Summary-Buffy Summers is starting her third year at UC Sunnydale and her life is good. She has a great boyfriend, great friends, a great year ahead, or so she thinks. Who ever said ignorance was bliss was obveously wrong. William Cresswell has finally arrived. A recent import, this bleached blonde Brit has it all. A job as a TA, a flat to himself, more chicks than even he knows what to do with, an awsome car. What more could a man ask for. But what is with the blonde beauty that litrally falls at his feet. . . and what game is she playing?

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The air was uncharacteristically cool for a spring California
afternoon. The day had dawned with the promise of summer’s warmth, the sun bright in the sky, before winters grip tightened and re-exerted its will upon the small town. It was this surprise attack that had Buffy Summers walking across campus in little more than a tank top and skirt.

“Damn weatherman. Can’t get anything right can he. Knew I should’ve worn pants.” Buffy raged as the cold wind picked up, tugging the already short hem of her skirt even higher on her tan legs. Buffy pulled the material down yet again, trying to juggle her handful of books and her bag at the same time. So preoccupied with her task she never noticed the long jean clad legs that stretched across her path.

Book flew everywhere as the ground flew up to meet Buffy, knocking the wind out of her. She lay dazed on the cool grass, her body aching in several places.

“Bloody hell!” The sound of a British accent pulled Buffy from her stupor. She twisted on the ground to meet the piercing blue eyes of the legs owner. Or she would’ve met his gaze if he was looking at her face. Her face turned red as she pulled the soft material of her skirt back over the exposed expanse of her thighs. The action pulled the man’s gaze from her legs and back to more proper places. Buffy sat on the ground, still tugging at her skirt, and laughed.

“What’s so funny, pet?” William Cresswell stared down at the blonde vision beside him, a small smile tugging at his lips. Buffy continued to laugh, shaking her head when she was unable to speak. Her laughter died to a few giggles as she gathered up her scattered things. William rushed to help and she couldn’t help but stare at the man as he gathered the stray papers that were threatening to fly away.

He was around 5’10”, Buffy guessed, with shockingly bleached blonde hair and a sharp, angular face. He was dressed in a red button down shirt and black jeans, with a long black leather duster draped over his tight muscular form.

William looked up from his task to see her watching him intently. He flashed her his patented killer smirk, raking his own gaze over her scantly clad body. Her long blonde hair floated around her face like a soft gossamer cloud. The thin material of her baby blue tank top clung to her soft curves. Her fall had revealed the smooth golden skin of her legs all the way to her white cotton undies. The cool breeze brushed against the duo again, causing Buffy’s skirt to flutter. She blushed brighter and reached for the papers in his hands.

“Thank you. I’m Buffy Summers.” She held out her hand once she tucked the papers safely away.

“Spike.” The Brit replied, wrapping his strong fingers around her small hand, giving it a light squeeze.

“Spike?” Buffy asked with a laugh. “Were your parents on something when you were born?”

“It’s a nickname, pet.” Spike couldn’t help but chuckle at the girl. Buffy smiled and pulled her hand from his grasp.

“I kinda figured.” Buffy replied, stuffing the last of the papers in her binder and throwing her bag over her shoulder. She shivered as the cool strap hit her
bare skin.

“So where you off to there, pet?”

“First day of classes you know.” Buffy said as she shifted the heavy books in her arms. “Which I am going to be late for so I should go.”

“What class you got?” Spike asked, unwilling to let the girl leave.

“Uh, some English poetry thing. Willow, that’s my best friend, signed me up for it.” Buffy shifted the books again and shivered.

“Well what do you know, that’s were I’m heading off to myself. Why don’t I take those,” Spike deftly removed Buffy’s books from her arms and reached for his own bag. “But you are in luck, I happen to know that that particular professor is going to be late and the TA won’t be bothered if you are.” Buffy gave Spike a curious look and followed after him.

**~~**

They arrived at the class room with seconds to spare before the official start of class. Spike held open the door and nodded for Buffy to precede him into the room. Buffy moved to take her books from his grasp but Spike was already half way down the aisle, heading for the front of the room.

Spike tossed a playful smirk to the blonde still standing at the door to the auditorium. All eyes had turned to the duo as they entered, the voices dropping to a whisper. Spike placed her books on a chair in the front row of the class before turning to the large oak desk in the front of the room and hoping up to sit upon it.

Buffy clasped her bag to her chest and made her way down the steps to her books. She noticed Willow out of the corner of her eye sitting mid way through the rows of seats, a questioning look upon her face. Buffy gave her a helpless look in return and quickly made her way to the front.

Buffy grabbed her books from the seat and pulled up the movable desktop beforesliding into her seat. She looked up to see Spike leap to his feet and turn to sort through some papers on it.

“Ok, class.” Spike called out, turning to face the crowd, leafing through the papers in his hand. “Welcome to Poetry 301. My name is William Cresswell but you can call me Spike.” He flashed a killer smile at the group, a collective sigh of appreciation going through the female portion of the class. “I will be your TA for the semester. Professor Lifees is running a little behind so we will get started without her.” Spike hopped back up on the desk and pulled out a pen. “Ok, role call. Abrams, Parker. . .”

All Buffy could do was stare at the man in front of her as he ran through the names. His bleached hair glowed softly in the florescent lighting of the room, giving him the look of a fallen angel in his dark cloths.

‘Angel!’ Buffy mentally slapped herself as she belatedly remembered her
boyfriend. ‘Here I am ogling the TA when I already have a great guy.’ Liam
O’Conner, or Angel as he was known to his friends, was a fourth year criminal
psychology major. Buffy remembered walking into her second year psych class and
finding herself seated by the most gorgeous male she had ever seen. He towered
over her slight form, standing well over 6 feet tall, with dark hair and darker
eyes. She lost her heart when he spoke, his deep Irish brogue sending chills
through her body. Angel had asked her out for coffee after class and they had
been inseparable ever since, and that was almost a six months ago.

“’mers, Elizabeth.” Buffy was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of her
name. She found Spike watching her, a lazy grin on his lips. She smiled back
weakly and lowered her gaze again, studiously studying the cover of her books.

“Alright class.” Spike said with a clap of his hand when he came to the end of
the list. “Let’s get started.” Just then the back door opened with a resounding
bang, causing the entire class to jump. A beautiful blonde woman breezed into
the room and made her way down the aisle.

“So nice of you to show up, Darla.” Spike smirked, setting his book back on the
desk.

“That’s Professor Lifiees to you, William, and get off my desk.” Spike chuckled
and jumped from his perch.

“All yours, pet.” He waved at the desk with a flourish. Spike strolled
leisurely to the front row and took a seat beside Buffy. The scent of leather
and tobacco surrounded her, causing her breath to hitch in her throat.

“Ok, open your books to page 32 and we can get started.” The young Professor
called out, reaching for her own book.

“Mind sharing your book, luv?” Spike’s voice rumbled over the sounds of pages
been flipped. Buffy gave him a weak smile and shifted her book so that they
could share. Spike moved closer, the soft leather of his coat brushing the bare
skin of her arm causing Buffy to shiver.

“Cold, pet?” Spike smirked. Buffy shook her head and tried to concentrate on
the teachers words.

Chapter 2. Conversations

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This chapter is a little short but I had to break it into two chapters other wise it would've gone on forever.

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The class passed quickly despite the torture Buffy was subjected to. She knew that not all of the brushes of his leg against hers could be unintentional. Buffy tried to pay attention to the teacher, but the bleached blonde distraction kept on with his sly little touches. So preoccupied with him, she missed the assignment and had to turn to her companion for an explanation.

Spike couldn’t help but smile as the petite blonde shifted in her seat again. He quickly hid his grin as Buffy turned to him to ask a question about the assignment that Darla just gave out. Spike moved closer to read the passage she was studying and to point the appropriate sections for the homework, intentionally brushing his jean clad leg against her bare one.

Buffy froze as the rough material of his pants brushed the smooth skin of her leg for what seamed like the umpteenth time that day. A chill ran down her back, causing her to shiver slightly.

‘Angel.’ Buffy said the name silently to herself. ‘Remember Angel? The sweet, caring man who loves you?’ So caught up in her internal monologue, she never noticed when the professor released the class. It wasn’t until her book was closed with a snap that she looked up from the passage she was not reading.

“Class is dismissed there pet.” Spike looked down from where he stood before her, smirk firmly in place. Buffy gave him a weak smile, gathering her books up quickly. Her things were plucked from her hands before she could protest and she had to run to catch up with Spike as his long strides quickly took him from the room. Spike slowed his steps as Buffy fell in beside him.

“So what do you think of the class, luv?” Spike asked before Buffy could speak.

“It seams kinda hard.” Buffy replied, her nose scrunching in distaste.

“I can be sorta difficult if it’s not your thing.” Spike chuckled in response. “But I’d be happy to help anytime you like. You got class now or you heading home?”

“Home.” Buffy breathed with a sigh of relief. “I am so ready to just crash in bed and stay there for a million years.”

“Where do you live?”

“Stevenson.” Buffy answered automatically. “Uh, why?” Spike smiled at the note of apprehension in her voice.

“So I know what direction to turn in.” Buffy looked away from her escort and noticed that they had reached the door to the building.

“Oh it’s not necessary to walk me home.” Buffy said quickly.

“No problem at all, I am heading that way anyway.” Spike brushed off her concern with a wave of his free hand. “Gotta see a bird in one of the other dorms anyway.”

“A girlfriend?” Buffy was surprised at the lump in her stomach at the thought.

“Nah, Cordy and I are just friends.” Spike felt his heart leap at the worried tone in her voice. “Truth be told, I’m between girlfriends right now.”

‘You don’t care.’ Buffy told herself as the lump eased, and a warm feeling came over her.

“So an ex then?” Buffy mentally cringed at the question, kicking a stray stone out of her path in embarrassment.

“Me and Cordelia Chase?” Spike shook his head and laughed. “No, dated the chick once and decided we were better off as friends.”

“Can’t figure she took that all that well. She’s not the type to be rejected.” Buffy smiled.

“You’ve met her?” Spike smiled back.

“We went to high school together.” Buffy replied with a laugh. “Bitter rivals and all that.”

“So you’re that Buffy Summers.” Spike said pointedly, his eyebrow raising as he smirked at the blonde beside him.

“Oh god.” She groaned, covering her face with her hands. “What did she say about me?”

“I could say nothing but good things. . .”

“But then I would know you were lying.” Buffy laughed. “Cordelia has never said a nice thing to me in her life.” Spike joined in with a knowing laugh.

They walked along the path in a compatible silence. Buffy looked out at the lawn on either side of the stone path they followed, watching the people rush off to classes or home or some other destination. The wind had finally died down, taking the clouds with it. The sun shone bright and warm in the sky. Spike couldn’t help but stare as the soft autumn rays reflected off Buffy hair, causing it to glow about her head like a halo. A warm feeling filled him as Buffy giggled at the antics of a young man as he chased a dog, frantically trying to reclaim his hat.

“So I hear a new band is playing at the Bronze tonight.” Spike said, breaking the silence. “Dogs ate my kid, or something like that.”

“That would probably be Dingoes ate My Baby.” Buffy chuckled, looking away from the playful pet. “My roommate Willow used to date the bass player.”

“You going to be there?” Spike couldn’t keep the hopeful tone out of his voice.

“Uh,” Buffy searched for a response. “Maybe.” Spike smiled and stopped.

“Well we are here. I best be off.” Buffy took the offered books, clutching them to her chest, looking up at her dorm room in surprise. “I’ll see you there then pet.”

Before Buffy could answer he was gone in a flurry of black leather, as he ran to catch up with someone down the way. She stared after him, watching as he thwacked the man on the back with obvious familiarity. She watched him laugh as his friend said something funny, his rich tenor floating though the quiet air. She was unable to look away, until he turned to look back at her, flashing his killer smirk her way. She blushed bright crimson and retreated into her dorm building, closing out the warm sun and the sounds of his laughter.

Chapter 3. Calm Before. . .

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My beta just moved in with me so updates will be coming more frequent. . .really. . .promise.

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“So who’s the blonde, blondie?” Spike gave his friend a sideways glance. Alexander Harris grinned inanely at his failed attempt at a joke.

“Harris, you are one strange bloke.” Spike thwacked him on the back again with a laugh, pulling a grimace of pain from his companion.

“Hey now, take it easy. I wasn’t trying to move in on your girl, just wanted to know her name.”

“As if you would have a chance with the bird.” Spike laughed at the answering grimace he received.

Alexander Harris, or Xander as he was known to his friends, was definitely not a lady’s man. Standing around six feet tall, with a mess of brown hair, he had yet to have a serious relationship. His communication skills with the opposite sex left much to be desired. His mother had died shortly before he finished his previous year of college, and had decided to move to UC Sunnydale to complete his degree.

Spike turned to look back at Buffy, catching her still staring after him. He flashed her his killer smirk and watched with an amused expression as she ran into her building before turning back to Xander.

“Well, whelp, if we don’t hurry we’ll be late.” Xander glared at the nickname his friend insisted on using.

“And just what are we gonna be late for?”

“Cordy.” Spike watched, amused, as Xander’s face lit up before a careful, but entirely useless, mask fell over his features, as he tried to five off an air of nonchalance.

“What’s up with you two. You sure are hanging out a lot.”

“Me and the cheerleader?” Spike chucked at Xander and shook his head. “There’s nothing going on.” Spike hid a smile at Xander’s relieved look.

“Just tutoring the bird in poetry is all. The summer make-up class she was taking just had its final, she needed all the held she could-” Spike let his voice trail off as he noticed that Xander was no longer listening. He shook his head ruefully and followed after his daydreaming friend.

~~**~~**~~

“I’m really tired.” Buffy said into the phone as she polished her nails.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come out?” Angel O’Conner asked, a note of concern in his voice.

“First day of classes.” Buffy replied in way of an explanation. “Besides Wills wants to talk to me about her new girlfriend.”

“I can’t believe little Willow Rosenberg is a lesbian.” Buffy laughed in agreement and promised to go out the next night, before hanging up the phone, a soft smile on her lips. She cranked the music on her radio and lay back on her bed, determined to finish her manicure.

Willow rushed into the room, a flurry of papers and books. Buffy jumped from her perch and took half the burden from the small red head. Willow smiled her thanks and flopped her bed after carefully depositing her books on her desk. Buffy set her stack down beside Willow’s and moved to turn down the volume on her stereo.

“I love school, but this is too much for even me!” Willow sighed, gesturing to her stack of books.

“Maybe if you didn’t insist on taking all your lab classes in your first semester you wouldn’t be so bogged down.” Buffy laughed at Willow’s sheepish look. “So what’s on the agenda for the night?” Willow sat up and grinned.

“Oz wants up to go cheer on the Dingoes tonight.”

“I’m so glad you two are still friends.” Buffy couldn’t help but grin at her enthusiasm.

Daniel Ozborne, or Oz as he was know to his friends, had dated Willow from high school. At the end of April his band, Dingoes Ate my Baby were given the chance to tour the United States as the opening act for some big names. Over the summer Willow had met Tara McClay and realized that she and Oz were destined to be just friends. Tara and her had been dating in secret and only just came out of the closet.

“He took it so well when I met Tara.” Willow said with a smile. “I think he knew before I did but it’s not like you can tell what he’s thinking.” Buffy joined in the laughter at Oz’s trademark stoicism.

“So, you’ve been officially dating for two weeks now. What do you guys have planned?”

“Well, you know Devon is out of town,” Buffy nodded, remembering Willow mentioned that the lead singer had left for Texas the night before. “Well the Dingoes need a lead singer and Oz and I talked Tara into singing so they didn’t have to cancel so we are going to cheer her on.”

“By we you mean you and me.” Willow gave her a pleading look.

“Well, ya. But we don’t have to stay late and I will totally buy all the drinks.” Willow cast her puppy dog eyes on her best friend.

“Wills, I already told Angel I was tired and felt like staying in tonight.” Willow made a face at Angel’s name, earning a laugh from her friend.

“I know you don’t like him but he explained about that girl, Mortica.”

“Drucilla.” Willow broke in.

“Who ever.” Buffy laughed. “She was just some nut job who was trying to make her boyfriend jealous and Angel just happened along and she grabbed him.” Willow hid her doubtful look from her friend bur knew there was more to the story than what Buffy was willing to admit to herself. Willow was with her when Buffy found Angel with the tall willowy brunette wrapped around him. The hickeys that both were sporting were evidence enough for Willow. Buffy was harder to convince.

“And he was so sweet. He had food delivered and we ate by candle light and fell asleep watching old movies.” Buffy said wistfully, staring off into space as she remembered the night.

“You stayed at his house? Did you, you know?” Will asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

“No.” Buffy replied with a blush.

“You’ve been together almost six months and you still haven’t-”

“No.” Buffy broke in. “He’s been so great about it, never pushing. He totally understands that I want to wait after what happened with Scott. Not that what happened would ever happen with Angel.”

Willow laughed at the thought and gave Buffy a sympathetic smile as she recalled the disaster with Buffy’s first boyfriend, Scott Hope.

At seventeen, Buffy was living the teenage dream. She was on the cheerleading squad, she was dating a football player, she was popular and got good grades. Like all teenagers she felt her love with Scott was eternal and decided she would lose her virginity to him after the senior prom.

The lead up to that night was perfect. She got a B average in her classes, her SAT scores were off the charts. That night was even better. She was crowned prom queen over her rival, head cheerleader Cordelia Chase and got the Senior Class Most Perfect Couple Award with Scott. She had rented a hotel room for the night and had the room prepared with soft music, lightly fragrant flowers and a bottle of Champaign chilling by the bed.

Scott was jittery all night, Buffy realized in hindsight, but she just took it as excitement of the night to come and pushed her doubts from her mind. Things were just starting to get heavy when Scott pulled away, trying to stop Buffy from going further. Buffy, in her urge to prove that she was ready, stripped off her Victoria Secret nightgown. Scott picked up the discarded material and pressed it back into her hands, saying the three little words every woman dreads hearing. I am gay.

Scott had left that night for New York, leaving a heartbroken girl behind, questioning her self as to whether it was her that turned him gay, while realizing at the same time that it was impossible. She had sworn off sex after that night, refusing to get into a serious relationship until now.

“I was looking forward to some quality time with my pillow.” Buffy‘s voice broke Willow from her thoughts.

“You have to come. You know how hard it is to get Tara on stage.” Willow cast her puppy dog eyes on her best friend again.

“Alright.” Buffy sighed, smiling at the thought of the shy girl on stage, singing for the college crowd.

“Yay!” Willow jumped up and hugged Buffy tightly. “Now we just have to decide what to wear.” The red head was off, digging through Buffy’s closet with renewed enthusiasm. Buffy smiled at her friend wearily, falling back on her bed with a sigh.

Chapter Stormy Alley

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I really, really, really like reviews. Thank you for those of you who do. For the rest of you. Tsk. Tsk. Please review.

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The music pulsed through the night air, drifting to where Buffy ad Willow stood in line, waiting to enter the noisy bar. Laughter could be heard as the inner door would swinging open admitting more excited patrons within the popular club.

The pair made their way quickly through the line to the bouncer standing to one side. He smiled in recognition and waved the pair through. Buffy Smiled wryly at the gesture and followed Willow into the club.

A wave of smoke hit the pair, surrounding them in a smokey haze. The sounds of people and music tripled , assaulting their senses. Willow scanned the crowd, looking for her girlfriend in the sea of faces. Buffy heard Willow squeal excitedly, and dutifully followed Willow to the table where a pretty blonde was sitting.

“Buffy hi!” Tara exclaimed in surprise after giving her lover a welcoming kiss. “I thought you weren’t coming Angel said you were tired.”

“Angel’s here?” Buffy asked, scanning the crowd for her boyfriend, laying her coat on the seat.

“Nice to see you too.” Tara said mockingly, a smile on her face to show she was joking.

“Sorry.” Buffy replied, abashed. “Hi Tara how nice to see you again.” Tara laughed and hugged Buffy.

“I saw Angel a while ago. He told me he was meeting some friends since you were staying in.” Buffy continued to scan the crowd. A break in the faces revealed Angel on the dance floor, a leggy brunette rubbing herself against him.

“There he is.” Buffy squealed. “Look at that skank hanging off him. I better save him.” Buffy moved off, pushing her way through the crowd, losing sight of her goal in the masses.

Willow and Tara looked at the couple on the dance floor with a doubtful expression. The pair watched as Angel stuck his tongue down the brunettes throat, his hands cupping her ass to pull her closer to him.

“I don’t think he wants saving too bad.” Willow spat out sarcastically.

“Poor Buffy.” Tara said. “Maybe we should stop her from catching him.”

“She’ll never believe us unless she sees it.” Willow replied with regret. “She will just think we say it wrong again. That that skanky bitch was throwing herself at him.” Tara stared at her girlfriend, shocked at her uncharacteristic language. Willow missed the look as she watched the brunette grab Angels hand and pull him from the dance floor, heading for the back door.

Buffy had only caught glimpses of the pair on the dance floor as she weaved her way through the masses. She missed the kiss entirely as she was stopped repeatedly by guys asking her to dance. With a sigh of exasperation, she searched the crowd again and noticed the brunette pulling Angel out the back door and into the alley beyond.

“Bitch.” She muttered and stared to slowly weave her way yet again through the crowd.

~~**~~**~~

Spike sat with his back to the bar, a cold beer in one hand, a lit cigarette in the other. His piercing gaze ran over the undulating crowd until the flash of blonde hair caught his eyes. He smiles as Buffy determinedly made her way through the throng towards the back of the club. The lights on the dance floor reflected off her hair causing it to glow about her like a halo. Spike took a long drag of his cigarette before snuffing it out and rising to hid feet, moving to follow the beautiful blonde.

~~**~~**~~

Buffy pushed through the back door and stumbled into the alley. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dark. She looked around the dirty alley, the objects mere shadows against the walls in the neat pitch black of the moonless night. She could hear giggling voices, echoing in the cool silence. She walked silently down the alley. Her heart caught in her throat as she saw a couple locked in a passionate embrace. As she drew nearer the couple she gave a sigh of relief as she realized that it was not her boyfriend. She shook her head ruefully, chastising herself for her doubts.

She moved further through the alley, coning to a corner and stopping dead in her tracks. Her face grew warm as she noticed a woman kneeling before a man. His moans of pleasure filling the night air. Buffy turned to go when a car turned toward the alley, illuminating the impassioned pair for a moment in the harsh glare of its head lights.

Buffy’s flushed face grew pale as she clearly saw the man’s face, twisted in pleasure. She watched, frozen in place, as the man pulled the woman to her feet and pressed her against the wall with is body. Buffy whimpered quietly, tears forming in her eyes, as the woman wrapped her legs around the man's waist, screaming her pleasure into the night air.

All Buffy could do was stare as the pair moved against each other, the sounds of flesh meeting flesh barely heard over their harsh moans.

“Harder.” The woman cried, her head twisting against the brick wall as she arched against the man. He obliged her, moving against her at a bruising pace. The pair cried out before coming to a shuttering stop, calling out the others name, oblivious to their audience.

“Buffy!” The name rang out, echoing through the alley. She turned to see Spike striding towards her.

Angel stiffened and looked towards the voice, seeing Buffy standing at the opening to the alley. He watched in shock as she turned towards him, her eyes cold and expressionless before she spun and disappeared from sight.

Spike jogged down the dark alley towards Buffy meeting her halfway.

“What you doing out here all alone, pet?” He asked, his leather duster flapping in the breeze. “It’s not safe.”

“Just needed some air.” Buffy lied, her voice strained. She could hear Angel’s voice coming up the alley, arguing with his companion.

“Why don’t we go back inside?” Spike asked, holding out his arm to her. She smiled and took the proffered arm and hurried out of the alley and back to the club.

Chapter 5 *Jealousy*

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I really, really, really like reviews. Thank you for those of you who do. For the rest of you. Tsk. Tsk. Please review. My computer was down for a while but I hope it is now fixed so I can do regular updates. Thanks go out to Tked, my beta!

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The sounds and smell of so many bodies hit Buffy, causing a wave of nausea to overcome her.

“Oh god, I need a drink!” Buffy sighed, her head pounding.

“What ya like, pet?” Spike asked. Buffy turned to him in surprise, hang forgotten he was even there.

“Uh, why don’t you surprise me.” She replied with a smile.

“I’ll be right back.” He replied with a nod.

Buffy spotted an empty table and sat down heavily. Her eyes filled with tears as images of the alley flashed through her mind.

“Bastard.” Buffy spat out, wiping at her tears furiously. “How could I be so stupid to think-” Her voice caught in her throat as she saw Angel pushing his way through the crowd towards her. She steeled herself and raised her cool gaze to meet his.

“Buffy-” Angel started beseechingly before he was cut off.

“Save it. There is nothing you have to say that I want to hear.”

“Baby, if you just liste-”

“No! I should’ve listened to my friends.” Her eyes lit up in realization. “She wasn’t the first was she?!” The look on his face was answer enough.

“You bastard! How many were there?! Three, four, ten?” Buffy spat out in outrage. “No, on second thought, I don’t want to know.” She stood up and pushed past him.

“Buffy wait!” Angel cried, grabbing her arm and pulling her around to face him.

There is nothing you can say that will fic this, Angel. I trusted you. I loved you.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I gave everything I had and still it wasn’t enough.”

“Everything?” Angel snorted. “We’ve been dating for what, six months now and still you wouldn’t-”

“So that is what this is about? Sex?” Buffy stared at Angel incredulously.

“No! Well yes-but, Buffy you have to understand. A guy has needs.”

“So that gives you the right to cheat on me?” Buffy shook her head in disgust and tried to pull her arm from his grasp. She winced as his grip tightened. “Let go of me, Angel. We’re done here.”

“Buffy-”

“Take your hand off me.” Buffy stated, her voice cold as she struggled to pull her arm away.

“I suggest you do as the lady says there Peaches.” A British voice said from behind Buffy. She turned and saw Spike with his classic smirk firmly in place, his icy blue eyes cold and hard.

“What’s it to you Spike?” Angel spat out, his grip tightening on Buffy’s arm, making her wince.

“The lady has promised me a dance.” Spike replied as he set the drinks on the table, his gaze never leaving Angels/

“That’s right” Buffy exclaimed, finally succeeding in pulling from Angel’s grasp and taking a step closer to Spike. Spike put his hand on the small of her back, thumb rubbing soothingly against her bare skin.

“Come on luv.” Spike said, giving Angel a triumphant grin.

“Just remember Spike,” Angel threatened quietly, taking a menacing step closer, a cool smile on his lips. “They always come back to me.” Spike’s face hardened, his body tense.

“Later Peaches.” All Angel could do was watch as Spike led Buffy onto the dance floor, leading her into the throng of bouncing bodies.

The loud pulsing sound of the latest dance music faded and the soft dulcet sound of the lead singers voice floated softly through the club. Couples moved closer, wrapping their partners in a warm embrace. Buffy smiled shyly as Spike took her hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her flush against him. They swayed to the music in silence, Buffy staring at Spike’s chest, lost in thought.

“So what’s the deal with Angelus, pet?” Buffy looked up, her startled gaze meeting his questioning one.

“He’s and ex.” She replied simply, almost too quietly for Spike to hear over the soft music.

But you and the poof are through, right?” Buffy couldn’t help but smile at the hopeful note in his voice.

“Oh totally over.” Buffy replied, a hardness in her voice. She looked across the dance floor to where Angel stood, staring at them. The brunette from the alley was back at his side, tugging at his arm to get his attention, not looking happy. Spike followed her gaze and smirked at the glowering man.

“He sure does hate to lose, doesn’t he?” Buffy chuckled wryly.

“He most definitely does.” Buffy turned to look into Spike’s eyes. “Thank you,”

“Was nothing.” Spike replied, ducking his head a bit in embarrassment. “But there is something I could do that would help.”

Buffy gave him a questioning look and was about to ask him what he meant when he lowered his lips to hers, stopping hairs breath away from contact.

“Shall we make him jealous?” Despite the warning, Buffy still froze in shock, her lips hard and unyielding. Spike let up the pressure, his lips barely caressing hers, coaxing a response form the startled blonde. Buffy found herself relaxing into his embrace, her lips parting beneath his. Her arms snaked around his neck, pulling him closer, as she felt Spike caress her bottom lip with the tip of his tongue. Buffy sighed at the contact, causing her mouth to open further, allowing his tongue delve deep with in her mouth.

Spike groaned as her tongue wrapped around his. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her firmly against his hard frame. He shifted her impossibly closer, giving up all pretense of dancing, his hand dropping lower to cup her ass.

Buffy let out a soft moan, her fingers burying themselves into his soft, platinum locks. She gasped as he ground his arousal against her, a wave of heat flashing through her body.

They finally broke away from each other as breathing became an issue. Buffy stared at the blonde wrapped around her, his breath as uneven as her own. Spike shifted his arms, one wrapping around her waist, the other lifted to caress her cheek. Buffy’s arms slid bonelessly down his shoulders to rest lightly on the hard muscles of his chest.

A loud shout came from behind them, pulling them from each others gaze. Both turned, still in each others arms, to see an enraged Angel making his way slowly through the crowd towards them, the brunette pulling on his arm, slowing his progress.

“I think we had best be leaving, luv.” Buffy nodded and Spike to take her hand and pull her to the exit with nary a protest to the rushed pace.

Chapter 6 *The Beginning*

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I really, really, really like reviews. Thank you for those of you who take the time to make them. They mean so much. And yes, cliffhangers are a girls best friend (when she can't afford diamonds anyway.) Thanks go out to Tked, my beta!

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The cool night air was a shock, pulling Buffy from her stupor. Goosebumps covered the exposed skin of her shoulders and back, causing her to shiver.

“Here.” Spike said, sliding his duster from his shoulders and wrapping it around her shaking form. “That should keep you till we reach my car. You’ll like her, she’s a classic.” His voice was full of smug pride.

Spike wasted no time in dragging her through the dimly lit parking lot to an ancient black car. Spike unlocked and held open the passenger door.

“I thought you dais you had a classic.” Buffy joked as she slid onto the seat. “Not a classic piece of junk.” He gave her a wounded look and closed her door, rushing around to his side and climbing in.

“Don’t talk about my baby like that.” Spike said rubbing his hand lovingly over the steering wheel before starting the car. Buffy laughed as he put the car in gear and backed them from the parking spot.

“Hold on.” Buffy had just enough time to grip the door and catch the playful smirk on his lips, before she was thrust back into her seat. Her heart raced as they tore from the parking lot with a squeal of the tires. She whipped around in her seat as they flew past Angel as he was coming out of the club. His face was a mask of rage as he watched the car speed off. Buffy watched the brunette run to Angels side, before turning back in her seat. She felt them begin to slow as she loosened her death grip on the door handle.

“Sorry luv.” Spike said, a contrite expression on his face. “I just couldn’t resist.” Buffy was about ready to lay into him when she caught the genuine concern behind his easy smirk, and couldn’t help but laugh.

“A little warning next time bleach boy.”

“So there will be a next time then, pet?” Buffy was struck speechless by his comment. She was still scrambling for an answer when the car came to a full stop. She looked out her window curiously and saw them parked in front of a small apartment complex.

“Home, sweet home.” Spike gestured to the building before opening his door and rushing to her side to help her from the car.

“Coming up?” He asked when she just sat in the car watching him.

“I don’t think. . .I mean. . .I’m not-”

“Relax, luv.” Spike chuckled. “I just want to take a look at your arm.” She looked down to where Angel had grabbed her, the area an angry purple color with small scratches, still bleeding around the bruise. In a daze, Buffy followed Spike up the two flights of stairs to his apartment and let her self to led and placed on the large, black couch, oblivious to her surrounding.

Spike retrieved his first aid kit form the bathroom and hurried back to where he left Buffy. He found her staring off into space, twirling the ring on her finger absently. She didn’t notice him until he sat down beside her, jostling her position on the couch. Spike took her arm and examined the bruise with soft touches.

“It was his ring.” Buffy said quietly as Spike rubbed away the lingering traces of blood, answering his unspoken question.

“So What’d Angelus so this time?” Spike asked gently, still running a soothing cloth over her cuts.

“How do you know him?” Spike chuckled as she avoided his question, but allowing it for now.

“We had a disagreement a couple of weeks ago, not that we were ever really mates before, you know?” Spike gently massaged a soothing cream into her injury. Buffy waited expectantly for him to continue. He looked up and gave her a sad smile before grabbing a bandage to wrap her arm in.

“Angelus thought that I should share my girlfriend with him and she was inclined to agree.” Buffy’s face grew pale and she started to shake.

“That girl with him, was that her?” Spike gave her a concerned glance and grabbed the blanket off the chair, wrapping it around her trembling shoulders His hand lingered on the silky strands that had fallen onto her face, brushing them back with at soft caress. Buffy stared up at him, her hazel eyes impossibly large in her pale face. Spike shook his head in answer to her question and sat back against the arm of the couch, putting come much needed room between the two of them.

"Naw, that was Faith. They’ve been together off and on for about a year now. They break up and he finds someone new, but when she comes back to town, they just pick right back up where they started. Dru,” He said her name as if it left a bad taste in his mouth. “Angelus picked her up about three weeks ago, but now that Faith is back, he must have dumped her.”

“Or maybe she thinks everything is going fine and he is cheating on her.” Buffy replied bitterly. Spike raised his scarred brow in shock before realization dawned on his face.

“So you used to date him. When did you two break up?” Spike asked nonchalantly. Buffy go that look in her eyes, like a deer caught in the headlights.

“Not long ago.”

“What happened between you two?” Spike asked, even though he was sure he knew the answer. He watched as her eyes hardened, t he unmistakable hurt look hidden behind her anger.

“I caught him cheating on me.” Spike nodded in understanding. “What is Dru short for anyway?”

“Drucilla, why?” Buffy shivered beneath her blanket, a chill going through her entire body.

“Buffy, luv, are you alright? You’re looking kind of pale.” Spike slid towards her, putting a concerned hand on her shoulder. “Would you like something to drink?” He jumped to his feet at her nod and make his way, quickly, to the kitchen.

“I have milk, beer, some blue stuff, or water.” He called over his shoulder. “I think I have a bottle of Jack around here somewhere.”

“Beer.” Buffy called. Spike returned to the room with two beer in hand, passing over one to the blonde. Buffy tilted the bottle to her lips and took a long swallow of the cool liquid. She lowered the beverage and found Spike staring at her in shocked amazement, his own brew paused on route to his lips.

She smiled sheepishly, her face growing red. Spike smirked back appreciably and took a quick swig of his own beer.

“Feel better now, pet?”

“Getting there.” She smiled.

Chapter 7: Get the Party Started

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Ok, I know I am so bad for taking so long between updates. I love all of you who continue to read and review. Those reviews are what make me continue writing. Thanks, as always to my beta Tked.

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The evening progressed comfortably. Spike, Buffy found, was delightfully amusing, with countless tales of his days in England. The beer flowed as freely as the conversation and Buffy found herself more than a little tipsy.

“-so she forgot to lock the door when her mum came in and found us in a compromising situation, or so she thought.” Buffy giggled and sat forward, waiting expectantly. “The silly bint grabbed that plastic axe by the door and came at me with it, beating me over the head.” Buffy clutched her stomach, laughter stealing her breath, tears streaming down her face.

“It bloody well hurt!” Spike exclaimed with no malice, rubbing his head in remembered pain.

“Stop.” Buffy gasped, her face bright red. “I need to breathe.” Spike chuckled and grabbed his bottle sipping slowly, watching the struggling blonde with amusement.

Slowly, Buffy calmed enough to grab her bottle and tip it to her lips. She lifted her drink over her opened mouth, shaking the empty bottle. Spike laughed at her antics, his blue eyes sparkling. She lowered her drink and set it on the coffee table with a slam, pout firmly in place.

:”Easy there, luv.” Spike chuckled as the bottle tipped and rolled off the table.

“It’s all gone!” Buffy pouted, slapping her hand against her leg in exasperation.

“Aww, pouty. Look at that lip.” He slid closer to her and wrapped an arm around her, his hand moving up to tickle at her side. Buffy squealed and wiggled against him. Spike laughed and let her squiggle from his arms and run around the coffee table on unsteady legs.

“Nun uh.” She giggled, waving her finger at him scoldingly. “That wasn’t nice.” She clutched her head in her hands and stared wide eyed at him.

“And why is the room all spinney?” Spike chuckled and rose to his feet, side stepping the table, reaching out a steadying hand to her. Buffy pulled back with a giggle, tottering a bit.

“Luv, I think you’re drunk.”

“Yep!” She popped the word with a grin. “I am very drunk. and I just wanna forget this whole day ever happened, so I need more beer.”

“It’s all gone, pet. You drank my last pint.”

“Well boo!” She exclaimed as she flounced over to the couch and collapsed.

“If you really want more, I might have a bottle of Jack stashed somewhere.” Buffy’s eyes lit up, her lips curving into a smile. Spike felt his stomach clench at the enticing picture she made and gave her an answering grin, before making his way into the kitchen on slightly unsteady legs.

Buffy could hear the banging of cupboards and the odd swear as he searched for the elusive bottle. All sounds stopped causing her to look towards the kitchen. Spike came around the corner, the bottle and two short glasses in his hands.

She swallowed hard, as he sauntered into the room towards her. He slid onto the couch beside her and set down his load. She watched, rapt, as he poured the amber liquid into the two glasses and passed one to her. Buffy took the glass gingerly, eyeing the liquid with a mixture of longing and distaste. Spike smirked at the exchange and raised his glass to her.

“To new friends.” Buffy smiled in response and lifted her glass and shooting it down.

It burned. Holy hell did it burn. The hard liquor slid sensuously over her tongue before blazing a scorching trail down her throat, coating the tender passage as it went.

“Bleah!” She exclaimed as the unsinged taste buds finally relayed the delayed message of the foul tasting liquor to her brain, causing her to stick out her tongue in disgust at the taste.

“Would you like another?” Spike hid a grin at her expression. Buffy smiled and handed her glass back.

“You’re not going to limit me?” Buffy asked incredulously. Spike chuckled.

“Should I be limiting you?” He handed the glass back to her and watched with amusement as she quickly slammed it back.

“Not if you want to live.” She replied with an identical grimace as the one before.

“Ooh, feisty.” Spike chuckled tipping his own drink back.

Buffy waited patiently as Spike poured them each another drink before sitting back in her seat, cradling the tiny glass in both hands. They sat in a compatible silence for a long moment, neither sure of what to say, but neither worried about breaking the silence.

“What kind of music do you like?” Spike asked, rising gracefully to his feet, the inactivity and closeness of the blonde getting to him. He walked over to his sound system, flipping through a stack of CDs.

“I’m not picky.” She replied, sipping gingerly at her shot, unable to control the grimace. Spike smirked in her direction and placed a disk in the player, pushing a button before adding a few more. He grabbed the remote and turned on the player with a flourish.

Loud punk rock blared from the speakers, causing Buffy to jump, her eyes darting to Spike in shock. He laughed at her expression and quickly hit a button on the remote. The lights dimmed as the loud music came to an abrupt halt.

Buffy blinked in the dim light, looking around the room with a shocked expression. Her gaze fell on her companion as the first strains of an old ballad filled the room.

“Dance with me?” Spike asked, holding out his hand to her. Buffy stared at him for a long moment before placing her hand in his, letting him pull her to her feet. Spike took the glass from her hand, placing it on the nearby table and let her to the middle of the room.

Buffy’s hands wrapped around his neck as Spike’s arms snaked around her waist, pulling her softly, but securely against his hard chest. Buffy sighed and rested her head on his shoulder, her breath blowing softly against his neck. Spike shivered at the sensation, pulling her tighter against him, their bodies barely swaying to the music.

Spike’s hands moved leisurely against her back, his adventurous fingers deftly moving the fabric of her shirt up so that they might brush against the softness of her skin. He trailed his fingers over the bare skin of her back, causing her to shiver at the sensation.

The song came to an end and another started in its place, unawares to the couple slowly swaying to a tune all their own. One of Spikes hands moved up Buffy’s body to trail across her arm.. Buffy stiffened, a small whimper escaped her throat causing Spike to pull back, concern etched on his handsome face.

“Luv? You ok?” His voice rumbled through his chest, pulling Buffy from her thoughts. She looked up into the bright blue eyes that gazed down on her with such concern, a sad smile crossing her lips.

“I’ll be fine.” She whispered before raising her head, and brushing her lips lightly over his.
***To Be Continued***

Chapter 8: Play Time

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***Tsk, tsk. Do you really think I would make Buffy and Spike have sex while drunk. I mean, come on. That never happens in real life. Ok, so thank you for the reviews. I am so happy you like this little story. As for what happens with Buffy and Spike, well, I have had it mapped out in my head for weeks now, just need to transfer it to paper.***

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The shock of her lips on his caused Spike to stiffen in surprise, the wet brush of her tongue over his bottom lip brought him back. With a soft groan his lips covered hers tightly, his tongue brushing against the seam, demanding entrance.

Buffy hands burrowed into his hair, pulling him impossibly closer to him, her tongue battling recklessly with his. All her hurt, all her frustration came to a head causing her to cling desperately to his body, her hands alternately clasping him close and frantically trying to get the shirt from his body. With a groan of frustration, Buffy grasped the shirt and pulled, the buttons flying off into every direction.

Spike pulled back, gasping for air as he felt Buffy’s hand move urgently over the bare skin of his chest. Her fingers danced against the hard muscles before sliding down to the buttons on his jeans. Spike gasped, his eyes rolling back in pleasure as the first button popped form its hole.

“Buffy, luv. Wait.” His entire body screamed at him as the words crossed his lips, causing Buffy to halt in her task.

“W-w-what?” She stuttered, her eyes filling with hurt. Spike masked a moan as she pulled back, stepping away from him.

“Luv, it has been a stressful night.” Spike said softly. “Neither of us are all that sober.”

“That doesn’t matter.” Buffy insisted. “I know what I’m doing.”

“I don’t want you to wake up tomorrow and regret anything, pet.” Spike took a step closer to her, reaching a beseeching hand. Buffy pulled back.

“Or is it you who would regret it?” Spike look on in confusion as Buffy shook her head scornfully and grabbed the bottle of liquor from the coffee table, taking a long swallow. “It’s me isn’t it.” She spat, taking another swallow of the burning liquid before dropping the now empty bottle to the floor, it making a soft thud as it fell on its side on the soft carpet.

“Am I repulsive?” Buffy asked quietly, looking down her body in disgust. “I am.” She decided, her eyes filing with tears.

“No, lu-Buffy. You are beautiful.” Spike consoled, moving closer to her, reaching out a hand to her.

“Am I?” Buffy spat. “Then why wait?” Spike watched in shocked amazement as Buffy struggled with her shirt before it flew over her head, her pants and bra following. The sound of her pants hitting a lamp brought Spike out of his stupor from the impromptu strip tease. He rushed to her side and grabbed her hands from where they were pushing at her panties. Buffy stared up at Spike, hazel eyes sparkling.

“Don’t you want me?” Buffy whispered, her voice laced with pain. Spike groaned and pulled her flush against his hard chest.

“Does this feel like I don’t want you?” Spike replied hoarsely, grinding his jean clad hips into hers. Buffy gasped at the feel of him, so hard, so full of barely restrained need.

Spike’s eyes rolled back into his head as Buffy moved against him, her hands moving to his bare chest, brushing teasingly over the tight muscles. Buffy slid a hand between them, popping another button from its hole. Spike moaned as her hand brushed against his straining flesh. Buffy lowered her lips to his chest, smiling against the hot skin.

Before she could react, Buffy found herself swept up into strong arms and carried across the apartment. A few long strides brought the pair into Spike’s bedroom, the blood red color of the rumbled sheets almost black in the darkened room. A lazy smirk crossed his lips causing a flutter in her stomach. Spike’s blue eyes twinkles mischievously as her dropped the almost naked woman unceremoniously on his bed.

Buffy giggled madly as the bed dipped and swayed with her body weight. She blinked in annoyance when Spike clicked on the bedside lamp, casting the room in a rosy glow. Buffy’s complaint caught in her throat as she looked at her companion.

His white, alabaster skin glowed a golden brown in the dim light, shadows coursing over the hard plains of his face, giving him a sharper appearance. Buffy’s eyes ran lovingly over the exposed skin of his chest, moving down to where his jeans lay half open.

Spike watched in anticipation as her eyes ran over his body. With a smirk, Spike slid the material of his shirt over his shoulders, letting the material pool at his feet. Slowly he slid his hand over his chest in a soft caress, delighting in the look she gave when his hand reached his pants. Deftly the two remaining buttons where popped open. His hands grasped the waist band of the jeans and halted in their movement.

“Are you sure pet?” Spike chuckled at the exasperated glare she sent his way. With a naughty smile Buffy slid sensuously out of her panties, giving Spike her most potent ‘come hither’ gaze. He made short work of the jeans, tossing them over his shoulder, standing before her in all his glory.

“Commando?” Buffy purred, licking her lips at the sight of the man before her. Spike chuckled in response and placed one knee on the bed, posing for the delighted blonde in his bed.

With a sigh of frustration, Buffy grabbed Spike’s arm and yanked him onto the bed. The pair bounced wildly on the bed, causing Buffy to giggle madly, and Spike to moan as flesh moved against flesh.

The heavy turbulence calmed to a gentle sway, Buffy’s giggles lessened as she found her self pinned beneath the heavy weight of a very aroused man. Spike’s eyes were almost black with desire, his breath coming in pants.

“Cor, you’re beautiful.” He whispered before his head bent down to capture her lips in a searing caress. Buffy sighed as his lips traveled down the long column of her throat. Her entire world tilted on its axis as his hand traveled further down her body. Waves of pleasure coursed through her veins as everything faded from focus.

Chapter 9: The Games We Play

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***First, I am sorry it has been so long since the last update. I have fought with my internet for three weeks. It was staying on line for about three hours a night for the last month and would not let anything upload successfully. I hope finally that it is fixed and we will have no more problems. Second, thank you to all of your loverly reviews. I finally got to read them the other night and it made me so guilty it took so long to get an update. Third, review and let me know what you think of the story so far. Love those loverly review. ***

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Warmth. That was the first thought through Buffy’s mind as she slowly moved towards consciousness. Warmth surrounding, filling her with its calm presence. Soft, silky sheets caressed her bare skin. A hard, warm body wrapped around her, fitting against her back perfectly.


“Mmm.” Buffy sighed as the body shifted, pulling her closer against him causing the waterbed to swing and sway with the motion. Buffy opened her eyes at the movement, her skin turning green.

“Oh God!” She moaned as she forcefully threw herself from the bed, none too gracefully, and ran, naked, from the room. The sudden loss of contact brought Spike from his slumber in time to hear the sounds of a door slamming shut and the running of water.

Spike opened his eyes and promptly shut them again, his arm moving up to cover his eyes with a groan of pain. The whole of the Sunnydale Marching Band was parading unceremoniously through his head, the dip and sway of the bed doing nothing to easy his frazzled nerves.

Spike laid in the bed for a long while, his head pounding and his mind racing. The night before flashed through his thoughts. The vulnerability and hurt that flickered across her face as Buffy stripped every barrier away, leaving everything that she was bare to his scrutiny. He let out a soft moan as he remembered laying her upon his bed, running his lips over her silky skin, the breathless moans that passed her lips as his hands slid down her body.

A loud bang in the direction of his kitchen brought Spike from his thoughts. Slowly, he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, the pounding in his head increasing. Gingerly, he stood up and snagged a pair of black jeans, sliding them on, leaving the top button open carelessly.

Spike padded silently out of the room and down the small hall that led to the kitchen, running his fingers through his hair. The sight that greeted him brought a smile to his lips. Spike leaned against the entry to the kitchen and watched the blonde girl.

Buffy stood in the middle of the kitchen, her shirt covered in coffee grounds along with the counter, coffeemaker and the floor. With a sigh of disgust, Buffy grasped the hem of her shirt and shook it. Coffee grounds flew everywhere. When she was satisfied that she had removed all the grounds from her shirt she added another scoop from the partially empty tin into the coffeemaker and slapped the filter holder closed, flicking the machine on with a sigh.

“Broom.” Buffy muttered with a shake of her head and turned to find the object only to stop when she came face to face with Spike. Buffy’s eyes widened comically as she turned her head around to look at the mess and then back at the blonde in the door.

“Um, oops?” Spike chuckled and stepped into the kitchen.

“I thought you were gone.” Spike said as he took a step closer to Buffy.

“Figured might need coffee.” She replied, holding her ground, her pulse starting to race.

“You or me?” Spike asked, stepping closer to her.

“Uh, me?” Spike chuckled and closed the gap between them.

“What about me?” His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling Buffy snuggly against him. Her hands came up to rest on his bare chest.

“If you want some.” Buffy whispered, her eyes staring a bit fearfully into his.

“I think I want something else first.” Spike purred, his other hand coming up to tangle in her hair.

“What’s that?” Buffy asked, her voice no louder than a sigh. Spike’s lips curved into a smirk, his hand tightening possessively around her waist.

“You.” He replied just before lowering his lips to hers.

Buffy expected his lips to devour hers, demanding a response, but she was pleasantly surprised when he brushed his lips softly over hers, his tongue coming out to trace lightly across the fullness of her bottom lip. Buffy sighed and leaned into his caress, her mouth parting as his tongue teased against the seam of her lips. With a satisfied moan, Spike dipped his tongue into her mouth, gently coaxing her tongue to play with his.

Buffy met his caress with a moan, her hands snaking around his neck and raising herself onto her tip toes, to press herself more fully against his hard body. She tasted of tooth paste and mouth wash. The thoughts of her using his toothbrush caused Spike to moan and pull her impossibly closer to him.

He tasted of alcohol, of cigarettes, of Spike. The taste on anyone else would have left her with a turned stomach, but Buffy couldn’t get enough of his taste, so uniquely his own.

The gentle kiss continued for what felt like forever before they both had to part to breathe. Buffy stared up into his piercing blue eyes, panting for breath. Spike stared back before dropping his lips again to hers. Before they could connect, Buffy’s hand covered his mouth.

“Wait.” She said, wincing at the husky sound to her voice. “We need to talk.”

“’Bout what?” Spike asked, knowing full well where the conversation was leading, but trying to avoid at all costs.

“About last night.” Buffy replied her gaze falling to his chest as a blush painted her skin. She pushed against him, and he reluctantly let her escape his embrace.

“Wha-” She stepped away from him and cleared her throat. “What happened last night?”

“There were sparks, and alcohol and heat and-you don’t remember?” Spike asked, moving to lean against the counter.

“Well I remember the beer, and the shots.” Buffy replied, her face twisting with the memory. Spike smiled at her reaction. “I remember me-uh, with the-, and the”

“Your little strip tease.” Spike spelled out for her, watching her already flushed skin grow redder.

“Ya.” She replied. “I remember you carrying me to the room and-” She broke off turning her back to him.

“There was the loss of more clothing then you pulled me into bed with you.” Spike prompted, moving to stand a hairs breath away from her.

“Ya.” Buffy shivered at his nearness.

“Then I kiss you here.” Spike moved the hair from her neck and pressed his lips softly against the exposed skin. “And here.”

Buffy shivered again as he ran his lips over her skin and she couldn’t help but tilt her head to give him better access.

“Stop.” Buffy sighed without conviction before pulling herself reluctantly away from his lips. “I need to know.” She said, turning to face him.

“What?” Spike prompted, unwilling to answer her unspoken question.

“Did we-” Buffy blushed again, dropping her eyes to the floor. “Didwesleeptogether?”

:”Sorry pet, didn’t quite catch that one.” Spike smirked.

“Did we sleep together.” Buffy mumbled, refusing to meet his gaze.

“You really don’t remember?” Spike asked, tilting his head in confusion.

“I was really drunk.” She replied. “Really, really drunk. I remember you, and me, and the-the nakedness.” She blushed again. “I need to know.”

“Would it be bad if we did?” Spike asked, unsure of why he didn’t just answer her question, but needing the answer to his.

“A world of yes.” Buffy sigh, missing the hurt look that crossed his face. “We just met. People don’t just-”

“People all the time just-” Spike waved his arm angrily.

“But I don’t.” Buffy half yelled. “Just tell me. Did we or didn’t we.”

“You were there, pet.” Spike said, avoiding the question.

“You are impossible.” Buffy replied, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “I don’t remember. I do not remember. So just tell me, please.” Spike stared at the blonde woman before him, her eyes pleading for him to give her the answer she so desperately needed.

“You passed out.” Spike said quietly.

“What?”

“You passed out. We were just getting started and you passed out cold.”

“Really.” Buffy asked, a hopeful note in her voice.

“Really.” Spike spat. “You didn’t sully your virtue by sleeping with me.”

“I didn’t mea-”

“Just forget about it.” Spike interrupted, turning his back on her.

“Spike,” Buffy said softly, moving to place her hand on his shoulder. “I’m-”

“I said forget about it.” Spike said turning to face her. “No harm, no foul, right? By the by, isn’t it time for all good little girls to be scampering off home?”

“Spi-”

“Just go home Buffy.” Spike said quietly as he stepped back from her, his shoulders held ridged. “Just go.”

“What if I want to stay?” She asked stubbornly, taking a step forward. The pair stared silently at each other for a long moment.

The sound of the phone broke the heavy silence.

“You should get that.” Buffy said. With a sigh Spike turned and picked up the phone.

“What!” He snapped into the phone. After a brief pause, “No I don’t need a subscription to Woman’s Weekly.” With an exasperated sigh he slammed down the phone and turned back to Buffy. He heard the soft click of his door as it slid shut, his body slumping with defeat.

She was gone.
To Be Continued