playing at the edge of her lips. “I wouldn’t dream of suggesting anything…Mr. Evans.”

Why did her saying his name like that make the room start spinning? He closed his eyes again.

She laughed and he felt his groin tighten. “So…Mr. Evans. When should we meet for our first tutoring session?”


~~

“I don’t believe it!” Willow exclaimed.

“You can’t tell anyone, Will. Not even Xander.”

“No, that would definitely be of the bad.” She agreed.

Buffy adjusted her sunglasses and reached for her soda. “I just had to tell someone. I know it’s weird and wrong and…”

“Hot?” Willow giggled as she reached for the sunscreen.

“Well yeah, that to.” Buffy grinned. “It’s just things are so confusing – he finally told me he likes me but then says we can’t do anything about it.”

“He’s right about the illegal thing though. Like, if your Mom found out she would kill you. And most probably him to.”

“But who says they would find out? It’s not like I’d broadcast it over breakfast is it?!”

“Secrets always come out sooner or later.” Willow said sagely. “And then you have the Angel factor. You’ve been crushing on him since ninth grade!”

“Nobody ever said anything about liking two guys at the same time.” Buffy sighed. “I’ve been without a boyfriend like, forever. And now two happen along at once.”

“Well, not really. One hot high school boyfriend and one scorching hot affair with your older next door neighbour.” Willow grinned. “I see how you could be conflicted here.”

Buffy poked out her tongue. “Yeah, I get all the luck don’t I?”

“You’re telling me.” Willow tilted her head towards William’s house.

Buffy followed her eye line and saw William looking down at them from the top window. His hair was tousled from sleep. She gave him a little wave with a girly smile. He waved back and promptly disappeared from view. The girls dissolved into giggles.

“I see why you picked that bikini.” Willow laughed.

Buffy grinned. She had chosen to sunbathe in the most revealing bikini she could find which happened to be a black two piece consisting of little more than three triangles.

“He is one hot specimen.” Willow sighed as she set about reapplying the factor fifty to her legs.

“He really is.”

“So what are you going to do?” Willow raised an eyebrow.

“Want, take, have.”

“What?” Willow was confused.

“That’s my New Year’s Resolution. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

~~

William had been preparing for their first tutoring session for the past four hours. He’d gathered his text books, prepared the stationery, put some nibbles out, chilled some juice and gotten changed. He’d started out in shorts and a t-shirt in honour of the continuing heat weave but decided he’d be safer if he put a fan on and wore some cotton slacks and a light shirt.

His next dilemma was identifying a work space. He usually went to his student’s house but with Buffy living only next door, it was easier if she came to him so he didn’t have to transport his books to and fro.

He didn’t have a dining area as such, he used the breakfast bar in the kitchen. And that wouldn’t be appropriate – plus it was a touch too small. His coffee table in the living room was rather large but it was low which would mean they would have to sit on the floor. And that would be rather informal and wouldn’t really promote the tutor/student relationship he had promised himself he would maintain.

He hadn’t seen Buffy since the night he had agreed to tutor her. That had been two nights ago. As much as he hated to admit it, her playful suggestion of more illicit activities at the window had interfered with his sleep. He’d spent both nights in his spare room – curtains open wide enough for a good view of her window. But each night, her curtains remained closed. Maybe he had misunderstood and she had merely been teasing him.

So much of what she had said had confused him. He had left more aroused and obsessed with her than he had been previously despite his protesting that their relationship remain both platonic and legal. His growing desire hadn’t been helped by the sight of her in her bikini the following day. Well, her almost-bikini.

He had been awake until 3am that night – unable to sate his desire even after coming three times… He’d been exhausted but not spent. The first time, the sheer anticipation of waiting for her to appear at the window had been enough to undo him. The second time, he’d lay in bed fighting for sleep unable to get the image of her in that bikini out of his mind. His hand had drifted to his cock and before he knew it, he was pumping his hips off the bed and roaring his release. It had been so intense, he’d almost blacked out. Usually, second time round, especially so quick after the first was more about the sensation but he’d soaked his sheets. Thankfully, he’d passed out shortly afterwards.

He’d fallen into a fitful sleep only to be awoken again an hour later by his unquenchable arousal. He was on his stomach, his cock hard and trapped between his torso and the mattress. The delicious friction between his skin and the cotton sheets had made him groan and before he knew it, he had started humping the mattress in earnest. He had felt his balls draw up to his body and halted his movement. When he’d felt composed he carried on thrusting his hips, sliding his hand under his stomach to swipe his thumb over weeping tip of his throbbing cock. Biting into the pillow, he’d pumped his hips harder relishing in the feel of his stomach slick with sweat and precum and the sheets damp and warm beneath him. Then he had remembered Buffy’s silent O of delight from three nights ago as his cock twitched and throbbed against the bed before releasing a hot, pulsing jet of cum.

He groaned at the memory of that night – he had been like a fifteen year old boy again. Something about Buffy brought out the boy in him. The horny, one track minded, insatiable boy…

A knock at the door disturbed his reverie. Shit. He anxiously adjusted his shirt in order to cover the tent in his pants before taking a deep breath and answering the door.

“Hi, Mr. Evans. Sorry, I’m a bit late. I hope you don’t mind if Willow joins us.” Buffy smiled.

William smiled back but it didn’t quite reach his eyes as he struggled to appear unphased by the recent development.

“It’s just that I’m really struggling with the latest assignment and Buffy said you would be able to give me a few pointers.” Willow explained hurriedly.

“Of course, I’d be glad to help.” He stepped back, inviting them in. Willow passed first giving him a tight, nervous smile. Buffy didn’t meet his eyes, instead brushing her hand against his groin as she passed. She gasped almost inaudibly as she felt the hardness he’d been trying to conceal. He felt smug then – girls get burnt when they play with fire.

He followed them into the living room and gestured to the cushions and coffee table. “Sorry for the lack of work space – we’ll have to make do with the coffee table for now until I can get a decent dining table.”

“It’s ok - we’re young and supple. I’m sure we can cope with sitting on the floor.” Buffy said, without batting an eyelash.

Willow coughed.

He watched them settle on to the pillows, taking out their books and notepads. Buffy was wearing a lemon sundress and sandals - very non-sexual. That was until she took out a lollipop. He became transfixed as he watched her unwrap it and raise it to her mouth, her tongue lapping at the candy before encompassing it in her hot little mouth.

“Juice?” he croaked before disappearing into the kitchen.

Buffy giggled and Willow rolled her eyes. Buffy stood and followed him to the kitchen. She found him leant over the counter, head bowed, hands braced wide apart. She placed her hands gently on his waist.

“Bloody hell!” He jumped and turned to her.

She popped the lollipop out of her mouth while she spoke. “Didn’t mean to alarm you. I came in to see if you… needed a hand?” She grinned.

William was tired of the games. He was about to combust. He grabbed her wrist, laying her hand on his cock. It was solid and it was throbbing.

She looked into his eyes, now a dark pool of blazing desire. She was amazed to watch his face transform as he started to rub her hand up and down over his hard on. Something low in her stomach began to tingle as she felt her own desire begin to rise… he was beautiful.

“I’d love a bloody hand…” He hissed, his eyes rolling at the delicious pressure from her palm.

She squeaked and jumped away at the sheer intensity and need in his voice. Her eyes were wide with surprise and sudden apprehension.

He chuckled but it wasn’t a nice sound. “Just as I thought. All mouth and no action. Bet you haven’t got the first clue what to do with a man.”

Tears welled in her eyes.

“Door!” Willow called through from the living room.

Without a second glance at Buffy, William stalked past her.

Shivering, Buffy rubbed at her shoulders unsure how to process what had just happened. Squeals from the hallway caught her attention and she went back to the living room. Willow was open mouthed. Buffy followed her gaze to see William enter the room with a brunette clung to him – legs around his waist and arms around his neck. She couldn’t catch sight of her face as her hair concealed both hers and William’s as they hugged.

Buffy coughed. Loudly.

William lifted the brunette and put her back onto her feet, laughing. “I do have company, pet.”

“Well so you do – my apologies ladies.” She slung her bag on the couch and shrugged off her jacket.

“Faith, meet Buffy and Willow. I’m tutoring them in History. Buffy, Willow, meet Faith – my very dear friend.”

Buffy smiled tightly. Very dear friend, my ass.

William lifted the brunette and put her back onto her feet, laughing. “I do have company, pet.”

“Well so you do – my apologies ladies.” She slung her bag on the couch and shrugged off her jacket.

“Faith, meet Buffy and Willow. I’m tutoring them in History. Buffy, Willow, meet Faith – my very dear friend.”

Buffy smiled tightly. Very dear friend, my ass.

~~

“Hell – it’s like 95 degrees outside and you’re doing a tutoring session?” Faith was looking incredulously at William. “Oh, and hello by the way.” She beamed at Willow and Buffy who were in turn, looking slightly incredulous at her.

Buffy couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Faith, William’s friend was dressed in a white tube top, indigo denim cutoffs and skyscraper heels. She practically oozed sex and she was oozing it all over William. She looked down at her lemon sundress, embarrassed at how young she must appear.

“I’m afraid studying doesn’t stop for a heatwave.” William said with a tight smile, willing Faith to go unpack. “Besides, it’s been like this for over a week now.”

“It’s a Friday night and you’re chaining these poor girls to the History books.” Faith shook her head. “Please tell me that isn’t how you usually spend your nights, Will? Chaining up teenage girls.” She winked at William who coughed loudly.

No, I usually spend them dreaming of chaining Buffy to my bedposts… He visibly flushed as she playfully punched him in the arm. “Look, I’m sorry to interfere with the merriment you have planned but it’s hardly a way to welcome your oldest and dearest friend is it?” She raised an eyebrow, pointedly.

The way she said friend made Buffy’s shoulders tense.

“I thought you were getting in later tonight, that’s why!” William exclaimed. If truth be told, he had never been more relieved to see her, even if she was a little early. He usually visited her, due to the fact her Mom lived five doors down from his Aunt Amy in Brooklyn, but he decided that a visit to his place was long overdue. She’d never asked if she could visit but her joy at receiving the invitation made him feel almost guilty he hadn’t invited her sooner.

Faith laughed. “And here’s me thinking it’d be a nice surprise. Look, I’m gonna go take a shower whilst you release your hostages. Then we can go out and play, yeah?”

He cast a sideways glance at Buffy whose eyes were practically bugging out of her head at the exchange. Maybe Faith’s idea wasn’t a bad one after all… “Oh, alright then. Considering you asked so nicely.”

Faith pulled out her tongue as she picked up her bag and slung her jacket over her arm. “You don’t have to thank me girls – I’m just doing my bit to salvage your social calendars. Besides, a night with tall, blonde and boring probably doesn’t figure high on the list of things to do before you die.” She winked at them and swatted William’s bottom as she walked past.

“Oi!” He couldn’t help but smirk at Faith’s brazenness. She was a law unto herself. And she had certainly done a good job of riling up Buffy who was now directing a daggered stare at him.

“Friend huh?” She wasn’t happy.

“Leaving now.” Willow edged round them and closed the front door quietly behind her as she left.

“What’s your problem now?” William sighed.

“She is my problem.” She put her hands on her hips. “Friends don’t grope your ass.”

“Just like neighbours don’t flaunt themselves at their bedroom windows. She is nothing to you. She is nothing to do with this.”

“And what is this?” She hissed.

“This is you acting like a brat because you can’t get your own way. This is you trying to be a grown up in the real world when you should be studying for your History exam on Wednesday. This is me, getting on with my life and forgetting the fact that any of this… us… happened.”

“Oh, I get it. Now Slut-O-Rama has arrived on the scene, you don’t want me anymore. And don’t try to tell me it’s not true.” Her eyes welled with tears.

He gripped her arms then, pulling her face into his. “Buffy, you are seventeen years old. I may want you, I may lay awake night thinking of how much I’d like to have you… but I can’t. It’s wrong and it can’t go on. It’s making me insane. And the fact that you seem determined to seduce me doesn’t make me think any better of you. It just reminds me of how young you actually are.”

Buffy turned her head, as though she’d been slapped. His words had hit home and she realised at that moment how stupid she’d been. “You’re right.”

“What?” His brow furrowed, his voice surprised.

“You’re right. I know what you’re saying makes sense. I really do. I’ll leave you alone if that’s what you want.” Her voice cracked.

“No, don’t be so bloody daft! I’m just asking you to cut out the games, the innuendo… I still want to tutor you Buffy. I want to help you pass this year and I want to be your friend. You know you can talk to me about anything.” He rubbed his hands up and down her forearms trying to soothe away the pain he was causing her.

She looked back at him then, searching his eyes for a hint of hope. What she saw was good intentions and genuine concern. It softened the rejection she had been stung with but served only to break her heart when she realised exactly what she had thrown away by acting so stupidly. “Thank you.”

“What for?” He smoothed her hair back from her face, the sight of tears tracking down her cheeks almost undoing his resolve. This wasn’t about lust now, this was something else. Why did it feel like his heart was snapping in two?

“For being so understanding and for being so nice to me. You don’t have to. We can forget the whole thing.” She stepped back, bending to collect her bag and Willow’s that she had discarded in her hurry to escape. “It’ll be like it never happened.”

“No, it’ll be like two adults who have overcome a misunderstanding… a difficulty even… who are not going to let it effect their friendship.”

She smiled then, a half smile but a smile nonetheless.

William felt a wave of calm sweep over him. He was getting through to her at last.

“Yeah. I like the sound of that.” They stood staring at each other. A few moments feeling like an eternity. “You’ve released your hostage, William.”

The door clicked shut behind her.

“No, it’ll be like two adults who have overcome a misunderstanding… a difficulty even… who are not going to let it effect their friendship.”

She smiled then, a half smile but a smile nonetheless.

William felt a wave of calm sweep over him. He was getting through to her at last.

“Yeah. I like the sound of that.” They stood staring at each other. A few moments feeling like an eternity. “You’ve released your hostage, William.”

The door clicked shut behind her.

~~

A Week Later…

“You’ve got to be bloody kidding me!”

“What’s up bleach boy? Are you to old to engage in what we young people like to call fun?” Faith prodded Spike’s shoulder.

It was late Friday afternoon and they were sat in a coffee shop in the Sunnydale Mall discussing the up and coming event that was the Dress To Impress Night at The Bronze. It was a fancy dress gimmick night to relaunch the local nightspot and to promote some local bands.

“It’ll be full of lairy teenagers is what it’ll be!” He spluttered. “Besides…”

“Yeah, yeah – you don’t really know anyone around here. I mean how long have you lived here now?”

“Few years.” He mumbled into his mocha as Faith shook her head.

“Then maybe it’s about time we changed that. Besides, I’m your guest and you should be showing your guest a good time.” She waggled her eyebrow suggestively, winding her ankle around his under the table.

William couldn’t help but laugh. They hadn’t been together for six years now but amazingly, their friendship hadn’t diminished, it had only strengthened. He was aware that some people may be confused by their interaction but the top and bottom of it was they were just that comfortable with each other. “Fine, fine…”

“And it won’t be just teenagers – look!” She pulled the flyer out of her bag and pushed it across the table. “3 for 2 on all shots. Now that’s gonna attract those over 21’s is it not? It screams hot and sexy singles night.”

“I wouldn’t go that far – and since when –” William about to take a sip of coffee, paused with his cup midway to his mouth. “Oh come on, you’re not seriously thinking of pulling a bloke are you?”

Faith tsked and waved her hands giggling. “Perhaps!! But I was more thinking of you… you must get awful lonely in your little house with your little students and no friends or woman shapes to keep you company.”

“Now I know you’re soddin’ trippin’.” He knew Faith had his best interests at heart but despite his numerous flings he had no real desire for company of the woman or friend variety. And even then, the closest he’d been to getting laid in the past three months had been Buffy… and he didn’t really think he could count that given the circumstances.

He nodded along as Faith continued her ‘set up William’ plan as he let his mind wander to Buffy. He’d seen her twice since they cleared the air last Friday – once on Sunday when they had bumped into each on the drive. He had been out to get milk and she was on her way to Willow’s. It had been a brief and awkward exchange about the weather but at least they had communicated instead of hiding or running away from each other.

The next time they had met had been Wednesday morning. She was waiting at the curb for her lift to school. He had asked her if she was ok and she had said she was fine. She had enquired about Faith and he had given her an update on Faith’s plans (which currently were to spend the next month hanging out in the ‘Dale as she called it).

He had asked Buffy about rescheduling her tutor session and they had agreed that the tutoring would continue the following Monday and every Monday from then on. Before he could ask her about school, Angel had pulled up on the drive. He had given William a lazy wave and a lazy smile. Buffy, rather awkwardly, said her goodbyes and hopped into the ’67 Plymouth. As Angel had leaned over to kiss Buffy, he had turned away – his stomach knotted inside. What the hell was wrong with him? He tried to suppress the excitement that welled inside him when he conjured the image of her in a skirt that he would have thought too short to wear for school…

“So? You up for it?” Faith kicked him in the shin.

“Sorry – what?”

“So nice to see that I have your undivided attention. Pray tell what does distract you so?” She mocked.

“Nothing – really. Just tired, that’s all.”

“Hmm, sure. Whatever – you missed my grand plan.”

“What’s that then?” He looked at her, challenging.

“Well – if we’re gonna go to this thing we are going to have to Dress To Impress as the name suggests… so I say we take advantage of the two and a half hours of shopping time we have left and track down some costumes!”

“Woah woah woah – I didn’t even agree to go yet – let alone dress up!”

“That’s the whole point of the damned do! Come as you aren’t. So that’s exactly what we’re going to do.” She winked.

“Oh bugger, I’m screwed aren’t I?”

“Not yet but you may well end up that way!!”

They both laughed. William was surprised at how good it felt to be in Faith’s company. She was a cure for his ills. Maybe he’d get over Buffy after all – with a little help from his friend!

“Hey, Buffy isn’t it?” Faith said, looking over his shoulder.

He span round to see Buffy stood behind him, her arm wrapped around Angel’s waist. They were both laden with bags, clearly in the throes of a successful shopping trip.

“Hello, Buffy. Angel.” He used every ounce of willpower he had to urge the corners of his mouth upward. To see them together like this made something inside him twist, painfully.

“A girl after my own heart you are – look at all the goodies!” Faith laughed.

“Yeah, there’s at least three shoe sales on at the moment – and I’ve taken full advantage!” Buffy giggled.

“And so you should – a girl has to have good shoes! And besides your timing couldn’t be better – I’ve been trying to persuade William here to come to the shindig at the Bronze tomorrow night.”

Buffy looked at William playfully. “Is it not going to be past your bedtime?”

Angel chuckled and squeezed Buffy’s hip.

Faith covered her mouth to hide her smirk. “That’s exactly where I’m coming from.”

William frowned. Unhappy at Buffy’s jibe and the fact that he was clearly being ganged up on, he did what came naturally. He pouted.

“Aw, shucks – did we upset your delicate disposition?” Faith asked, rubbing her leg against his to reassure him she was kidding.

Buffy saw the intimate touching and coughed. Feeling a stab of guilt at her discomfort he decided to swallow his pride and his common sense. “Nah, I’m just jestin’ with you. Maybe you’re right – we should go.”

“Hallelujah!” Faith stood and bowed before him. “Now before you change your mind, I am taking you shopping for a costume.”

Angel snorted. “What are you going to go as? Billy Idol?”

Before he could turn to respond to Angel’s insult, Faith sat back down and linked her hand through his. “You know what – that aint a half bad idea.” She smiled up at Angel to defuse the tension emanating from William. “What are you going as Buffy?”

“Not sure yet – we’re grabbing some snacks before we hit the costume shops.” She eyed their interlocked hands with jealousy.

Misconstruing Faith’s comforting gesture for a brazen display of intimacy, Buffy rested her head on Angel’s shoulder. She knew that it was for the best – that friendship was the flavour of the menu forever more but if she’d really only wanted to jump his bones, why did her gut gurgle at the sight of a girl holding his hand? Not girl. Woman.

She eyed Faith as her and William continued their banter over a Billy Idol costume, realising that she had never really stood a chance. Not when William could attract women like Faith. Faith was practically her opposite – brunette, pale skinned, ultra curvy and ultra confident. She was also damned likeable and despite her envying Faith’s relationship with William, she felt at ease in her company. Double dammit.

“Right, we’re gonna go order – we’ll see you round!” Buffy said, all too cheerfully.

“Sure thing, B.”

“Bye Buffy.” William smiled and turned back to Faith.

Guiding Angel by the waist, Buffy led him to a booth on the other side of the shop. William screwed his brows together as he watched Angel squeeze her ass as they slid into the booth.

“Are you ok, honey?” Angel asked as they arranged their bags under the table.

“Hm.” Buffy nodded distractedly.

“That Faith is certainly something isn’t she?” He looked at her carefully.

“What?” Buffy said sharply.

“She’s a breath of fresh air in this stale old town. I reckon she’ll do stuffy old Willy some good.” He laughed.

“Yeah, I’m sure she will. Can I have a Latte and a Blueberry Muffin?”

“Whatever you want, darling.” He kissed the top of her head before stepping up to the counter.

Across the room, Faith tapped William’s foot with her own. “Earth to bleach boy?”

“Sorry, love. Just watching that Angel ponce.”

“Switching teams now are we?”

“Ha bloody ha. No, it’s just he’s a soddin’ prick and Buffy could do so much better.”

“He seems just dandy to me.” She mused.

“Oh, he’s a charmer alright.”

From across the room, William watched them over Faith’s shoulder. His eyes met Buffy’s and suddenly the world around them slowed. The coffee shop was a blur at the periphery of his vision – the centre of his world, those emerald green eyes.

Breathless, held at the mercy of his sapphire gaze, she felt a tingle run up her spine.

He tilted his head towards the toilet before standing up and bending down to whisper something to Faith. She nodded and headed for the counter to pay the tab whilst William ducked through the WC door.

Buffy, seeing that Angel had struck up some dialogue with Faith, slid out of the booth and headed towards the WC. The door closed behind her, trapping out the noise of the coffee shop and sealing her inside a small corridor with two doors – men’s and women’s. Before she could make an about turn and retreat, the men’s door opened and William yanked her inside.

“What the?” Buffy squawked as William placed a hand over her mouth.

“Don’t. Please. Let me say what I have to say.”

She nodded, her eyes wide, her pulse pounding in her temples. He had pushed her against the tiled wall next to the hand dryer. If she glanced sideways, she could catch their reflection in the mirror. And it was a hot one…

Leaning over her as she relaxed against the wall he took a deep breath. “I just want you to know that no matter what you saw out there, Faith and I are not together. I know it made you uncomfortable but that’s just how we are – we’ve been friends for a long time and that’s just how we interact. I don’t want you thinking that I’m trying to rub your face in it or make you jealous.”

Buffy nodded, her arms automatically reaching for William’s waist to steady herself. He hissed a little as he felt her hot hands burn through the thin cotton of his shirt. She gasped into his palm at his reaction, her mind racing to unravel what was going on.

“I know what I said on Friday. And I stand by it, I do. But please, do me the courtesy of not using Angel to get at me.”

She frowned then, eyes sparking with the beginnings of anger.

“I know you think you like him and it’s seen to be cool to be dating him in high school but Buffy, he’s a bloody tosser and he’s only after one thing.”

She pushed back from the wall, yanking his hand from her mouth. “Oh, isn’t that just ironic huh? Get over yourself! I like Angel. Like really. Sure, he fancies the ass of me and why shouldn’t he? You seem to like my ass yourself! The difference is William, I can have him. I can’t have you. So please, do me the courtesy of not luring me to scabby restrooms to feed me your unique brand of bullshit!”

Stunned at her sudden outburst, he stood slack jawed as she shoved past him and back out into the coffee shop.

“Bloody, buggering bollocks!!!!” He roared before slamming his fist into the hand dryer.

She pushed back from the wall, yanking his hand from her mouth. “Oh, isn’t that just ironic huh? Get over yourself! I like Angel. Like really. Sure, he fancies the ass off me and why shouldn’t he? You seem to like my ass yourself! The difference is William, I can have him. I can’t have you. So please, do me the courtesy of not luring me to scabby restrooms to feed me your unique brand of bullshit!”

Stunned at her sudden outburst, he stood slack jawed as she shoved past him and back out into the coffee shop.

“Bloody, buggering bollocks!!!!” He roared before slamming his fist into the hand dryer.


~~

“Buffy, are you sure about this?”

“Absolutely! It’s like the best idea I think I’ve ever had.”

“Well, erm – maybe not the best…” Willow frowned at her reflection in the mirror.

“You look stunning, Will! Really.” Buffy rested her head on Willow’s shoulder. “Trust me, we’ll be the best dressed by a mile. Nobody would ever have thought of this in a million years.”

“Do you not think there may be a reason for that?” Willow asked worriedly.

A cough came from Buffy’s bedroom doorway.

“Well, don’t you look all hot and macho?!”

“You say that like I don’t usually look hot and macho.”

Buffy and Willow snorted.

“You mock me with your silence.” Xander stepped into the room and perched himself on the edge of the bed. “Where is the haloed hero?”

“If you mean Angel, he’s on his way.” Buffy reapplied her lipstick at her dresser whilst Willow continued to spin in front of the mirror. “Willow, will you just relax?”

“Easy for you to say. This look is kinda new for me.” She tugged at the hemline of her skirt.

“You look hot, Will. End of.” Xan piped up.

Buffy looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He looked at the carpet, a flush colouring his cheeks. Now that’s one to watch…

~~

As they stepped into the club, the crowd at the door parted to let them through. Usually, it was a barge your way past kinda deal but their costumes seemed to stun them into being polite.

Before they could make their way to a table, Cordelia Chase and her two friends, Harmony and Verity appeared in front of them. They were dressed as Charlie’s Angels.

“Well, look what we have here. Does your mother know about your new profession Willow?” She smirked as her friends giggled behind her.

“Back off, Cordy.” Angel stepped in front of Buffy.

“So it’s true. Angel the hot shot jock sold out his friends to hang out with the Geek Freaks.”

“No. But isn’t it true that you sold out Harmony to sleep with Devon behind her back?”

Harmony screeched. “You did what?”

Grabbing Buffy’s elbow, he guided her around the squealing crowd looking back to make sure Willow and Xander had also made it past them. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s ok honey, thank you for sticking up for us.” Buffy tilted her head up to kiss him on the cheek.

“Yeah, much appreciated. One of these days, one of my snappy come backs will find a way out of my mouth in time to hit her right between the eyes.” Xander seethed as Angel patted him on the back.

“And don’t you even say anything Willow – you look beautiful.” Buffy smiled comfortingly at her friend.

“Not as beautiful as you though.” Angel whispered in her ear.

She wound her arm round his waist underneath his leather jacket. “You look pretty hot yourself.”

“I gotta admit, I’m kinda liking this outfit.” He laughed. “But I like yours more…” He smoothed his hand over her ass, which was covered in tight, black lycra.

“Well if it aint Sandy and Danny!” Faith slapped Angel on the back as she rounded up at the side of them. “And can I just say B, killer outfit!”

“Thanks!” Buffy beamed. “You to!”

Faith was dressed up as Batgirl – full on black PVC dress, cape and thigh high black boots. “Just a little something I threw together.” She winked. She cast her eyes over Buffy’s friends. “Yo, Rizzo and Kenickie huh?”

Willow nodded dumbly, tugging at her hemline whilst smiling awkwardly. Xander, dumb struck by Faith’s outfit made a gurgling noise of agreement.

“Willow and Xander.” Buffy introduced.

“Nice to meet you.” She nodded at Willow. “Chill, you look awesome.”

“Thanks.” Willow managed a genuine smile along with a sigh of relief.

“Where’s William?” Buffy asked, peering round Faith almost hopefully.

“Parking up. He’s precious about his motor.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m gonna hit the bar then the dance floor. See you guys out there later perhaps?”

“Sure.”

“Holy hell Buff, who was that?” Xander stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Faith as she wove her way through the crowd.

“That’s William’s friend, Faith. She’s staying with him a while.”

“Dammit.” Xander cursed.

“Oh, they’re not together like that.” Buffy added hurriedly.

“But they oughta be. Will is blind if he doesn’t think that she is one hot piece of ass.”

“Angel!” Buffy dug him in the ribs.

“Sorry, just stating a fact. But she’s not my type. You’re my type.” He ducked his head to kiss her.

“Right guys, bar for us to I think? You get us a table.” Xander said loudly and linked arms with Willow before dragging her off into the crowd.

~~

“Look, Buffy – Karaoke Competition!” Willow shrieked excitedly, showing Buffy the flyer she had picked up from the bar.

“No way, nah ah.” Buffy shook her head.

“Come on Buff, it’ll be fun! You’ve got a great voice! You could win this easily.”

“We dressed up already, please don’t tell me we have to sing to.” Angel whined.

“No, it’s not compulsory but if you’re fancy dress matches your song and you’re good then you could win double the prize money that they would give to just a good singer.”

“I thought this was about promoting the club and new bands?” Angel said, peering at the flyer.

“It is but the bands need a break sometime ya know. It’s a forty five minute slot starting at 9pm and they’re taking sign ups at the bar.” Willow was so enthused it was difficult not to get swept along.

“How much is the prize money?” Buffy asked.

“Well, if you sang something from Grease and you won, you’d get $100. But if you sang something that wasn’t related to your costume you’d win $50.”

“Go you with the fast Math.” Xander quipped earning himself a kick in the shin.

“Ok, I say let’s do it!” Buffy bounced in her chair.

“What exactly is in that Cola?” Angel asked Willow.

“Come on, don’t be so uptight.” Buffy grinned at him.

Angel shrugged and remained silent. Willow and Xander felt the tension and raised their eyebrows at each other. They’d heard about Angel’s temperament but until now, figured it was a myth. They couldn’t really fault him and how attentive he’d been to Buffy since they’d started dating. Truth be told, they’d been too caught up with hanging out with someone from the cool crowd that they hadn’t really seen this coming.

“What’s wrong?” Buffy asked him, confused.

“Nothing. Go ahead, have fun. I’m going out for a cigarette.” Angel kicked his chair back and disappeared out of sight.

“Forget him, Buffy. He just doesn’t know how good you are! I say get up there and show them what you got!” Xander thumped the table. “Well, not exactly what you got, the metaphorical what you got.”

“I get ya.” Willow grinned.

“You’re right. I won’t let this ruin my night. He’ll be back soon anyway and all will be fine. Now, where’s that Karaoke Catalogue?” Buffy grinned.

~~


Buffy felt her stomach knot in anticipation of taking the stage. Ever since she had signed up for a slot, she had been wondering what the hell she was doing. Was the possibility of $100 worth her first row with Angel? It had been twenty minutes since he’d gone outside.

After ten minutes, she’d ventured out to look for him. She’d found him with his jock buddies chain smoking around the corner. When she had asked him if he was going to come in to see her sing, he’d given her his most charming smile, a knee trembling kiss and said he’d follow her in. But he hadn’t. She knew it wasn’t his scene but she’d appreciated the effort he’d gone to in dressing up for her.

Sure, he’d gone along with the idea of the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds but she figured that was more to do with the fact he already had his own leather jacket and white t-shirt. It had been her that had had to go searching for the perfect pants and jacket as well as spending two hours trying to get her hair just right.

It wasn’t just the issue with Angel that had made her doubt her sanity. She realised that she hadn’t seen William yet apart from the top of his bleached head bobbing through the crowd. What would he think of her singing?

Giving herself a mental shake, she decided she didn’t care what William or Angel thought of her singing. Faith had been right, she was in a killer outfit, she could hold a decent note and she was going to sing a wicked song. Screw them if they wanted to bring her down, she’d show them!

“You’re next Buffy!” Willow hissed excitedly as the act before her on the list left the stage. “Are you sure about the song?”

“Most definitely.”

“Can a Miss. Buffy Summers please come to the stage?” The DJ shouted into the crowd.

Buffy meandered through the throng of people at the front of the stage and her way up the steps on the left. Catcalls and whistles pierced her ears as she felt a flush rising in her cheeks.

“Let’s give it up for Buffy!” The DJ warmed up the crowd before passing her the mic. She could see all the way to the back of the club from here – Willow and Xander had stood on a nearby sofa cheering and waving.

Before she could seek out Angel or William, the guitar chords kicked in and she was swept away with the moment.

If you really want to know
What I want in a guy...
Well, I'm lookin' for a dream on a mean machine
With hell in his eyes.

She strutted from the left of the stage to the right and back again, tossing her hair over her shoulder and swinging her hips.

I want a devil in skin tight leather,
And he's gonna be wild as the wind.
And one fine night, I'll be holdin' on tight...

Kicking the chair from the back of the stage to the front, she swung her leg over it, holding on to the back as she simulated riding it.

To a coooool rider, a coooool rider.
If he's cool enough,
He can burn me through and through.

The crowd were going wild. Buffy had never felt more exhilarated in her entire life. She wasn’t a fourteen year old singing in front of her mirror anymore, she was a woman singing on stage to a crowd of very adoring men… And one adoring man in particular had fought his way to the front of the crowd.

Whhoa ohhhh
If it takes forever,
Then I'll wait forever.
No ordinary boy,
No ordinary boy is gonna do.
I want a rider that's cool.

His eyes burned blue fire as he watched the goddess before him. Buffy blinked as she caught sight of the man in eyeliner and ripped jeans at the foot of the stage. Oh god. He’d bleached his hair a paler blonde, his blue eyes lined with kohl. His jeans, ripped to expose the corded muscles of his thighs and his sleeveless shirt baring the strength evident in the shape of his arms… She almost forgot the lyrics… but not quite. Their exchange from the day before came rushing back making her all the more defiant and all the more high on adrenaline.

That's the way it's gonna be,
And that's the way that I feel.
I want a whole lot more than the boy next door,
I want hell on wheels.

Kicking away the stool, she turned her back to the crowd to look over her shoulder as she wiggled her ass right in William’s eyeline.

Just give me a fine motorcycle,
With a man growin' out of the seat.
And move aside, cause I'm gonna ride...

For the rest of the song, William remained at the foot of the stage watching her intently. Where had this vixen come from? If only he’d kept his mouth shut yesterday, they’d be talking and… maybe something else. Buffy refused to meet his eyes as she walked off the stage as he helplessly watched her melt away into the mass of people.

“Buffy, that was made of awesome!” Willow threw her arms around Buffy’s neck. “If you don’t win after that, then it’s a travesty!”

“She means it would suck.” Xander added. “And I second that motion. You were one buff Buff up there.”

Buffy grinned and slapped his shoulder. “You know what, I really enjoyed myself.”

“So did the male population of Sunnydale.” Xander nodded towards the bar where the male contingent was now focusing their attention on their table.

“Way to kick it, B!” Faith came over clapping wildly. “That was fan-fuckin-tastic.”

“Really?” For some reason, the scrutiny of Faith embarrassed her – especially as Faith was self assured and confident and hot and curvy and friends with William…

“Hell yeah. That $100 is yours. There’s no way Will can top that, I’m sure.”

“What?” Buffy’s eyes practically bugged out of her head.

“Well, Mr. Dull and Dreary has decided he’s going to relive his youth and decided it’d be a smart idea to sign up for the singing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for fun and frolicking in costumes but I think he’s having a quarter life crisis or something.”

“Is he any good?”

“You tell me, B! I’m biased!”

Before Buffy could reply, the stage was plunged into darkness and the DJ called for quiet.

“Ladies, gents, gals and guys… for one night and one night only, I introduce to you Billy. Billy Idol!”

The crowd erupted into cheers as the familiar guitar and keyboard riffs kicked in. Oh he’s really not…

Last night a little dancer came dancin' to my door
Last night a little angel came pumpin cross my floor
She said "Come on baby I got a licence for love
And if it expires pray help from above."

Buffy stood fish mouthed in the centre of the club as she watched William slide from one side of the stage of the other. He licked his mic intermittently and rubbed at his already ruffled his hair… As the verse reached its crescendo he dropped to his knees and thrust his hips wildly at the crowd.

“Erm – Buffy?” Willow tapped her shoulder.

“I see it.” Buffy croaked. And it’s hot…

In the midnight hour she cried- "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell she cried - "more, more, more"
In the midnight hour babe - "more, more, more"
With a rebel yell - "more, more, more"
More, more, more.

She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The sight of his muscles flexing through the rips of his jeans and the way he was gyrating was sending her senses into overload. How could this be the same William who lived in cotton shirts and slacks?

“Did he really used to dress up like this?” Buffy shouted over the music.

“Yeah, he dressed like that for six years straight. He sang to. He had his own band in college. And here’s me thinking he’d forgotten how to have fun!” Faith screamed as he bounced around the stage stroking his own ass and running his hand up and down his chest before cupping his groin.

I'd sell my soul for you babe
For money to burn with you
I'd give you all, and have none, babe
Just, just, justa, justa to have you here by me

For a moment, his eyes locked with Buffy’s and the world fell away around them. As the song finished and he took a bow, the crowd screamed and stamped their feet for more.

“I think we have a winner folks!” The DJ appeared next to William. “Congratulations William Evans!”

He graciously accepted the cash with a smile and a wave before jumping off the stage. Carving his way through the crowd he stopped in front of Buffy and Faith.

“Hallelujah honey, that was fucking amazing! I thought you’d forgotten how to have fun, let alone move like that!” Faith hugged him tightly.

“Yeah well, there’s life in the old dog yet.” He looked over Faith’s shoulder to Buffy. They didn’t need to say a word. With a nod and a smile, the air was cleared.

“Right then old man, what’s say I drink you under this table now?” Faith linked his arm.

“I think I’m gonna head off now. Old codger like me needs my beauty sleep right?” He looked hard at Buffy.

“Spoilt sport! How about you Xan – care to show a girl a good time?” She ran her hand up Xander’s arm.

“Don’t be mean to the boy.” William chided.

“Just messin’ with ya!” Faith patted Xander’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t want to go round corrupting the young and impressionable! Catch ya later Will.” With a toss of her hair, she turned and vanished into the swarm of people migrating to the bar.

“Shut your mouth Xan. You’re catching flies.” Willow whispered loudly.

William coughed. “I’m off. See you round.” From a nearby stool, he collected his floor length leather duster before heading to the exit.

“Well, aint he an enigma.” Xander mused.

“Uh huh. I’m gonna go outside, see if I can find Angel.”

Wrapping her leather jacket around herself tightly, she stepped outside the Bronze into the chilled night air. Besides the odd stragglers arriving late or people leaving early, the street was empty.

Sighing, she shifted from one foot to the other trying to decide whether she should go back inside to her friends or call Angel from a payphone. He should really be chasing after her considering the way he had acted tonight but evidently, he didn’t seem to agree having chosen to disappear early instead. He hadn’t even seen her sing.

Turning to go back inside, she stilled at the roar of a motor growing closer. Maybe this was Angel coming to pick her up and apologise. Tyres screeched at the end of the block as a black motorcycle rounded the corner, heading towards the Bronze. Dust flew in the air as it skidded 180 in front of her.

“Will this do, pet?”

Turning to go back inside, she stilled at the roar of a motor growing closer. Maybe this was Angel coming to pick her up and apologise. Tyres screeched at the corner of the block as a black motorcycle rounded the corner, heading towards the Bronze. Dust flew in the air as it skidded 180 in front of her.

“Will this do, pet?”

“Well...” Buffy stuttered nervously, eyes wide.

“You chits aint half hard to please.” He rolled his eyes and held out his hand. “Hop on.”

She took his hand and gingerly climbed onto the back of the bike. It purred beneath her as she settled in close to William, wrapping her arms automatically round his waist. “Where are we going?”

“Where do you want to go?”

Buffy could feel his back tense in anticipation of her answer. She’d assumed he was taking her home but his open ended question created a multitude of possibilities.

“Anywhere. Somewhere that’s else.” She rubbed her cheek against the soft leather of his duster and closed her eyes.

With a wheel spin and a roar of the throttle, they headed for the town border.

~~

Buffy didn’t know how long they had been riding but as soon as they had passed the Sunnydale exit sign, she had felt a weight lift from her shoulders; a weight she didn’t know she had been carrying. Clinging to William, she used his back as a shield from the wind as they advanced through the winding roads of a neighbouring town.

He’d been very considerate of her apparent nerves, sticking to the strict speed limits and taking extra care on the bends. Her hands were interlocked on his stomach, just above the waist of his jeans. The feel of her body pressed so intimately to his back made it a necessity that he take special care for fear she would distract him completely.

“Are you alright?” He slowed down a little so he could be heard over the growl of the engine.

He felt her nod against his back and her hands tighten a little at his waist. Accelerating slightly as they exited another town, he turned his focus back to the road. He had no idea where they were going, let alone what had possessed him to take the route out of town but he knew the further they got from Sunnydale, everything else seemed to matter less. No Angel, no Joyce, no friends, no awkward ‘appropriate’ behaviour. Just them.

Buffy leant back, shaking her head as she much as she dare to whilst travelling at 100kph, to clear stray wisps of hair from her eyes. The world was suddenly open to her, the boundary walls had been torn down and she was clutching a man who she had desired for so long that her body ached with the rumble of the engine between her legs.

Suddenly, a fork of lightening pierced the twilight followed closely by a long rumble of thunder. Buffy squealed. William squeezed the throttle hard as they hurtled round several bends in quick succession. Big splotches of rain began to fall, dousing them and the already slick tarmac. Ahead, like an oasis in the heart of a desert, lights burned in the windows of what appeared to be a hotel.

Skidding the motorcycle into the parking lot, William jumped off to help Buffy stand.

“My legs are like jelly.” She shouted over the now pounding rain.

Without bothering to seek her permission, he scooped her into his arms and took off at a run towards the entrance. He deposited her carefully back onto her feet, keeping a hand on her elbow to ensure she was steady. “Sorry about that, didn’t want you to get any wetter than you already were.”

Buffy winked at him and poked out her tongue. “Your eyeliner is running.”

“So is yours!” He laughed using his thumb to wipe clean the delicate skin underneath her eyes.

Looking around, Buffy noticed that they were stood in the entrance hall of a rather expensive looking hotel. “Um, William?”

“It’s nice isn’t it?” He rubbed her arm to help soothe away the goose bumps as he looked around for a member of staff.

“It sure is but I think we’re kinda outta place, don’t you?” She whispered and looked pointedly at their costumes and bedraggled appearance.

Before he could answer, they were approached by a man in staff uniform. “Welcome to the San Ynez Hotel. Can I help you at all?” Contrary to Buffy’s expectations, the man seemed very jovial and friendly and did not pay any attention to their less than desirable appearance.

“Yes, we were rather hoping we could shelter here for an hour or so until the storm passes. You were the first place we came across to pull in. We can’t really carry on riding in this weather.” William gestured to the motorcycle in the lot. He slipped his hand into Buffy’s, grateful that he looked a little younger than his years and she looked a little older than hers.

“You’ll be very lucky, sir, if that storm clears tonight. Have you not seen the reports? It’s expected to last the night and much of tomorrow.”

“Then I guess we’ll be here a bit longer than an hour then.” William chuckled, squeezing Buffy’s palm in order to suppress the panic he was sure she must be feeling.

“Indeed. We do have available accommodation if you wish to spend the night.” He gestured towards the reception desk.

“Give us a minute.” William smiled politely, tugging a shivering Buffy over to a couch situated in front of a roaring open fire.

“What are we going to do? Mom will have an aneurysm.” Buffy fought to speak through chattering teeth.

“Call Willow and tell her you’ve gone home because you’re unwell. Call your Mom and tell her you’re staying at Willow’s.”

“But…”

“Look, you can’t speak because you’re shivering so much. And you heard what that bloke said, it’s on for the night. I’m not risking going out again now, the roads will be treacherous.”

“But what about-” Thunder cracked loudly overhead. Buffy visibly jumped. “I’m not a huge fan of storms.”

“Don’t you worry about anything alright? I’ll take care of things.” William looked at her intently, trying to figure out what was causing her so much anxiety.

“What about rooms? Do we, you know, together or do we get separate ones?”

“I was going to suggest a deluxe suite. Same room, different beds. That way, I can make sure you’re well looked after and you still get to keep your dignity.” He winked and stroked her cheek with the tips of his fingers. She shivered again but this time, not from the cold.

“How did we get here?” Buffy whispered, lost once more in the depths of his cerulean gaze.

“I don’t know.” William leant forward, resting his forehead against hers. “You said you wanted to go anywhere, so I hit the throttle and kept going.”

“I like it here.” Buffy smiled.

“So do I.” William smiled back at her.

“How did we get here?” Buffy whispered, lost once more in the depths of his cerulean gaze.

“I don’t know.” William leant forward, resting his forehead against hers. “You said you wanted to go anywhere, so I hit the throttle and kept going.”

“I like it here.” Buffy smiled.

“So do I.” William smiled back at her.

~~

“We’ll take a Double Deluxe Queen Suite, if that’s possible.”

“Of course, sir.” The receptionist scrutinised her computer screen as Buffy's eyes bugged.

“That sounds expensive.” She hissed.

“That’ll be $350, sir.”

William plucked his wallet out of the rear pocket in his jeans and slid his Visa card across the desk with a smile. He extended his arm to coax Buffy into his embrace. He knew she was anxious and no doubt the cost of the room had done nothing to soothe her nerves. She relaxed a little into his shoulder as the receptionist processed the payment.

“Your payment has been processed. Other items purchased throughout the duration of your stay will be billed to your room and will require settlement upon departure. Your room number is 303 and is located on the third floor.” She smiled a beaming smile as she handed over the room key. “Enjoy your stay here at the San Ynez Hotel.”

“I’m sure we will.” He gave Buffy a reassuring squeeze. “Come on, you.”

~~

As they weaved their way through the plushly carpeted corridors to their room, William rested his hand lightly on Buffy’s elbow. She wasn’t shivering half as much but she looked a little like a rabbit caught in headlights. The bravado filled temptress had gone and a nervous, seventeen year old girl remained. And god help him, he wanted this girl as much as he wanted the temptress.

When they reached room 303, William slipped the key into the lock swinging the door open wide so that Buffy could enter first. She gasped at the splendour as she span round in the centre of the room. It was tastefully elegant – creams and golds with splashes of mahogany and terracotta. An open fire crackled on the east wall, facing twin Queen Size beds positioned on the west. Glass doors framed by golden drapes revealed a balcony on the north side whilst a bathroom with an oversized bath and shower was to William’s immediate left branching off the mini atrium.

“It’s just…” Buffy peered through the glass doors at the rattling rain before settling in front of the open fire and edging from foot to foot.

“It’s pretty amazing.” William smiled.

“Perfect.” Buffy whispered.

“I only want the best for you, pet.” He strode into the room, his gaze shifting from bed to bed. “Any preference?”

“I don’t mind, really. You choose.” Buffy said shyly. She couldn’t believe that he had spent all that money on a room like this when he had made it clear that nothing – like that – was going to happen.

“No, I insist. Do you want to be closer to the fire and the balcony or would you rather be closer to the bathroom and the exit?”

Buffy tilted her head in puzzlement at his phrasing. “I’m sure you reasoned that out in some weird way but it escaped me.”

William laughed. “Well, some people prefer to be close to the bathroom so they don’t have far to travel in the…” He caught her mischievous grin. “You’re mocking me.”

“A little.” She shrugged.

“Ok, we’ll leave the decision making until later then. How’s about you call Willow and your Mom whilst I grab a shower and run you a bath?” He caught a flash of nerves so he added, “obviously, you’d have a bath after I’m done in the shower. So we wouldn’t be like, you know, together or…”

Buffy grinned.

“Mocking me again?”

“A little.” She laughed before settling on the bed closest to the phone as he disappeared into the bathroom.

~~

Buffy replaced the telephone back onto the receiver just as the shower cut off in the bathroom. The idea that William was just metres away from her, naked, was enough to make her breath catch in her throat.

From their heated exchange in the mall to their playing dress up at the Bronze to him whisking her away on his motorcycle to their being alone in this beautiful hotel room… Buffy couldn’t quite tell exactly how she was feeling.

Since she was fourteen, she had been dreaming of this very moment but the events preceding it had shaped the evening slightly differently than she’d imagined. For one thing, it was much more intense. Their agreement to keep things platonic hung thick in the air but their mutual attraction bubbled away beneath the surface waiting for an outlet that if found, she had a feeling would drown them both.

She knew that William was right, they could get into a lot of trouble from all sides if anything happened between them and people found out. William would probably have to find another job – he wouldn’t be allowed to tutor young girls any more, that’s for sure and her Mom, well her Mom would go nuts. And there would be police involvement and things would just be… awful.

She had turned seventeen not three months ago which meant nine months of illegal status until she could see whoever she wanted legitimately. Sure, everyone knew that teenagers were having sex long before they were eighteen but that was usually with each other. The idea that an adult could have sex with an under eighteen year old was what caused the outrage. The adults should know better and were often seen to be guilty of corrupting the teenager. Which was just bollocks, really. She giggled to herself then when she realised she was picking up on William’s odd little phrases.

“Something tickled you, eh pet?”

Buffy turned to find William leaning against the bathroom door frame in an oversized white robe. About to speak, the words somehow fell out of her head before they made it out of her mouth and instead she settled on gaping at him.

He looked down a little anxiously at the robe. “Yeah, I know. We didn’t quite think the clothes thing through huh? But there’s one here for you to and I promise, I’ll behave myself alright?”

“Erm, sure. I mean, of course. I trust you.”

“How did it go with your Mom and Willow?” He padded over to the fire, sitting in a huge, comfy looking armchair positioned next to it.

“They both seemed happy by the time I hung up so I’d say mission accomplished.”

“Great. At least we don’t have to worry about them worrying.”

“I guess.” She stood up and looked towards the bathroom. “Are you done in there so I can-?”

“The bath’s ready for you, love. Steaming hot and full of bubbles.” William laughed as she groaned appreciatively, trying to ignore his cock twitching slightly under his robe. What he wouldn’t give to hear her moan like that underneath him. Fuck.

“You really are a hero aren’t you?” She teased as she closed the bathroom door behind her.

William headed straight for the mini-bar. Sure, he had made all the right noises about dignity and respect and doing the right thing but what the hell was he going to do when she came out of the bathroom dressed in no more than a robe? He could hardly keep his hands to himself when she was fully clothed, let alone when he knew all he had to do was give her belt one soft tug and the robe would fall wide open revealing her body to him. Suddenly, a fork of lightening pierced the sky followed quickly by a loud, long rumble of thunder. The storm was gathering pace once more.

“William?” She poked her head out of the bathroom door. “Erm, do you mind if you could erm, talk to me?”

“Excuse me?” William choked.

“I mean, while I’m having a bath. I have a thing against storms, ever since I was little and if I can help it, I don’t like being alone. Like, talking relaxes me and helps me not to jump and dither so much. Dumb huh?”

“Not really. But are you sure that’s a wise idea, me and you being so…”

“I told you already, didn’t I? I trust you.” She cocked her head. “Come on.”

He stood, albeit a little shakily and walked slowly into the bathroom. The room was full of steam from the freshly ran bath, the mirrors fogged and the lights dimmed.

“Can you turn your back a moment whilst I slip into the tub?” Buffy stood with her arms wrapped across her front, clutching at her towel.

“Of course.” William coughed a little, turning to face the tiled wall as he heard her towel hit the floor and the water slosh against the sides of the bath as she stepped into the tub.

“I’m in.” She almost whispered. Another crack of thunder echoed around the room. “It’s a good job we stopped, huh?”

“I’ll say.” He turned and moved to perch himself on the closed lid of the toilet. “We’re safe now.” He was sat across the room from the tub so he couldn’t see anything but Buffy’s head surrounding by a large mountain of bubbles.

“Thanks for sitting with me. It does help.” She smiled at him and he felt his insides twist.

“You’re welcome, pet. As long as you’re ok. Was more worried you’d catch pneumonia the way you were shivering in the lobby.”

“I’m all toasty now, thanks to you. You do a mean bath!” She laughed and blew some bubbles off the palm of her hand towards him.

“Well, thank you. Just like you do a mean karaoke.” He winked as she blushed.

“You think?”

“Hell yeah, you were amazing.” He nodded, sincerely.

“I didn’t win though.” She pouted. “You stole my karaoke crown.”

“Well, you can’t argue that I’m talented.” He grinned.

“I should say so. The way you danced, I was gobsmacked. Not to mention worried.”

He arched a brow.

“You know, incase you slipped a disc or cracked a rib – at your age and all.” She smiled sweetly.

“Now, now. That was below the belt.”

“Exactly where I was aiming.” She giggled.

William coughed.

“Sorry. I don’t mean. Well, I do.” She sighed. “Do you think we might have a conversation some day that isn’t laden with innuendo?”

He laughed. “Maybe some day. But not today.”

“I think I’d miss it.”

“So would I.”

“But we should stop it though, shouldn’t we? If we’re all with the being good and stuff.”

He carded his hand through his hair, unleashing his curls. “Yeah, we really should.”

“It’s for the best. It’s the right thing to do. I mean, you have a career and a mortgage and a whole adult life. I have cheerleading practice and history homework.”

“And Angel.” William added quietly.

“Maybe.” Buffy idly played with some bubbles.

“Didn’t he take you to the Bronze tonight?”

“Yeah but he didn’t stick around. Not really his scene.” She shrugged.

“Oh.” He fought to suppress the welling relief inside him that things with Angel weren’t working out.

“Have to see what happens on Monday.”

“Please, tell me if I’m out of line here but you haven’t… you know, done anything with him. Have you?” William said nervously.

“What?”

“Like, you know…” He sighed. “You know what I mean. He’s a player, Buffy. He’s bad news and he’s after making you his latest conquest and above all else, I don’t want you to get hurt.” He stared at her hard, trying to quell his jealousy and Buffy’s angry reaction to his question.

She rolled her eyes and sank into the bubbles a little further. “I know. I’ve heard the rumours. I’m not stupid. I thought maybe that once we got together, that things would be different. That he’d be different with me.”

“And is he?”

“Sometimes. Sometimes, he is the sweetest guy in the world and other times, it’s like he’s not really there. Stupid right?”

“Not at all. Guys like Angel have the depth of a puddle. If it seems like he’s not there, he probably isn’t. He’s probably busy recharging his brain cell.”

“Ouch.” Buffy laughed.

“I would say I’m sorry, but I’m not.” William shrugged. “You can do better.”

“You seem so sure.”

“I am.”

“And there are so many shiny white knights in Sunnydale.”

“You’ve got plenty of time to be swept off your feet. You should concentrate on school and homework and your friends.” William said seriously.

“Jeez, you’re showing you’re true age now.” Buffy teased.

“All I’m saying is, you should wait for the right guy. He’ll come along one day. But one thing I do know is that Angel isn’t him.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been fooled. Besides, Angel and I might still work it out. It may not be forever and a day but he’ll do for now.”

“So I take that to mean that you have…”

“You can say the words you know.”

“Slept with him. Have you slept with Angel?” His insides twisted once more as he held his breath in anticipation of her answer.

“We’ve done… you know, stuff. But not… everything.” Buffy said quietly. “Not like it’s any of your business of course.”

He didn’t know whether he should be upset or relieved. The idea that they had done anything together was enough to make his mind spin but at least she hadn’t done anything stupid, like go all the way. “I know, I’m sorry. I just – had to know.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“Oh.”

“Are you planning on it?”

“Now you’re abusing my honesty.” She looked a little annoyed but amused by his apparent jealousy.

“Shit. I’m sorry. I’m going to leave while you finish up in here, order some food or something. Are you hungry?” He stood and tightened his robe belt, trying to avoid his gaze dipping from her gaze and into the bath.

“I could eat some cake. Chocolate cake.”

“Then cake you shall have.” He stepped toward the door, head bowed.

“William?”

“Yes, pet.”

“I wasn’t planning on it. I haven’t ever planned on doing anything… like that. Not with him.” She saw his shoulders sag in relief. “Only with you.”

“I could eat some cake. Chocolate cake.”

“Then cake you shall have.” He stepped toward the door, head bowed.

“William?”

“Yes, pet.”

“I wasn’t planning on it. I haven’t ever planned on doing anything… like that. Not with him.” She saw his shoulders sag in relief. “Only with you.”

~~~

“Buffy, you know…” He started, unable to finish off what he knew he should say.

“I’m sorry but you asked. You know I’ve had a huge crush on you ever since you moved in next door but you never realised just how much I crushed on you. How it went so far beyond a crush that I promised myself that if I could make it so, that I’d find a way to make you see me as a woman, as someone you wanted to be with. And perhaps, if the penny hadn’t dropped with you that night at the barbecue, I may well have ended up giving up on that dream altogether. But you did notice me. And we’re here now. And I’ve kept the promise I made to myself when I was fourteen.” She raised herself out of the bubbles a little and William couldn’t help but look at the swell of the top of her breasts and the water lapping against them.

“God, Buffy.” He squeezed his eyes closed as he fought the compulsion to just stride over, lift her from the tub and spread her before him on the bathroom floor. “I’m helpless when it comes to you. The way you look, the way you move, the way you speak, the things you say…The things you do to me…” He clenched his fists at his sides as he fought to keep his breathing under control.

“Show me. Show me what I do to you.” She looked like a goddess amongst the clouds, the room cloaked with steam, the bubbles lapping over the edge of the tub as she sat up a little more. The tips of her nipples emerged from the suds as she lifted her arms to sweep damp tendrils of hair from her face.

He gasped and then groaned. “This is wrong, Buffy. Tonight wasn’t meant to be…” He stalled again. He couldn’t even summon up the energy to fight it. His need was so overwhelming, the final threads of his conviction to do the right thing were perilously close to snapping.

“Who were we kidding? I can’t be around you and not want to touch you, want you to touch me… It’s just too hard.”

“I’m trying Buffy, look at me. Look at the wreck I am, the wreck I’ve been for the past few weeks.”

“Don’t you think I’ve not tried to? I’ve let you run away, I’ve watched you with Faith, I’ve let you send me away time after time, I’ve tried to be with Angel and no matter what we do, it just won’t stop.”

“I know.”

“What are we going to do?” She whispered.

“Getting out of this bathroom is job number one.” From somewhere, he found the motor skills required to leave the room.

Fuck. Shit. Bollocks. He groaned loudly as he closed the bathroom door behind him and threw himself down on the nearest bed. Leaving that room would the making or breaking of him, he was sure. Whatever he felt, whatever he needed… he couldn’t just take her. Not like this. She had told him she had planned for him to be her first, that she only wanted to be with him… what kind of man would he be if he just took advantage of a seventeen year old girl? He had never considered that she would be an actual virgin. He’d seen her with boys before, before he had ever been jealous of who she dated and he had always assumed that she had slept with one of them. She had dated a boy called Riley for six months at least and he had just… assumed.

His jealousy of Angel had come not only from Joyce’s warnings but also due to the fact that he was direct competition for her affection. He was the one guy he hoped she hadn’t slept with, even if she had slept with someone else before him. But she was a virgin, untouched, vulnerable, pure… His heart thundered in his chest and his pulse pumped loudly in his eardrums. She was temptation itself and she was waging a war on him and winning. His cock, angry and hard rubbed at the towelling of his robe and he shuddered involuntarily.

The storm, still raging outside, prevented any form of escape. How were they going to survive the night?

“William.” He sat up to see her stood in the bathroom doorway, cocooned in a robe that was the twin to his.

“I’m sorry, pet. This is just bloody insane.” He chuckled a little, more out of hysteria than joy.

“Yeah.” She looked stung by his reaction and moved around the room to settle on the other bed.

“I don’t mean – shit. I mean that everything you just said to me in there is what I’ve been dreaming you’d say to me in my wildest fantasies. Like you’ve not slept with the ponce, you’ve wanted me forever, you’ve saved yourself for me...” He swung his legs across the bed so he could sit up and face her.

She was curled up at the head of the bed, her legs tucked under her robe.

“But even though it’s what I wanted to hear more than anything in this lifetime, it makes things even more complicated. I can’t just… let you give yourself to me like that. You’re bloody seventeen and I’m knocking on thirty and no matter what you might think now, give it a couple of years and you’ll wonder what you saw in an old joker like me.” He finished softly, trying not only to convince her that he was right but also himself.

“I may be seventeen but I know how I feel.” Her eyes sparked with the beginnings of anger. How dare he patronise her like that?

“And don’t for a second think that I don’t feel the same-”

“Does that mean in a couple of years you’ll wonder what you saw in a school girl like me?” She challenged.

Crap. “That’s not fair, love.”

“Oh, it so is. If you see fit to trivialise my feelings, why shouldn’t I do the same with yours?”

“You know that’s not how I feel about you. I just don’t want you to regret-”

“Stop it. Stop protecting me. Stop shielding me from things that I should be allowed to see.”

“Like what?” He looked puzzled now.

“Like what I do to you. I’ve seen those flashes in your eyes, the way your eyes darken when they look at me. Remember that day in your kitchen and you took my hand and pressed it against you and you moaned so loudly…” Her breath sped up as she spoke, accosted by the memories she spoke of.

“I remember.” His eyes were glued to hers, and he knew they had darkened at her words. She was a bloody hell cat and she’d be the undoing of him.

“I admire your nobleness about not taking advantage of me but if you don’t give me something, I’m going to go crazy.”

“What do you want?” Never had he asked a more loaded question in his life.

“Show me. Show me what I do to you.” She raised herself up on her arms and kicked the bedclothes down so she could slip under them. “I’ll be good, I promise.”

“You’re asking me to-”

“Return a favour. That’s all. I gave you a show, you give me a show.” She blushed at her own words but she held her head high, determined.

“Pet, I see your logic but I’m not sure it’s the best route out of this.” He shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

“This isn’t me playing games anymore. I’m not teasing, I’m not calling your bluff, I’m not going to pout and cry. I’m just being honest. I’ve never seen… only imagined.”

“Fuck.” He cursed, breathing hard.

“Please.”

“And what will you be, uh, doing whilst I’m… doing.”

“What do you want me to do?” Her eyes sparkled with mischief but he didn’t miss the little furrow in her brow. She was nervous to.

“Whatever you feel comfortable with, pet. You don’t even have to tell me but whatever you do, don’t come out from under those covers as I won’t be responsible for my actions.” His voice had become hoarse with sheer arousal and she knew better than to think he was joking.

She pulled the covers up around her neck and stretched out full length underneath the blanket. Her body shivered in anticipation and she couldn’t help but rub her thighs together restlessly.

“How many times have you imagined it, love?” He spoke softly now, still sat on the edge of the bed facing her, his hands gripping the edge of the mattress tightly.

“A lot. So many… I told you before that I’ve done stuff but not like, a lot of stuff. All on top of the clothes in the dark kinda stuff. I’ve never made a guy, erm…”

He inhaled sharply at the revelations that were tumbling out of her mouth. If she kept talking like this, he may not have to touch himself at all. “Has anyone ever made you...?” He let the sentence trail off as he prepared for her answer.

“No.” She was blushing hard now. He had never found her more adorable or sexy. “I mean, I have but just not with anyone else.”

He groaned and manoeuvred himself away from her to lie back onto his own bed. He positioned himself on the side closest to her so he had a clear view of her from his pillow. “Are you sure you want to do this?” One last chance, one last get out of jail free card… He almost chuckled at the irony of his own joke.

“I’m sure.” She gathered another pillow from the other side of her bed and tucked it under her head so she could lie facing him.

His hands went to the belt of his robe. He tugged at it gently and it came undone with ease. He spread the panels open baring his large, throbbing cock to the warm air of the room.

Buffy couldn’t help but gasp. She hadn’t expected him to be entirely naked, assuming he’d still have his underwear on at least. Nor had she expected him to be so big… She marvelled at his cock bobbing against his torso as he shucked off the robe completely so he wouldn’t be distracted or restricted.

Seeing her wide eyes and gaping mouth only served to arouse him more, his jaw ticking as he gripped the base of his cock.

She watched on in awe, the ripple of his muscular chest and the tautness of his bicep as he took himself into his hand. “You’re beautiful.” She whispered.

His hips bucked involuntarily at her words and he slowly started to pump his cock into his fist. “So are you, pet.” He hissed as he felt a bead of precum trickle onto his index finger.

“Oh god, what…” She sat up a little, gazing at his leaking cock in wonder. He remembered then that she had never seen a cock before, let alone an aroused one…

“Precum.” He muttered, as he thrust his hips back and forth in short, jerky motions.

She licked her lips and he thought he was going to lose it right then. He groaned low and loud. “Buffy…”

“What are you thinking about?” She started rubbing her thighs together again, her pussy sodden already at the wondrous sight before her.

“You. You just licked your lips and I imagined you licking at my cock…” He used his other hand to tug lightly on his balls as he fought to keep from coming. He was determined he would last as long as he possibly could for her.

She was panting now, unable to hide her own arousal despite being encased within several layers of covers and a robe. “Is that what you usually think about?” She asked softly.

“Sometimes…” His hips were moving faster now, his neck straining as he fought to retain some semblance of control. He kept his hand still, trying to stave off his rapidly approaching orgasm.

“What else do you think of?” She slipped a hand between her thighs, pressing a palm against her soaked folds.

“I think of what it’d be like to slip my cock deep inside you, how tight you’d be, how hot and wet…” He broke off, cursing brokenly as more precum leaked onto his fingers.

She moaned at his words, slipping two fingers between her swollen lips and inside her tight channel imagining it were his cock doing just as he described… “Oh god, William.”

He watched her eyes fall shut and the movement of her hand beneath the covers. “Pet?” He stilled his hips for a moment as he watched her in amazement.

“I’m touching myself, I’m hot and tight and wet, just like you said…” She ground down onto her fingers and gasped. Her eyes snapped open to meet William’s and they moaned simultaneously.

“Love, I’m so close, I don’t think I can…” He bucked his hips into his hand, his fist tightening as more beads of precum dribbled over his hand and onto his balls.

“Pretend I’m not here, like you’re alone and you’re losing control…” She whispered.

He closed his eyes tightly, his body covered in a light sheen of his sweat. He rolled over onto his back, his hips twitching as he took his cock in both hands, interlinking his fingers. More broken curses fell from his lips as he bounced his hips up and down, the heels of his palms squeezing his cock deliciously tight.

Buffy watched through hooded eyes as she pushed her robe aside and rolled onto her front. She rubbed her thumb in tight, teasing circles around her clit as she curled her index finger deep inside to find that spot that often nearly made her scream aloud… Seeing William like this, naked and masculine and raw made her breath catch in her throat. She could feel the familiar tingle low in her gut as she rolled onto her stomach and ground down onto her fingers and the ball of her palm. “William, I’m so wet for you… I’m covered…Never been like this.”

“Shit, keep talking to me like that… Love hearing you, all breathy and hot…” His head was tossing from side to side on his pillow, his cock swollen and solid covered in thick threads of precum.

“I can’t stop… I’m dripping… I’m aching William. Want to feel you pushing inside. God, William, I’m going to come…”

“So am I pet, so am I…” His hips pistoned off the bed as he turned to watch Buffy in her final throes of pleasure… she was a sight to behold. Her eyes were focused on his, her eyes drunk on him and the pleasure he was giving her just by showing her how he lost control with mere thoughts of her. He could see her hips bouncing beneath the quilt, his imagination filling in the rest… “Fuck, pet, love. Come for me baby. Cream all over your fingers for me… So beautiful… now, baby… now.”

She keened loudly, arching her back as she came hard onto her fingers.

He roared as his cock exploded, thick jets of come erupted through his fingers and rained down on his stomach, his hips sputtering as rope after rope of fluid covered him and the surrounding covers. “Buffy, oh god, Buffy…”

His hips finally stilled, his still hard cock twitching as it rested on his stomach. “Love, are you ok?”

“I’m… god, there’re really no words…” She said breathlessly as she sat up to look at him properly. “That was beyond anything I’ve ever imagined.”

It was William’s turn to blush. “It was more intense than anything I’ve ever felt before, by a bloody long way.”

“You’re not just saying that?” Buffy asked shyly.

“Hell no! You were amazing.”

“So were you. Like, really really.” She grinned but then just as swiftly as it appeared, it disappeared. "So what now?"

“How about that chocolate cake?” He chuckled and she couldn’t help but giggle.

It was William’s turn to blush. “It was more intense than anything I’ve ever felt before, by a bloody long way.”

“You’re not just saying that?” Buffy asked shyly.

“Hell no! You were amazing.”

“So were you. Like, really really.”

“Fancy that chocolate cake now?” He chuckled and she couldn’t help but giggle.

~~~

“Mmm. That was heaven.” She licked her fork clean of every drop of chocolate.

“Indeed.” William waggled a brow, his piece of cake remained untouched on the room service tray,

“Behave.” She giggled before her face became distressed at the sight of the deserted chocolate cake. “Come on, you have to at least try it!”

“I’m not hungry, pet. But you can have it if you like?”

“Well, I guess. If you insist…” She said nonchalantly before reaching for the unclaimed cake.

William smiled as she attacked his slice with renewed enthusiasm. They had settled in front of the open fire, snuggled together on top of a duvet. The thunder had died but the rain continued to batter on the windowpanes. And William couldn’t remember a time in his life when he had felt happier, or sadder. His brow furrowed with the burden of his heavy thoughts.

“I bet I can guess what you’re thinking about.” Buffy laid her fork down next to the half devoured slice of cake.

William smiled sadly. “Yeah.”

“Do you have an answer?” She whispered.

He tilted his head questioningly.

“To what happens now.”

“We go home.” He shrugged despondently.

“And pretend like this never happened.” She finished.

“I don’t see what other choice we have. Tonight was… is… quite possibly the best night of my life.”

“Even though we-”

“Do you know what? It’s probably because of that. Don’t laugh at what I’m about to say.”

“There’s nothing about this that’s funny – believe me.” She replied bitterly.

He leant forward and gripped her shoulders, pulling her close so her face was mere inches from his own. “Whatever we have, whatever happened tonight – it’s so raw and pure that I don’t have to sleep with you to know that what I feel for you goes beyond anything I have ever experienced in my entire life.”

The dam burst once more and suddenly his lips were on hers. She tasted of cherries and chocolate and an innocence so divine, he could feel tears stinging his eyelids.

Moaning into his mouth, Buffy returned the kiss with fervour. Beyond the passion and the fire she saw his heart and she knew that whatever happened tomorrow, tonight would live in her own heart forever.

Simultaneously, they pulled apart – tears staining both their faces.

“Don’t leave me, William.” She begged, her hands intertwining with his. “Please.”

“It’s not about leaving, it’s about living. And no matter what way we cut this, we lose.” His voice was hoarse with emotion.

“Well sure, if you’ve already given up I guess that’s exactly how it would look.”

“The sun has to rise Buffy, we can’t live in shadows forever.”

“But when I’m eighteen, none of this will matter. We can be together, properly.”

“Yeah, we can live in my house, next door to your mother and three streets away from your high school sweetheart. I can get a job at the local high school and you can stay at home and bake cookies all day. It’ll be perfection bloody personified.”

Buffy threw herself backwards and out of his grasp. “Don’t you dare patronise me.”

“How else can I get through to you?” He was starting to shout now. “Once people find out that we’re together, I will be bloody unemployable. Your mother will lead the community in an attempt to run me out of town. You will lose everyone you hold dear and though it may not matter now, believe me, give it a year or so and you’ll wonder what the bloody hell you were thinking giving up your future and your family for a friggin’ old man like me.” He sprang to his feet and paced the length of the room in an attempt to dissipate his frustration.

“We can move – start over somewhere else.” Buffy was on her knees, reaching out to him.

“You’re still not listening are you? The end result is still the same. No matter what we leave behind, what you’ll be left with is me. And I don’t think you truly understand what that means sweetheart.” His lips twisted in a grimace.

Buffy pulled the duvet tightly around her using the corner to stem the flow of tears coursing down her cheeks.

“It’s like a war raging inside me, Buffy.” He punched his gut. “And there are no winners.”

Buffy eyed him tearfully as he continued to stalk around the perimeter of the room. He was like a wild animal, feral and crazed. Even now, when the seams of her world were coming apart, the very thought that she would not know a night in the arms of this man was enough to wring a sob from her body.

William, lost in a mire of futility, was drawn back to earth by the sound of Buffy’s distress. “Oh god. Oh god, Buffy.”

Sinking to his knees, he gathered her into his arms and rocked her gently as they sobbed out their frustration together.

~~

As the dawn light filtered through the swathes of golden fabric, Buffy stirred from her slumber under the duvet by the now dead fire.

William had been awake for at least an hour, just watching his princess sleep in the cocoon of his embrace. He had worked it through every which way and each ended in misery and turmoil. He had to be strong, for the both their sakes. Last night had been a gift but today and tomorrow and each day after that would be their penance.

“Time to go, pet. Best be early than be late, right?” William croaked.

Buffy nodded, too afraid to speak for fear of another tidal wave of tears overwhelming her.

William slipped out from under the cover and Buffy stifled a groan at the loss of his presence beside her. Sitting up, she looked at the room which last night had been a beautiful, heavenly world separate to this. In the harsh light of day, it was a contemporary version of hell.

After passing Buffy her clothes, neatly folded and dry, William gathered his own and retreated to the bathroom to dress.

Buffy dressed quickly, her body shivering despite the room still being warm from the blaze of the night time fire.

William came out of the bathroom and extended a hand to her. She took it and without a word, he led her out of the hotel suite and closed the door quietly behind them.

Buffy’s second ride on a motorcycle was less exhilarating than her first. Instead, she clung tightly to William’s back and nuzzled her head into the leather of his jacket, choosing to inhale his scent instead of the dewy, morning air.

The sunrise was spectacular but for the first time William could not interpret the beauty of this new day as anything other than empty.

As they wound their way through the streets of Sunnydale, Buffy felt her stomach churn as she realised this was it – real life.

William cut the engine at the top of Revello Drive. “In case anybody is looking.” He said quietly.

Buffy slid off the seat, wrapping her arms around her body to fight the urge to throw herself at William and beg him once more to not finish it like this, to not leave her broken on the sidewalk.

William inhaled deeply before turning to look at her. She was dishevelled and distraught but she was still the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on. Blinking, he licked his dry lips and asked her if she was alright.

She nodded and shifted from foot to foot, not sure whether to stay and watch him ride away or to turn and walk.

“I’ll see you round then.” He said, defeated.

“Sure.” She gave him a watery smile. “Thank you.” She considered him for a moment before leaning forward and placing her lips gently against his. Neither of them deepened the kiss, instead enjoying the feel of each other and savouring their last intimate touch.

He ran his hand through her hair and caressed her neck as he memorised the contour of her lips and the way they melded so perfectly to his. He pulled away and he swore he heard his heart shatter in his chest. “You should go.”

“So should you.” She wiped at her eyes.

“I know.” He turned away and gunned the engine to life.

Without another word, he sped off leaving a crying Buffy in a cloud of dust.

Swallowing a sob, Buffy set off walking in the wake of the fading roar of the motorcycle.

Despite their best laid plans of an early rise and an early arrival, they had not managed to avoid the gaze of curious eyes.