The high school wasn’t at all what Spike Channing expected as he stepped out of the sleek black Desoto complete with tinted windows. The school seemed to be something out of a primetime teen soap opera. In fact it looked a lot like Beverly Hills 90210. He wouldn’t have been shocked to run into Dylan Mc Kay or one of the Walsh twins. Spike smiled to himself as he put his sunglasses firmly back over his crystal clear blue eyes and walked towards the front steps leading to the pristine school.

*~*

Buffy Summers sighed loudly as she neared Sunnydale High. It seemed just yesterday they were enjoying the last day of their junior year, dreams and plans of the beach and late nights in the midst. Summer was over too quickly and she missed it already. The one light at the end of the tunnel was that this was their senior year, the last year of the torture that was known as high school.

Buffy sighed again and held her books tighter against her chest wishing her final year would go by fast. She shook her head of her thoughts and glanced towards the front of school searching for Willow and Xander, her two best friends.

She didn’t see them right away and made a move to turn away when a shock of violent blond hair came into her line of vision. Buffy started as he turned towards her, his eyes squinting behind the dark tint of his sunglasses. His hair practically gleamed in the sunlight, his skin awash in a golden glow. She was transfixed, her mouth growing dry, as she looked him over from the top of his platinum head to the bottoms of his heavy black boots. A small tingle flowed through her veins as she watched him run a hand through his tousled locks before opening the double doors.

*~*

“Buffy? Earth to Buffy.”

“Huh? What?” Buffy said distractedly as she met the amused gaze of her friend Xander.

“Yeah Buffy what’s up with you today? You are all sorts of spacey,” Willow remarked.

“You can’t be sick of school already. It’s only the first day,” Xander said meeting Willow’s gaze.

“I know…I’m just preoccupied today. Just weird being back in school and all,” she replied as her eyes scanned the outside quad for the mysterious blond she saw earlier.

She had suffered through her first four classes without even a glimpse of him. She searched the hallways between classes for him, even eavesdropped on other’s conversations hoping to get some information on the new guy.

She gasped audibly as she finally caught sight of him. He was sitting on the grass leaning against a large oak tree drinking a Snapple and reading over a piece of paper that sat in his blue denim encased lap.

“What?” Willow asked before following Buffy’s gaze.

“Oh that’s Spike Channing,” Xander said his eyes landing on Buffy’s object of interest.

Buffy’s eyes whipped around.

“You knew his name and you didn’t even tell me?”

“Um…whoa there tiger…didn’t even know you were interested,” Xander defended himself, throwing his arms up in a gesture of peace.

“What else do you know about him? Where is he from? How old is he?” Buffy asked hurriedly, her questions coming out faster then a Nascar race.

“Well his name is Spike and he just moved here from London, I didn’t ask his age but I do know he’s a senior like us.”

“What’s with the stares Buffy?” Willow asked as Buffy started to zone out again while staring at Spike.

“Huh? Nothing. I just…I dunno there’s something about him. I have got to meet him,” She said in a serious tone.

“There’s something about him? Come on, you have to give us more then that,” Xander laughed. “Someone has a crush.”

Buffy didn’t have time to answer Xander when the bell rang signally lunch was officially over.

“What do we have next anyhow?” Willow asked as they stood and gathered their things.

“American Lit,” Xander answered, checking his schedule. They were lucky enough to have almost all their classes together.

“Ready Buffy?” Willow asked as Buffy turned towards them.

“Yeah…guys…I need your help. I need to find out as much as I can about our new guy. Will you help me?” She pleaded with them.

“What’s so special about him? Must be the bleach,” Xander muttered as Willow agreed to help her.

Willow elbowed him in the ribs as Buffy’s expectant eyes landed on him.

“Ugh…of course I will help you Buff. The Xand-man is always the helpiest helper.”

“Thanks guys. You two are the bestest friends a girl could ever have,” she said excitedly as she wrapped them both in a hug.

*~*

Buffy was still smiling as she entered Mr. Hobson’s American Lit class. That was until she spotted the object of her infatuation sitting next to the window, the sunlight streaming in and bouncing off his already vibrant head. As soon as she spotted him his eyes met hers. Clear blue pools met green as their eyes locked. Buffy blushed slightly under his intense gaze and inwardly groaned at the loss of contact as he tore his eyes from hers.

She stifled a sigh as she sat down at the desk next to him. She plastered a bright smile on her face as she turned towards him.

“Hi. I’m Buffy…Buffy Summers,” she said, proud that her voice wasn’t shaking.

“Spike…Spike Channing,” he replied glancing at her, a small smile forming on his lips.

She opened her mouth to say something else just as the teacher whirled in. Buffy had to clamp her lips shut as Mr. Hobson began his first day introductions.

*~*

As much as Spike tried to pay attention to the teacher he couldn’t help but feel the small blonde’s eyes on him. She glanced over at him several times, his skin heating up with every blink of her forest green depths.

It was the same girl he had seen this morning walking up casually to the school. He couldn’t help but stare at her as she looked around, her hair ruffling in the slight breeze. His heart started to beat faster as she kept looking at him, a slight blush staining her cheeks. She looked so familiar to him that it caused an ache in his heart.

He shuffled his feet in front of him trying to concentrate on the words spewing from the teacher’s mouth but he couldn’t. He tilted his head to the side and looked at Buffy out of the corner of his eye. She was looking at him again, a mix of emotions playing off her beautiful features.

Before Spike knew it the bell was ringing, Spike gathered his things and dashed out of the classroom without even a backwards glance at Buffy.

Spike rushed to his car and drove the 5-minute drive to his house. He opened the door and was greeted with silence; his uncle was still at work. He sighed with relief and went up the stairs to his room. He dropped his books on the desk and laid down on his bed, his arms behind his head, his legs crossed.

He closed his eyes and immediately the image of Buffy Summers played against his closed lids. She reminded him of long times past in London, her face an exact replica of his first love’s, the only difference being the dark green of her eyes. Spike flinched inwardly as memories flooded his senses.

“Come on Spike, dance with me,” Emma begged, her face filled with hopefulness.

Spike couldn’t resist her as he swept her up in his arms, dancing with her in the garden of his home, the sun setting in the sky, the only music was that of the crickets and sing song birds.

Emma screamed as a shot rang out, her body slumping against his. Her arms fell to her sides as Spike fell to the ground trying to cover her. He looked down at her paling face, crimson blood seeping through the lemony yellow bodice of her dress.

“Help!!!!” Spike screamed as he cradled Emma’s head against his chest. “Someone please help us!!”

“Don’t leave me Spike,” Emma breathed as she gasped for breath. Spike’s eyes filled with tears as he stroked her soft cheek.

“Don’t close your eyes Emma, help is coming.”

“I love you Spike. I will always love you,” Emma said as silent tears fell down his face. “Give us a kiss love.”

His tears splashed onto her pale face as he leaned down and touched his lips to hers. She stiffened in his arms and the pressure in her lips faded away. Spike tore his mouth from hers and yelled into the setting sun, rocking back and forth, holding her body tight against his, oblivious to the blood staining his shirt and his heart.

By the time Buffy had made it home her throat was hurting from the stubbornness of holding back the tears that threatened to fall. Xander and Willow had rushed over with the support as Spike practically ran from the room but it was to no avail. The hurt was already set firmly inside her. Buffy entered her home and walked up the flight of stairs to her room. She dropped her book bag on the floor before flopping onto her bed. She reached for Mr. Gordo, her stuffed pig and cried into his soft pink fur.

It was hard not to be hurt as he pointedly tried not to look at her, not even when she tried to get his attention. She couldn’t explain it, she felt this pull to him, this force that wanted to touch him, to explore the sharp planes of his cheeks, feel the softness and the taste of his lips.

“Why am I crying?” she asked herself and Mr. Gordo. “I’m Buffy Summers, one of the most popular girls at Sunnydale High. I can have any guy I want.”

Buffy sat up and grabbed the phone. She pressed the speed dial and took a deep breath of air as the other end was answered.

“Wills I have a plan. Will you help me?”

*~*

“It’s now or never,” Buffy said aloud as she glanced at her reflection in the school bathroom mirror. She smoothed the imaginary wrinkles from her pink flowery skirt and adjusted her white button down shirt making sure the tiny bows at the elbows were tied. She fluffed her golden locks slightly and pinched her cheeks.

“Do you think this is gonna work?” Willow asked as she met Buffy’s eyes in her reflection.

“Of course it’s gonna work,” Buffy said even though inside she was shaking.

It has to, she thought determined.

“Did you bring everything?”

“Yup. Everything is all here, we just need your bubbly personality to go along with it,” Willow answered handing her the basket.

Buffy smiled and gripped Willow’s shoulder.

“Thank you Wills, pray this works,” Buffy whispered as she went to the door of the bathroom. With one last look at her reflection she gulped in some air and opened the door.

*~*

Spike arrived ten minutes before class started. He didn’t sleep well last night, his dreams filled with images of Emma and of Buffy. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and put his head against the steering wheel. It was rough moving all the way across the world to the United States. So many things he left behind, he was sad but knew he needed a fresh start. London was death to him; sadness and melancholy had invaded his entire being after Emma’s death. It was better he was here, living with his uncle.

He sighed and lifted his head. It was time for a fresh start, to have a new beginning and he was determined to have it here in Sunnydale. He opened the heavy metal door and exited his car, the sun blinding him before he slipped his dark sunglasses on. He ran a hand through his hair and grabbed his books. He took a deep breath and exhaled as he walked into the school, hoping he wouldn’t run into Buffy today.

All hope of not seeing Buffy vanished as she headed straight for him in the hallway, a glowing smile plastered firmly on her face. Spike put his head down and tried to avoid her as she stopped in front of him, blocking his way.

“Hi Spike. Remember me?”

“I’m sorry. I have to go,” He mumbled trying to pass her.

“Wait,” she said putting a hand on his arm. “I’m president of the Welcoming Committee and I just wanted to welcome you to Sunnydale.”

“Please, I have to go,” He mumbled again not meeting her eyes as he brushed past her.

Buffy stood there stunned and blinked back the tears that welled in her eyes. She didn’t even notice Willow standing next to her as she bolted down the hallway and into the bright sunshine, not breaking her stride until she was home.

*~*

Spike knew he hurt her. He could feel it; he could sense it even though he hadn’t looked at her. He shook his head and walked into his Computer Graphics class, taking his seat near the window. A blur of blond hair whipped by and he watched as Buffy ran away from the school.

He felt bad, he really felt bad but what could he do? It was hard enough to look at her, let alone hear that voice coming from her lips. Spike groaned and put his head in his hands.

“Dude, what the hell is wrong with you?” A voice asked him, breaking through is reverie.

Spike looked up to see Xander Harris standing in front of him.

“Do you always go around hurting pretty girls who try to make you feel welcome? Or is that some Motherland way?” Xander’s voice was hard and if the fire coming his eyes was any indication then he was also very pissed off.

“Look Harris, I didn’t mean to hurt her. You don’t understand,” he replied quietly.

“I don’t understand? Let’s get something straight. That girl that just ran from here crying is my best friend. She hurts and your ass gets kicked. Need I say more?”

“Is that right?” Spike asked standing up. He only had Xander by two inches but the clip in his voice and the smirk on his face had the smaller boy step back a step.

“Yeah that right,” Xander said bravely, not dropping his guard. He would be damned if he was going to let some British piece of shit hurt Buffy; he loved that girl too damn much.

Spike sighed and closed his eyes. He took his seat again and looked at Xander.
“I didn’t mean to hurt her. I really didn’t,” he said softly watching the expressions change on Xander’s face.

“Then what’s the problem cuz hey if some gorgeous girl like that came up to me and wanted to welcome me, I’d be open arms.”

“It’s complicated. I will apologize.”

Xander sat down next to Spike and turned towards him.

“So…what’s your story?”

“My story?”

“Yeah. Besides being from England what else is there to know about you?”

Spike looked at him quizzically.

“Hey man from the looks of it you don’t have a friend here besides the swooning girls. Just thought you would want a companion.”

“Swooning girls?” Spike smiled.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed Cordelia and Harmony practically falling over themselves to get to you.”

“Um…actually…hadn’t noticed.”

“Dude you got some major problems,” Xander laughed. “Harmony is a total idiot but Cordelia, well that girl is a nice piece, major bitch but definitely nice to look at.”

Spike laughed with him, his cool mask slipping away. He liked this Xander.

Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad.

*~*

“Buffy?” Willow called as she opened the large wooden door on Revello Drive. Willow stood in the entryway for a minute and listened. There was a faint sound coming from the upstairs. Slowly she made her way to Buffy’s bedroom. But what she found she didn’t expect.
“Buffy?”

Buffy spun around and faced Willow.

“Hey Will,” she said before returning to the computer at her desk.

Buffy looked at though nothing was wrong, she was sitting nicely at her desk typing away like nothing had happened.

“You ok?”

“Yeah. I’m fine,” she replied throwing a smile Willow’s way.

“You know you don’t have to pretend with me.”

“Who’s pretending?”

“Buffy, I don’t know what you’re feeling but this whole controlled whatever the hell you got going on is really freaking me out. I think I’d rather have you crying and getting hysterical,” Willow said honestly taking a seat on Buffy’s bed.

“Willow, I’m fine. I really am.”

“But…”

“But nothing. I’m fine. So today didn’t work, that’s fine. Tomorrow will work,” she said turning towards Willow and turning the computer monitor as well.

There on the screen was a list titled, ‘Ways to win that British hunk of ass’.

“I will get this boy Willow. If it’s the last thing I do.”

Author's Note- Last night after I posted the first two chapters of this fic I said if I get 10 or more reviews I would post two more chapters. You guys didnt let me down. So heres the next two!!



Buffy and Willow entered the Bronze with smiles on their faces. There was nothing like unwinding after a long week dancing the night away. After yesterday’s fiasco with Spike, Buffy was determined to put him from her mind for the night. It was bad enough he had dismissed her, but to have Cordelia and Harmony vie for his attention was well, it was just sickening.

The music was loud and pumping, instantly lifting Buffy’s spirits. She scanned the area looking for Xander and froze when she spotted him standing at the pool tables. Next to him, just getting ready to shoot was Spike, and off to the side were Harmony and Cordelia.

Buffy was speechless, she elbowed Willow who yelped in surprise and then glanced over at where Buffy was looking.

Spike felt her the moment the doors opened. He glanced up before she saw him and drunk in the vision of her. She looked amazing in her long leather skirt that was slit on both sides, showing her bronzed legs every time she took a step. The white lacy top she had on contrasted nicely, showing more of her tanned flesh. He looked down quickly and concentrated on his pool game.

“Why is Xander with him?” Buffy asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to Xander since lunch time,” Willow answered.

Cordy caught sight of them and did a little wave. It was mean and it made Buffy’s blood boil.

“What a bitch!” Willow exclaimed grabbing Buffy’s arm. “Don’t even look at them Buffy. We are here to have fun and by goddess we will!”

Buffy nodded mutely and followed Willow to the bar to get a drink. She couldn’t keep her eyes off of him. After he shot, Cordy grabbed him and hugged him, Spike smiling as she wrapped her arms around him.

Buffy wanted to scream and cry. She just wasn’t sure which part would win out.

Willow handed Buffy her diet coke complete with a cherry when Xander strode up to them.
“What are you doing with him? And with them?” Buffy snapped gesturing to the two sluts draping their bodies over Spike.

“We are shooting pool, the girls just happened to join us when we got here,” Xander answered taken aback by Buffy’s tone.

“Yeah Xand…after what he did to Buffy this morning,” Willow said putting a hand on her hip.

“I talked to him about that. That’s how we ended up here.”

All three turned to the sound of Cordy laughing heartily as Spike whispered something in her ear.

“That’s it. I can’t take this,” Buffy grumbled putting her drink down and grabbing the nearest guy to her. “Want to dance?”

“Uh yeah,” the boy stammered, shocked that this beautiful girl would dance with him.

She lead then to the dance floor as a slow song started up. She smiled at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He was taller then her with smiling chocolate brown eyes.

“I’m Angel…Angel O’Malley.”

“Buffy Summers.”

“Yeah I know who you are. Everyone knows who you are,” Angel said smiling.

Buffy smiled back at him, turning on the charm. She glanced over at Spike who was watching her, his blue eyes darkening.

Buffy tore her eyes from his and rested her head on Angel’s shoulder, losing herself in the soft beat.

*~*

“What is she doing?” Xander asked Willow as Buffy danced the night away locked in Angel’s arms.

“I don’t know. I guess trying to get back at someone,” she said pointedly glancing in Spike’s direction.
“That’s the tenth dance she has danced with him.”

“No kidding Xander.”

“Doesn’t she need to come up for air? I mean my god it’s stifling in here.”

Another slow song started up and they all watched as Angel folded Buffy in his arms again. She smiled at him again as he pressed his cheek to hers. It was like car accident, no matter how badly you wanted to look away you found you couldn’t.

Spike tried so hard not to even look at her, to look at that ponce that had her in his arms. He tried to flirt with Cordelia but found she was as smart as a fruit fly. He had nothing to say to her and even worse he couldn’t stand her touching him any longer.

It was annoying.

He needed air.

He needed a smoke.

Grabbing his long leather duster, he excused himself and left.

Buffy didn’t have a remote interest in Angel. It was just a ploy to show she wasn’t upset. Let Spike do whatever he wants, who is he to reject Buffy Summers!

That replayed over and over in her mind re-fueling the fire, the same angry fire that made her agree to leave with Angel. She waved a curt goodbye to Willow and snuck a dirty look at Xander as she allowed Angel to pull her from the club.

*~*

“Where are we going?” Buffy asked nervously as Angel began to pull her through the wrought iron gates of the nearest cemetery. Angel didn’t say anything he just glanced lasciviously at her.

He tugged on her arm leading her to an empty crypt. He pushed the heavy metal door open with an audible creak.

“Just wanted to take you a place a little more secluded, get to know each other a bit,” Angel replied.

“Well you took me, now let’s get out of here. It’s dank and musty,” she complained as she went to the crypt door.

“You’re not going anywhere,” Angel leered as he pulled her against him.

Buffy’s eyes grew wide in terror as he leant down and tried to kiss her.

“Let go of me!” she yelled pummeling his chest with her fists.

“Yeah right. You know you want this,” Angel sneered grabbing her arms and pinning them above her head on the cold concrete wall. “You’ve been begging for it ever since you asked me to dance.”

“You asshole,” she screamed spitting in his face.

Angel looked shocked and wiped at his face with his free hand. He gave her a cold smile before cocking his hand back and punching her in the jaw.

Buffy screamed in white-hot pain as tears flowed down her face. The sound of Buffy screaming seemed to make Angel happy as he lowered his face to her neck, kissing and licking her, he tried to wedge his knee between her legs when the crypt door swung open.

“I believe the lady said no,” Spike said cockily, his face set in grim line of anger.

Buffy didn’t know what had happened. She didn’t even hear Spike come in, she thought she heard the door open and then Angel was gone, thrown against the hard concrete tomb, dust raining down on his fallen form.

Buffy slid down the wall, landing in a heap of leather on the ground.

Angel stood up and faced Spike whose eyes were almost glowing amber in the moonlight. His look was feral, deadly, as he stalked the darker man.

“This isn’t your party man, the girl and I were just having some fun.”

“Yeah right.”

“She was begging for it. Wanted to be alone. Was just trying to please her, you know how it is,” Angel said his hands out, a smile playing on his lips.

“I believe I heard her say no. Where I’m from when a lady says no it bloody well means no,” Spike gritted between his teeth as he went after Angel.

Buffy looked up in a haze as her savoir punched Angel in the face, his nose breaking was deafening through the still, stale air.

Angel made a sound like a growl and stood, tackling Spike around the middle, both falling to the floor. Spike ended up on top and punched Angel again in the face, once, twice, three times before Angel caught his hand and punched Spike in the jaw, throwing him off.

Spike’s head whipped back as blood pooled in his mouth.

“Not so tough are you?” Angel taunted as he stood up.

“You’d be surprised mate,” Spike spat at him before kicking him in the knee.

Angel yelped in pain and fell to his knees in front of Spike. He grabbed Angel’s hair and forced him to look into his eyes.

“If I ever so much as catch you near her or the Bronze ever again you will wish I had broken every bloody bone in your body. Is that understood?”

Angel couldn’t do anything but nod as Spike’s foot connected with Angel’s balls just as his fist connected with the poofter’s nose.

Angel fell into a heap on the floor, passed out cold.

Spike wiped at the blood leaking from the corner of his mouth before turning to Buffy. She was huddled on the cold concrete floor, shaking as her hand held her injured jaw. Spike kneeled down in front of her and gently wiped at the tears that were flowing down her cheeks.

“Shhh love. I’ve got you,” he cooed, grasping her shoulders and helping her to her feet. She finally let her eyes rest on him and burst into a fresh round of tears.

Spike didn’t say a word.

He just wrapped his arms around the tiny blond in front of him and let her cry, her sobs shaking her body and his.

*~*

It seemed like forever before Buffy finally let Spike pull her from the crypt. Angel still lay passed out inside. Buffy had heard him moan just as they crossed the threshold and into the midnight black of night. Spike kept his arm firmly around her shoulders as she clung to his damp shirt.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“I’m sorry Buffy. I should have gotten to you sooner,” he said putting his hand over hers, holding it against his heart.

“Why did you follow me?”

Spike paused as he thought of a good excuse. The truth was he was outside having a cigarette, relishing in the comforting feel of the smoke filling his lungs when the door had burst open revealing Angel and Buffy. There was a look in the great poofter’s eyes that had sent a surge of white-hot jealously flow through his veins.

Spike couldn’t help himself as he followed them.

He watched as Angel pulled her into a crypt and listened as he pushed himself on Buffy. Spike saw red as he heard Angel punch her. All he could think of was getting to her, saving her.

“I don’t know,” he said quietly. It was as close to the truth as he was willing to let himself admit.

Buffy shivered next to him and Spike stopped. Buffy didn’t have the heart to tell him it was because she was in his arms not because she was cold as he pulled the long leather duster down his arms and draped it over her shoulders.

The rest of the walk to Revello drive was done in silence. Spike still had her wrapped up in his arms, and she was still clinging to his shirt that was dampened with her tears. They stopped short on the steps leading to her porch. The outside light was on; it’s light offering a welcoming comfort. Spike dropped his arms from her body and shoved his hands in his pockets. He looked down at the ground as Buffy gripped the lapels of his leather duster pulling the heavy material around her.

“Spike…”

“Buffy…”

They stopped and smiled at each other. Spike motioned for her to go first.

“Spike…I just wanted to thank you for…well for saving me. I don’t do the damsel in distress very often. I don’t know what came over me.”

At that moment Spike looked at her, her green eyes filled with watery tears again and he wanted nothing more then to sweep her into his arms and kiss those tears away.

But he couldn’t.

“Anytime Buffy. It was nothing,” he shuffled his feet and avoided her gaze.

“But it is something. It’s definitely something to me,” she said touching his face and forcing him to look at her.

He was mesmerized as he stared into her eyes, her pupils large, the jade green irises dancing amidst the flecks of gold.

He was helpless as his body betrayed him, one arm snaked around her back as his head leant down, his lips capturing hers.

Buffy’s eyes widened as his lips claimed hers, her senses reeling as if they were electrified.

Spike gave himself to her lips, his mouth dancing against hers, tiny thrills of excitement running rampant in his tense body. His fingers caressed her face as his arm tightened around her middle.

Buffy’s hands moved up his chest weakly, gripping his shoulders and holding on for dear life.

Her knees threatened to give way as he opened his lips to hers, his tongue darting in, exploring the velvet heat of her mouth.

His thoughts were swirling as he tried to grasp the concept that he was kissing her, his mouth was claiming hers and he didn’t want to let go.

A/N You guys following this fic have been wonderful!!! Thank you for all the lovely reviews. It means the world to me!!!


Chapter 5

Spike lay in bed. His arms behind his head, his ankles crossed. His cerulean blue eyes staring at the white popcorn like ceiling. When he had laid on the bed the sky was black, his eyes had not closed once, not even when the sunlight filtered through illuminating the room into a sunny glow. His hand hurt slightly from punching Angel in the face but it was so worth it. Even if his hand swelled to three times its size Spike wouldn’t care.

It wasn’t enough.

Spike blinked, finally tearing his eyes from the ceiling. His eyes seeing little white spots from staring for so long. He sat up and swung his legs over this side of the bed. He rubbed at his eyes with his good hand and sighed. The night had turned into something he hadn’t expected. He knew as he stepped into the Bronze with Xander that Buffy would come.

He knew it.

He dreaded it.

He hoped it.

As soon as Buffy put her arms around that wanker Spike couldn’t see anything but blinding anger and jealousy. He wanted to be the one dancing with her. The one holding her. And that lousy ponce had his hands all over her. Bastard! Who did he think he was?

What was even worse was that bird Cordelia was all over him. What he wouldn’t do to actually get her to back off. He had no interest in her whatsoever. He had even tried to let her down gently but she wanted no part of it. She had even gone so far as offering him sex, which Spike turned down vehemently.

He didn’t want Cordelia.

He wanted Buffy.

God how he wanted Buffy.

He hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind since he first saw her. Regardless of her reminding him of Emma, she was her own person. She may look like Emma but Buffy was different…stronger.

He tried to stay away from her. Had been down right rude but it was to no avail. He couldn’t resist her sunlight, her shining smile. The way she would look at him. He was helpless to her. He looked behind him and saw her still asleep. Her blond hair fanned around her. He had held her all night, her head against his chest. She finally fell asleep after they talked for hours. Both afraid of admitting what was in their hearts, both afraid not to admit it.

Spike had told her almost everything. Had told her about bits and pieces of Emma and his loss. The reason why he came to America. But, he kept one secret from her. The one that would shock and amaze her. The one that could make him lose her even before he could have her.

He sighed as he fingered the dark red stone ring he had on his left middle finger. He looked back at her and smiled as she let out a soft snore. His smiled faded as he looked at the large black and blue bruise that had formed on her face from where Angel had hit her. It angered Spike all over again.

His visions of killing Angel were shattered when he felt a soft hand on his arm.

“Hey,” Buffy greeted giving him a small smile.

“Hey,” he replied realizing she was even more beautiful when she first awoke then any other woman. Even with her hair a slightly mussed and her face red with tear streaks, she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

“Did you sleep well?” She asked as she sat up and sighed as he put his arm around her.

“No…not really.”

“How come?”

“Who wants to sleep when they have the most beautiful angel in their arms?”

“Spike…” Buffy said as she leaned forward and kissed him.

She pulled back from their kiss and rubbed at her sore jaw. She saw Spike’s face change, his eyes darkening with anger.

“It’s fine Spike. Barely hurts now,” She lied trying to calm him.

He raised his scarred eyebrow at her and grinned as she batted her eyelashes at him.

“How are you going to keep the questions at bay?” He asked.

“The truth I suppose. Good thing my mom is away on Gallery business. She’d be a basket case.”

His smiled faded and he grew serious.

“What if I hadn’t gotten there in time?” he asked, hanging his head.

“But you did Spike.”

“The ponce still hit you.”

“Yes but you got there before he could do anything else.”

Spike snorted.

“If you hadn’t come…” Buffy trailed off as her green eyes filled with tears.

“Shhh sweetheart. I’m sorry I didn’t get there sooner.”

“No. Don’t be sorry about what couldn’t be helped. You got there soon enough and saved me from other nasty things that asshole could have done. I’m forever grateful to you Spike…forever.”

Her last part was whispered as Spike brought his gaze to hers. His anger faded again as he looked into her face. He was helpless as his lips found hers.

Forever…

*~*

Spike let himself out of the Summers’ house later on that night, having spent the whole day with Buffy. Her mom was due home in a couple of hours and Spike wasn’t ready for the meeting of the mom phase. He was exhausted. Besides his uncle would be worried, Spike hadn’t thought to call him in all the commotion.

Silently he got into his black Desoto and headed to the opposite side of town. It was only a five-minute drive and he was already inside his room before he knew it. His uncle wasn’t home, apparently hadn’t been home all night, and wasn’t going to be home until tomorrow. There was a note on his bed to prove it. Spike laid down on his bed and closed his eyes. He needed sleep.

His eyes were closed minutes later, twitching back and forth as he dreamt.

Spike stood in the garden of his home back in London, the sun beating down on him. It was hot, hotter then it had ever been. Spike wasn’t sure how he got there or why it was so hot but he stayed in his spot.

Afraid to move.

In front of him laid Emma. Her body crumbled and covered in blood. Spike tried to move his feet, tried to call out to her but his feet wouldn’t work, his voice gone. He tried to move his arms but he was stuck, still as a statue.

Spike caught movement out of the corner of his eyes and saw his brother Wesley coming out of the shed. In his hand was a stake. It’s wood sharp and deadly. Wesley didn’t even seem to notice Spike as he neared Emma’s body. Only it wasn’t Emma, it was Buffy.

Wesley fell to his knees in front of Buffy, his eyes filling with tears.

“My love,” he whispered, his pale hand caressing her cheek. He threw his head back and screamed her name, his voice filled with anguish.

Spike watched in horror as Wesley lifted his left hand, gazing at the silver banded ring on his left hand. The bloodstone red and gleaming brightly. Fresh tears flowed down Wesley’s cheeks as he pulled the metal off his hand and flung it. He raised the stake to his chest and screamed as he started to push it into his flesh.

Spike screamed was able to move. He ran to his brother and grabbed the stake from his hand. Wesley’s hand started to tremble and Spike grabbed his ring from the cobblestone walkway and put it back on Wesley’s left hand.

“Why did you do that brother?” Wesley asked him weakly.

“You can’t leave me here alone,” Spike answered. “You can’t leave me like she did.”

Spike looked over at where Buffy had lain and saw her body fade into cherry blossom leaves. The pinkish white leaves blew into a circle as the breeze picked up, whirling around the brothers as if protecting them.

“She was mine Spike,” Wesley told him brushing Spike’s hands off his shoulders.

Spike cocked his head to the side and looked at his brother.

“What does that mean?”

“She was mine brother. You would take her out during the day but at night, she was mine. All mine,” Wesley said triumphantly as he stood.

“But we were engaged. She was to be my wife,” Spike argued.

“Didn’t matter did it you git? She was mine too.”

“You’re lying.”

“Why would I lie? What would I have to gain from lying to you brother?” Wesley practically spat out the words.

Spike’s face twisted in anger. He didn’t even know his demon came out until he had Wesley by the neck, his feet dangling inches above the ground.

“She was MINE Wesley. MINE! I marked her. I claimed her.”

“She was mine too Spike.”

Wesley vamped out as well, his eyes glowing amber as he kicked Spike in the stomach, making him drop Wesley.

Spike staggered back, seeing his brother as a demon, a feral animal.

Seeing him as vampire.

Just like Spike.

Spike growled at Wesley and dropped into his fighting stance, his fangs bright with saliva in the late afternoon sunlight.

“What do you expect to do little brother?” Wesley asked him slightly humored.

“I’m only going to tell you this once brother. You stay away from me, if you don’t so help me god I will kill you, brother or not. You are no longer a part of me,” Spike snarled at him, his words dripping with venom.

Wesley stared at his brother, a sudden chill in the air at his brother’s words.

“Don’t threaten me little brother.”

Spike laughed at him, his laugh dark and foreboding, angry and full of violence that just needed the right words to be released.

“You want to fight now? I could kill you and then what? Is it enough? Will it avenge Buffy?”

“She was going to choose between us. She was to make her choice tonight.”

Spike looked down at where some leaves had gathered around them and shut his eyes. His vamp guise filtered back allowing his human mask to fall into place.

“I loved her Wesley.”

“I know…so did I.”


Spike twitched in his bed, silent tears streaming down his face. Outside his window, a figure watched Spike flail in his bed. The stranger’s light blue eyes filled with anger as he sat on the branch in the large oak tree at the side of the house.

“We’ll see who wins brother,” Wesley said flinging himself out of the tree and into the night.

OH side note since ya'll got a little confused. Yes Spike and Wesley are vampires. They are NOT Buffyverse Vamps. There are a different kind of vampires. Thats all Im giving away. This fic is very A/U, Buffy is not the slayer. She has no ideas about vamps and demons. Spike's dream was just that...a dream. Emma was never involved with Wesley. So there read on. LoL


Buffy was nervous.

Down right sick to her stomach nervous.

Not only did she have to explain what happened to her jaw, which she told her mom she slipped in the shower and hit her chin on the side of the bathtub. Had she told Joyce what really happened Angel would be in jail. It was bad enough Buffy had a memory of what happened. The last thing she needed was more drama because of it. Her mom dropped her off in front of the school asking her not to be too klutzy today then offered her some more Advil if she had any more pain.

Sometimes moms were so weird.

Buffy got a tingling sensation against her back as she walked through the quad, the bright sunlight blinding her as she spun around. There he was. She watched as Spike closed his car door and grabbed his books. She couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her throat when she looked at him he was just that gorgeous.

Spike felt her before he saw her. Her scent was all around him, making him crazy, making him sane. Visions of cherry blossom leaves floated in his mind from his dream and he realized that’s what she smelled like.

Cherry blossoms.

He breathed deep almost falling over his feet.

He glanced at Buffy and his heart clenched in his chest. Cherry blossoms, his dream came back full force and he saw her crumpled body on the ground covered in blood. It was too much for him.

Buffy saw the change in his face and frowned. He started to walk past her and she grabbed his arm.

“I can’t…”

“Oh no you don’t,” she hissed as her fingers circled his wrist.

She could see the shock on his face and she ignored it. She pulled him into the school, fully aware of the eyes on them.

She didn’t care.

She was not going to let him get away after the progress they had made the other night. She pulled him into the empty library and released his wrist.

He pulled his sunglasses off his face and looked at her. He knew she was pissed and it tore at him but the visions of her in his dream scared him even more then her hurting. It was only a dream and he knew that, hell he told himself that every ten seconds when he thought about it. But in reality it didn’t help. He didn’t want to lose Buffy like he lost Emma. He couldn’t bear to have it happen again.

“What is wrong with you?” she asked him, her voice full of anger.

“I don’t know Buffy,” he replied running a hand through his hair. He turned dark blues on her and she realized they were full of sadness.

“What’s wrong?”

He looked at her expectantly and didn’t say a word. If his eyes could talk they would have told her all his fears. Everything he was too afraid to voice.

“I know we have gotten a lot closer since last week. I did tell you a lot of my past but I didn’t tell you the whole thing. There are things you don’t know about me, things you don’t want to know about me.”

Buffy’s anger melted and she sat down at the wooden table in front of them, she gestured to the seat in front of her and was surprised when he took the one next to her instead.

“Try me.”

“It’s not that simple Buffy.”

“So make it simple. Don’t shut yourself off from me. I won’t allow it Spike. Not after what you did for me,” she said touching his hand.

Spike raised his eyes to meet hers and saw the concern shining in her green depths.

“We have class.”
“Fuck class,” she grumbled.

Spike raised his scarred eyebrow at her, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Such language.”

“Come on Spike I’m serious. What’s up?”

“This isn’t the right place to discuss this Buffy.”

“Ok…where then?”

He looked at her quizzically.

“Look Spike, I’m drawn to you. Have been since the first day of school. You know this, I told you this the other night. It has not dissipated over night it has only grown stronger. And if you think I’m about to let you walk away without a second glance after what you did for me, after being in your arms you are crazy.”

“I’m scared,” he whispered, his voice so low she wouldn’t have believed he said anything if his lips hadn’t moved.

“Of what? I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong,” she pleaded, her hand touching his.

He looked down at their hands and slowly opened his, lacing his fingers with hers. He wanted nothing more then to open up to her, to tell her everything. To finally have the weight lifted, his heart free.

“Of you. Of this.”

“Why?” she breathed, her stomach churning. Was he leaving her? Before it really began?

“Buffy I feel for you. You know that. You say you are drawn to me, have to be near me, it’s the same for me. I can’t stay away from you, my eyes, my body, my thoughts. Every waking moment, hell every sleeping moment is spent thinking about you.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I told you Emma died and that’s the main reason I came here.”

Buffy nodded and Spike took a deep breath.

“She was killed Buffy. Murdered. She died in my arms.”

Buffy gasped and her eyes filled with tears. The poor girl and Spike, oh god poor Spike.

Spike tried not to break down, not even when Buffy’s small arms circled him, cradling his head against her neck. He had grieved for Emma, but didn’t cry. Never let the tears come. He would sit for hours at her grave staring at her name in the carved marble. He would bring her flowers and tell her how her family was doing. He tried to go on as if nothing had happened. Almost as if he had never met Emma but it was no use. Still he had not cried. He wouldn’t break down in front of anyone; no one got to see that side.

He tried to keep those thoughts in his head even as his eyes filled with tears. His hands clenched in her shirt, pulling her closer to him as his tears fell hot and wet against his face. A sob rose in his throat as he finally released all his anger and guilt over Emma.

“I loved her Buffy. I loved her so much and someone killed her, murdered her,” he got out between sobs.

Buffy didn’t say anything, just held him as he cried. Murmuring soothing words as she smoothed his hair.

The library door opened and Willow started to walk in. She saw Buffy holding Spike and heard him crying. Willow backed out quietly not wanting to disturb their moment.

Spike lifted his head and looked at her. His blue eyes still filled with tears as he grasped her shoulders.

“You look so much like her. You sound like her. I know you aren’t her Buffy. You are soo much stronger. You have made me feel again, something I didn’t think was possible after what happened. But here you are in your sunshine and warmth and all I want to do is bathe in it.”

Buffy smiled and touched his cheek as he pressed his forehead to hers.

“I won’t hurt you Spike,” she whispered her fingers playing idly with his sharp cheekbones.
Spike closed his eyes as the remaining tears in his eyes fell. He lifted a hand to touch Buffy’s cheek surprised when he felt wetness there. He pulled back and looked in her face, shocked that she was crying to. He leaned in and pressed his lips to her mouth.

Buffy was startled at the gentleness of his lips against hers.

Spike broke the kiss and looked at her, his eyes a swirling maelstrom of emotion. They looked at one another a minute more before grabbing one another, their lips crashing together. Spike growled as he crushed her to him, kissing her with a hunger that was for her and her alone. Buffy’s breath caught in her throat at the fierceness of his mouth on hers.

The sound of wood scraping on concrete was heard through the empty library as Spike pulled her to her feet, pressing her soft form against his hard one, his lips never once leaving hers. He devoured her mouth, nipping at her with his blunt teeth, teasing her with his tongue. Buffy went limp against him, his kisses drugging, leaving her weak kneed with desire.

He felt the strength leave her body as he opened his mouth to hers, his tongue exploring the velvety heat of her mouth. Carefully he sat her down on the large wooden table and moved to stand in between her spread legs.

Spike’s lips left her mouth to trail down her cheek to her neck. He buried his head in her soft neck and inhaled her scent before he kissed her flesh. Buffy’s head tilted back as passion surged through her nerve endings. He peppered kisses up and down her neck, nipping on her ear lobe before finding her pulse point.

He clamped his mouth down on her skin above the racing beat of blood. She wormed her hands under his shirt just as he started to suck on her skin. Buffy mewled in desire as Spike continued to suck and kiss at her neck, her hands running up and down his cut abs and chest.

“Christ Buffy, we can’t do this here,” Spike whispered against her neck not wanting to break contact but also not wanting to get them expelled.

“I don’t care,” she moaned dragging his mouth back to hers. Spike groaned and captured her lips again. He coasted his mouth over hers languidly, drawing out their kisses making Buffy shake with passion.

He was just about to say fuck it all and take her on the table he sensed someone in the room.

“Ahem.”

Buffy and Spike broke apart guiltily and glared at their intruder.

“Sorry to interrupt.”

Both Buffy and Spike stared at their intruder trying hard not to be mad at the tiny red head who stood clutching the librarian’s counter.

“It’s alright Willow,” Buffy said as she smiled trying to get her emotions in check.

“Yeah, it’s fine,” Spike replied trying to move away from Buffy and almost tripping over his own feet.

He heard Buffy snort and he tried not to blush at his embarrassment.

“Thought that was bloody funny huh?” he asked smirking.

“Yes I did. Can you blame me? And here I got called a klutz this morning. Explain that.”

“Klutz or not you are still the most beautiful woman in my world,” he said as he lowered his mouth to hers. His lips swept over hers gently, teasing her lightly.

They pulled back and locked eyes, gazing at one another unabashedly.

The world seemed to fall away leaving only them.

Buffy and Spike.

Just the way it should be.

“Um guys?” Willow’s voice cut through their haze.

“Oops sorry Will,” Buffy apologized as she reluctantly tore her eyes from Spike.

“Buffy? What the hell happened to your face?” Willow gasped as she saw the large black and blue bruise lining the left side of Buffy’s jaw.

Willow marched up to them all the while looking at Spike questioningly. Willow knew Spike hadn’t done it but damn it she wanted answers.

When neither made a move to say anything Willow put her hands on her face and tried to make herself look angry.

“See this? It’s my resolve face. Don’t back away from my resolve face.”

“Angel hit me,” Buffy replied simply.

“That bastard!” Willow cried, her suspicions confirmed. That guy was a first rate jerk-off.

“Will…such language. You kiss your mother with that mouth?”

Spike chuckled.

Willow gave Buffy a dirty look.

“I’m ok Willow. Really. Spike got there before that asshole could do anything more,” Buffy said as she reached for Spike’s hand. Her heart jumped when she noticed he was already reaching for hers.

Willow watched as sparks flew between the two and smiled.

“Thank you Spike,” she said gratefully as she looked him in the eye, her green eyes filling with gratitude.

Spike nodded, a little shocked at the expression on Willow’s face.

“No problem Red,” he replied deciding he liked her.

Willow smiled at the nickname Spike gave her and knew there was something special about this man. He blushed slightly and looked down at his hand, which was still clasped tightly in Buffy’s.

“Wow Spike that’s a beautiful stone,” she commented looking at the sparkling blood red stone set in a band of carved silver. It looked old, almost antique in its setting and markings.

Spike twisted their hands around so his ring was more noticeable.

“It’s a garnet,” he said simply. “My brother has the same ring.”

“It looks like frozen blood,” Buffy stated, her eyes drawn to the stone like a moth to a flame, unable to look away.

Spike shifted his hand nervously away from her line of sight.

Buffy shook her head, clearing it from the haze she had been in from staring at the stone.

Willow blinked and glanced at the pair. Buffy moved in closer to Spike and kissed his cheek. Spike smiled down at her and put his arm around her shoulder.

*~*

The day passed without any more alone time between the new lovers. Although Buffy wanted nothing more then to grab Spike and throw him into the nearest supply closet and make out for hours.

The news about the bruise on Buffy’s face had traveled like wild fire through the school. There were so many rumors on how it happened that Buffy laughed at every single one. One person said that she was involved in a major fight at the mall, fighting over a Victoria’s secret bra. Another said she was mugged. Another said she was held at gunpoint. Buffy didn’t correct them; she just let them think what they wanted to. It really amused her though.

Spike was everywhere she turned. Always ready with his arm out for her, a total change from this morning.

Buffy sighed. There was no way she was going to let him revert back to the “I’m scared to be with you,” Spike. She was scared too, scared because of what she felt for him in such a short time. She had never felt this way about someone before and it was scaring the hell out of her, but to not be with him frightened her in ways that she wouldn’t even think about.

As if reading her thoughts Spike approached her. The bell hadn’t rung yet and Buffy was the only one in the hall besides him. He didn’t say a word just grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. His lips met hers tenderly. Buffy whimpered against his mouth and threaded her fingers through his soft hair, tugging slightly as she opened her mouth to him. Spike put one hand out and walked them backwards towards the lockers as he pressed her against the cool metal.

Her thighs fell apart as he situated himself between them, the most intimate part of his body pressing against hers. Spike broke their kiss as he moved his lips down her chin and to her throat. His kissed his way up her ear, his tongue darting out to lick at the shell. Goosebumps broke out on her skin as he did it again.

“Spike,” she whispered as his lips touched hers again sending tingling shocks of electricity flowing through her nerves.

“I can’t…get enough…of you…” he panted as he kissed her in between each word.

Buffy smiled against his mouth, his words making her heart flutter.

He pulled back and pressed their foreheads together, both breathing hard. He stared at her, his cerulean blue eyes full of burning desire…desire for her and for her alone. Buffy shuddered with want and need, she leant forward to press her lips to his.

Spike groaned low in his throat as he moved to possess her. Above them the bell rang signally that classes were over for the day. Buffy and Spike broke apart as the hallway started to fill with excited students.

They stared at each other as the kids milled around them. People said hi to them but they didn’t answer, they were lost in each other’s gaze, their unfinished business hanging like a cloud of passion over them. Without thinking Spike grabbed her hand and pulled her, running out of the school and into the sunshine. He didn’t stop til he was at his car. He opened her door for her and ran to his side. As soon as she shut her door, the engine roared to life and was off like a shot.

Where he was going he had no idea. All he knew was he needed to be with Buffy, the possessiveness of his actions driving him on, pressing him, wanting her to be away from anyone but him.

They drove along in silence, neither daring to say a word that would wreck the feeling of urgency they had over one another. Buffy scooted closer to him on the wide seat and he draped an arm around her shoulder as he sped out of town. He had no idea where he was going he just wanted to be alone with Buffy.

There was a sign rapidly approaching in front of them and Spike squinted his eyes so he could read it. In all the hurry to get out of the school he forgot to grab his sunglasses from his locker.

“The beach,” Buffy breathed as she read the sign before he had a chance.

Spike smiled and pulled into the parking lot. In front of them was the deep blue of the ocean; the sun’s reflection on the water seemed to be playing and dancing amidst the waves. The sound of the waves crashing on the shore was soothing as was the wind off the water as the couple exited the black Desoto.

They were lucky living in California, even though fall was here it was still very warm. There were people surfing in the waves, families having a picnic dinner in the warm sand, old men fishing off the pier. Buffy smiled as a trio of children played in the sand, building sand castles for their barbies and legos.

Spike appeared next to her and grabbed her hand. In his other hand he had a blanket, together they walked towards a grassy area over looking the beach. Spike spread out the blanket and patted at a spot next to her. As she sat down in front of him, he moved his legs on either side of her and wrapped his arms around her. Buffy sighed and leaned back against his strong frame.

Buffy touched his hand, lacing her fingers through his as they watched the people on the beach. A lone surfer expertly riding the waves as his buddies cheered on, the family cleaning up as the kids complained that they didn’t want to leave their sand castle, the single men who were banded together on one side of the pier bringing in fish after fish. Buffy closed her eyes as she touched Spike’s ring. It was cold and a rash of goose bumps broke out on her arms.

“Ouch.”

“What’s wrong love?”

“Your ring, it shocked me,” Buffy said as she turned around in his arms.

Spike looked at her with a quizzical look on his features.

“Hmm must be the dryness in the air,” he said as he rubbed at the stone. He knew why it had done that but he wasn’t ready to tell Buffy yet. That was one more secret he wasn’t ready to tell her.

Soon, he promised himself as she settled back in his arms.

Spike pressed a kiss to the top of her head as they went back to watching the sun drop low on the horizon. Just as the sun touched the water Spike felt something in the air. A change. It was something familiar. He felt his demon start to emerge, wanting to protect the girl wrapped oblivious in his arms to the danger that surrounded them.

He could feel someone around them, their strength powerful, far succeeding Spike’s in that moment. He lifted his head and breathed deep trying to get a grip on the scent and signature the demon was giving off. The sun had dipped low enough in the sky that
he allowed the demon side of him to slip on, his amber eyes scanning the area.

Spike was just about to make an excuse to Buffy in order to look around when the demon left, his scent, everything just disappearing as fast as it had come on. Spike glanced around a bit more before relaxing and letting his human face come back.

“This is so beautiful,” Buffy breathed totally unaware as to what Spike had just gone through.

Spike murmured as yes as she turned in his arms and looked in his face. He lowered his mouth to hers, his lips brushing against hers languidly, taking his time, telling her everything he wished he could voice in a single kiss. Buffy turned a little bit more and put her arms around his neck, pressing her lips against his, her mouth opening giving him entrance. Spike rested his hands on her hips, his fingers digging into her jeans, pulling her closer. He couldn’t get enough of her kiss, her mouth, her taste, her scent. She was all around him and damn it he liked it.

Spike broke the kiss and trailed kisses down her neck as Buffy clung to his shoulders. His lips passed over her jugular, the racing pulse of blood rushing through the vein. He couldn’t help himself as he clamped his mouth over the vein and sucking hard. Buffy whimpered as she ran her hands through his hair, unconsciously pulling him closer, giving him better access to her neck.

Spike continued to suck on her vein, eliciting a series of moans and whimpers from Buffy. Spike’s hand moved to her hair as Buffy’s head leaned back. Her eyes were closed, her mouth open. The sensations filling Buffy were something she hadn’t experienced before, they overwhelmed her, sending tingles of pleasure all through out her form.

Spike felt the shift in Buffy and his demon rejoiced in it. Loved the feel of total control over the situation. The demon made himself known and Spike felt his fangs elongate in his mouth. Before he knew what was happening he had lifted his head and opened his mouth preparing to strike. Just as he was about to bite he glanced at Buffy. Her face was flushed and filled with so much trust and love that it made Spike want to die.

He pushed her away from him with a growl and jumped to his feet. He turned his back to her and ran.

*~*

Buffy was flabbergasted. What the hell made him leave like that and to shove her away. Buffy didn’t need to think about it a second more when she decided to run after him. She would not let him push her away, not when they had made so much progress. Spike hadn’t gotten very far when Buffy caught up to him. She reached out her hand and touched his shoulder causing him to flinch away.

“Spike?”

“No! Don’t touch me. Don’t look at me,” he growled at her.

“What? Why? What’s wrong?” Buffy’s voice trembled as she grew frightened.

“Go Buffy. Run away from me RIGHT NOW!” Spike demanded still turned away from her.

She could see Spike clench and unclench his hands trying obviously to gain some kind of control over himself. Gain control over what she didn’t know.

“No. I’m not leaving Spike,” she stated defiantly placing her hands on her hips.

“This is not up for debate you silly bint. If you know what’s good for you you’ll leave right now.”

“No.”

“Buf..”

“No Spike. Whatever it is, whatever your problem is right now we can get through it.”

“I don’t think this is something you are going to get over.”

“Well that’s your opinion. Try me.”

Spike’s shoulders seemed to slump as he knew he wasn’t about to win this argument. Damn bint was soo bloody stubborn. Maybe that was why he loved her.

“Fine. You bloody well asked for it. I’ll tell you but stay right where you are. Don’t come any closer.”

“Fine.”

Spike took a deep breath and spun around. Buffy gasped and brought a hand to her mouth as his ridges and fangs were illuminated in the moonlight.

“Oh my god,” she whispered a feeling of panic floating over her.

“Just remember curiosity killed the cat,” Spike taunted as he lunged towards her.

Buffy stood her ground and stared at him even as he grabbed her shoulders roughly.

“What…What are you?” She stammered.

“Vampire, bloodsucker, creature of the night.”

Buffy stared at him, unsure if she should run but not wanting to.

“Why didn’t you listen Buffy? You should have left me alone when I asked.”

“Didn’t want to,” she said defiantly a sparkle shimmering in her green eyes. “Is this it? The other part of your secret?”

Spike nodded slightly.

“I’m not leaving.”

“Are you crazy? You do know I could kill you.”

“Yeah…keyword being could here. You wouldn’t hurt me Spike.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because I do. You love me too much to hurt me.”

His amber eyes locked with hers and she felt her panic melt away. Somewhere in there was her Spike and she was damned if she was let his demon intimidate her.

“Don’t you understand Buffy? I’m a vampire! I drink blood, animal blood, human blood. I’m a killer.”

Buffy stared at him with a mixture of emotions on her face. He watched them as they flashed by. What was left astounded him even more so then the words that came from her lips.

With perfect understanding and knowing she moved her hair to the side and locked eyes with him.

“Go ahead.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

Buffy lifted her defiant green eyes to him and smirked.

“What? You say you’re a killer then kill. You want to kill something? Kill me.”

Spike gaped at her.

His chin falling to the floor.

She had to be crazy, insane to offer him her blood.

“Do you know what you’re doing?” he asked her breathlessly.

“Yes.” She tried hard to knock that shake out of her voice but it crept in a little. She met his gaze unwavering, wondering what he would do next.

Spike closed the distance between them in two strides. He gripped her forearms forcefully and locked his amber gaze on her.

“You sure you want this?” he hissed into her ear, his breath blowing onto her neck.

“I’m not afraid of you.”

Spike opened his mouth and kissed her neck. He let go of her arms and wrapped his hands around her back still kissing her neck. He licked at her fragrant skin, tasting her fear and her love.

“Do you know what I could do to you right now?” he whispered against her neck, his voice sending tingles up and down her spine.

“If I bite right here,” he licked at her jugular vein. “I could drain you dry and kill you or turn you. Or I could take a little taste of you and claim you as mine.”

Buffy closed her eyes and willed herself not to run, not to be afraid of the man she loved. He wasn’t going to hurt her, he wouldn’t kill her. He was testing her. To see how far he could go with his vampire before she cracked. She was determined not to crack. Oddly enough when he spoke of claiming her a delicious tingle found it’s way up and down her spine.

“Spike…” Buffy voice cut off as he began to rub his ridged forehead against her neck, his hands on her back kneading her skin, massaging her as he pressed little kisses into the curve of her shoulder. Her eyes closed and as she wound her hands through his soft bleached locks.

“I could never hurt you. You know that right? I love you too damned much,” he said against her neck.

Spike lifted his head and looked at her, her face was flushed and calm, not an ounce upset or scared of him.

“Buffy look at me,” he commanded putting his hands on her face.


When she opened her eyes as he requested and his demon fell away, his amber gaze turning blue as kissed her nose. His eyes seemed to darken as he stared at her in awe.

His head moved towards hers slowly, his mouth tender as his lips touched hers. Words weren’t needed as he moved his lips over hers. He kissed her fiercely, possessively and demanding all in one breath. Buffy found she couldn’t get enough of him, kissing him back feverishly. Her fingers threaded through his soft hair, working the gelled locks into curls.

“I couldn’t hurt you. I love you,” he whispered against her mouth.

He moved her against a tree and attacked her mouth with his, making her submit to his ministrations. It was hot, erotic and Buffy couldn’t stop if she wanted to. All she knew was she had to have him, had to have him in her, surrounding her. His mouth moved down her neck nipping at her flesh as his hands worked the front of her shirt open.

Buffy mewled under his demanding actions as her top was torn from her. She started to feel a pang of regret over the loss of her shirt but that was soon forgotten as his mouth closed over one of her bra-clad peaks. It hardened instantly and she arched her back, the nipple demanding more of the open mouthed kisses he was giving it. He had one hand on her back, his other hand kneading her other breast as his body pressed her into the smooth bark of the tree.

Buffy started to pant as his tongue swirled around her sensitive peak. She scarcely noticed that her bra had been unhooked until the soft silk straps were being pulled down her arms. Her other breast was attacked with the same veracity as it’s sister. Buffy’s pants turned into soft little moans and gasps that made Spike’s cock harden instantly.

Unknowingly she began to twist her hips against his, her hot center pressing lustily against his ever-tightening jeans. For the first time in her life Buffy was glad she had worn a skirt as Spike’s hand snaked up her thighs and cupped her mound through her silk thong. The center was soaked through and Spike’s mouth began to water. His mouth ceased their attack on her breasts and moved back up her neck.

Her leg lifted on it’s own accord and wrapped around his waist as his hand moved her panties to the side. Buffy shuddered under him as he ran his fingers up her weeping cleft. He touched her hardened clit making her jump as he lovingly stroked its sensitivity.

Buffy wasn’t prepared as Spike began to kiss down her chest to her stomach as he dropped to his knees in front of her. Spike looked up at her passion filled gaze before smirking at her. His hands ran up her legs making her flesh break out in goose bumps. He tugged on her thong, dragging it down and off. He looked up her, his blue eyes darkening as he put her right leg over his shoulder. With agonizing slowness he kissed up her thighs, spreading her legs wider as he neared her mound. He teased her kissing her legs and around the juncture of her thighs but not giving her quim any of his attention.

She started to move her hips, her quivering mound begging for some of the attention her thighs were getting. But it was to no avail; Spike’s hands went to her hipbones and held her in place as he continued to tease her. Buffy’s insides felt like they were on fire, she felt as though she would explode if he didn’t touch her where she so desperately needed it. Her legs began to shake as his tormenting tongue neared her slit.

Spike could feel her mounting distress and excitement. He knew what she needed but he loved to taunt her, making her squirm and thrust her hips at his face. He knew her knuckles were white as they gripped his hair and he loved it. Loved the power he had. He kissed her nether lips gently. He began to lavish them with wide open mouthed kisses, his tongue darting out to taste her juices. Buffy gasped for air as his nose butted against her clit.

Buffy’s knees nearly buckled with the first swipe of his tongue on her sex. She groaned and tugged on his hair as he licked her again. He flattened his tongue against her and licked from top to bottom collecting her essence on his tongue. He opened his cerulean blue eyes and stared at her as he sucked her clit in his mouth and swirled his tongue around it. While she was reeling from the sensations of his tongue he thrust two fingers in her waiting entrance.

Buffy gasped as her eyes rolled back in her head, the first explosions rocking her hard. At the first spasm Spike bit her clit, nibbling on the hard nub sending Buffy through a swirl of feeling. Her body arced against his face as she rode out her orgasm on his mouth. Spike licked and sucked until she weak kneed, her body slumping down so he was supporting her. He lowered her leg and let her side to her knees in front of him.

Buffy opened her eyes to glance at him, taking in his damp face and wild eyes. They flashed amber as she lunged at him, knocking him o nto his back in the soft grass as she attacked his mouth with hers.

Buffy attacked him with her lips, tongue and teeth. Tasting herself on him, licking her essence clean from his face and mouth. Spike’s cock was close to exploding when she moved down his body stopping at the fly of his jeans. Deftly she practically tore the zipper down as she devoured him, taking him deep within her mouth.

Spike groaned, a series of white-hot explosions bursting behind his closed eyes. Buffy moaned as she took him deeper, the tip of his pale cock hitting the back of her throat. The feeling of her movement vibrated through his hardened member. Almost losing it as she swallowed reflexively around him. His hands tangled in her hair as his hips started to move in time with her mouth. Thrusting deeper in her throat as she fondled his tight sac.

Her mouth was like liquid fire, burning him in a heavenly abyss. She moved back, allowing his cock to leave her mouth as she moved her blissful mouth to his balls, sucking them within her mouth and rolling them on her tongue. Her hand gripped his shaft roughly, seemingly making him harder as she began to move up and down. Stroking him in time with her mouth on his pouch.

“God Buffy…” he moaned as she continued her torture on him.

Never in his life had he felt anything like what this woman was doing to him. No one had ever made him feel like way, so out of control, so reckless. Her hand left his shaft as her mouth licked it’s way to the tip. She opened her eyes to him then, showing him the green of her irises as she licked his slit, tasting the salty drop of pre-cum dripping from the angry red head.

She smirked at him, her eyes dancing as she engulfed him again, sucking him deep as her nose hit his coarse pubic hair. Buffy was like a starved animal, the feel of his cock in her mouth was exquisite. And the power she had over him, the quivering gasping mess she had resulted him to, was like a drug to her system. She craved more of it.

She ran her teeth along his member making Spike groan loudly, his hands gripping her hair almost painfully. She was about to swallow him again when she was roughly pulled up his body. His eyes glowed amber as he adjusted his legs, her knees falling on either side of his hips, the head of his cock brushing against her entrance.

They locked eyes as she impaled herself on him. Both gasping at the sheer pleasure of being joined. His mouth found hers again as she began to ride him, sliding up and down on his cock most deliciously. She sat up on him, throwing her head back, her breasts jiggling enticingly in front of him. His hands reached for her twin peaks, kneading the soft flesh as his cock continued to be imbedded in her hot sheath.

Her slick walls began to tighten around him as she leaned back down, once again finding his mouth with hers. She sucked hard on his bottom lip, biting it. He groaned and before she knew what was happening flipped them over so she was on her back and he above her. He stopped his movements and stared at her, his hand tenderly brushing her hair from her flushed face.

He kissed her lips gently, exacting sweetness on her as his hips began to dance. She gasped loudly as she plunged his cock into her once again. He pulled almost totally off of her, leaving only the head of his cock teasing her pubis before slamming back in. He did this several times, bringing her closer to her orgasm before shying her away from it.

Buffy’s head rocked from side to side as her legs lifted up and wrapped around his waist bringing him deeper inside her. Her hands moved up and down his strong back, scratching him, leaving little red half moon marks along his alabaster skin.

Spike’s face was buried in her neck, licking and nipping her as he began to thrust more rapidly in her feverish body. Buffy was moaning loudly, her throaty voice echoing through the trees. Spike felt his demon bursting forth, his fangs growing long in his mouth, his ridges rubbing against the sensitive flesh above her breasts. Buffy lifted his face and saw his changed features. Instead of shying away from him she gripped his more forcefully between her spread legs and pulled his mouth to hers.

She kissed him, fangs and all, her tongue thrusting wit his as his moved at a speed a regular man could not achieve.

“Oh…oh Spike,” she whimpered as he lowered his head to her neck. His amber eyes locked on her jugular vein, her sweet blood pumping tantalizing under her sun kissed flesh. She tightened her vaginal muscles around him as Spike licked at her neck. Tasting the flowing of the blood under her skin, the rush of adrenaline as she neared her orgasm. With a growl he struck, sinking his fangs in her neck. Buffy cried out and clutched him to her as she came fiercely, her pussy clutching at his thrusting cock. He pulled on her blood, drinking deep as she bucked with pleasure underneath him. She was milking him, strangling his cock as she became tighter with her spasms.

Spike yelled her name as he came, his cock jumping as he erupted, shooting his seed deep inside her. He pulled his fangs from her neck as he licked at the tiny trail of blood leading down her neck.

“Mine,” he commanded as he lavished her neck with his roughened tongue.

“Yours…always,” she whispered her eyes falling shut.

*~*

Willow sat quietly in the Sunnydale School Library doing research on stones and their powers. Spike’s ring had definitely peaked her interest and she wanted to know more. So here she sat trying to find out all she could on garnets. She found many deferent meanings and descriptions from the websites she visited.

‘Garnet (red) Strengthens, purifies, vitalizes and regenerates bodily systems, especially the blood stream. Has strong affinity to the root chakra, helping to harmonize the potent life force. Aligns subtle bodies, love, compassion.’

‘Garnet balances your natural energy. A highly protective stone. Also deals with issues of survival and abandonment. It is thought of as a stone of purification, elimination and cleansing. Red is used to treat disorders of the blood, heart and lungs. The Garnet represents healing, protection, strength, heart, passion, constancy and truth.’

Willow read the meanings she found and sighed. The key words that jumped out were blood and protection.

Why does Spike need a ring like that? She wondered as she clicked out of the window. She put her pencil down and closed her eyes, rubbing them wearily.

She hadn’t meant to do research specifically on Spike. She was interested in his ring, but all the meanings made her think of his mannerisms and she began to wonder. It could all be purely coincidental and he probably just wears his ring for show but what if it’s not?

She made a point to ask him about it tomorrow when she saw him. Willow yawned as she closed the laptop she had been working on and stood to leave when a voice scared her.

“Hello cutie.”

Willow’s eyes flew open as she stared at the intruder. A hint of fear flared up as soon as she looked into the grayish blue of his eyes.

“Do I know you?” she asked hesitantly.

“Not yet,” he said simply as he leant against the counter, his legs crossed, his head tilted at an anglel regarding her carefully.

“Is there something you need? Cuz the school, well it’s kinda closed for business right now,” Willow said trying to shake the fear that had started to settle over her.

The man chuckled as he moved closer to her. Willow managed to take a step back as he neared her.

“Tsk tsk. No need to be afraid little girl. I won’t hurt you,” he told her as he clicked his tongue behind his teeth.

Willow gazed at the man as he looked her over. He was gorgeous; he had dark brown hair that made the blue gray color of his eyes stand out. He was of medium height with perfect almost picturesque facial features. Never in her life had Willow seen a man as good-looking as he was. It didn’t even occur to her that he had the same accent as Spike.

“Yeah…so you keep saying,” she replied.

He smirked at her and continued to move towards her.

“I wouldn’t come much closer,” she said shakily as she produced a stake from behind her back.

“Now now. There’s no reason for threats.”

“Who’s threatening?” she asked, pointing the stake at him.

“You won’t hurt me…Willow.”

“Wha? How do you know? I could hurt you, you know. I may be small and meek but I’m a tough girl under all these colors. And how do you know my name?”

The man was on her in an instant, his hands on her shoulders as he forced her to look at him. Willow felt herself getting sucked into his eyes. The swirling grayish blue looked like the sea after a particularly bad storm. She felt herself being pulled to him, her body flush with his as his eyes continued to torment her. Sucking her into him. The fear she felt melted away and was replaced by a sweep of passion making her blush.

“What do you want with me?” she stammered as his hands gripped her to him.

He answered her with a smile, his eyes twinkling slightly.

“Who are you?” she whispered as his mouth neared hers.

“Who do you want me to be?”

“James Marsters would be nice.”

“Sorry. That’s not me. You wouldn't want me to be him anyways.”

“You are pretty sure of yourself aren’t you?”

“Have to be,” he said plainly.
He was watching her lips intently. Willow’s tongue snuck out of her mouth to wet her dry lips. He gasped as the pink of tongue ran along her bottom lip. He knew that she probably had no idea how erotic the action was.

“Tell me,” she demanded softly.

“Wesley…” he murmured as his lips touched hers.

He kissed her softly, gauging her reaction. Her cold mouth melted under his as she began to return the pressure of his lips. Wesley made a soft growl as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving demandingly over hers.

Willow couldn’t stop him if she tried. The sensations he was weaving around her was making her dizzy with passion. She knew she had to stop. Knew this was wrong, but she couldn’t make herself tear her lips from his. It was as if he had woven a spell around her, making her see nothing but. Want nothing but him. It didn’t even matter that she had no idea who he was. She just flat out wanted him.

His hands moved through her hair as his mouth drifted from her lips to her ear. He licked at the shell of her ear before kissing her under her lobe, trailing down to her neck. He sucked at her neck tenderly, his lips moving leisurely against her skin.

Wesley was in total control. He knew it and so did Willow. There was nothing he couldn’t do to her. She was completely under his thrall. The taste of her skin, her fear and her passion was driving him crazy. How he craved it, how he craved her even before he knew who she was.

Willow with her fiery red hair and the mystical power flowing through her veins. What Wesley wouldn’t do to taste that, to taste her. He doubted she even knew the amount of energy she had. She had probably dabbled in the magicks but had no idea she was a natural born witch. The power coursing through her was very old and very powerful.

Just a taste. It was something he was trying to resist but he couldn’t. Her skin hummed under his mouth, his tongue making lazy circles up and down the column of her throat. He didn’t want to hurt her. He opened his mouth against her neck, licking at her, biting her gently. He felt his fangs start to grow against his tongue and he opened his mouth to strike.

“Willow?”

Willow opened her eyes sleepily as she felt a hand on her arm.

“Hmm? Xander?” she questioned as her eyes focused on her friend.

“You ok? I’ve been calling your name for five minutes.”

“Huh?” Willow asked as she sat up. She glanced around herself and ran a hand through her hair. “I must have fallen asleep.”

“I guess so. Can’t imagine that table is too comfy.”

“It’s not,” she agreed.

“Come on, I’ll walk you home,” Xander said as he helped her to her feet.

I must have been dreaming, Willow thought as she brought a hand to her mouth. But what a vivid dream it was. She could still feel his mouth on hers. His fingers in her hair, his lips on her neck. A rash of goose bumps broke out on her skin as her cheeks turned pink.

“Who’s Wesley?” Xander asked as he opened the door for her.

“What?” Willow laughed nervously as her head jerked up.

“You were moaning his name in your sleep,” he told her as the door shut behind them.

Wesley waited until the library door shut before he melded out of the shadows. He smirked and touched a hand to his mouth. He could still taste her on him; still feel the pressure of her lips under his.

Willow walked along silently next to Xander as he talked on and on. It was astounding the amount of words that spewed from his mouth.

Willow closed her eyes grateful that Xander had insisted on looping his arm through hers. As soon as her lids closed she saw him, smiling at her. His blue-gray eyes laughing as he beckoned her to come to him. Her hand lifted to her mouth and she could feel his kiss there.

She shivered involuntarily as she remembered how she felt. Remembered how she completely surrendered to this man. She wondered if she would see him again. But she knew that was silly, he would come for her. She was sure of it.

And also afraid of it.

Choices.

It was about choices.

We all have choices.

Sometimes we make bad ones, sometimes good. Sometimes we choose not to do anything at all. Choose, chose, choice, it’s all the same.

Buffy had awoken as the moon rose higher in the sky, casting her in an iridescent light. Beside her Spike slept. He was curled on his side, his arm lain possessively across her stomach, holding her to him. His face buried in her neck, his breath leaving little goose bumps on her skin as he breathed. Buffy adjusted herself so she could look at him, mindful not to wake him up. She smiled as she reached out her hand and tenderly ran her fingers across his face.

He looked like an angel as he slept. Who would know that he was a vampire? Even as he slept he still breathed involuntarily making him look more human then demon. Buffy hadn’t known and yet she still loved him. Even when he came after her with his fangs bared. It should have made her run from him screaming like a banshee. But it didn’t. It made her want to love him more, coddle him and take care of him.

She knew it was ridiculous for her to think that. Vampires didn’t need to be taken care of.

His tenderness with her while they made love was astounding. Even when she took control and acted like an animal. Never in her life had she felt that way, done what she had done. Her face colored with embarrassment. She had lost control of herself, totally lost her inhibitions and it was because of him. He made her feel so comfortable with herself. How could she be embarrassed? It was the first time she had finally felt free.

Under her questing fingers his eyelids fluttered. Buffy smiled as she leaned closer and pressed a kiss to his mouth.

Spike opened a sleepy eye and smiled softly at her.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself.”

“How long have you been staring at me like that?” he asked reaching a hand up to caress her cheek.

“Long enough.”

Spike lifted an eyebrow and brought her face to his, his lips pressing against hers. He pulled back and smiled at her, his fingertips running along her cheek.

“I don’t deserve you ya know.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I didn’t mean to let my secret out like that. I didn’t mean to be so forceful and abrasive. I was mean. Evil,” Spike said apologetically.

“I know Spike…I know,” Buffy tried to comfort him. “I knew you wouldn’t hurt me Spike. I knew it.”

“No you didn’t. Hell I didn’t even know. When the demon comes out, when he takes over it’s like you have no control. I never wanted you to see me like that.”

“Don’t you see it doesn’t matter?”

“But it does Buffy.”

“No it doesn’t. It doesn’t change how I feel about you.”

“It should. It should make you run, run from the horrible creature that I am.”

“You will not make me leave Spike. I will not leave you. I love you too much.”

“Buffy…”

Buffy reached out and put her hands on his face, forcing him to look into her eyes.

“It doesn’t matter Spike. I love you…no matter what.”

“I could have hurt you.”

“No you couldn’t. I saw your demon, I looked into his eyes and he saw me. He saw my love. And I saw yours shining in his amber eyes.”

Spike knew she was right. He had felt his demon relent. Buffy smiled at him and he swore his heart grew more right then. So full of love for this girl…this woman.

“I love you.”

“I love you,” she answered her lips touching his.

He returned the pressure of her lips, his tongue snaking out to trace the softness of her mouth. His tenderness set her stomach into a butterfly whirl. He pulled back and looked at her, his eyes almost tearing over in his love.

Suddenly a gust of air blew through them, ruffling Buffy’s long hair. Buffy sighed, she loved the wind and it just made the night more magical to her.

The wind started to pick up and the temperature lowered dramatically. Spike sat up and glanced around them, every hair on his body standing up.

Something was coming. He could feel it, his senses reeling. The wind swirled around them, leaves blowing in a circle surrounding them.

Spike stood and grabbed Buffy. They stood in the middle of the clearing watching as the wind picked up more, the air growing colder. Buffy shivered next to him, her chin trembling.

“What?” she asked him sensing his distress.

It was then that she felt it. Someone…something was after them. Coming closer…faster. Her heart started to pound, her flight reflex kicking in. Trepidation filled her as she glanced wildly around them.

“We have to get out of here,” Spike said grabbing Buffy’s hand.

The wind started to howl as they took off towards the car. The trees bent with the force of the gusting air, bringing them alive. Scratching and trying to grab them as they made their way to the parking lot, the leaves chasing them.

“What the hell is going on?” Buffy yelled as they reached the car. Both of them flinging the doors open and clamoring inside.

“I don’t know Buffy,” he answered as the engine roared to life. The wind was shaking the car threatening to pick it up.

“Spike!” Buffy screamed, fear lacing her voice. “Drive!”

Spike didn’t hesitate. He put the Desoto in drive and peeled out of the parking lot, leaving long black tire marks in the pavement. He drove as if the devil himself was after them. There was no danger hitting other cars or people because oddly enough no one was outside. If Spike had the time to think about it he would have thought it weird but all his thoughts were focused on getting the hell away from whatever was coming after them.

He kept glancing into his rear view mirror looking for something…anything that would prove they were being chased. Nothing was there. The trees still moved, the wind howling with rage forcing Spike to continue driving. He wasn’t stopping until he was sure it was safe.

Nothing would make him stop.

He turned in his seat and looked behind him, not trusting the mirror when Buffy screamed. He spun around in time to see the tree just seconds before he slammed into it.