BALIFF NEXT CASE…………

DOCKET ENDING 1139……..STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS versus DARLA MASTERS ONE COUNT OF AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT, TWO COUNTS OF ASSAULT AND BATTERY, TWO COUNTS OF RESISTING ARREST AND ONE COUNT OF ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICIER.

While the bailiffs were retrieving Darla from holding, both William and Buffy stood at their respective tables. Buffy tried to keep her line of vision forward, trying to completely avoid Mr. ‘You're So Vain’.

Due to her forward stare, Buffy’s entire view was on the little troll of a Judge sitting all pretty on his stack of phone books. ‘He probably has fur trimmed feet like Frodo Baggins from Lord Of The Rings! Actually, now that I think of it, he reminds me more of Gollum, that little hairless, hideous creature that’s always cooing about his prized object. I wouldn’t be surprised if Snyder jumped on the bench, grabbed the gavel and started calling it “my precious” as he stroked it!’ Buffy had to quickly look away before she burst into laughter.

‘What’s takin’ so bleedin’ long and what the bloody ‘ell is she smirking about?’ William thought as he briefly peered at the ADA beside him while waiting for his client to be brought up from holding. After another few beats, Judge Snyder questioned the other bailiff as to the delay. The bailiff talked quietly into his walky-talky then approached the bench to inform the judge.

“It appears that your client is giving my bailiffs a difficult time about coming out of her cell. Apparently, she doesn’t feel appropriately dressed for my court. Attorney Eros, I will give you only ten minutes to address your client and have her in front of my court. If this does not happen, she will be staying another evening in our lovely facilities. In addition, make your client fully aware that currently I am in a reasonably good mood which in its self, is but fleeting. It would be in her and your best interest to take advantage of this moment.” Judge Snyder bellowed at William.

“Yes your Honor. Your generosity is immense and will be used wisely. I will…” William started to state.

“Tick tock Attorney Eros……9 minutes and 20 seconds. Bailiff….” Judge Snyder snipped coarsely.

The bailiff motioned for William to follow him to the cells so he could speak with his client.

“ADA Summers, have a seat….next case bailiff.” Judge Snyder snapped.

Buffy rapidly collected her belongings, which were minimal moving through the thigh-high, wooden barrier that separated the courtroom. She sat on the front bench behind the prosecution’s table and waited for the defendant.

Less than ten minutes later, Attorney Eros walked into the courtroom sans his suit jacket. Buffy couldn’t help but notice his muscles in his biceps tense and flex, even through his crisp, long-sleeved, white shirt. Once he reached the defense table he briefly turned to retrieve his briefcase from the nearby chair. In that moment Buffy’s treacherous eyes ogled the defined muscles that spanned his back. Then they wandered to the pièce de résistance his incredibly firm ass. He had the type of ass you wanted to take a bite of. Like a ripe, juicy peach.

‘Bad, bad thoughts. Think about the owner of that ‘peach!’ Her inner scold immediately doused her lusty thoughts. Well….that and Judge Snyder’s nails on the chalk board voice.

“ADA Summers…. is an invitation needed for you to join us, if it’s not too much to ask. We do have an arraignment to complete.” he snapped sarcastically.

“Huh? No, no Judge Snyder. No invitation needed.” Buffy responded calmly, despite how she wanted to tell him to go pound sand.

With that Buffy walked through the small swinging door and situated herself at the plaintiff’s table.

“Bailiff, start from the top.” Judge Snyder instructed.

After the bailiff reread the docket number, who the plaintiff and defendant were and the charges, the attorneys introduced themselves to the court.

“Your honor. Attorney William Eros, Wolfram and Hart for the defense. We would like to wave the readings, not the rights. At this time we would like to enter a plea of unequivocally not guilty to any and all above stated charges and may I add…..”

“No Attorney Eros you may not add.” snapped Judge Snyder. “Also do I need remind you that you are no longer a barrister in the Queen’s court but a lawyer in mine? In addition to our lack of wigs, we also save any and all comments and/or commentary for pretrial, which this is not. Are we clear Attorney Eros?”

“Crystal, your honor.” William promptly responded.

Buffy stifled a snicker from Judge Snyder’s comment. Unfortunately she had been at the end of his forked tongue many times before.

Judge Snyder glared at Buffy.

“Well……?” he barked.

“Yes…..Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Anne Summers for the District Attorney’s Office your honor. We feel that all charges should stand as noted and we request for no bail, due to our concerns Ms. Masters is a flight risk.” Buffy stated firmly.

Darla eyes bulged and she was about to tell off this little bitch and prick of a judge, this was before Attorney Eros gently placed his hand on her forearm silencing her.

“Your honor….this is an outrage! Ms. Masters is a fine, upstanding, young, woman, a pillar in the community and her family dates back as far as the Mayflower. She has deep- roots in this community. It would be a travesty for Ms. Masters to spend not another moment longer in custody. The time she has spent already placed undue stress upon my client and her family.” William smoothly avowed.

“Attorney Eros, need I remind you not only fifteen minutes prior, your client’s case was delayed due to her enjoying our amenities in the holding cells. In addition, I do not nor does the court need to know Ms. Masters lineage to verify her ties to the community.” Judge Snyder snapped harshly.

“Well, ADA Summers?”

“Your honor, due to Ms. Masters extensive wealth, her and her family’s numerous ties to copious amount of local, continental, and overseas connections, in themselves holds enough merit in the DA’s mind to request no bail in the belief that Ms. Masters is indeed a flight risk.” Buffy justified.

“That’s preposterous your honor. With Ms. Masters extensive and supportive family, and in addition to her affluent upbringing and current life style, your honor should see these factors as beneficial not hindrances. It appears that the DA office is claiming that the benefits that Ms. Masters has and or has had in her life should be used against her. I move that these factors, either considered in combination, or separately should be justifiable reasons and or reason enough to release Ms. Masters on her own recognizance. Not without bail, which the DA’s office is so clearly fixed upon.” William sneered as he eyed Buffy with a steely gaze.

“And again your honor her family and their connections are justification enough to withhold bail.” Buffy barked back her response while she glared at William.

“Your honor….”William sighed loudly.

BANG….BANG…..BANG went Judge Snyder’s gavel.

“Enough, children! I’m not refereeing a pissing match in my court! Both arguments are dually noted.

“Bail set at $100,000 cash bail and Ms. Masters passport will be immediately confiscated. The passport needs to be handed over prior to bail being posted. Ms. Masters……stay very close to your home. This is my first and only warning to you.” Judge Snyder ordered.

“Yes your honor….thank you” whispered Darla.

“Bailiff, remand Ms. Masters into custody……next case.” Judge Snyder bellowed.

When the bailiff took Ms. Masters into custody, Buffy truly, for the first time, noticed what her outfit consisted of, or lack thereof. No wonder she didn’t want to come upstairs. Her hair was teased into a high-Madonna’s Blonde Ambition Tour- ponytail and even after two days in jail, she had on enough make-up on to make Tammy Faye Baker feel like she was au natural. Ms. Masters had on a red, leather bustier that barely covered her large, C cup breasts, attached were garter-belts that held ripped, thigh-high, fishnet stockings leading to four-inch, red, leather, stiletto, heels. Attorney Eros’ jacket lay across her shoulders and only blocked the court attendees behind her in seeing her very exposed body.

With Judge Snyder’s announcement to the bailiff, Buffy swiftly collected her belongings and promptly left the courtroom.

William tried to console and explain, to Darla that he would immediately contact her family to inform them of the bail and the dire importance of bringing her passport.

Buffy wanted to get away from that courtroom, especially that infuriating, asshole. Attorney Eros as soon as possible. She was afraid she would be sharing a cell with Ms. Masters due to assault and battery. That would be after she kicked Attorney Eros’ ass, and throughout the beating she would tell him what she really thought of him and his firm. Buffy briefly again thought about the ass that she wanted to kick…..one tight ass that you could serve a drink off of…..

“Oh……” Buffy growled as she stormed out of the courthouse.

William exited Snyder’s court and looked around the halls for ADA Summers. Anger coursed through his veins when he thought about that ‘holier-than-thou…..stick up her ass….. shampoo commercial hair having, fiery, gorgeous, little blonde. Whoa…..where did those last two thoughts come from?’ William realized. He mentally shook his head. ‘Man I need a drink.’ Spike mentally sighed.

Friday night….........

“Boy Buffy, you look like you just crawled out of the grave!” Anya exclaimed.

“Thanks, Anya for that harshly blunt and extremely rude observation.” Buffy snapped.

Anya just shrugged and continued sipping her rum and coke.

“Buffy, you know I hate to admit it, and please mark this in the meeting’s minutes…..but I kinda have to agree with Anya.” Willow gently added.

“See, I told you. You look like shit!” Anya retorted.

“Now you’ve lost your comrade in arms.” Willow elaborated immediately.

“Well too late, your agreement is already noted and cannot be stricken from the record.” Anya jokingly huffed.

“Regardless of this once in a life time occasion, let’s focus on the concern at hand. Buffy is there something bothering you?” Willow asked her tiresome friend.

“It’s just this case I’m on. This rich bitch thrashed the hell out of some guy during sex and now the defense has made it look like the client was the victim and not the perp. They claim due to the defendant’s well-to-do upbringing and the victim’s less than stellar one, which, by the way, was text book for therapy later in life; Growing up in numerous foster homes, a drunken absentee dad and a mom who worked part time as a waitress when she wasn’t in rehab or gone for weeks on end with a new man. The defense has stated that the perp initially wanted and agreed to participate in adventurous sex, but that wasn’t enough for the victim. So they claim that he in turn forced this ‘impressionable young lady’ to participate in this ‘perversion’, their term not mine, of S & M. Unfortunately, if this gets in front of the jury, which I think the defense will push for. They’ll look at each person’s family history and with the perp being
a woman, the victim a man, they’ll probably conclude that there is no way this could happen. In addition, guys on the jury will think he’s a pussy for getting beat by a woman, not liking it and going to the cops about it. Like my mom used to say, “You can put a silk hat on a pig, but it is still a pig.” It’s the same ol’ same ol’ in our judicial system re-victimizing the victim.” Buffy huffed.

“Well that’s all well and good, but what is the real reason you look like hell? You’re trying to blow smoke up our ass and say it’s the case. What you should really be saying is that your issue is with who the defense on the case is. Hmm…..could it be the one and only William Eros?” Anya bluntly questioned.

“He’s the jerk that’s acting like the victim is a sex fiend and the perp is some bullied little school girl. In the recent discovery I received from his office there were volumes upon volumes of numerous references to sexual positions, tools of the trade and the like. He listed web sites, magazines, adult movies, fetish stores and anything else that involved the sex industry! There were pictures! Numerous colored print outs with long lengthy descriptions of what was taking place! He’s such perv and he’s being a sneak! He’s trying to rattle my cage or make me back down due to this case being based on sex and what one’s perception of what is kinky and what’s vanilla. He thinks that because I’m a woman that I should be all shy and blushing about this stuff! Well he has another thing coming because that tactic is not going to work! Ooooo……It just pisses me off. Like I’m some Pollyanna that blushes and drops to her knees to pray when
someone brings up sex!” Buffy fumed.

“Well, you do drop to your knees, but it’s not to pray.” Anya joked.

“Ha! Ha! Thank you Slutty Slut from Sluttonia. Anya you’re on your knees so much, people mistake your actual height!” Buffy laughed.

“TMI! We are referring to my childhood friend that would be involved in that equation. We watched Charlie Brown’s Christmas together and shared crayons. I so do not want to picture him naked thank you very much!” Willow teased.

“Ah, well now that’s the real reason you’re all in a huff. It’s that our well-spoken, probably extremely well versed sex-on-legs defense attorney has your lacy panties in a twist and that he’ll be in your life until the case is resolved. It could be years if it goes to trial.” Anya stated matter-of-factly.

Buffy dropped her forehead to the table with a ‘thump’. After a few beats she looked up and gazed at Willow.

“Damn. She’s good. She should really come to the DA’s office. We need her bluntness and no bullshit point of view.” Buffy sighed.

“That’s all well and good, but no. That’s not an option. Not enough money at the DA’s. Thanks for the job offer and stellar recommendation.” Anya commented.

“Now that’s settled let’s get back to my favorite topic, sex! So, Buffy. What’s wrong with a little bondage and a plethora of orgasms between friends? Maybe if you had some with Attorney Eros you wouldn’t be so stressed?” Anya truthfully noted.

Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Hey! I do believe in letting your ‘freak flag fly!’ Some fuzzy handcuffs, sexy lingerie a little leather a little lace maybe a toy of two. Whatever, I’m usually game. Even spanking a nicely shaped ass (a brief flash of Attorney Eros’ juicy peach popped into her head until she quickly blinked it away. Buffy licked her lips and continued) it’s all well and definitely of the good. It’s just this guy was whipped with a six foot bull whip so hard that one strike required stitches and all eight of them are going to leave permanent scars. He also lost some hair and skin on his manly bits due to the removal of strategically placed hot wax. Not to mention the burns he received. She used a candle with a paper core which burns the hottest. Totally not my idea of a good romp in the sack! I really don’t see anyone except someone as sexually deviant as the Marquis de Sade that would ask for someone to do this to them. S & M, despite what people think
is for mutual pleasure. A give and take activity, this was so not that. This is some rich bitch, control freak that enjoyed getting her rocks off by beating up this guy and tried to, and is still trying to get away with it!” Buffy declared.

“Looks like someone was reading at length the discovery she received. Let it fly Buffy, let it fly!” Laughed Anya.

Buffy blushed nine shades of red and started to laugh with her friends.

“Another toast. To sex!” Buffy cheered, lifting her drink.

“To sex!” Anya and Willow equally cheered as all three ladies clinked their drinks together.

DISCOVERY - Part of the pre-trial litigation process during which each party requests relevant information and documents from the other side in an attempt to "discover" pertinent facts. Generally discovery devices include depositions, interrogatories, requests for admissions, document production requests and requests for inspection.

Across the city at Willie’s….

“Thanks, mate. I’ve needed this since Monday afternoon! Just keep ‘em comin’ and give me an order of extra spicy hot wings and one of those flowerin’ onion thingys.” Spike instructed.

“You got it Spike, but we don’t have the Blooming onion anymore.” Willie explained.

“Bloody ‘ell! I was lookin’ forward to it too. Just give me a double order on the wings then.” Spike sulked.

“Sure no problem.” With that Willie left to place Spike’s order.

Spike looked toward the door for Clem.

“Where the bleedin’ ‘ell is that prat?” Spike mumbled into his lager.

Almost on cue, Clem entered Willie’s walked towards the bar and plopped on the stool two down from Spike. You could tell it was Friday. Both men were sans jackets and ties with two to three buttons released on their now slightly wrinkled white shirts.

“About time you ponce! I don’t see how you need to work late on a Friday. It’s only skin! No such thing as an Emergency Zit Extraction! You can pop the nasty buggers on Monday.” Spike jested.

“It’s not all about popping zits you asshole! There are much bigger concerns in being a Dermatologist than acne. Remember I am also involved with Infectious Disease Control. If ya don’t lay off, I’ll take my work home. How does a flesh eating virus sound? Maybe we can play hide and seek with a vial of that nasty stuff. How about a hint to where I might hide it. It's your draw that rhymes with ‘over there’. If you’re too blonde to figure it out, it’s the draw that holds your banana hammocks! You won’t be too happy when your dick starts to rot and the best IDC doctor in Mass., moi, will be too busy popping zits to help your sorry ass!” Clem sneered.

“Nice image. Sorry to rain on your rant, but I don’t have one of those draws, I go commando, au natural.” Spike chuckled. Spike spied Harmony out of the corner of his eye and let out a big sigh

“Ahhhhhh…..speakin’ of crotch rot. There’s Harmony. Hopefully she doesn’t spy me” Spike snickered.

Spike turned toward Clem so only his back faced Harmony. Spike prayed to any and all gods, demi-gods, goddesses and the like for Harmony not to see him. Without fail as quickly as he thought this he saw Clem form a shit-eating grin, and his eyes focused over Spike’s shoulder.

“Corroded crotch at five o’clock!” Clem laughed.

“Bleedin’ brilliant. Karma takin’ a huge bite of my arse.” Spike sighed.

“Oh….blonde bear!” Harmony squealed. Her voice was only one or two decibels lower than a dog whistle.

Spike continued to focus on his drink in front of him.

“Spikey?” Harmony called as she approached Spike’s back. She started to run her hands over his body. One hand in his bleached locks and the other trailed down his muscular back towards his equally muscular ass.

Spike rapidly turned on his stool to face her. When he spun the hand in his hair fell away the other hand on his back landed on his thigh close to his knee.

“Oooooh! Hey my Big Bad. You wanna get out of here?” Harmony cooed as she heavily licked her lips and started to trail her hand closer to his lap.

Spike eyed her offending hand then angrily glared at Harmony. He hoped that she would remove her hand before he did. Harmony being dense didn’t notice the disdain on Spike’s handsome face.

“Harm, I haven’t had that MUCH to drink.” Spike spat

“It’s cool. We can have a few more then go.” Harmony chirped, still as clueless as ever.

“No Harm, I will NEVER have that much to drink....EVER AGAIN.” Spike sneered.

“Oooookay, like I said, we can have a few and go, not a problem blonde bear.” Harmony stated as her wandering hand was almost at its destination.

As Spike held Harmony’s gaze he instantly grabbed the offending hand and squeezed none too gently. Then he spoke

“Harm…. Let me put this in miniscule terms that your pea brain can comprehend……PISS OFF!” Spike yelled. His outburst turned several heads of the other patrons.

Then Spike immediately dropped her hand and turned to face Clem. Harmony stood with her mouth agape for several beats than hollered.

“Fine…..fine! Just know this Spike, that you’ll never see THIS…. Again!(as she pointed to her ass) Well, you could if I walked away…..so I’ll just back away.” With that Harmony clumsily backed away from Spike and toward the exit. Harmony backed into several customers who were enjoying the show, but she didn’t stop until she reached the door. She quickly spun around and left the bar, a slammed door in her wake.

“Damn Spike, that was harsh.” Clem stated.

“Wha’? I tried to be nice and the bloody bint is clueless! How many times do I have to say no? Do I have to make ‘er a bleedin’ diorama!” Spike growled.

“Well this is true. Harmony is definitely a type of girl that would have a caption over her head saying “Insert blonde joke here.” Clem teased.

“Ya, she may have been bloody brilliant before I was with her. I may have shagged her brains right out! There wasn’t much conversation before that mediocre event.” Spike chuckled

“Yeah, highly unlikely.” Clem poked back.

“Oi…….I’ll have ya know that I’ve never had any complaints and numerous requests for repeat performances!” Spike exclaimed.

“Ya you’re a regular bleached Casanova. Aren’t you Spikey?” Clem taunted.

“Damn right I am and never call me that again…ya pillock!” Spike announced.

“Oh I’m sorry, you prefer blonde bear?” Clem questioned with a laugh.

“Ya about as much as syphilis, and no I don’t know firsthand ya bastard.” Spike harshly stated.

At this point Willie arrived with their hot wings and two refills. Both men dug in and silence fell between the two until Spike’s question broke it.

“Clem, have ya ever met a woman who you should completely despise, but every night she haunts your dreams. Intense dreams. These dreams are exclusively crammed with non-stop shagging, in every way possible, in every position, location and orifice. Types of dreams that when ya wake up your so hard that a slight breeze should make ya shoot off, but no amount of whacking off makes it go down? Spike inquired.

Clem stared at Spike with a half eaten chicken wing that hung from his mouth. The look of “What the Fuck?!?” was written all over his face.

Clem removed the wing and casually placed it on his plate. He then turned to look at his friend.

“The better question is, have YOU had a bonerific dream about some supposed to be despised and immensely talented chick?” Clem questioned.

“I wouldn’t be asking if I hadn’t ya wanker.” Spike sneered.

“Yeah, well I’m not the one polishing my knob on a daily basis. Well maybe I am, but that’s not the point. The point is….the point is…..it’s that I seriously need to get laid!” Clem declared.

“You and me both mate.” Spike sighed.

“You gotta be shittin’ me? Your willie has seen more ass in the last four months than I have all year!” Clem bellowed.

“Ya well the problem is that he’s all head and no brains! I have yet to meet a woman, they’ve all been girls. (Clem’s eyebrows shot up in question) No not that kind, ya bloody perv.” Spike snarled.

“So tell me about this temptress that’s haunting your dreams Sir William.” Clem probed.

“She’s bloody amazing! She’s petite in stature, but her inner fire makes her appear larger than life. She has long golden tresses, large expressive green with golden speckled eyes, full kissable bee-stung lips and flawless skin. Even under her well tailored suit, I can tell that her body is firm yet soft, absolutely made for sin and………” Spike dreamily recalled.

“Easy lover boy! Your giving me a hard-on just hearing about her!” Clem joked.

Spike immediately lost his dreamy look and flashed Clem a ‘fuck off look’. In addition to this look, Spike made a sound that originated from his chest and reverberated in the back of his throat. The noise resembled a growl.

“Whoa (Clem held up his hands in surrender) easy Spike. Did you just growl? I’m only joking relax killer.” Clem instructed.

“Clem, she’ all around me. She’s in my mind, my dreams; the thoughts of her are consuming me. I don’t understand. I’ve never felt like this way before, not even about the love of my life, Drusilla. I don’t even bloody know her personally and yet she consumes me.” Spike explained.

“Dude, you’ve got it bad. By the way, who is she?” Clem hesitantly asked.

“That the crux of the problem…..she’s involved in my new case. She’s the bleedin’ Assistant District Attorney! Talk about being a glutton for punishment. I’m such a bloody ponce!” Spike sighed as he started to run his hands through his bleached locks.

“Lord knows I’m not one to give advice about the ladies, but maybe you can relate to her on a personal level. Humanize yourself. Be William, not the prick defense attorney.” Clem suggested.

“Bollocks, too late for that. We’re in the “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours’ faze of pre-trial. Well the case is sexually based, so…….” Spike tried to explain.

“Let me guess, you probably shown her enough stuff that would make Jenna Jameson blush?” Clem asked.

“Ya…..I’m such a dick.” Spike groaned

“Spike, don’t trash yourself. You’re doing what Wolfram and Hart is paying you the big bucks for. Like I suggested, do what you need to do for the case, but outside of the courtroom turn on the charm. Show her the softer side of Sears.” Clem advised.

“I’ll be in court next week, hopefully I’ll run into her.” Spike sighed.

“Let the force be with you my son.” Clem teased in a deep baritone voice.

William was so immersed in the Masters case, more specifically the beautiful ADA. He hadn’t heard his phone until the third ring.

“Yes, Martha” William kindly greeted his paralegal. He was able to tell who was calling prior to answering due to the internal line.
“Attorney Eros, Attorney Manners desires a brief meeting with you this morning. Your schedule appears to be clear until this afternoon. I scheduled the meeting for 11am. Is that alright?” Martha softly asked.

Martha was mid 50ish woman with salt and pepper hair cut into a simple page-boy bob framing her ordinary features. She was extremely kind and painfully shy; barring her discussion of the law. William was pleased to have Martha as his paralegal. She was assigned to him when he arrived at Wolfram and Hart and had become a valuable asset over the last four months.

“Yes Martha, of course. Perhaps you inquired as to the nature of this meeting?” William solicited.

“The Masters case. Do you need me to pull all the files?” Martha questioned.

“No, I have everything I need in here. Thank you, Martha.” William responded.

“You’re welcome, Attorney Eros.” Martha softly spoke then disconnected the call. Over the last four months William insisted Martha call him William. She would smile her shy smile and agree until the next time they talked and she would address him formally again. William didn’t want to make her uncomfortable so he didn’t press the subject.

William glanced at the clock--- 10:15am ‘I have 40 minutes to gather my thoughts.’ William inwardly sighed. William did ponder the Masters case itself…..for ten minutes. For the next 15 minutes his thoughts returned to Miss Summers. The last five minutes he sat and willed away a raging erection that tented his pants.

William arrived at Attorney Manners’ office slightly before 11am . Attorney Manners office spanned half the twelfth floor which accommodated both Liaisons to the Senior Partners; Attorney Holland Manners and Attorney Lilah Morgan. The Senior Partners resided solely on the thirteenth floor. Even though the Senior Partners hired William he had never actually met them nor visited the infamous thirteenth floor.

His first interview was with Attorney McDonald and Attorney Manners. The second and third interviews were with both Liaisons Attorney Manners and Attorney Morgan. All interviews happened on the fourth floor where William now worked.

He was considerably glad that he never met with Attorney Morgan alone. William believed he was generally relaxed when scrutinized and questioned, it came with the job. Overall he never rattled easily, especially around women. But Attorney Morgan….or Lilah as she consistently insisted upon was about as calming as a cornered Tasmanian devil and as sweet as straight absinthe (1). The way that she scrutinized him, he felt that she was either sizing him up for a coffin or a full leather bondage outfit. As the interview progressed he summarized it was the latter.

There was no doubt that Lilah was a classic beauty; with long shapely legs, statuesque figure, shoulder length, russet colored hair and flawless fair skin. The old adage of ‘beauty is only skin deep’ was written for someone like her. Beyond her outward radiance; lay a cold-hearted bitch. William had seen this type of woman before, all gentleness was lost once deciding to rise to the top of their careers. William would never understand how being superior at what you do, meant losing your humanity. Lilah sold her soul long ago in the name of the almighty buck.

Once the elevator door opened, William immediately turned right to enter Attorney Manners’ section of the twelfth floor. Eris’(2) home was to the left. William swore he could feel the corruption pulsating at his back as he advanced toward the large, dark red mahogany doors separating the foyer and Attorney Manners’ office.

Once William entered, he approached Attorney Manners’ secretary seated behind her exquisite brass mounted, black lacquered desk. This piece alone appeared to be worth a year’s salary.

The attractive young woman looked up from her keyboard as William entered and instantly greeted him, a pearly smile forming on her perfectly painted scarlet lips.

“Attorney Eros, how are you this morning? Hope all is well. Please take a seat while I alert Attorney Manners you are here. Would you like some refreshments? Coffee, tea, maybe some Perrier?” The secretary gestured towards the plush leather seats as she spoke in a slightly rehearsed, robotic tempo.

“I’m fine….thank you.” William answered politely.

Manners’ secretary nodded at William’s refusal then promptly returned to her desk and called Attorney Manners to notify him of William’s arrival.

After several minutes the phone rang and the secretary whispered briefly. After she hung up, she stood and stated to William

“Attorney Eros, Attorney Manners is eager to meet with you. Please follow me.” With that she walked toward Attorney Manners’ at the end of a long black tiled hallway with stark white walls. Due to the eerie silence and emptiness of the space, it felt that he was being lead toward his death. He felt as if he were being led to the gallows, not to an office. Once they approached another set of enormous red mahogany doors the secretary paused and knocked. She waited for a muffled response before she opened one of the doors. She entered first, turned and placed her back against the door before the arm closest to the room gestured for William to enter.

Once William entered the door firmly closed behind him and it took all his willpower not to flee.

“William….please sit.” Attorney Manners stated firmly.

William approached Manners massive desk, it was exactly the same as his secretary’s, but double the size. Probably triple the price. Attorney Manners looked up from his work his gaze penetrated William. With a slight nod, he motioned to the two seats in front of his desk for William. Despite how comfortable the butter-soft black leather club chair was William felt he was sitting upon a bed of nails.

“Attorney Manners, you requested to see me?” William spoke strongly, much stronger that he actually felt.

“Attorney Eros….it has been brought to my attention by your team leader Attorney McDonald, you have been assigned the Darla Masters’ case. Just as with all our cases how the client is represented and the outcome is of the utmost importance to our firm. The Masters family has been affiliated with Wolfram and Hart for hundreds of years; when our firm was still in Europe and the United States were still known as the colonies. The Masters family is one of the cornerstones of our firm. Any and all cases involving their family are a number one priority.” Attorney Manners stressed

“Of course sir.” William assured.

“You came highly recommended from our branch in London. Even though you were not one of our attorneys….excuse me barristers, you’ve made quite a name for yourself. Since your arrival here you’ve been the ‘one to watch’ so to speak. It is imperative that these qualities are utilized on this case. Just let’s say that this case may ‘make or break’ your legal career here, not only at Wolfram and Hart, but in the city of Boston.” Manners vowed.

William felt a knot form in his throat as he slowly swallowed the jumble traveled down until it landed heavily into his stomach.

“Attorney Manners, I assure you this case has and will continue to receive my undivided attention. The utmost care will be given to Miss Masters and her family in this extremely trying time.” William explained.

“That’s precisely what I needed to hear. Good day Attorney Eros.” With that Attorney Manners resumed his paperwork, immediately dismissing William.

“Thank you, sir. Good day.” William responded, though he knew full well Attorney Manners did not hear his reply nor did he acknowledge is existence in his office.

William left Attorney Manners’ office quietly at a fast paced gait. Once he arrived in the reception area he softly gave a “thank you” to the secretary as he made his way to the elevator.
Reaching the elevators he rapidly hit the down button. He watched as the elevator’s digital numbers slowly ascended towards twelve.

“Come on….come on” William mumbled. He slowly looked around the foyer. The small hairs on the back of his neck started to stand up and he felt as if he was being watched. When the elevator reached the eighth floor its numbers hovered several beats before they started to descend towards the ground floor.

“Bloody ‘ell” William silently cursed. To his right he heard the soft tattoo of heels meeting the black tiled floor; more specifically stiletto high heels.

“Damn it” William cursed a little louder as he continued to assault the button with his eager thumb. William watch the numbers ascend and stop on the sixth floor.

“This bloody lift is haunted! It’s trying to rattle my chains. It’s going to take more than this to wet my knickers.” William quietly roared to empty air

“William……what brings you to my domain?” Lilah purred as her eyes perused William’s body. He felt that she was undressing him with her searing stare he knew that she was envisioning all the little nasties she wanted to do to him. Those thoughts made him shiver as if standing naked outside on a winter’s day in London.

“Now her thoughts will wet my knickers and there goes my shirt.” William whispered to himself.

“Pardon me.” Lilah asked as she slithered closer.

“Nothing Attorney Morgan (her sculpted eyebrows raised as a reminder)…..I beg your pardon, Lilah.” William calmly stated as his thumb furiously pressed the down button.

“Somewhere you want to be?” Lilah cooed.

‘Anywhere but here.’ William thought.

“Yes…..Att….Lilah. I have to be in front of Judge Snyder after lunch. I’m presenting motions (3) in the Masters’ case.” William explained.

“Ah….yes, Darla Masters such a lovely girl in such a horrific scandal. One should be careful of who you ‘play’ with. Well be off with you Sweet William. If you need any instruction or guidance on how to handle the aspects of this case, please don’t hesitate.” Lilah purred as her eyes traveled down his body once more.

‘And there go my pants.’ William added mentally.

Lilah glided past William toward Attorney Manners’ office. William could tell as he briefly looked at her retreating form that she put an extra swing in her hips for his benefit. Once Lilah entered into Attorney Manners’ wing the elevator popped open with a loud ‘ding’.

“Now ya bloody ‘ere! Thanks for nothin’” William sighed as he entered into the elevator and down to his floor.

With a brief ‘hello’ to Martha, William swiftly entered into his office, filled his briefcase with the motions for the Masters’ case and some other work to occupy his time while waiting to be heard. With an equally brief ‘good day’ William left Wolfram and Hart deciding on the stairs this time, a more reliable way to travel as he made his way to court.

(1) Absinthe: A green liqueur having a bitter anise or licorice flavor and a high alcohol content, prepared from absinthe and other herbs, and now prohibited in many countries because of its toxicity
(2) ERIS: was the goddess or spirit (daimona) of strife, discord, contention and rivalry. She was often represented specifically as the daimon of the strife of war who haunted battlefields and delighted in human bloodshed.
(3) Motions: London An application to a court by one of the parties in a cause, or his counsel, in order to obtain some rule or order of court, which he thinks becomes necessary in the progress of the cause, or to get relieved he thinks becomes necessary in the progress of the cause.

William, as he had gladly hoped, did see ADA Summers in court. Unfortunately, they were probably both there to present motions regarding the Masters case. Legally speaking, both attorneys present during the presentation of a motion is ideal. After the motion is brought by one counsel, the other counsel doesn’t have to rush to court and deal with numerous phone calls, faxes and e-mails. On a personal level them meeting again under these circumstances…..not so much.

When he arrived she was seated on the first bench behind the prosecution’s side. William took a seat across the small aisle separating the two rows of benches. ADA Summers appeared to be focused on her paperwork, she hadn’t noticed William or so he thought.

Unbeknownst to him, Buffy did notice out of the corner of her eye when Attorney Eros approached the bench he where he now seated. He was dressed in a black, pinstriped suit with a black dress shirt and a bright silk, cornflower blue tie that drew out his dreamy eyes.

"Dreamy Eyes? Marsha Brady much?" Sounds like I’m talking about Davy Jones or something’ Buffy scoffed at herself.

William equally noticed ADA Summers. She was wearing a bright teal, silk wrap blouse and a black pencil skirt, generously split mid-thigh. While juggling her notes, she accidentally dropped her pen and it rolled to her right. She uncrossed her shapely legs to retrieve the wayward pen. When she leaned to the side William noticed her tempting legs were incased in black, thigh-highs held by a garter belt. As quick as the show was, William received more than an eyeful. This fleeting vision alone would provide numerous hours for his spank bank. William thought he could hear the up-beat circus music as the strong man raised the Big Top in his pants.

"Great……please Judge Snyder be late….please be late…..please…." William’s mantra repeated in his head until it was cut short by the bailiff’s deep baritone.

ALL RISE…..

"Already there mate, that’s the problem," William joked to himself.

THE HONORABLE JUDGE SNYDER PRESIDING……

Judge Snyder entered the courtroom and immediately sat down. The courtroom followed. He asked his law clerk what was on the docket for the afternoon. She quickly reviewed the paperwork then he quietly motioned for her to proceed to call forward the next issue.

“Attorney Eros…..Attorney Summers, please step forward,” The law clerk stated.

William started to walk through the small swinging door located in the middle of the wooden divider. Upon second thought he immediately stepped back and held the door open for ADA Summers. This was the first time that Buffy was ever this close to him. She tried to pass without looking, but like a magnet she was drawn to his deep cerulean gaze.

When he smiled, her mouth immediately responded in kind. When she entered through the small door, her arm accidentally brushed against his chest. Immediately she felt flames of desire burst forward and lick across her breasts, making her nipples become instantly erect. Once she reached the prosecution’s table, placing her brief case down, she quickly shrugged on her jacket to cover her obvious bodily response. As soon as Buffy entered William followed suit catching a pleasing view of Buffy’s backside. The lusty feelings quickly dissipated when she heard the growl of the littlest troll.

“So Attorneys, why am I graced with your presence so soon after arraignment?” Judge Snyder sneered.

“Your Honor…” Both Buffy and William responded simultaneously. They each looked at one another. William nodded his head and softly stated “Ladies first”. Buffy was taken aback by his silky baritone. She was amazed how his voice made every word seem sensual. If he read the directions on an enema box right at this moment, she’d probably cream herself.

“Hello……ADA Summers, you’ve got the floor!” Judge Snyder barked.

“Oh…yes. Your honor, I have two motions I would like to present to the court. The first motion is to Suppress Evidence of Uncharged Misconduct and Prior Convictions of the Victim. The second motion: is a Motion to Suppress Evidence of Prior Sexual Conduct,” Buffy explained.

“I object your honor. Aren't these two motions one in the same?” Argued William.

How quickly the tide had turned. A minute ago he could be telling her that she was sentenced to death by stoning and she would have gone willingly. Now she wanted to claw his eyes out. Buffy flashed him a quick dirty look that went unnoticed.

"Don’t look at her…..don’t look at her. Ya gotta do your bloody job. If looks could kill…." William thought as the judge pondered his objection.

“Your honor, one motion is dealing with suppressing any and all incidences that may show up on a criminal record or CORI search. The other motion is clearly to suppress all the victim’s prior sexual partners. Despite what the defense may claim, they are clearly not one in the same,” Buffy argued.

“Your honor, bringing forth John Doe’s past sexual partners will show that there is a pattern to his sexual behavior and how it relates to the incident with Ms Masters,” William explained.

“ADA Summers, anything to add?” Judge Snyder asked.

“Just the same argument as before your honor,” Buffy stated, sounding slightly defeated.

“Well….on your motion to Suppress Evidence of Uncharged Misconduct and Prior Convictions of the Victim, I am in favor of your request ADA Summers. You’re correct that John Doe’s criminal misdemeanors and /or arrests have no influence in this case. I do, however have to agree with Attorney Eros on your motion to Suppress Evidence of Prior Sexual Conduct. John Doe’s previous sexual relationships do have weight in regards to how he perceives what would sexually satisfy himself and what means he would go or has gone to provide that for himself. So on your second motion ADA Summers. Denied.” Judge Snyder declared.

“Your honor,”Buffy responded.

“Attorney Eros, your motions?” Judge Snyder stated ignoring Buffy’s request.

William quickly looked at ADA Summers and saw how her jaw was slightly clenched as she tried to hold back her words. He immediately proceeded

“Your honor, the motions that I would like to present to the court today are one: Motion to Suppress the Media and two: Motion to Suppress Evidence of Prior Sexual Conduct,” William requested.

“Your honor……based on the fact alone that my motion for Suppressing Evidence of Prior Sexual Conduct was dismissed for the victim, I in turn move that the same liberties that the defense will have by parading the victim’s past sexual partners in court. The DAs office should have equal liberties with Ms. Masters. If she is the victim as the defense is trying to portrait her sexual history should be mundane information that may be even damaging to my case,” Buffy started sarcastically.

“Your honor!”William huffed loudly.

“Thank you Attorney Eros, I will handle this. ADA Summers, throwing my verdicts back at me with a sharp tongue will not get you the desired decisions in my court. Nevertheless, this is your lucky day. Attorney Eros, the same liberties that you have with John Doe will be given to the DAs office. And ADA Summers…..watch it next time I won’t be so nice. (Judge Snyder glared at Buffy before he continued) Attorney Summers…..do you object for Attorney Eros’ motion to suppress the media?” Judge Snyder questioned.

Buffy thought about this briefly. She would love to drag that rich bitch’s name through the mud, but in turn that might expose the victim. Also, she could buy her way out of scandal, he couldn’t. Despite her love for revenge on loaded scumbags like her and the desire to call her out, she had to do what was right for the victim.

“No your honor, I have no objects to his motion,” Buffy responded.

“Good, thank you Attorneys. Next case!” Judge Snyder quickly dismissed both attorneys with the simple the two-word request.

Buffy swiftly collected her belongings and made a beeline out of the courtroom. She didn’t return the favor of holding the small swinging door for Attorney Eros as he had for her. Buffy actually put a slight push into the back swing so the door hit him mid thigh."Ha……teach him to fuck with me. He can limp to trial for all I care!" Buffy sneered inwardly.

At a clipped pace, Buffy retreated as far away from Snyder’s courtroom as possible. ‘Shit now that the defense can get to all his sexual partners, they’re going to have a field day. Hopefully he hasn’t been an escort long, if not it will be days filled with elaborate stories of sex, sex, sex. Which wouldn’t be too bad if it was actually days filled with having sex. Just as long it was my sex that was to be had. God I haven’t been laid in so long. It’s been so long that the guy at the corner drugstore asked the last time if I wanted rechargeable batteries!’ Buffy sighed.

Though her heels were making a loud clicking sound on the newly polished floors and other clients and lawyers were loudly conferring in the hallway, Buffy could hear a deep rich baritone ring out over all the noise littering the busy hallway.

“ADA Summers……a word please?” William called in Buffy’s direction finally spying her through the small throng of people. Buffy ignored the sexy voice.

“Ms. Summers…… please?” William tried again as he sped up his gait, every one of his strides matched two of hers

“Elizabeth…..stop!” William raised his voice slightly. Also it held more of a commanding tone than previously.

Buffy hastily turned and glared at the bleached menace that was now standing three paces in front of her.

“What!?!” Buffy growled through clenched teeth.

“I thought we might be able to discuss this case, maybe in a more casual setting? Say dinner?” William suavely asked.

"What? Some nerve! Does that crap usually work for him?" Buffy thought before she responded.

“No…..I don’t believe that I could stomach discussing this case over any type of food or food like substance. Actually, strike that I don’t believe I could stomach present company period. Now if you’ll excuse me.” Buffy sharply responded, turned and tried to walk away

William gently grabbed Buffy’s elbow to impede her exit. Buffy spun quickly eyes blazing glaring more at the offending gesture than the offender himself. William immediately released her elbow and raised his hands in mock surrender.

“Maybe we should start over….(William extended his hand toward Buffy) I’m William Eros, originally from Mayfair, a small village in London. I’m a recent transplant to the states. I came here to work for the Boston Branch of Wolfram and ‘art. I’m a Leo, born in the year of the tiger. Likes; Manchester United which is football or what you yanks call soccer, dog racing and extra spicy hot wings. Dislikes; direct sunlight, not flattering to my pasty complexion, American beer and Willie’s, my home away from home, took the bloomin’ onion off the soddin’ menu. What I want to be when I grow up……”

“Thank you Chuck Woolery, now Bachelor number two. (William raised his scarred eyebrow in a ‘huh’ look) Fine….fine I give,…”

Buffy finally took his outstretched hand. Both froze as their brains processed the sudden, almost painfully erotic touch. Emerald with golden specks met stormy cerulean. Both seemed to be in search of answers to the overwhelming feelings that sparked between the brief, simple connection.

Buffy begrudgingly dropped her hand first, mentally shaking herself.

“Umm….what I meant to say was, it is nice to meet you William,” Buffy responded. "When did my voice get so phone-sex operator low?" Buffy thought before she continued.

“With that look, I’m guessing that you probably didn’t get my joke did you? The one about Chuck Woolery….bachelor number two…..ringing any bells?”

Buffy joked as she stumbled over the words in her mind. They swirled with the lusty thoughts she was having triggered from such a mundane touch.

William quickly blinked his eyes to try to jump-start his brain to join in the now one-sided conversation. His body was inflamed and he was sporting another full-blown erection. He casually placed his brief case over the culprit then spoke.

“Not exactly….. no.” William shyly admitted.

“Despite you thorough demographics, I completely forgot you lived in England and you didn’t have the pleasure of watching the Dating Game in the 90’s with host….” Buffy explained.

“Let me guess…..Chuck Woolery?” William jested.

“Ding….ding a kewpie doll for the man in black.” Buffy joked with a bright smile.

"God she’s beautiful, the way her smile lights up her whole face, no, the whole room. Amazing." William thought dreamily.

“Well, unfortunately I have to go. Have a crucial case that needs my attention. It has a troll for a judge and a really cutthroat defense attorney. Well, bye,” Buffy hesitantly stated.

Buffy turned and slowly walked towards the exit of the courthouse. Before she reached the exit, she turned with another heart-warming smile and announced

“It’s Buffy.”

William’s fog cleared to acknowledge her statement

“Pardon?” William questioned.

“I go by Buffy.” With that she turned and resumed her path to the exit. William stood motionless as the world around him bustled about. When the doors from where she retreated finally closed, William snapped out of his ‘spell’ blinking rapidly.

“Bloody ‘ell!” William swore softly as he ran a shaky hand through his meticulously placed hair.

“Just do it...just pick up the bleedin’ phone and call her, ya bloody ponce,” William berated himself for the thousandth time in the past hour. He has been seated in front of his desk phone, trying to work up enough courage to call his fiery beauty. " 'His’… I love the sound of that,"William inwardly sighed.

He tried to time the call just perfectly. He waited for the next day and until midmorning to call. He didn’t want to seem over zealous by calling immediately. He tried to reign in his impatience and has done a pretty good job thus far. Despite how desperately he wanted to call her, as soon as he returned to his office from court. After their short, but bitter sweet interaction.

"Well...that’s not exactly true," his inner voice amended. "You wanted to follow her out the exit, sweep her up into your arms...all Gone with the Wind like style, kiss her passionately, then carry her off into the sunset."

William’s other; more pessimistic voice put in its two cents. "That so wouldn’t work because one...she probably mace you the instant you grabbed her. Two...slap you silly for kissing her. Three...it was only two in the afternoon, no romantic sunsets."

“Bugger...one could wish couldn’t they,” William sighed out loud.

William glared again at the object of his frustration. He grabbed the receiver and quickly punched the numbers on the phones base, to connect him to the DA’s office. Since this has been his at least fiftieth time he called this number, he had it memorized. The other line didn’t complete one ring before he hung up again with a slam of the receiver.

“Damn it! I can do this. It’s not like I’m some pimply-faced whelp that has a crush on some girl. Well not a girl...a woman...no...a magnificent creature that would be any man’s last dying wish to possess, but if for one moment before he passes to the great beyond,” William declared to his empty office

“I’m such a ponce. Who the bloodin’ ell do I think I am? William Shakespeare or some such?” When William realized how ridiculous and somewhat nutters he sounded, he quickly stopped talking out loud. "If someone heard me right now I would be immediately sectioned to the nut house!" William scoffed loudly, as he started to run his hands through his now slightly curled hair. Which was now freed from its gelled prison. This was due to his repetitive nervous pulls and ruffling in the last hour.

William thought back to his conversation with Clem last night, as they sat in his apartment eating pizza and wings. While they watched Sports Center.

“So you finally had the balls to talk to her?” Clem asked soon after Spike’s half and hour commentary about his afternoon at court. More specifically his brief conversation with Buffy.

“Ya, you prick! Haven’t you been listening to me prattling on for the last half an hour?” Spike snapped.

“The question was more rhetorical you ass!” Clem snapped back.

“So...what should I do?” Spike questioned.

“Besides ask her out? Like I said, be a gentleman. Let her know that you’re not always such a dick,” Clem stated with a chuckle.

“Thanks mate,” Spike huffed as he threw his pizza crust towards Clem.

“What else do you want me to say? Just be sensitive to her and her needs. Don’t try to bullshit her. Cuz being a lawyer, and more specifically a woman, she’ll see it from a mile away. Let her know that she’s not just a piece of ass to you,” Clem instructed.

“It’s going to be tuff (Clem responded with a quirk of his eyebrow)...oh...don’t mistake me, she definitely not just another shag. When I’m in her presence, or even just thinking of her, all my blood rushes and doesn’t exactly go to my brain. Bollocks...there it goes again!” Spike sulked.

“Whoa! Dude! TMI! Just point it somewhere else!” Clem hollered.

“Don’t worry. All I have to do is look at your ugly arse mug, and my willie quickly retreats like a turtle into its shell!” Spike laughed.

“Now that’s just plain cruel! (Clem placed a hand over his heart to mock being hurt) That may have hurt my feelings. Well, if I gave a shit. Which I don’t...so...” Clem joked back.

“All right, since your blonde. Well bottled, but regardless, let’s review. Call her. Ask her out. Play the gentleman and no matter what...DO NOT sleep with her. Even it she wants it. First date sex is usually the kiss of death to the beginning of most relationships that had any possibility to be a long-term one,” Clem instructed.

“Right...(Spike’s scarred eyebrow raised as a thought hit him)Well, how about if she begs for it? Like on her knees, with her gorgeous green eyes starring up at me and her pouty mouth opened...”Spike started to ask as a lusty faraway look appeared into his eyes.

“NO! NO! And NO! This is not some Playboy fantasy forum dream! This is reality!Well my reality, so it’s not going to happen! If it does...I...I...I quit! That’s it! I will no longer be your friend! Cuz, you suck and I’m no longer living vicariously through your dick!” Clem announced in jest.

“Fine. I’ll be a gentleman and abstain. Maybe, I’ll have to follow that suggestion made by that bloke from ‘Something about Mary’ You know. That one about not going out with a ‘loaded gun’? No baby batter on the brain or some such,” Spike stated.

“Again, TMI! I don’t need any images about your spankage! Thanks, but no thanks!” Clem barked.

“Right. Got it. So, I’ll call her tomorrow,” Spike declared.

William was broken out of his thoughts with a newfound determination. He swiftly picked up the receiver and his fingers blazed over the keypad while he entered the numbers to Buffy’s office.

“Good Morning……District Attorney’s Office, this is Amanda. May I help you?” A sweet voice echoed from the receiver and brought William’s mind to a halt from anticipation to now actually doing.

“Ummm…..Ahhhh….Yes. This is the District Attorney’s Office correct?” William shakily asked.

“Yes sir. May I help you?” Amanda asked again.

“Ummm…Yes….This is Attorney Eros. May I converse with Assistant District Attorney Summers please?” William asked a little more bravely.

“Yes, Attorney Eros. One moment please, I will see if she is available.” With that she put William on hold. William tried to stay calm as he waited.

When he recognized the classical music, that was filling the usual empty space that one was held in as they waited the line, he started to relax. Chopin’s Nocturne in E flat major Op 9 No 2. His favorite classical piece. Once the soothing music filled his head, William closed his eyes as relaxation started to permeate his once tense body and mind.

As the music began to slow and become soft, which announced the end of the piece, the phone click twice and a voice that was more beguiling than the music rang forward.

“William, hi. Nice for you to call,” Buffy softly spoke.

William eyes fluttered as he heard her voice. "I can do this," William thought to himself, and then he spoke.

“Ms. Summers, I am so delighted that I was able to reach you,” William spoke equally softly.

“Should I be apprehensive about this call?” Buffy asked, her voice was slightly stronger than at first.

“No. Well, I hoped not,” William responded.

“It’s just that you called me Ms. Summers, that’s more formal than I hoped…..I….I… mean….” Buffy tried to explain.

“No, I phoned merely for a personal reasons, not professional. Well, unless that is unwarranted and not welcomed then...and secondly I used your name formally out of respect nothing more,” William clarified

“By all means, like I indicated before, I prefer Buffy,” Buffy assured him.

“Buffy...(William whispered) After our brief but extremely pleasant conversation yesterday I have been pondering something that I wanted to pose to you,” William paused in order to collect himself.

“Yes, William?” Buffy queried.

“Buffy it would be my greatest pleasure if you would join me for dinner. Possibly Friday night, say 7ish?” William asked with baited breath. He swallowed hard as he awaited her answer. It seemed like forever from when the words left his mouth and for her to respond.

“I would love to William but…..” Buffy elucidated.

“No. No need to explain Buffy. I understand if I’ve overstepped my bounds……” William responded calmly, when he felt anything but.

“William, before you interrupted, I was going to tell you that I would love to have dinner with you. Its just Friday night is designated girl’s night out. If you would like to go out Saturday night, I would love to,” Buffy replied

“So I’m not worthy enough to cancel a night with your mates?” William, more Spike-like, blurted out before he was able to rein in the snarky remark.

"Bollocks! She’s going to tell you to piss off now mate! Go going! You arse!" William berated himself.

Buffy was slightly taken back by this remark. He had been such a gentleman during the conversation she was afraid that the date was going to be a yawnfest.

"There’s the spark that I’ve grown to admire and desire," Buffy thought with a stifled chuckle.

“Well, that remands to be seen William. Right now, the jury is still out on that,” Buffy responded cheekily.

William sighed in relief. He was so glad that he didn’t bollocks this up.

“So Saturday then, 7ish?” William confirmed.

“Yeah. So how are we going to do this?” Buffy inquired.

“I didn’t think you Americans did dating any different but if I must explain….” William joked.

“No, no different than you stuffy Brits. I just wanted to know where you wanted to meet for dinner?” Buffy asked.

“Well, if it’s alright with you, I wanted to pick you up at your place. Despite my recent behavior exhibited in court, I am a gentleman. But if you don’t feel comfortable with that we can…..” William clarified.

“No. No you can pick me up at my place. That’s perfect,” Buffy affirmed. She proceeded to give him her address and brief directions. After a few more details worked out the conversation came to a close.

“It was nice speaking with you William and I’ll see you on Saturday. Till then,” Buffy replied.

“Till then, Buffy,” William whispered and then they both proceeded to hang up.

Once the phone call ended, William proceeded to make dinner arrangements, ‘take care’ of willie in his personal bathroom, and nervously wait till Saturday.

Across town, Buffy was also following up from her conversation with William. She was in the middle of a conference call with Willow and Anya; discussing what she was going to wear and correcting Anya, numerous times, that she was not going to enjoy an evening of multiple orgasms with Mr. Sex-on-Legs. Inside she was doing a mental Snoopy Dance about her date on Saturday.

Saturday night could not come fast enough for William. He hadn’t been able to concentrate for the last several days. He tried to immerse himself in his other cases, purposefully avoiding the Masters case, for obvious reasons. No matter what case or what he was doing, in his mind, all roads lead to her. Now that it was Saturday morning, he followed his usual schedule; going to the gym, a little food shopping, pick up dry cleaning and other mundane errands. Once he arrived back to his condo it was around 2pm.

"Five more hours. What the bloody ‘ell am I going to do?" William thought, as he paced around his condo like a sleek caged panther.

Once this thought cleared his mind a knock rang from his door.

“Oh, thank goodness a distraction,” William sighed.

William walked over to the door, looking through the peephole he opened it.

“What was the delay? It’s not like I couldn’t hear you stomping around in there?” Clem asked.

“Never can be too careful; bible thumpers, nosy neighbors and ex-shags may be on the other side. Ex-shags are the worst,” Spike said, with a mock shiver.

“Are you going to move your bleached ass so I can come in or what?” Clem questioned with a huff.

“Don’t know. I know I didn’t shag ya. I don’t see a bible, but you are a nosy neighbor. Oh well, two out of three ain’t bad.” Spike gestured with a shrug, as he moved out of the threshold to let Clem in.

“Thanks ever so much,” Clem huffed, as he pushed past Spike. Clem plopped himself onto Spike’s recliner with a loud sigh. Silence fell over the room, for several beats, before Spike sat on the couch near Clem and faced him.

“Hey, something ya got going on in that noggin’ of yours,” Spike asked.

“I’m sorry to bring this to you, you know with your date tonight and all, but I needed to talk to someone,” Clem stated somberly.

“No problem mate. That’s what these two disc shape objects on the side of my handsome face is for, shoot,” Spike stated.

“Last night I had a referral from Children’s Hospital that really hit me hard that’s all. This three-year-old boy came in via med-flight after his vitals rapidly declined after being admitted to a New Hampshire hospital with a high fever and an all over body rash. Once at Children’s Hospital they ran a battery of test. Their speculating Kawasaki Syndrome (1). It’s pretty rare disease and all they really can do for him, is place him under close observation and minimal medicine intervention. The little guy was so scared and his mom, who is single, wasn’t able to come with him in the helicopter due to trying to find someone to watch her three other children. It just reminds me how hard my mom had it with me and my five brothers and sisters. We grew up in the projects of Dorchester and lived on welfare. One thing I can say is that for the most part we all turned out all right. A doctor, two teachers, construction worker, and a cop. Only my asshole brother Mickey fucked up his life and is to this day a constant heartache for my ma. Fuck, didn’t mean to get blacken your door step with my shit,” Clem declared with a heavy groan.

“No worries mate (as Spike handed Clem a beer) like I said that’s what mates are for,” Spike confirmed, with a slight nod, as he sat back down.

“So, how is the lil’ poppet?” Spike asked cautiously.

“I called earlier and he’s doing pretty well. If it is Kawasaki Syndrome, he’ll kick the fever after three or four more days. As for the rash, unfortunately all I can prescribe is something to help with the itch,” Clem stated sadly.

“Why are you so down about that? I bet the lil’ guy and his mum are grateful that his skin isn’t itching from the rash,” Spike commented, attempting to sound upbeat.

“Ya, what else pisses me off is how hard it is for his ma. Every day all I see are rich bitches and their bratty kids bitch and moan about a few pimples and some small wrinkles. It just bites my ass!” Clem roared.

“I can relate mate. I get the, daddy’s little girl that is neck deep in shite because she got too zealous while shaggin’ some young stud or some college kid that tried to dodge the police after he wrapped his new BMW around a tree, after a night of excessive indulgence in spirits and Persian rugs (Clem gave a ‘what the fuck’ look)…..drugs.” Spike elaborated.

“Thanks Spike. I really needed to vent,” Clem said with a poignant smile.

“Hey, don’t mention it. I’m not just a handsome bugger. I actually can be sensitive and insightful,” Spike joked.

“Shit! I almost forgot the countdown is over! Date with Buffy is tonight!” Clem announced with excitement.

“So...whatcha wearing, where ya going, and you’re not puttin’ out are ya?” Clem said, in a high falsetto voice, that had a teenage twist to it.

“Stuff it mate! I already told you that I was doin’ the no sex thing. So unless you want to be here when I clean my gun. You’re goin’ to have to leave soon!” Spike joked.

“And that’s my cue!” Clem jested back.

Clem stood up and walked towards the door. Spike followed him out. Before Clem opened the door he turned to Spike and said.

“Thanks again, man.”

With that he held out his hand. Spike immediately grabbed it and shook it firmly. Half way through the shake, Clem pulled Spike into a manly hug with the customary hard back-slaps. Just as quick as the hug started, it stopped. Then Clem opened the door and left closing the door quietly behind him.

William looked at the time and saw that it was four thirty.

"Bloody ‘ell, gotta get a move on," William stated as he started to strip down to shower.

William took a long hot shower, partly to be thoroughly clean, partly to 'clear the pipes.' Once he emerged from the steamy bathroom, he padded towards his bedroom clad in only a black terry towel, and to briskly run over his saturated bleached locks.

After staring into his meticulous closet, he chose black tailored slacks, azurite blue v-neck light wool sweater, with a black tee shirt underneath. Once dressed, he headed back in the bathroom to gel-down his hair. As he pulled out the needed supplies, Clem’s voice rang in his ears…’be sensitive, a gentleman.’ The gelled back locks originated with his Spike persona. Before then, he wore his hair naturally, which was loose curls and its original light brown color. Spike decided to not gel his hair, it will give him a softer look. Since was hair wasn’t as long as it was before, instead of curls, his hair dried into a wavy style. Still thinking on those lines, he decided against his usual contacts and wore his stylish rimless Regatta glasses.

"There, more William less Spike. Well, even with the bleach, it was still very William. Very gentlemanly," William thought to himself with approval as he studied his reflection. He looked upon his Rolex watch, quarter of six.

“Gotta go see about a girl,” William said to his refection as he shut off the light and went to retrieve his coat. Since it was early March, and still quiet chilly in the evenings, he chose his black wool peacoat and black soft leather gloves. Before he left, he called for a taxi to meet him out front.

Once he arrived downstairs, the taxi arrived moments later. William entered the taxi and told the driver the address. He arrived at Buffy’s place at ten of seven. He chose to take the stairs, to her third floor apartment, to take up some time before he went to her door. William wanted to be punctual but not stalkerly early. He took a deep breath before he knocked on the door of her apartment.

FIVE HOURS EARLIER IN BUFFY’S APARTMENT...

Willow and Anya sat on Buffy’s queen size bed surrounded by ‘thumbs-down’ outfits.

“What about this one?” Buffy was wearing a long chestnut brown leather skirt with a cream colored wrap shirt. “I’ll wear these boots.” Buffy stated as she held up a pair of dark brown leather knee high boots.

“I don’t know. You should show more leg,” Anya commented

“I liked the green silk blouse with the black pants,” Willow retorted

“Not helping ladies! I have only…(looking towards the clock) four more hours before he comes here! I still have to shave, wax, wash, dry and straighten my hair. Then there’s makeup. God, I have so much to do!” Buffy whined as she flopped down onto the bed.

“Well, for the hair I think you should leave it down and in loose waves. It looks so nice like that. That takes a good 45 minutes off your time,” Willow pointed out.

“Good, now let’s pick out my outfit. I want to look classy but not like I’m at work. I want to show off all my hard work I put in at the gym, but I don’t want to show too much skin. Plus still March in New England…burrrrr! I want something that’s sexy, but casual, and comfy,” Buffy declared.

“Fine, fine. Let’s see the green silk shirt and try the black pencil skirt,” Anya instructed.

Two hours later, outfit including shoes and accessories were finally all set. Willow and Anya bid their goodbyes and left Buffy alone to complete her transformation. Buffy had a tradition that she participated in when she prepared for a date. She played soothing classical music, usually Chopin since he was one of her favorites, lit vanilla candles and had a long soak. Buffy envisioned how her date was going to go. Even though she loath Attorney Eros, since the minute she heard him represent some wealthy snot-nose kid, that wrecked his new beamer and left the scene of the accident on foot, still shit faced. She felt that she was going, to put that all behind them and just be Buffy and William. Not ADA and defense attorney.

After feeling thoroughly relaxed, Buffy looked at the clock and noticed that an hour had gone by and she needed to get out before she was permanently pruned. Buffy got out of the warm watery heaven, which was kept that way since she had replaced the old tub, with a new heated jacuzzi tub last year at tax time. She stepped out briefly, while the water ran out Afterwards, she could take a quick shower to wash her hair and rinse her body.

After another fifteen minutes she was out. She then dried off, donned her body in her well-loved white terry cloth robe, fuzzy white terry cloth slippers and wrapped her hair in a ‘swami-style’ with a towel perched on top of her head. Buffy generously applied numerous lotions, to their designated areas, and then carefully applied her makeup. She applied a smoky, gray shadow to her lids with an iridescent highlighter, near her recently waxed eyebrows. Complimentary dark black mascara, to lengthen her lashes. She added peachy-hued blush, to her cheeks and finished off with a shimmeromg, clear lip gloss. Then she worked on her hair until it was perfectly coiffed and headed to her bedroom to get dressed.

Despite her ‘no sex’ on the first date policy, she donned her body with Victoria’s Secret black lace bra, thong and garter set with sheer nude thigh highs. She finished getting dressed and awaited for her date.

With only minutes to spare she was finally done and was assessing herself in her full- length mirror when a knock on her door echoed through the relatively quiet apartment.

“Here we go.” Buffy nodded at her smiling reflection as she slowly walked to the door. She tried to appear casual all the while her heart was racing at her impending date.

Buffy slowly opened the door to the most gorgeous man that she had ever seen. Buffy immediately noticed, since it was at her eye level, that he had his coat open so she could see the beautiful blue sweater, that was tastefully fitted, which showcased his delicious muscular chest. Her eyes than traveled upward to his handsome face. Her gaze lingered upon his stunning chiseled cheekbones, his full kissable lips, and the masterpiece...his striking cerulean expressive eyes. Over the few times that she had met him, she had seen many shades of blue in those emotion filled eyes. When he’s angry, they’re more grayish. When pleased, they appeared to be crisp like a summers day sky. He must be pleased because right now they appeared this way...simply breathtaking.

William was speechless when Buffy opened the door. She had her hair in soft waves, with two small hands full of hair, resting on her shoulders, which curled over the tops of her breasts and then the rest disappeared behind her. Her petite body donned in an emerald green light woolen wrap dress that hugged all her curves just right. Upon her petite feet, were black leather heeled boots. William stared at her as he drank all of her in. Finally Buffy spoke which broke his gaze from her body.

“William, please, come in. I just need to gather my coat then we can be off.” Buffy moved to the side as she gestured for him to enter. She turned to retrieve her coat that lay on her creamed colored couch. When she turned, William was able to appreciate her backside that was now in full view. "Utter perfection." William thought to himself. Even though his early precautionary measures, his willie decided to join the date. William quickly looked away so he could try to calm himself. "Not now you prat!" He inwardly yelled, at his wayward limb.

In an attempt to distract himself, William decided to help Buffy with her jacket.

“Please, let me.” With that he held out his arm for her jacket. She handed the mid thigh length black woolen coat, so he could help her put it on. When her back was to him, her delicious fragrance reached his sensitive nose. She smelled of vanilla, honey and clearly all woman. "This so did not help. God, she smells so good." William thought, as he took a deep breath to take in her scent, but not to seem creepy.

“Thank you so much, William.” Buffy whispered as she turned and was now a foot and half away. William had to restrain himself. She was so close..."Get control of yourself mate!" William scolded himself.

“Of course luv. Let us be on our way.” William smoothly responded, despite shaking like a leaf inside. William placed his hand on Buffy’s lower back, and escorted her out the door.

"God, we need to get out of here! Now! Or my no sex on the first date rule will be forgotten." Buffy's inner slut screamed.

When William called her ‘luv’, with his smooth baritone voice and especially after he touched her, her resolve was all but broken. She quickly picked up her black and emerald purse, from the small entrance-way table, and headed for the door. Buffy opened the door and motioned with a smile for William to exit first.

"Damn! His coat is blocking the view of his perfect ass! No, I should be glad. If I saw it, I would grab it...maybe even try to take a bite, and we would never leave!" Buffy inner slut continued to declare. Before the pair walked towards the exit, Buffy stopped William, with a gently placed hand on his forearm. William turned to face Buffy then she spoke

“William, before we start our date, I just want to say one thing,” Buffy stated.

“Anything, Buffy,” William responded in kind.

“I don’t want to discuss anything, that is law related. This definitely means nothing about the Masters case, or any other cases. I also think it’s wise to avoid any other discussions about our perspectives of the law because I believe that it may lead into an argument that I only want to have with you inside a courtroom,” Buffy explained.

“I whole heartedly agree. I presume, that we should be able to find many other suitable subjects to discuss,” William stated in agreement.

“Good, I just wanted to put that out there before our night starts,” Buffy stated with a nod. She then weaved her arm through the crook of his elbow and together they walked towards the elevator.

SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH ANYA AND WILLOW...

“It was a fairly quiet taxi ride to the restaurant. William picked out a place that meshed both Southern Italian and Peruvian cuisine. Taranta, was a very romantic restaurant that the atmosphere, the staff and the cuisine made everything start out perfectly. Unfortunately, it didn’t stay that way,” Buffy explained.

“What happened?” Willow asked her friend.

“The conversation during dinner felt... forced. I told him that I didn’t want to discuss anything law related. So we didn’t. But it felt like there was a huge elephant in the room. It wasn’t exactly tension...I don’t know how to explain it. It felt like, he wasn’t being himself. Like he was trying to put on a show. Always being the gentleman. Even the kiss goodnight, was a small peck on the cheek. He lingered there, like he was trying to control himself. Not to not grab me, and have me against my apartment door! I waited and waited and nothing. Despite how much I bitched before, I liked the smug, cocky bastard I saw in court. The guy I went out last night...not so much. Don’t get me wrong there was absolutely chemistry. I mean, if I didn’t get him out of my apartment when he first came, just let say I wouldn’t of made it to brunch this morning. Or if I did, I would of being walking really funny!” Buffy joked

“Oh sweetie, I’m so sorry it didn’t work out. Do you think you’ll try again?” Willow asked as she ate her danish.

“I don’t know. I really want to...it’s just it was so awkward, I’m hoping that we can get past that,” Buffy sighed as she stirred her coffee.

“I think you should just fuck the awkwardness away! Also too, if he’s bad in bed, which I highly doubt, but if he is, why bother pursuing him if it’s not worth it?” Anya inquired bluntly.

Buffy paused for a moment, to ponder Anya’s words. She was so tempted to agree, but sighed and responded.

“No. Maybe a do-over? I’ll ask him out. Maybe if I make the first move and have the date in a more relaxing setting it would go better. Ah, I got it! Since I don’t have to work on Friday due to Evacuation Day, I’ll ask him out. Perhaps to a bar. celebrate a little. Since it’s the night before St. Patty’s Day, it won’t be a total drunkfest, because some poor people do have to work of Friday (Buffy looked at Anya when she said this). Yeah, I think that will work. I’ll call him later on today,” Buffy affirmed.

“First, thanks a lot for reminding me that I’m the only fool here that has to work on Friday, while you two have the day off and get paid. Secondly, I think that’s a great idea, I’ve had many satisfying orgasms, after numerous pints of green beer,” Anya agreed.

DONUTS AND COFFEE AT CLEM’S CONDO...

“So, you’re telling me that it was a flop?” Clem asked as he ate his third Boston Crème donut.

“It was a bloody nightmare! I felt like I was in Secondary school, High school for you yanks. I was nervous and afraid that I would say the wrong thing. Maybe, it didn’t help that I looked a lot like I did in Secondary school,” Spike sighed, as he continuously dunked, his now soggy cruller into his coffee. When the mush finally broke away, he stopped.

With a blob of crème hanging from his bottom lip and chocolate smeared on his face Clem yelled.

“Oh...oh...no. You didn’t, did you? Don’t tell me you looked like the geek that was in the graduation picture, with his parents that is on your mantle?” Clem asked as he wiped his dirty mouth and cheek on his sweatshirt sleeve.

“Yeah, I did. I wore my glasses and I didn’t gel my hair. Worse, I was acting like the ponce, I was back then. Shy, uneasy...just all together wrong,” Spike huffed. Then quickly Spike’s mood turned

“It’s bloody well your fault!” Spike continued loudly, as he pointed his cruller at Clem.

“Who...me? How’s it my fault?” Clem questioned.

“You told me to be a gentleman. To abstain. I wanted to bloody well rip off her clothes, the minute I saw her at her apartment! She was insanely exquisite, long flowing honey blonde hair, glossy pouty lips, smelled of vanilla and honey and the dress she had on... left nothing to the imagination. I bloody well knew she was wearing a thong and garters! But nooooo...you said to be a good boy...Spike look don’t touch...Spike be the gentleman. Well sod that! I had a stiffy the entire evening! For four long hours! It was bloody torture! Knowing that a fiery woman was only a few feet away, was sheer torment!” Spike snarled.

“Look, maybe I was wrong. Maybe she needs a little monster in her man. There are people, that live their lives one way, but crave the other. Like, when a firefighter is a closet pyromaniac, cops who like the lawless side of life, or even doctors who have a god complex and revel in the fact that they hold people’s lives in their hands...”(Spike’s scarred eyebrow shot up on the last example) “ Not me you dick! Remember, I’m a glorified zit popper!” Clem firmly stated.

“Show her Spike. You have that bad boy image. All cock and swagger routine down pat. She sees you decked out in all black, with that long leather coat...she’ll be all over you, I guarantee it!

“You think so?” Spike said slightly defeated

“Ya, maybe she fights on the ‘side of good’, cuz she really wants a taste of the dark side?” Clem proclaimed

“Right. Spike it is mate...Spike it is. I’ll call her later and introduce them,” Spike said as he took a large bite out of his cruller.

(1) Kawasaki syndrome is a serious rash illness of children. It is a relatively rare disease; 3,000-3,500 cases are estimated to occur each year in the United States. Little is known about the way a person gets this syndrome or how it spreads. It does not appear to be transmitted from person to person. Since outbreaks occur, it may be caused by an infectious agent. Most cases have a high spiking fever that does not respond to antibiotics. The fever lasts more than five days and is associated with irritability, swollen lymph nodes, red eyes, lips, throat and tongue. The rash may cover the entire body and is sometimes followed by a peeling of the skin on the hands and fingers. Most cases have a high spiking fever that does not respond to antibiotics. The fever lasts more than five days and is associated with irritability, swollen lymph nodes, red eyes, lips, throat and tongue. The rash may cover the entire body and is sometimes followed by a peeling of the
skin on the hands and fingers.

(2) March 17 is Evacuation Day, a holiday observed in Suffolk County[1] The holiday commemorates the evacuation of British forces from the city of Boston following the Siege of Boston, early in the American Revolutionary War. Schools and government offices (which include many Massachusetts state government offices located in the city of Boston, which is in Suffolk County) are closed. It is the same day as Saint Patrick's Day, a coincidence that played a role in the establishment of the holiday.

William heard his blackberry ‘beep’ which interrupted the flow, of “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones. This annoying interruption meant one thing, a phone call. Since William was at the gym and running full force on the treadmill, he didn’t have any intentions of answering it. Upon this decision to ignore the call and let it go to voice mail, William had a slightly niggling feeling that he should change his mind. When he glanced at the screen mid-stride, he saw who was calling, and he was glad that he went with his feelings…it was Buffy.

William immediately grabbed the bars of the treadmill and moved his once running feet to the sideboards, so he could stop abruptly. He quickly pulled the headphones from the phone and pressed the answer box on the touch screen.

“’ello?” William breathed heavily into the phone.

“William? Are you all right? I’m not interrupting something am I?” Buffy asked the panting man on the other line.

“No…I can talk…just give me a sec,” William requested.

After several deep breathes and once he mentally channeling his inner Spike, he returned to the line.

“’ello Buffy. How are you luv?” Spike asked still slightly out of breath.

“Are you sure I’m not catching you at a bad time?” Buffy posed her question again.

“Not at all…just running at the gym…not a problem,” Spike responded as he started to towel off.

Buffy’s mind quickly flashed to William. Shirtless running…while a layer of perspiration covered his Adonis body. Small rivers of sweat flowed down his chest to his six-pack abs and then preceded to follow the ‘happy trail’ towards his…William’s voice broke through her fantasy,

“Luv…you still there?” Spike asked innocently, even though he hoped that he had planted a seed of lust in the young Buffy’s mind.

“Oh…oh yeah. Must be a bad connection. I just lost it…I mean you… for a minute there. What did you say?” Buffy inquired in attempts to cover up her mental lust break.

“Yup…it’s working,” Spike thought to himself.

“I was sayin’ that last night was…nice…” Spike began.

“But there was something missing,” Buffy finished.

“Yeah…my thoughts exactly,” Spike affirmed.

“So…if you’re interested…I would like to have a do-over, another date? Well, if you’re game?” Buffy inquired boldly.

“Definitely game luv,” Spike suavely responded.

“Boy, he’s so hot. Now this is the guy I waited for last night!” Buffy inwardly drooled.

“So, how about Thursday night? Friday is Evacuation Day, so I have the day off,” Buffy declared.

“Evacuation Day? We always just called it St. Patrick’s Day, but since you yanks are nutters,” Spike jested.

“No, it is St. Patty’s Day. In Massachusetts, more specifically Suffolk County, we celebrate when we kicked you Brits out of Boston following a siege, which took place early in the American Revolutionary War,” Buffy explained.

Spike’s mind flashed to Buffy dressed in a Catholic schoolgirl uniform, with pigtails, white knee high socks and black mary janes. Giving an oral report in front of the class. Him, the professor holding a yard stick in threats to whack her bum if she…Spike quickly broke out of his lusty thoughts, since now that his running pants was extremely tented.

“Ah, so Bostonians had found a way to denote a day of drinking as a holiday?” Spike joked.

“That about sums it up,” Buffy retorted with a chuckle.

“Wolfram and ‘art doesn’t celebrate that day, but fear not. I feel an illness coming on that may show its self on Friday, so yeah Thursday night sounds brilliant,” William confirmed.

Buffy gave William the name and directions to ‘her’ bar in Cambridge. Shortly after, both said their goodbyes.

THURSDAY NIGHT…

Buffy waited at ‘her’ table, with an amaretto sour in one hand and the other with her wrist pointed upwards so she can stare at her watch. Fifteen minutes late and counting.
“Who you kiddin’ you have been waiting more than just fifteen minutes. You’ve been waiting since Sunday for him,” Buffy reminded herself.

For the tenth time, she looked at her watch to see what time it was. “Maybe he’s not coming,” Buffy thought with dread.

In her peripheral vision, Buffy saw a dark figure appear and slowly approach her. She tried to busy herself so hopefully whoever this was, would move along if she didn’t appear interested. No such luck. Shortly after a bottle of Jack Daniels was placed in front of her and a deep voice asked,

“Drink?”

“A world of no. Actually, I’m waiting for someone…ummm…actually he’s in the bathroom, and he’s very jealous and is extremely big. I recommend that you should go,” Buffy stated shakily.

“Is that right luv? Well, if he’s that bloody daft to leave a beauty like yourself alone…then the bloke deserves to come back to an empty table,” The deep voice commented.

“Who says the table would be empty?” Buffy responded with a cheeky tone.

Upon her response, she turned her head to face a prominent and exceptionally impressive bulge that was incased in a black denim prison. Buffy thoroughly licked her now parched lips. Her gaze traveled up to an equally extraordinary chest, covered in snug black cotton. Followed by a smug enticing smile. Finally, to the bluest eyes that she had ever seen. Then it hit her like a splash of cold water that she had seen these cerulean pools before.

“William?” Buffy exclaimed.

“One in the same luv. Actually, I go by Spike. (Buffy silently mouthed ‘Spike’ then he continued) So who’s the bloke that I’m up against when he arrives back from the loo?” Spike inquired.

“Oh…no. There’s nobody. I just…didn’t know you were…. Well, you and I was trying to be nice and turn, I guess…you away. Before you came. If that makes any sense?” Buffy stammered.

Buffy only becomes this incoherent when she is confronted by an unfamiliar situation that catches her off guard. William, well Spike, dressed like that is definitely one of those times. Even though his hair was its regular slicked back style and the same cocky courtroom smirk appeared on his full lips, the similarities stopped there. In addition to his full head to toe black on black with black, his body donned a black leather trench that seemed like a second skin. It appeared to be made just for him.

Spike noticed Buffy's perusal of his new look and her obvious approval.

“Luv, may I?” Spike asked as he motioned to the chair across from her.

“Oh…ya. Sorry. Don’t know where my head is,” Buffy responded with fluster.

“Yes you do. It’s peeling off layers of his clothes to reach the nummy goodness inside,” Buffy's inner slut yelled.

“So luv, how ‘bout that drink?” Spike asked after he poured two shots of Jack.

“Really shouldn’t, Buffy and shots are very unmixy things,” Buffy tried to explain, but didn’t sound very convincing

“Don’t worry luv, I won’t corrupt you. Well, not too much,” Spike responded. Then the tip of his tongue snaked out from between his pearly white teeth and slightly curled over the two front ones.

Almost instantaneously, a flood of fire bloomed from Buffy’s womanly flower and burst forth licking any and all erogenous zones that resided on her now heated body.

“I’m going to burst into flames, and he hasn’t even touched me yet!” Buffy inner slut roared.

“Alright. One shot won’t hurt,” Buffy reconsidered.

“Cheers luv!” Spike announced as he held his shot glass up. Which was met by Buffy’s equally filled shot glass.

Three shots later, Buffy was feeling pretty good. She and Spike were discussing mundane subjects such as the weather and sports, both in Boston and England. Buffy loved to discuss sports, especially her beloved Red Sox and Patriots. Since the baseball season was approaching, and the team was already in Fort Myers, Florida for spring training, she was completely stoked. Buffy was especially delighted when Spike stated that he would love to go to a game with her.

When Buffy arrived, she put her name in for the pool table in the back and was just told that it was now open.

“Hey, have you ever played pool before?” Buffy asked with a gleam in her eyes. She was so competitive by nature. Anytime she could compete, she reveled in it. Especially when she won.

“No luv. Can’t say that I have,” Spike responded.

“Well, be prepared to have your ass handed to you,” Buffy stated with a challenge in her voice. His scarred eyebrow, rose upon her declaration.

“Buffy, any time you want to put your hot little hands on my arse or any other part of me, please feel free,” Spike replied with a cocky grin.

“Let’s go bleached boy,” Buffy stated as she tried to ignore the imagery of her hands traveling all over his muscular body.

After two rounds of Buffy truly handing him his ass on a silver platter, which now was completely exposed to her visual assessment, since he removed his jacket after the first game. Spike now decided it was time to change the game.

“You’re pretty impressive. I’ll give you that. Let me redeem myself. How about a little wager?” Spike inquired.

“What kind of wager?” Buffy questioned.

“Whoever wins, dictates how the rest of the evening goes,” Spike explained.

“Easy blondie. If you’re looking for some contract to have carte blanche over me, you got another thing coming. I’m in no way shape or form going to be your sex puppet!” Buffy declared.

“No luv, that’s not what I had in mind at all, but if that’s your choice…(Spike’s stormy azure eyes scanned her body) then who am I to object. Well, that’s if you win of course,” Spike’s deep baritone voice caressed each word as they fell from his full lips.

“Fine! You’re on!” Buffy affirmed, and stuck out her hand to shake on the deal.

Once Spike’s long fingers wrapped around her hand, Buffy shivered. Then unexpectedly, Spike pulled Buffy into his body, so they were now chest to chest. Well more breasts to chiseled abs. Upon contact, Spike wanted to grab her and finally possess her. Games be damned. However, he has held his cool thus far, and it has worked to his benefit. Soon she’ll come to him on her own, after he breaks down all her defenses. “Won’t be long now,” Spike assured himself.

Once Buffy was close enough, Spike leaned down towards her ear and with a lusty low tone he whispered,

“Let the best man win…luv,” With that he gently bit her ear lobe and gave it a slight tug. Just as quickly as it happened, the heat of his body disappeared.

When Buffy came out of her lusty stupor, Spike was at the table racking the pool balls.

“Damn! I’m a goner.” Buffy sighed inwardly.

“Ladies first,” Spike stated as he gestured towards the table.

“You really want to lose, don’t you? Well, since you don’t want to take advantage of the break…” Buffy stated, as she leaned down on the table to line up her first shot.

Spike noticed after she took her shot, she lingered still bent over the table and lustfully glared over her shoulder at him. Spike tried to appear minimally affected, but in fact, his erection now probably had a permanent Levi jeans stamp on it. Due to the metal buttons having been pressed against it for the last hour.

She seductively rose and sashayed around the table to locate her next shot, since she had sunk a solid on the break. All the while she ran her fingers along the table in an enticing and distracting way. “This woman is going to be the death of me. But what a sweet death it will be,” Spike thought inwardly.

Buffy leaned again right in front of Spike to line up a shot. Her snug dark blue denim jeans hugged her pert ass and her crisp white form-fitted button down silk blouse rode up to expose her golden skin of her lower back. Spike inhaled deeply in attempts to control the lust that flowed through his body.

Spike was knocked from his thoughts when a loud ‘crack’ sounded as the pool balls hit each other on the table.

“Shit!” Buffy huffed as she missed her shot.

“Your shot blonde,” Buffy joked.

Spike slowly stalked around the table as he assessed his first shot. He leaned over, lined up his shot and with a clean stroke knocked two striped balls into two different pockets. With a large grin and a wiggle of his eyebrows, he moved to set up his next shot. Buffy’s mouth dropped open like a fish out of water, with the now realization that she had just been played…BIG TIME! This was confirmed, when Spike proceeded to knock three more shots in effortlessly. Buffy plopped herself on the closest barstool with a loud huff.

“Well if he’s not going to play fair, then neither am I,” Buffy thought evilly.

While Spike moved around the table, he could see Buffy running the pool stick through her loose fist in a suggestive ‘jerking’ motion, in attempts to be distractive. It was distractive, but Spike didn’t let that deter him from the bigger prize. He then proceeded to sink his next two shot successfully.

“Rats! I have to up the ante,” Buffy inwardly plotted.

While Spike lined up his last shot, which was the eight ball, he announced where the shot was headed “Eight ball in the side pocket,” and then proceeded to tap the pocket with his pool stick to indicate which one. Buffy stood and approached the table. When Spike leaned over the table, she walked behind him and gently tapped his left shoulder. Spike turned his face towards her and responded,

“Ya luv? You’re not welching on a bet are you?” Spike asked.

“No, I just wanted to see the shot you have lined up. That’s the best way for me to become better at the game. To see what the master sees,” Buffy seductively acknowledged. Buffy then moved closer to his bent form and then leaned down over the table next to him. Once bent over, she took a step to the right, so now her right ass cheek rubbed against his left hip. She wiggled slightly and responded,

“Mmm…I see it now,” She cooed.

Spike eyes closed briefly and he took in deep breaths to steady himself. But it had the reverse effect, since these breaths brought her womanly scent into his already reeling mind. Spike desperately wanted to grab her hips and grind his rock hard erection into her pert denim cladded ass.

“Luv…Buffy…even though I highly enjoy being your professor, I do need to make my shot,” Spike spoke with a slightly cracked voice.

“Oh! I’m terribly sorry to keep you,” With another enticing wiggle, she slid across the table to the right. Her pert ass dragged across his lap, more specifically his engorged cock.

For the second time, Spike’s eyes closed, and he inhaled sharply and a low growl emanated from the back of his throat. Once he had some semblance of control, he opened his eyes and noticed that Buffy had brought a barstool and placed it directly in the back of the pocket that he was aiming for. She had shamelessly straddled the stool and was slightly leaning forward, with her hands braced on her knees. Shoulders rolled forward, so her breasts were pushed together to accentuate her cleavage. Spike looked briefly at the enticing flesh that was exposed, lined up his shot and sank it. With a smug smile and a chuckle, Spike braced his arms on the table’s edge and spoke,

“Looks like I won,” Spike voiced.

“You cheated! I asked you if you played pool, and you said no!” Buffy argued.

“That’s right. I’ve never played pool before, but I have played billiards,” Spike answered smugly.

“That’s the same thing!” Buffy argued again.

“Oh no…no it’s not and you know it! You know you need to ask the right questions to get the right answers. Now it’s time to pay up,” Spike purred as he stalked towards Buffy on the other side of the table. Once he arrived on her side, she turned herself in the stool so now she faced him.

“You’re a cheater,” Buffy pouted, as her bottom lip slightly purged forward.

“Look at that lip…I’m goin’ get it,” Spike purred as he leaned forward and took a hold onto her bottle lip with his teeth, just like he had done earlier to her ear lobe. Desire that had been a hum through her body during the whole date, now blasted through her. Buffy immediately and none too gently, grabbed the back of Spike’s skull and pulled him into a deep kiss.

Hastily, both their tongues joined the dance as they both kissed each other with all the passion and lust that had buzzed through their systems and between one another since the beginning. Buffy pulled away first to catch her breath, then Spike slowly traveled down the side of her neck as he placed open mouth kisses and small nips in his wake. Once he reached Buffy the most sensitive part, her pulse point, her head fell back and a moan tumbled from her lips.

Spike needed her to be closer. He lifted her off the stool and Buffy quickly wrapped her legs around his waist. The throbbing area between her legs rubbed against his rock-hard cock to find some sort of relief. Spike turned with her in his arms and gently placed her on the pool table that was now behind her. Both parties groan when they were now completely enmeshed from the waist up. Spike’s hungry mouth traveled back up her neck to resume its place at her greedy mouth. Neither knew how long they were caught up with each other. It felt like forever, but it was over far too soon, when a loud throat clear forced the two apart.

Another couple that was scheduled for the table had interrupted them. Well, the bitchy girlfriend did. The boyfriend seemed to enjoy just watching. Spike and the highly embarrassed Buffy, quickly collected their belongings and headed outside.

Once outside, Buffy grabbed Spike again and plunged her talented tongue into his awaiting mouth. After several moments, Buffy pulled away to order Spike to take her home…NOW!

Spike tried to quickly hail a cab. After ten long tortuous moments, they had one. Spike rapidly gave Buffy’s address then immediately resumed where they had left off. The drive from ‘Buffy’s bar’ to her apartment was approximately ten minutes away. In that time Buffy and Spike explored each other’s mouths and necks while they ran their zealous hands over each other’s heated bodies. All the while, Buffy was slightly inclined and Spike was partially cradled between her hips. The entire world fell away. Neither cared that they were publicly immersed in a gropefest.

While Spike nibbled along Buffy’s highly sensitive neck he murmured,

“I knew. I knew the only thing better than beating a DA would be f…”

With that statement, the lust fog was completely sucked away.

“What!?!” Buffy angrily asked as she shoved Spike off of her.

“Is that what this is about? Doing a DA?!?” Buffy yelled.

At that precise moment, the taxi stopped outside of Buffy’s apartment. She grabbed several waded bills from her jacket pocket and threw them at Spike. Buffy then quickly opened her door and slammed it shut, leaving the stunned Spike in its wake.

“Boy, did you ever just fuck up?” The taxi driver commented.

“Thank you Captain Obvious. Shite!” Spike yelled as he ran his hair through his hair. Defeated, he gave the taxi driver his address, so he could go home to lick his wounds.

Over-confident… impertinent…vile…malicious …asshole!” Buffy angrily listed Spike’s flaws. Each word was punctuated with a removal and sequential throw of a piece of her outfit. Now her clothes were flung around her apartment and Buffy was standing in her living room in only a pair of socks and matching underwear and bra set.

“Oooooo…he gets me so mad!” Buffy started to pace around her apartment. Too wired to sleep, too angry to relax, and too sexually revved up to focus.

“I need a long shower…preferable a cold one.” With that she shed the remainder of her clothes and headed for her bathroom, for some one on one time with her battery-operated friend. ‘Shit…. I’m going to need more batteries again at this rate.’ Buffy inwardly sighed as she headed to the bathroom for some ‘me’ time.

ACROSS TOWN…

BANG…BANG…BANG….”Clem, open the bloody door!” bellowed Spike as he pounded on Clem’s door at one in the morning.

BANG…BANG…BANG…”I know you’re not shaggin’ some tart, so you better get your arse up and open this bloody door!” Spike yelled.

In mid knock, Clem opened his door and a flustered Spike stormed past. Clem quietly closed his door, and still in a sleep-induced haze, tried to evilly stare at his friend. “One time friend if I have any say.” Clem silently corrected.

“About bloody time you pillock!” Spike sneered.

Clem stood in his darken living room in his favorite Stewie boxers and his slightly worn gray Red Sox tee shirt that said ‘Yankees Suck’ across his chest. His usually hairless dome sported a five o’clock shadow that was typically gone after his morning shave. Clem just glared at his friend in silence until Spike’s speech broke it.

“What the bleedin’ ‘ell you starin’ at?” Spike growled.

Clem slowly shuffled over to Spike and gave him a rough titty twister right through his black cotton tee shirt.

“Ouch! What the bloody ‘ell did you do that for?” Spike yelped as he placed his hand over the injured area.

“Just wanted to see if I was still sleeping and this was just a terrible nightmare…no such luck.” Clem huffed.

“Right…so I’ve got a dilemma…”Spike started to explain.

“No shit…really…I mistakenly thought that you were standing in my living room, after waking me up…rather rudely I may add…to shoot the shit!” Clem snarled.

Spike ignored his friend’s outburst and continued,

“It’s Buffy. (Clem responded with a slight head shake and eye roll) Tonight during our date, everything was perfect. Spike ran the date and she took to him like duck to water. We drank, laughed, played a little billiards and then it finally happened…I tasted her. She tasted of sweet candy and sunshine. It was bloody amazing!” Spike recalled as he sat down on Clem’s couch and turned on the lamp located on the end table.

Clem’s eyes squinted and he blinked rapidly trying to disperse the dots that now filled his vision. Once he got his bearings, he slowly walked to the love seat and sat down.

“First, may I say that when you refer to yourself in the third person like Elmo… it kinda creeps me out. Secondly…how did you fuck it up…again?!?” Clem asked boldly.

“Who says I bollocks it up… (Clem arched his eyebrow to contest) Right…after some intense lip lock, that almost lead to a knee trembler… well until some bint interrupted us…” Spike started to explain.

“Is this story going somewhere or should I call into work…which I have to be there in…oh like five more hours!” Clem snarled.

Spike continued as if Clem didn’t speak for the second time,

“We left the bar and after some more intense lip lock she invited me to take her home. We even gave a little PG-13 show to the cab driver, well until I opened my gob. Just let’s say that it was not in a good way,” Spike explained as he ran his hands through his now extremely disheveled hair.

“And…” Clem responded in attempts to prod his friend to finish his story.

“I told her that I knew that the only thing better than beating her in court was to shag her!” Spike blurted out.

“Nice…and the asshole of the year goes to… ”Clem proclaimed.

“You told me to be Spike!” Spike complained.

“Ohhh…no…no you don’t buddy! You’re not going to pin this on me! I merely gave you suggestions. It’s your fault if you didn’t read the fine print on the bottom that states that I’m not a stud…I only play one on TV,” Clem joked.

“Very bleedin’ funny! What am I to do? I think that this time I’ve bollocks it up enough that I’ll never get back into her good graces!” Spike griped.

“Look, all I can tell you is that you just need to be yourself. Women truly admire a man that is not afraid to be just that,” Clem explained.

“You think that will work?”

“Well, at (Clem looked at the clock and sighed) two in the morning that is about as fortune cookie as I’m going to get. Good night Spike.” With that Clem turned the lamp off, walked down his hallway, entered his room and quietly shut the door.

“Thanks mate,” Spike said to the darkened room as he got up and left Clem’s condo.

FRIDAY MORNING…

Buffy awoke around 10:30 after an evening of little rest. She stayed in bed until 11ish and then finally decided to get up and start her day. Her plan was to do to as little as possible. It was her day off and tonight she and the girls were attending the annual St. Patty’s Day bash at her ‘bar’. Buffy plopped herself in front of her TV and mindlessly flipped through the stations in attempts to find something that she could stare at until nap time.

Around noon, a knock on the door stopped her mid stride as she walked down her hallway to her bathroom to shower. Buffy was in her white tank-top and comfy shamrock lounge pants that she wore to bed last night. Since she wasn’t expecting anyone and due to her attire, she was slightly wary of the knock. She approached her door and looked out the peephole. On the other side was an awkward looking older gentleman dressed as a leprechaun holding a large bouquet of fluffy purple flowers pulled together with a long emerald green ribbon. Buffy warily opened the door to her visitor.

“Can I help you?”

“Ey lass…yew may. (the man stated in a heavy fake Irish brogue) Are yew Buffy Summers?”

“Ummm…ya,” Buffy responded hesitantly.

“Then these lass, are for yew. Good day.” The leprechaun handed her the lovely bouquet of flowers and with a tip of his green top hat he was on his way.

Buffy smiled brightly as she brought the flowers into her apartment. She sat on her couch, smelled the heavy sweet aroma of the beautiful flowers, which she now recognized as purple hyacinths.

After she enjoyed the fragrance for a spell, she then pulled the envelope from among the flowers. She slowly opened it and pulled the card from inside. In beautiful flowing writing, all it said was,

“I’M SORRY, WILLIAM”

At first Buffy was overwhelmed with joy that he apologized and in such a romantic and thoughtful way. Then Buffy’s inner skeptic came forward to let her feelings known.

“He’s doing this because he knows he fucked up on his case. What better way to lull you into letting your guard down again, than by trying to schmooze your womanly side?’”Buffy quickly agreed with ‘the skeptic’, then she yelled loudly.

“That bastard!” Buffy then marched straight to her trash and threw away the exquisite bouquet. Buffy proceeded to stomp into her bedroom in an attempt to get some rest. An hour later there was another knock on the door. Even though she couldn’t sleep, she hated to be interrupted.

Buffy walked to her door, looked out through the peephole and saw another person. Now a woman, dressed as an Irish maiden, she held another arrangement of flowers. This time there were small pink tea roses with sprays of baby breaths held in a round glass vase.

Buffy slowly opened the door. The woman asked in a clearly phony brogue with a heavy Bostonian accent, if she was indeed Buffy Summers. Buffy confirmed that she was and then took the vase from the woman and carefully closed the door behind her. She walked into the kitchen placed the vase on the counter and pulled the envelope. Again the same writing appeared on the card,

“I’M SO SORRY, WILLIAM”

Buffy left the beautiful arrangement on her counter, and then proceeded to pull the bouquet out of the trash and place it next to the new arrival. Buffy returned to her bedroom, to change into something more presentable, since this might not be the end of her visitors.

Another hour passed, with it came another knock at the door. Buffy walked to the door, looked, and noticed that it was another delivery. This time she was prepared with a tip for the deliveryman…well leprechaun. This deliveryman held a large bunch of daffodils bundled in another large emerald green ribbon. Buffy took the flowers, thanked the leprechaun with a tip and a smile. Buffy brought her flowers into the kitchen with the others. She pulled the small envelope from the bouquet, even though she already knew whom it was from. The card read:

“FORGIVE ME, WILLIAM”

Buffy’s earlier anger had almost dissipated. She started to question if he would really go through all this to just win a case. If that were his strategy, then he would of just sent basic red roses. But he didn’t. He took the time to make each arrangement especially for her. There has to be a reason why he picked each flower. Buffy called Willow to ask her what she thought.

“Hello?” Willow answered.

“Will, it’s me. I have a question for you. Remember during college when you spent the holidays and summers working at that florist?” Buffy inquired.

“Yeah, why?” Willow questioned.

“It’s just…William AKA Spike has sent me three deliveries of flowers. I wonder if each of them means a little more than an attempt to kiss my ass.”

“What did he send you?” Willow inquired.

Buffy proceeded to tell Willow about each arrangement. In the middle of the phone call, there was another knock. Perhaps another delivery.

“Hold on Will, there might be another one.” Buffy said as she placed the phone down to answer the door and receive the newest addition. This was the largest arrangement yet. A large crystal vase was filled with white and purplish-blue flowers. Buffy thanked the deliveryman and entered into the apartment with her newest gift. Buffy proceeded to set this amazing display of flowers in the middle of her kitchen table. After admiring the arrangement briefly she picked up the phone and spoke,

“Will, you still there? Can you come over and look at these flowers. Bring that book that you have that tells you all the meanings of what each flower represents. See you in fifteen?” Buffy asked

“Ya. See you in fifteen.” Willow agreed.

After Willow arrived and smelled all the beautiful flowers, she opened her book and started to look up each flower. She told Buffy that purple hyacinths meant ‘I’m sorry, please forgive me’. Pink tea roses meant ‘please believe me’. The daffodils signified ‘respect’. When Willow finally started to name and give the meaning of each of the flowers in her newest assembly, Buffy was on the verge of tears. There were six different flowers in the vase and each had their own special meaning. Blue salvia meant ‘thinking of you’, white violets ‘let’s take a chance’, blue bells signify ‘humility’, white gardenias were ‘you’re lovely’, white calla lilies meant ‘beauty’ and lavender signified ‘devotion’. Then once Willow pulled the card and read:

“PLEASE FORGIVE ME, WILLIAM”

Buffy finally broke down.

“Oh Willow, what am going to do? Everything was going so good last night. Well, until he said something that I rather not repeat. I stormed out of the taxi and vowed that I would never talk to him again. That was less than 24 hours ago! How can I not talk to him after all he has done?” Buffy whispered through her fallen tears.

Willow stood up and wrapped her friend in a warm embrace. After several minutes, their hug was interrupted by another knock on the door. Willow pulled away, handed Buffy some tissues and headed for the door. Willow opened the door to another fully green suited deliveryman. He had another bouquet, two-dozen red tulips, cinched with a familiar large emerald green ribbon. Willow thanked the man and brought the newest addition into the apartment.

Buffy’s tears started to flow faster.

“See! How can I push him away after this?” Buffy sniffled as she tried to dry her tears.

“What does your heart say?” Willow asked as she sat next to her friend.

“My hearts not the problem. It’s my head. It’s telling me to take all of this at face value. See it as he fucked up and is now trying to fix it with flowers. But my heart is saying that it is so much more than that. Willow, do you realize how much time and money he has spent on all these flowers?” Buffy asked in bewilderment.

“Buffy, I don’t think he cares. It seems to me that his thoughts only lie with you. Especially since all these flowers are declaring how sorry he is and how much he adores you,” Willow responded

“So what do red tulips mean?” Buffy questioned.

“I don’t need to look that up. It means ‘believe me’ and they are a ‘declaration of love,’” Willow said softly.

“Will, do you mind if I catch up with you later? I’m going to give him a call,” Buffy asked her friend.

“Sure. Not a problem. See you tonight.” With that Willow hugged her friend again, gave a small wave and left the apartment.

Once Willow left, Buffy approached her ever growing array of flowers. The memory of Willow reading off the meanings of each of these flowers blazed in her mind as she carefully studied and smelled each one.

Another knock broke Buffy from her thoughts that flowed through her mind about William/Spike and what she should say to him. Buffy walked to and gently opened her door. At first she didn’t see anyone there, until a small voice ascended from below her eye level.

“Bufty Summersss?” There stood, a small girl that spoke with a lisp, dressed head to toe in green, probably around the age of five. She had bright red hair that framed a round cherub face that was smothered with freckles. Buffy quickly poked her head out and looked down the hall to see whom this little girl was with. Approximately two doors down, a thirtyish man was standing and watching the interaction between her and Buffy. Due to the resemblance of a round race and fiery red hair, she assumed that this was her father. With a quick head nod he acknowledged her and she followed suit.

Buffy immediately leaned down in an attempt to be eye to eye with this sweet little girl.

“Are you looking for me?” Buffy asked.

“Ya. You Bufty?” she responded. It was now evident the reason for her lisp. She was missing his two front teeth. With a nod, Buffy confirmed that she was indeed ‘Bufty Summerssss’. The child held out a medium size bag, smiled shyly and then ran over to her father. Buffy called ‘thanks’ and she stepped back into the apartment, sat on her couch to see what was inside.

Buffy pulled the tissue paper from the elegant silver bag and exposed two eloquently wrapped boxes in silver paper that was donned by the infamous emerald green bow. Buffy proceeded to open the first box.

Inside were ten large chocolate covered strawberries. She immediately removed one large chocolate smothered berry and sunk her teeth into the sweet fruit. Buffy instantaneously hummed her approval. After several more delectable bites she remembered that there was another box. Buffy licked the smudged chocolate and strawberry juice from her fingers then proceeded to open the other box. Inside was a six inch by six inch patch of very green grass.

As she ran her hand over the soft, lush patch, her cell phone rang. She gently put down the box and retrieved her phone. Private, flashed on the phones screen. Buffy warily answered the phone

“ummmm…hello?”

“Hello Buffy,” The smooth baritone voice reached out from the other line.

“William? Hi. I was going to call you. I wanted to thank you for all the stunning flowers. There’re utterly amazing,” Buffy stated in awe.

“Do you like them?” William inquired.

“Like them…I absolutely adore them,” Buffy admitted.

“I’m pleased to hear that. So does this mean that I’m forgiven?” William asked shyly.

“Yeah. Yeah it does. But you do realize that when you screw up in the future, it’s going to take a lot to top this,” Buffy joked.

“No plans in bollocking up like this again. If I can help it,” William replied

“Your wallet probably hopes so!” Buffy chuckled. Another knock sounded from her front door. Buffy walked towards the door to answer it, while still talking to William.

“More prezzies?!?” Buffy squealed like an excited child at Christmas.

“I hope you like this one,” William avowed.

Buffy opened the door and on the other side stood William, still on his phone. William gently hit the ‘end button’ on his phone and placed it into his jacket pocket. Upon seeing his handsome face that now housed a bashful smile, Buffy beamed a smile in return.

Then she swiftly lunged forward, dropping her phone and gave William a fierce embrace. William immediately wrapped his muscular arms around her and pulled her close. They held each other for several moments, and then slowly broke their bodies apart, until their hands were the only things touching.

“Would you like to come in?” Buffy asked.

“Yeah. Yeah, I would,” William responded. Buffy turned to lead him into her apartment still holding one of his hands. While she moved forward, Buffy noticed her fallen phone she leaned down, picked it up and then placed it on the nearby entranceway table. William gently closed the door behind him as he continued to follow her into the apartment. She led him over to the couch. Buffy then sat and guided him, with a slight tug of his arm, to follow. They stared at each other briefly, and then Buffy asked him a question that hummed in her mind.

“William, I get the strawberries, but why the grass?” Buffy inquired.

“Well, strawberries mean ‘perfect goodness’.” As William explained his eyes soaked her in. Buffy was caught up in his deep azure pools. Like a whirlpool they swirled with a myriad of emotions; remorse, fear, happiness and hope. Buffy quickly blinked to pull her focus from his eyes and continued with the other part of her question.

“And the grass?” Buffy asked is a slightly wobbly voice.

William gaze deepen and his eyes seemed to become stormy, they seemed to crackle with another emotion…desire.

“Grass… symbolizes ‘submission’.” His smooth voice coated the word like honey. Buffy inhaled sharply at his admission. Her heart started to pound, her blood rushed and she started to breathe out shakily before she responded.

“What does that exactly mean?” Buffy asked in an attempt to rein in her overwhelming feelings.

“It means that I’m going to give myself to you, fully and completely. No more hiding, no more facades…the real me. Well, if you’ll have me?” When he spoke Buffy looked into his eyes again. “The gateway to his soul” Buffy thought.

“That’s all I ever wanted,” Buffy whispered.

Neither one knew who moved first, but they passionately met in the middle of the couch and deeply kissed one another. The kiss was consuming and overwhelming. Against her bodily protest, Buffy pulled away from him and his tempting mouth.

“No,” Buffy stated.

“No?” William echoed.

“Yeah, no. Well not no. It’s… just not like this,” Buffy tried to explain.

“Do you mean on the couch or…?” William asked cheekily.

“No, I mean I don’t want to start our relationship like this,” Buffy stated clearly.

“So, we’re in a relationship?” William asked with a blinding smile.

With a small shrug and coy smile Buffy answered,

“Well, yeah. Yeah, we are. And being one half of said relationship I feel that we should take things slow. Get to know each other. Enjoy each other…. in a non-sexual way,” Buffy clarified.

“It would be my pleasure Ms. Elizabeth Summers, to court you right and proper,” William said in a formal British presentation, complete with a small kiss placed on the top of her hand.

Over the next several weeks William courted Buffy ‘right and proper’. They spent every weekend together. They visited all the touristy sights that Boston had to offer. Since William had only been in the states, more specifically Boston, for the past five months he had yet experienced what this culture-rich city had to offer.

On their first Saturday together, they began the day with a romantic picnic on Boston Common, which was the beginning of the Freedom Trail. After they visited the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church then they ended their day at the Granary Burial Ground. Once they stopped at the cemetery they looked at the headstones of renowned people such as Mother Goose, John Hancock, Paul Revere and Samuel Adams. William was interested and explained to Buffy how the script on the stones was familiar to many of the markers that he saw in the old cemeteries at home.

Then on Sunday, they explored the second leg of the trail. They first visited King’s Chapel and its burial grounds. William told Buffy of the history behind the chapel and how it came to be. They then proceeded to have a twenty minute heated ‘conversation’ on how Buffy believed that the British always tried to throw their ‘weight’ around and how she was proud that the colonists ‘kicked their snobby asses.’ William responded that it took ‘those yanks’ a hundred years to finally get rid of their ‘snobby arses’, starting with the Mayflower and even then they still held a huge foothold in the colonies.

Once their ‘conversation’ and the day came to an end, the pair ended up on Buffy’s couch for several hours, in an attempt to ‘apologize’ to one another with their hands and mouths.

Subsequent Saturdays and Sundays were filled with picnics at the Public Gardens and an extremely romantic ride on the Swan Boats. Then trips to Boston’s Museum of Science and Fine Arts. They then took a ride on the Duck Tours that explored the sights of Boston via the street and in the Charles River.

Unbeknownst to each other, William and Buffy both purposefully avoided any alone time, especially after the make-out fest that transpired the first weekend. In which became quickly and extremely heated and after a major grasp on her self-control, Buffy was able to hand William his shirt and shoes as she pushed him out the door. While she herself was only in her bra and jeans. It became more and more difficult to think of ways to stay in large crowds and not go to either one of their apartments. After several weekends, both parties were about to burst at the sexual seams. No amount of cold showers or lengthy ‘me’ times seemed to work.

FRIDAY NIGHT, GIRL’S NIGHT OUT……….

Buffy chattered with her friends on Girl’s night about the wonderful time she’s spent with William over the past weekends. Buffy talked about the places they’d visited, but never about how the two of them had been together.
“So…..how’s everything really going with short, bleached, and gorgeous?” Anya asked as she nibbled on her nachos.

After her initial blast of information, Buffy became uncharacteristically quiet. She appeared to be too entrenched with the rearrangement of the ice cubes in her drink to hear, or respond to either Anya’s or Willow’s questions.

“Well, Buffy would you be interested to know that Willow and I are planning to turn into succubuses and take on all the men in this entire bar…..Are you game?” Anya bantered.

“Yeah…yeah that sounds good.” Buffy responded distantly as she continued to inspect her drink.

“Anya it’s succubi….” Willow corrected.

“Uhhh?” Anya responded

“The plural form of succubus is succubi and since you were referring to all three of us turning into a sex-crazed demons, you should know what to correctly call us.” Willow explained.

With a wave of her hand, Anya continued.

“Fine…fine…succubus…succubi….it doesn’t matter! She’s not even listening to a word that we are saying…are you Buffy the Spike lay-er?” Anya huffed.

That particular comment brought Buffy out of her own sexually dazed mind. She blinked rapidly then responded.

“Uhhh….what? No…no layage. None at all….that’s the problem! I told him that I wanted to wait….told him ‘let’s get to know each other before we have sex’! Well I was wrong! You know last week I had a daydream during our date. It was about fucking him while we were on the Duck Tours! Right in the middle of the Charles! And I would have too if it wasn’t filled with kids on a school trip!” Buffy declared as her hands were clinched into fists on the table.

“Girl….you’re on the brink!” Anya joked.

“Ya….you think!” Buffy took a large swig of her rum and coke. She captured a large ice cube in her teeth and proceeded to demolish it in three chomps.

“Well…..haven’t you been having a good time enjoying each other….non sexually?” Willow asked.

“I have and it’s been wonderful. We’ve seen the sights of Boston, some that I’ve never been to. We laugh, talk, and just basically take pleasure in being together. But right at this moment all I want to do is just TAKE PLEASURE IN BEING TOGETHER…..NOW!” Buffy pouted loudly.

“When’s the next time you see Spikey?” Anya asked.

“It’s William. The past few weeks I’ve been calling him that, not Spike. Spike reminds me too much of that night…..which then leads to remembering of said night. Which then leads to more sexually frustrating thoughts of major kissing and gropage…. that at this point in time I am not partaking in!” Buffy huffed.

“So fine…when are you seeing WILLIAM next?” Anya asked again.

“Tuesday. William bought us tickets to the Red Sox’s opening day! I have no clue how he got tickets. Never mind where they are…..there the row right behind the Red Sox’s dug out!” Buffy spoke enthusiastically.

“See….just bring up the Soxs and all the thoughts on how you’re not getting any….. all melts away!” Anya acknowledged.

“And…..now it’s back again! I’m so glad that I told him that I was busy this entire weekend and that I would see him on Tuesday.” Buffy huffed as she placed her forehead none to gently on the table.

“What are you doing this weekend?” Willow inquired.

“Absolutely nothing! I just couldn’t be around him another moment without attacking him! I think maybe a few days away will put a damper on my libido.” Buffy rationalized.

“Whatever! (Anya scoffed) Maybe Tuesday will be the night? A little baseball…..brews…..trip down Landsdown Street….all the makings for a ‘GOOOOOD’ night!” Anya enlightened.

“You don’t think it’s too soon?” Buffy questioned her friends.

“The way you’ve been moving around in your seat like a cat in heat, I don’t think it’s soon enough!” Anya joked.

“Mmmmm….maybe….Well, here’s to Tuesday night!” Buffy raised her glass to toast.

“To Tuesday night…..!” Willow and Anya raised their respective glasses in kind.

ACROSS TOWN……..

“Remind me again……..why my ass…..is on this friggin’…….treadmill and not……parked on……a barstool at Willie’s?” Clem voice came across as rough pants as he ran.

On the treadmill besides him, Spike ran at full speed. He was shirtless, as rivers of sweat ran down his heaving chest as he tried to pace his breath with his run.

“I’ve missed sometime at the gym……..due to being with Buffy.” Spike responded slightly less winded

“So…..since when are you…..Mr. Health and Fitness? Last time I heard…..your food groups consisted of……beer, hot wings and cheese covered fries?” Clem panted as he started to slow the speed of the treadmill down so now he was at a brisk speed walk.

“I’ll have you know……those three things cover…..all the four basic food groups!” Spike retorted as he kept his prior pace.

“How the hell do you figure that?” Clem asked.

“Well beer is made of hops and barley…..grain group……..hot wings……covers the meat group……and cheesy chips…..a double bonus……dairy and veggie group!” Spike explained.

“Nice……I never thought of cheesy fries that way! I’ll tell my PCP that when he sees my cholesterol level in the 300’s!” Clem joked as he continued to slow his pace.

“Ta…mate.” Spike grinned.

“Nice move changing subjects……why are we really here? It’s not to burn off sexual tension is it?” Clem laughed loudly.

Spike still kept his brutal pace then Clem saw his jaw tense.

“That’s it!” Clem shouted as he pushed to emergency STOP button on Spike’s treadmill. The tread stopped immediately and Spike had to grab onto the bar to stop from flying off.

“What the bloody ‘ell……are you doin’……you pillock!” Spike yelled.

“That’s why I’m here! On a friggin’ Friday night! You want to burn yourself into the ground to take your mind off your blue balls!” Clem declared.

“You bloody berk! I almost go flying like that Chuck Brown bloke when that Lucy bird pulls the bloody ball, so you can comment about my nads!?!” Spike demanded loudly.

Several women that were on the elliptical machines several feet away, looked at the verbally sparring men, with a confused glance. Clem flashed a small cheesy smile, before they turned and continued their workout. Spike totally ignored them and continued to look at Clem.

“Well….you’re a real arse….you know that!” Spike sneered as he stomped off the treadmill towards the free weights. Clem followed behind Spike to respond.

“What?!? I was just asking? Geez…..I didn’t know that a little observation would get you so pissed! Sorry man.” Clem stated sounding rather defeated as he addressed Spike’s retreating form.

Spike stopped his movement, his shoulders visibly sagged and after a deep sigh he turned and responded.

“Clem….it’s not you mate….it’s me…..I’m the bleedin’ tool. It’s just this whole time that Buffy and I have been together it’s been unbelievable. Despite our conflicting thoughts on the law, we mesh on so many other levels, especially our sexual chemistry. Unfortunately this mad scientist has been barred from his lab…..completely! I’m going bloody insane! There is only so much tossing off one can do before calluses set in and you run out of slots from your spank bank! You know what I’m talking about!” Spike announced with a laugh.

“I do but……hey…..that’s low!” Clem huffed.

“Like I said…..I just need to get my bloody head out of my pants AND out of hers and focus. She said she wanted to wait…..so I’ll wait.” Spike stated with the confidence that he didn’t feel.

“Mmmmhmmm……I bet your rubbin’ one off before the night is over!” Clem scoffed.

“Ohhh….without question!” Spike joked.

“So are you seeing the lovely Buffy this weekend. Maybe your insurmountable power of persuasion can gently change her mind?” Clem suggested with an eyebrow wiggle.

“I doubt it. She will only call me William. She hasn’t called me Spike since that incredible, but short-lived night. Plus she’s busy all weekend…..so it’s just me and my hand tonight.” Spike said defeated.

“When we you see her next?” Clem asked.

“We both took Tuesday and Wednesday off. I’m taking her to opening day.” Spike explained.

“You fuckin’ asshole! Your taking some girl (Spike’s scarred eyebrow shot up and he gave Clem a ‘watch it mate’ look)….ummmm…..your very special lady friend to the most important day to a Bostonian male….well besides the first home game for the Patriots, Bruins and Celtics.” Clem amended.

“She’s a big baseball fan and I thought it would be interesting to see a game.” Spike justified.

“Do I even want to know where the seats are?” Clem asked with his face scrunched.

“We’re sitting behind the home team’s benches…..first row. I was told that they were pretty good seats.” Spike said offhandedly.

Clem’s eyebrows shot up to where his hair line would be….well if he wasn’t bald…..and his eyes bulged from their sockets.

“Besides behind home plate and on the Green Monstah those are the best seats in Fenway!” Clem yelped.

“I would even sleep with you if you bought me tickets for opening day and we were sitting there!” Clem jested.

“Sorry mate…..you’re not my type. But at this rate, your hairy arse may look pretty damn good in two more weeks!” Spike joked back.

“In two more weeks the hole in a donut may look good to you!” Clem laughed.

While still in a fit of laughter, the two men entered into the men’s changing room to shower, grab their belongings, and head off to have a few at Willie’s.

“Oh…ohhhhh….mmmm….ahhh….yes…oh you feel so good…” Buffy moaned, as her hips slowly rotated clockwise on Spike’s lap, more specifically his massive erection.

“That’s it baby…..rahhh…..you’re bloody amazing.” Spike growled as his fingers dug into her talented swirling hips.

THREE HOURS BEFORE…….

After a full day of everything Red Sox; since the pair made it to the park around 11am even though the game started at 3pm. They were finally headed home. They’d hit the legendary bar, The Cask n’ Flagon, walked around Brookline Street and Yawkey Way, and enjoyed all the other wild things that happened on Opening Day. After the game, Buffy took Spike down to Landsdown Street to enjoy the after game festivities.

Finally, the wired pair made their way via cab toward Buffy’s apartment.

“Didn’t I tell you…..living in Boston, you are among the biggest diehard fans!” Buffy announced, conveying with her expression and body, just how excited she still was.

“That you did luv…..they’re almost as devoted as the football fans from home.” Spike replied with a smile.

“I didn’t know they had football in England .” Buffy retorted

“Oh….no. We call it football…..you yanks call it soccer. But it is in no way like the mamby-pamby football that’s played in the states.” Spike jested.

“Hey, if all the soccer…..excuse me….football players look like that totally salty goodness, nummy treat David Beckham…..I definitely would watch all the time! Yum!” Buffy laughed.

“David Beckham…that ponce! Yeah, he’s a brilliant football player but he thinks he’s god’s gift…..especially since he’s been shagging Posh Spice!” Spike scoffed.

“Somebody sounds jealous!” Buffy said in a sing-song voice.

“Not bloody likely.” Spike pouted.

“Oh poor Spikey…..don’t worry your still my number one blonde.” Buffy cooed as she placed a lingered kiss on his sculptured cheek.

“Damn right I am.” Spike declared as he pulled Buffy into an impassioned lengthy kiss.

At first Buffy was caught off guard by his brazen move, but she quickly recovered and melted into his embrace and talented mouth.

The only thing that broke them apart was a loud throat clear from the cab driver, as the cab was stopped outside of Buffy’s apartment. Buffy stared into Spike’s stormy eyes, then asked shyly

“Do you want to come up, Spike?”

“I would love to Buffy.” Spike responded as he gently pushed a wild strand of honey blonde hair from her cheek and placed it behind her ear.

Buffy collected their minimal belongings while Spike paid the driver. They walked hand in hand to the entrance of her apartment in total comfortable silence. This same silence followed them as they entered the elevator and walked towards her apartment door. Buffy pulled her keys from her bag to open the door. Spikes nervously stood back and watched her enter her apartment. Buffy walked into the apartment and turned on a table lamp placed on the entrance end table. Spike quietly closed the door and turned to face Buffy. The pair looked at each other closely then Spike broke the silence.

“Buffy…..we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. I didn’t agree to come up here looking for an…….” Spike tried to explain. That was until Buffy’s gifted mouth was on his and due to her swift movement his back was now against her apartment door. A slight ‘bang’ sounded in his wake. Despite Spike being unprepared for Buffy and her sweet mouth, he returned her kisses with equal passion. The pair explored each other with a fervor that had been building since their first kiss. In actuality, the fire had been building since the first moment stormy cerulean met emerald green.

Spike placed his hand tenderly into Buffy’s golden mane as his mouth feasted on hers. Buffy’s hands traveled from his shoulders to, his biceps, to his muscular chest. Buffy slowly lowered the zipper on his hip length black leather jacket. She started to remove the jacket by parting it from his chest when she pushed her hands upwards towards his shoulders, with a slight push it fell to the floor. Spike mirrored her actions removing her waist length, brown leather coat.

When the coats were gone, Buffy placed her hands on Spike’s shoulders, brazenly jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. Even though there were no words that passed between them, Spike seemed to anticipate her movement and hooked his arms under her pert ass as she jumped. Despite this movement, their mouths never broke contact. Engaged in a fierce battle. Once Buffy was in his powerful arms, Spike brought his mouth away from hers as he started to feast on her throat with intense kisses, licks and nips.

“Mmmmmm…..oh god Spike…..I’ve been waiting for this for so long…..”Buffy whispered with a lusty moan.

“So have I pet……no more waiting….I’m making you mine….tonight!” Spike growled as he indulged the sensitive skin of her neck.

“Yes…oh…yes…..make me yours…..now!” Buffy moaned loudly.

Spike turned and started to proceed to the couch, until Buffy’s lust-filled brain spoke up.

“No….not the couch….my bed.” Buffy instructed

“Bossy chit, aren’t you? The bed it is!” Spike laughed as he gently extracted Buffy from his hips and placed her over his left shoulder in a fireman’s carry. Buffy squealed as he carried her down the hallway. Buffy swatted Spike’s tasty, firm butt as she hung over his shoulder she told him which door was her bedroom.

Spike entered the room slowly making his way toward the bed using the little light coming from the living room to guide him. Like a fragile piece of precious glass, Spike gently laid Buffy onto her bed and slowly stepped back.

“Luv…..are you sure this is what you want?” Spike asked with apprehension. Buffy thought he sounded a lot like ‘William’ from their first date.

“More then anything…..William.” Buffy decided to call him by his ‘real’ name due to how hesitant he sounded. She wanted him to know that she wanted him…..William…..Spike…..all of him.

“Buffy, I want to see you in all your glorious beauty….can I turn on the lights?” Spike asked, this time he sounded less wary.

“Yes….well no…..not the lights. Let me light some candles….better ambiance.” Buffy stated as she slowly rose from the bed.

When her body slightly pressed against Spike, he struck cobra quick and grabbed her body. His mouth assailed hers with tongue and teeth. Buffy moaned loudly as his mouth played havoc on her senses. This was until his clever hands started to roam over her heated form then she was truly lost. Buffy’s hands joined his as she explored his muscular form. Spike slowly released Buffy’s Red Sox team jersey from the confines of her jeans.

Spike’s mouth slowly moved from her mouth and descended the column of her throat. He placed lengthy licks and bites in his wake. Buffy mewed as he worked his way down her throat to her heaving chest. As with her coat, Spike removed her jersey until she was only donned in a red lace push up bra from the waist up. Due to the slight chill, but more so Spike’s touch, Buffy’s nipples stood erect in their silken confines.

As Spike started to bring his mouth to the clothed mounds, he tenderly lowered Buffy to the bed behind her. Spike lowered himself to Buffy’s side and started to slowly trace his finger over her hidden breasts. Goose pimples erupted all over her skin as the sensations of his feather-like touches spread throughout her body and brain.

Buffy’s body bowed just as his faint touches caressed her sensitive breasts. Buffy incoherently mumbled her pleasure from his barest touch.

“Mmmmmm…..ohhhhh….aaaahhh…..Spike please…” Buffy whispered in pleasure

“Please what luv?” Spike purred as he continued his tender tactile onslaught.

“Spike….please more….touch me more.” Buffy implored.

“Like this?” Spike rumbled as his skilled mouth clamped on one silken mound.

“Yes….”Buffy moaned loudly as Spike mouthed her peaks through the silk.

Spike continued to assault her clothed breasts, with his open mouth and teeth, as his hand ran along the inside of her relaxed thigh.

Buffy was overwhelmed with the multitude of sensations that Spike was generously giving her body. Buffy placed her hand into Spike’s bleached locks as he indulged her flesh. His hand traveled up her thigh, purposefully he missed her soaked core and continued up her taunt stomach to her breasts.

With lightening quick movement, Spike had released the front clasp of her silky bra and her responsive breasts spilled forward. Cool air replaced silk as her rosy-tipped nipples peaked upward. As soon as Buffy’s hypersensitive skin recognized cool, it was immediately replaced by blazing heat of Spike’s eager mouth and capable hands.

Spike continued to cover her entire breast with his lips, teeth and tongue as his fingers plucked her peaked nipples until Buffy squealed with delight. She enjoyed his ministrations until she could no longer remain idle. Buffy slowly rolled her body so Spike had to stop his assault.

“My turn to play.” Buffy cooed as she encouraged Spike to sit up briefly as she removed his red v-neck sweater, then his white tee shirt. Her mouth salivated upon the disclosure of Spike’s muscular, alabaster skin.
Buffy brought one leg over Spike’s hips, so her feverish core pressed against his rock-hard erection.

Both Buffy and Spike moaned enthusiastically upon contact. After she absorbed pleasure from their new position, she leaned forward and kissed Spike wholeheartedly. Their tongues dueled for dominance, as they tasted each other again and again. Buffy’s mouth left Spike’s as she started to explore his pale throat with lengthy licks and demanding bites. His mind reeled as this petite fiery woman drove him to the brink of the sexual abyss and back.

Once Buffy’s mouth was on his once flattened nipples; Spike’s head arched back into the mattress. She teased the now stiff peaks with her flattened tongue and then switched to attack his flesh with her tongue’s pointed tip, as she flicked it over the hardened nipple. When Spike thought his flesh was completely lavished, Buffy placed an eager bite to the responsive peak.

“Ohhhh…..aahhh….luv…that’s it…devour me.” Spike growled as his hand plunged into Buffy’s golden locks.

Buffy lowered her attention to each level of Spike’s impressive six- pack with tiny nibbles and thorough licks upon his glorious skin. Once she reached the barrier of his denims, she dragged her mouth diagonally from one hip to another, to sample his shuddering flesh. As she feasted, she started to loosen each button on his button fly jeans. After she relieved only three buttons, her eager hand came into contact with his smooth yet steel-like hardness of his cock. As her hand brushed the velvet tip, Spike shuddered he emitted a low groan, his head bowed against the mattress.

"Mmmmmm......commando......me likey!" Buffy purred her appreciation

“Aaarrrrahhh…..Buffy……please…..”Spike groaned through clenched teeth. Buffy ran the pad of her finger over the belled-head as she gathered the pre-cum to aid in her motions. After several slow circular movements, she continued to unbutton his jeans.

Upon completion, she slowly removed his jeans, stopping only to remove his boots and socks. Buffy placed languid kisses to Spike’s lower body; his feet, calves, thighs and then her gifted tongue ascended his tense thigh. She brought her mouth to each hip and placed sharp bites and then soothing kisses to the ravaged site. When she moved from one hip to the other, her full breasts rubbed against his neglected erection. Upon contact, his cock jumped as it sought her touch.

“Ah…ah..ah….ah….Spikey….you need to be patient.” Buffy taunted as she placed a chaste kiss to the tip of his cock.

Spike quickly reversed positions so now Buffy was below his panting form. He held her wrists as he hovered over her supine form.

“Play with fire and you’ll get burned, little girl.” Spike growled as his stormy gaze met her defiant one.

“Please…..burn me.” Buffy dared as her hips rose in blatant invitation.

Spike’s lust grabbed control of his mind as he attacked her body with teeth and tongue, while he still held on to her wrists. As he traveled lower over her sensitive breasts and taunt stomach, he released her wrists so he could continue downwards. Buffy lifted her hips as Spike stood and removed her jeans, boots and socks in four quick pulls. Buffy lay on the bed donned in only a red lace thong. Her body shivered at the feral stare that Spike gave her exposed body.

Buffy moved her body so her head was below the headboard and her body was now in the center on the bed. Spike in his naked glory, stalked towards the foot of the bed so he could lavish attention to her magnificent body from the bottom up. Spike started at her feet, as he placed kisses, licks, nibbles while at the same time he moved his hand from her foot, up her calf and to her inner thigh towards her moistened core. Spike purposefully skipped over her center and continued his journey back down her other leg in the opposite order. Buffy’s head lolled back and forth on the pillow as her body absorbed the overwhelming sensations of his mouth and hands.

“Spike….please…..”Buffy cried with pleasure

He gently hooked his fingers into the sides of her panties as he removed Buffy’s soaked thong. Spike stared down at his golden goddess as she was placed before him like an offering to worship.

“Effulgent” Spike whispered as he placed himself between Buffy’s splayed thighs.

He placed his erection off to the side, so his inner pelvis came in contact with her heated core. Spike slowly kissed his way up her molten body until he reached her pursed lips. Spike leisurely kissed Buffy as he shifted his hips slightly so it rubbed against her silken folds. Spike could feel that Buffy’s body was on the verge of orgasm. He knew that they both wanted to take precautions, so he asked her about the condoms before they were both too far gone to care.

“Luv…..do you have a rubber jonny for my willie?” Spike growled as he continued to feast on her breasts again.

Buffy tried to compute what was being said, but all that she heard was Charlie Brown’s teacher’s voice of “wa..wa..wa….wa”

Buffy slowly lifter her head to look at this amazing man upon her and asked eloquently

“Uhhh?” Buffy breathed her reply.

“A rubber luv?” Spike asked again while his mouth and hands continued to work sweet torture on her diamond hard nipples

After several beats the lust fog cleared slightly and then she responded.

“Night stand….top draw.” Buffy panted.

Despite how unwilling each partner was to separate, it had to be done to retrieve the only piece to why they were not completely joined. Both parties groaned when contact was broken between their heated bodies. Spike quickly moved to his knees, leaned over and opened the draw and found a rather large box of condoms. He quickly pulled the box out and held it up like he had just found the Holy Grail.

“Even though I am a marathon man luv…..I don’t think we’ll get through all these….well at least not tonight.” Spike chuckled as he tore into the unopened box

“Mmmmmm…..ribbed for her pleasure….at least we’re both here for the same reason.” Spike joked as he revealed the small silver package. Under his cool exterior, Spike trembled inside. It was evident of how much so, when he couldn’t open the small wrapper.

Buffy noticed after several beats that Spike seemed to hesitate. Buffy slowly placed her arms to her sides, so she could sit up as she braced her body on her extended arms.

“Having technical difficulties Spike?” Buffy chuckled as she watched him fumble with the small casing.

“Can’t bloody open this bleedin’ thing!” Spike growled as he attempted to tear into the package with his teeth, since his hands couldn’t do the job.

“Here give me that. If you get spermicide on your mouth, I’m so not kissing you.” Buffy teased

Spike handed Buffy the package and she casually opened it, then she instructed Spike in a husky voice.
“Lie down.” Both parties moved across the bed so they changed positions, where now Spike was now lying down and Buffy was knelt beside his supine form.

Buffy leaned forward as she gazed with appreciation at Spike’s fully erected member. Her inner voice started to ask ‘Is that all going to fit?’ Then her inner slut yelled ‘Hot damn! He must be at least nine inches!’ Buffy’s inner dialog was interrupted by a smooth velvet voice

“Like what you see luv?” Spike questioned as he now mirrored Buffy’s previous position on extended arms.

“Definitely.” Buffy deeply sighed. When her hot breath reached and caressed his rigid cock, it jumped.

“Seems like he definitely likes you too.” Spike jested in a silky voice.

“Mmmmmm….I can see that. But can I feel….that?” Buffy purred as she ran a single fingertip slowly from the unyielding base to the slightly purplish tip. Her finger skimmed gently around the belled head, then descended down the pulsating shaft.

Spike’s arms gave away as he threw his head back in sheer pleasure. A low gratified groan emitted from his throat as Buffy continued to slowly caress his shaft. At first with one finger, then slowly she added each digit until her loose fist was around his massive cock. Due to his girth, her petite hand could not fit completely around him as she slowly worked him into a mindless state of bliss.

Unbeknownst to Spike, once he closed his azure eyes she had removed the condom from its wrapping. She placed the condom, open side out, into her pursed mouth. Buffy leaned forward on the upstroke while she held the shaft motionless. She then skillfully placed her mouth with the condom located inside, around his substantial erection. Buffy then slid her mouth and fist downwards to secure the condom in place.

Once Spike felt her warm mouth surround his cock, his head snapped up to witness Buffy slide her talented mouth and fist down his erection. With a final twist of her wrist, Buffy brought the condom all the way down his rock-hard shaft. With inhuman speed, Buffy was moved from her kneeling position on the bed, to her toned legs splayed in a wanton invitation to the now lust-filled man that panted above her.

“You little minx!” Spike growled as he placed a long abundant lick from her knee to her mid inner thigh. Buffy moaned at the feel of his skilled tongue on her heated body. The moan turned into a slight yelp and then a low pleasure filled groan, as Spike ended his lick with a passionate bite. He proceeded to place small bites and licks over the top of her thigh as he moved towards her hip. Spike then placed another rough bite on each of Buffy’s hipbones and a soft “yes” echoed through the room. Spike continued to rain kisses, licks and nips along her fiery body until he reached her breasts. He then started to lavish attention to her responsive mounds with his mouth and tongue as he simultaneously ran his skilled fingers up her quivering inner thigh.

Once he reached her sodden core, Spike slowly traced her silky folds; purposefully he missed her sensitive bundle of nerves that begged for his attention. Buffy groaned loudly as her hips started to circle of their own will in an attempt to capture his magical fingers.

“Ahhha luv. You played….. now allow me.” Spike’s deep baritone voice vibrated off her heaving chest.

“Spike…..please” Buffy pleaded.

“Please what luv?” Spike purred in response.

“Touch me.” Buffy begged.

“Touch you where? Here?” Spike expertly pinched her over stimulated clit. Her hips bucked instantaneously upon his touch to her distended nub.

“Or here?” Spike growled as he plunged two long fingers into her drenched core as he roughly bit into her pebbled shell-tipped nipple. A wail tore from her throat as her back bowed when an intense orgasm ripped through her stimulated body. Spike continued to administer dual pleasures as he feasted on her swelled mounds and maintained a slow and torturous pace with his talented fingers. Buffy cooed and mumbled as she ran her hands over his bleached locks and muscular shoulders and arms.

Spike skillfully brought Buffy to the brink of another orgasm as he curled the tips of his fingers and pressed into her spongy G-spot as he exited her quivering core. He could feel her inner walls spasm against his pleasurable intruders. Buffy mewed loudly as her head lolled back and forth as she held on the edge of the sexual abyss. Spike continued to administer pleasure to Buffy’s sweat-soaked body, as his eager mouth moved towards her fully exposed neck. He feasted on her flesh until her walls fluttered quickly as her orgasm crested.

Spike then proceeded to quickly remove his fingers and positioned his cock at her trembling entrance. He slowly entered Buffy’s heated core until he was full seated inside her. She then wrapped her graceful legs around his gradually moving hips once he entered her.

Instantly Buffy’s body was rocked by another powerful orgasm that raced through her body. Spike swallowed Buffy’s scream as he kissed her with unbridled passion. His gentle and full thrusts hit the top of her womb with each stroke. Several moments passed as each absorbed the pleasure that was given to them by the other. When Buffy felt another orgasm approach she slowly rolled so now Spike was on the bottom as she straddled his hips.

“Oh…ohhhhh….mmmm….ahhh….yes…oh you feel so good…” Buffy moaned as her hips slowly rotated clockwise on Spike’s lap, more specifically his massive erection.

“That’s it baby…..rahhh…..your bloody amazing.” Spike growled as his fingers dug into her talented swirling hips.

After several minutes, Buffy changed her pace and motion. Now she bounced upon his lap. Spike met her hips on the down stroke, so he was so deep that she felt that she would split in two. A loud, “Yes!” roared from the bucking beauty as she threw her head back as the new pace and position overwhelmed her senses. Buffy’s nails dug into his muscular stomach and chest as her fierce pace continued. He closed his eyes briefly to brace himself from the onslaught of sensations.

He tried to stave off his orgasm as long as he could. When he opened his eyes, Buffy’s lust-filled ones bore into his as her face brimmed with immense ecstasy.

At that moment, he needed to feel her mouth against his. Spike shifted his hips and gently sat up. Buffy stilled her hips to a slow grind, as he tenderly wrapped her legs around his waist. This new position caused his pelvis to hit her oversensitive nub during every movement. Spike captured her full lips as he started to move again.

“Naaaahhhhaaaa…..oh…..my….god!” Buffy wailed as she broke from Spike’s mouth. His hand was in her silky honey locks as he feasted on her neck again.

Buffy’s neck bowed to meet his mouth and its ministrations. Spike placed a potent bite where her neck met her shoulder. Buffy’s body tensed as another shattering orgasm ripped swiftly through her body. Spike growled against her throat as her spendings covered his cock and balls completely.

“That’s it Buffy…..mark me as yours.” Spike growled against her sweat-soaked body. Buffy grabbed a handful of Spike’s pale hair as she forcefully plunged her tongue into his eager mouth. Spike, in an attempt not to break contact with her sweet mouth or heated core, gently lowered her onto the mattress.

Spike continued to fill her body with deep and even thrusts as he felt his release on the horizon. Spike broke contact with her mouth as he placed thorough kisses, licks and bites on the exposed skin of her neck and breasts. Spike brought his knees under his body to change his position as he increased his pace. He then placed her legs straight up and together as his hips piston into her core. Buffy mewed from this new position, as he tapped her clit with his body with each intense stroke. Spike licked and nibbled on her calves and ankles as he continued his brutal pace.

“Aaaahhhh…..yes…..ohhh yessss…..that’s it! Right there!” Buffy brashly moaned as her head rolled back and forth as she was absorbed by the intense bliss.

“Cum for me Buffy!” Spike demanded as he continued to try to stave off his orgasm. He wanted for them to peak together.

“No….no….I can’t! Not again! It’s too much!” Buffy intensely whispered

“Cum…..now!” Spike commanded forcefully

As on cue, Buffy arched her back as an earth-shattering orgasm flew through her already spent body. Instantaneously as her inner walls clenched, Spike’s orgasm tore through him like an out-of-controlled freight train. An inhuman roar blasted from his throat as his life-giving seed filled the latex barrier between them. Spike’s hip slowly decreased its pace as he smoothly lowered her legs from their once vertical position. Buffy’s hips that felt boneless splayed open and Spike gently lowered his chest upon hers.

Buffy lovingly caressed her lover’s head as he panted upon her heaving chest. After several moments, hooded emerald green eyes studied Spike’s handsome face as he lifted his head from her body to place soft, sweet kisses gingerly upon her chest. Kisses ascended her throat and finally rested upon her parted lips. Buffy kissed Spike softly as she mewed her content.

After several more kisses, Spike forced himself to extract from her spent body. He slowly rolled to the side so he could remove the used condom with a tissue that was on the night table. Once it was removed, Spike laid back and extended his arm that was closest to her. He placed it under her neck and gently rolled her so her chest and leg were draped over his content form.

Both lovers lay quietly for several moments as they absorbed what had just transpired and how intense and utterly perfect it was. Spike’s hand softly caressed Buffy’s hair as he placed small, lingering kisses on her golden crown. After several minutes of silence, Spike could feel her body start to quiver. He first thought that she might be cold, but pushed that idea away due to their prior activity. Spike then worried that maybe she was crying. After several more moments of this, he spoke to the angel in his arms.

“Buffy…luv….are you alright?” Spike quietly asked.

Buffy’s body continued to shake, and Spike became extremely worried. Spike shifted his body, which moved Buffy from her prior position, so now she lay on her back so he could look down at her. He tried to prepare himself for what he feared the worse….her tears.

Her eyes were closed, her chest vibrated as her mouth was held by tightly closed lips. At closer inspection, he could see that she wasn’t crying….she was laughing.

“Buffy….are you….are you laughing?’ Spike asked

Buffy peeked one eye open as she looked at the concerned man above her. When she opened her mouth to respond, a loud burst of laughter spilled forward. When Buffy saw the confused/worried look in his eyes, she slapped one hand over her mouth to staunch the flow of laughter.

“What’s so bloody funny?” Spike questioned loudly.

Buffy now opened both eyes and continued to laugh through her hand. After several beats she spoke.

“I’m so sorry Spike. I’m not laughing at you….honestly. It’s just I have this weird need to laugh after I have incredible mind-bending orgasms. Must be a huge influx of endorphins or something.” Buffy tried to explain in between her giggles.

“Is that right?” Spike asked with a cocked, scarred eyebrow.

“Yeah…..I know it doesn’t seem like it, but it’s a HUGE complement. Like burping after a meal in certain Asian cultures.” Buffy elaborated as her giggles started to lessen.

“So….do you laugh often?” Spike asked with a slightly jealous sneer

“Not very often…..and unfortunately until now it was always by myself.” Buffy explained.

“Good…..and I’ll be the only one to make you laugh inside and out of bed if I have anything to say about it!” Spike growled as he drew Buffy close and placed a possessive and hungry kiss upon her well-kissed mouth.

“Mmmmmm…….is that I challenge I hear Attorney Eros?” Buffy purred after he released her mouth.

“Not a challenge luv….a promise.” Spike declared as he once again captured her mouth in a soul-deep kiss.

“Ahhhh……ohhhh…..mmmmm….uhhhh harder!” Buffy wailed as her hips bucked and her nails scored welts down Spike’s back

“That’s it……give it to me……give it all to me!” Spike snarled into her marked throat, as his hips piston into her molten core.

Spike quickly changed positions, from Buffy’s legs wrapped around his waist as he held her against the wall, to now where she was turned, with her forearms braced at chest level and her cheek pressed into the cool wall as Spike entered her from behind. With the furiousness of his hips, teeth on her neck and his talented long fingers toyed with her clit, Buffy’s orgasm raced through her body. Her legs gave out from her body, but with his iron hold on her waist, she didn’t faltered. Briefly after she climaxed, as her heated core still rippled from it, Spike soon followed with a demonic roar. His hips slowed as both parties started to come down from their orgasmic bliss. Once both lovers were able to gain some semblance of control, Spike scooped this pliant woman in his arms as he headed towards her bed.

“Mmmmmm…..we missed the bed again.” Buffy cooed as she placed small languish kisses on Spike’s throat.

“Lucky for the bed.” Spike chuckled as he tenderly placed her onto her soft mattress. Spike placed a lingered kiss on her golden crown as he turned to make his way to the bathroom.

“Where you going?” Buffy pouted. Spike turned towards this tiny woman that had brought him quickly to his knees. Her hair was wild sprays of honey locks, her lips slightly puffy from his constant assault and several ‘love bites’ dotted along her golden skin. ‘She never looked more beautiful then she does now.’ Spike thought in awe

“I’m sorry luv…..I’ll be right back. Need to take care of this rubber. Won’t be a mo’” Spike stated as he walked out the door. Despite how much she didn’t want him to be that far away from her at this moment, she unquestionably enjoyed the view as he left. ‘Just like I said….a juicy peach!’ Buffy thought as she thoroughly licked her lightly swollen lips.

Several minutes after his departure, Buffy wondered where Spike was, so she decided to investigate. She heard a deep baritone voice that came from the slightly ajar bathroom door. As she approached she could hear…..singing.

“Ba ba ba ba……..ba ba ba ba ba…..I wanna be sedated……ba ba ba ba ….ba ba ba ba ba……I wanna be sedated……”

“Spike….what’s taking you so long? Do you need some kinda help or……” Buffy stated as she entered into the bathroom. Before her stood her alabaster god, as he faced the toilet in attempts to pee.

“Do you like the Ramones?” Spike asked completely not affected that she had walked in on him in a compromised position.

“Ahhhhh…..(as Buffy slammed her hand over both eyes) Spike….I’m sooooo sorry! I didn’t know….I mean….I had no idea……I mean…..I didn’t mean to…..to walk in on you! Ok…..soooo going right now!” Buffy fumbled as she tried to back peddle out of the bathroom, as she hit the vanity and door jam on the way out.

“Luv…..Buffy….why are you hiding your blushing eyes? Really not offended here. If you want to stay and chat……feel free. I’ll just be a few more minutes.” Spike stated offhandedly

Buffy lowered her hand from her eyes, and then slowly opened them to look at the unfazed man in front of her. Despite her inner voice which told her to look down…..her eyes remained up, trained on his face.

“I’m really embarrassed, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Buffy tried to explain as her eyes wandered everywhere except to the man in front of her. Her eyes finally landed to her reflection in the large vanity mirror.

“Oh….my…..god! How come you didn’t tell me rats set up a nest in hair!” Buffy announced as she tried to smooth the wayward hair down with her hands, and then with a brush.

“You look absolutely stunning to me….wouldn’t change a thing…..well, one thing……me attached to your body.” Spike purred as he held his semi-erect cock aimed at the toilet.

“Ummmm…..if you don’t mind me asking…..but what’s taking so long? I know you said you didn’t mind company…..but he seems to have stage fright.” Buffy commented as she continued to work the snarls in her hair.

“No luv……it’s always like this after sex. The willie can only do one thing at a time…..and he gets a little confused when he’s completed one task and needs to start another so soon after. His head is definitely not for thinking. Plus not so easy to use the loo with an erection.” Spike explained, accompanied with an eyebrow wiggle.

“Oh…..you learn something new everyday.” Buffy retorted

“That you do…..like today I’ve learn a whole lot about the amazing creation that is your body.” Spike purred as his tongue curled to press against his front teeth.

Buffy blushed heavily, and then stated “Well…..I leave you to it…..plus I’m starved. Meet you in the kitchen when you’re done.” Buffy stated as she headed out of the bathroom.

“Luv…..?” Spike called

“Yeah?” As Buffy turned slightly to look at him over her shoulder

“No clothes!” Spike demanded with a growl

“Wasn’t planning on it.” Buffy purred as her hips swayed as she left the bathroom

When Spike arrived in the kitchen several minutes later, as naked as the day he was born, he spied Buffy as she stood in front of the stove, as she moved food around the skillet. To Spike’s resentment she was donned in a short jade green silk bathrobe. Spike came up behind Buffy, wrapped his arms around her waist and placed his chin on her shoulder.

“I thought we agreed no clothes?” Spike pouted with a protruded bottom lip

“Yeah….well in theory it was a good idea….but flying pieces of food and grease splatter wasn’t ideal with the nakedness.” Buffy retorted

“Well….finish quickly so the nakedness can continue.” Spike responded with a small but mind-numbing nip to her neck

“Mmmmmm……” Buffy purred as she enjoyed the feel of his mouth on her body. She started to let her body become entranced by his mouth, body and the overwhelmed ability to make her instantly putty in his hands. The smell of burnt eggs brought her mind out of the lust fog.

“No….no stop it! Cooking here!” As Buffy started to half-heartedly struggled in his arms “Go….sit!” She ordered. After one more lingered kiss on her throat, Spike walked away to lean against the counter.

“So…..I have scrambled eggs and scrambled eggs…..what’s your poison?” Buffy asked with a wave of her spatula

“I’ll go with scrambled eggs.” Spike answered

“Good choice.” Buffy retorted

“Do we have any toast or bangers to go with?” Spike asked

“Ummmmm……there is some bread in the drawer over there to make toast with and there will be no banging until after we eat.” Buffy declared

“No luv….bangers are sausages.” Spike responded with a chuckle

“Oh….no….no sausages….sorry.” Buffy stated

“No worries….toast and eggs will be fine.” Spike responded as he headed over to the draw that held the bread. After he opened the draw, his eyes widened at the sight in front of him. He grabbed the smallest corner of the package and extracted it from the draw.

“Ummmm….luv….either this is some sort of rediscovery of penicillin or a green furry dead animal.” Spike stated with a slight chuckle

“Oh….gross Spike. Throw it away!” Buffy said with a mock shiver of her body

“Ta luv.” He stated as he headed to the trash, to dispose of the once loaf of bread

“Well….eggs are done. Sit.” Buffy announced as she distributed out the eggs equally onto two plates.

“Let me grab a towel for my waist. Don’t want my manly bits to stick to the chair when I sit.” Spike stated as he turned to head towards the bathroom

“Yeah….you do that.” Buffy stated with a giggle. Buffy placed the plates down, then put down the other needed supplies for breakfast on the kitchen table. When Spike arrived back from the bathroom, a white terry cloth towel was wrapped around his hips in such an enticing way. Buffy’s hand stilled as she brought the coffee mug to her lips. Despite how much they’ve been together, just the sights of him made her have to stop and appreciate the complete male form that was he.

“Ta luv….it looks great.” Spike commented as he situated himself at the table. Buffy finally took a sip of her coffee and placed it down, and then she spoke.

“I hope you don’t mind your coffee black. A little trouble with the milk…..well unless they started selling yogurt in gallon containers.” Buffy spoke as she gave another mock shutter.

“No black is fine. Cheers…..” Spike stated as he held up a fork full of eggs and lifted it into a salute before he took a bite. Once his mouth wrapped around the eggs, his eyes widened and a sour look flashed across his face. Spike held the foul concoction in his mouth for several beats while he willed himself to swallow. As he closed his eyes, with a forced large gulp, the eggs went down. After he hoped that it would stay down he spoke.

“I usually don’t say delicious luv but…….” Spike spoke with slight hesitation

“And you would so not say it now! These are nasty!” Buffy declared as she pushed the plate of offensiveness away from her.

“Yeah…..sorry luv…..but I didn’t know that eggs could EVER taste like that.” Spike joked

“Buffy and cooking are VERY unmixy things! I haven’t been in any kitchen as much as I have in the last twelve hours…..with you.” Buffy said shyly as flashes of the multitude of times they’ve had sex of this very table, chair and counters evaded her mind.

“……dress.” Buffy heard Spike say, as his voice pulled her from the x-rated memories

“Uhhhh?” She questioned

“I said go get dressed luv……let me take you out for a proper meal. Then after, we can go to the market and shop for some nosh for your kitchen. I’ll make you dinner tonight.” Spike explained

“You cook?” Buffy questioned

“Oi…..I’ll have you know…..me mum raised a well rounded young man.” Spike declared

“Let me get this straight…….you work an excellent job….it may be for the epitome of evil incorporate, but still……your absolutely magnificent in bed, and you cook? You’re a keeper! I’m soooooo in love with you!” Buffy squealed as she jumped up from her chair, raced over to him, sat on his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck and then placed a dozen quick kisses on his face. Spike enjoyed the playfulness and sincerity of Buffy’s actions. As soon as stopped the kisses, she looked into his eyes and stated

“I’m going to shower and get dressed…..leave the dishes…..I’ll get them later.” Buffy stated as she extracted herself from his lap. As she started to walk away Spike watched her go and then whispered under his breath

“I love you too…..Buffy.” Buffy turned when she thought she heard him speak and asked.

“What? Did you say something Spike?”

“No…..no luv go shower, hurry or I’ll be tempted to join you and we’ll never leave.” Spike stated

“Kay……I’ll be quick so you can catch one too.” With that Buffy bounced into the living room and shortly after he heard the bathroom door shut.

“Bloody ‘ell…….what has she done to me? I’m a goner.” Spike asked to empty air as he ran his hands through his rumpled hair.

The Following Friday Night……..

“And due to my financial prowess with money, Xander and I are finally looking into buying a house. We’re going to look in Newton , Cambridge , Brookline and maybe Brighton . Due to Xander’s remarkable ability in the realm of construction and my decorating sense, our house will be a sight to behold.” Anya explained to the table

“Are you waiting for before or after the wedding?” Willow asked

“We are going to start looking now, if we find something…. then before, but if not we’ll wait until after the wedding in January. My lease on my apartment runs out in February so we still have plenty of time to look. Sounds like a plan Buffy?” Anya asked her friend who seemed to be not mentally there at the moment. Buffy didn’t respond to Anya until she loudly announced

“Hey Spike…..we’re over here!” as she waved towards the door

“Uhhh….where…..where’s Spike?” Buffy questioned as she seemed to snap out of her daze and quickly looked towards the place where Anya waved. After Buffy realized that Spike was not there and that Anya had tricked her, she turned and stated to her friend

“So not nice Anya.” Buffy said with a pout

“Well, I had no choice! I’m having a conversation about two out of my three favorite subjects, Xander and money, and you’re not listening. I have to resort to trickery!” Anya declared

“Sorry…..I’m just caught up in my own head.” Buffy apologized as she moved the boneless hot wings around her plate with her fork. Anya’s eyes widened as she looked at Buffy. A large smile erupted from her lips then she spoke

“I’m soooo stupid! How I didn’t see it before is beyond me!” Anya announced

“Uhhhh?” Buffy questioned her now extremely animated friend

“YOU SLUT! You slept with him…..didn’t you?” Anya yelled. Most of the regulars weren’t phased by Anya’s outburst, but some of the new patrons slightly jumped from it and stared at Anya. Then their gaze went to Buffy whom Anya voice addressed.

“No…..no……okay yeah…..but there was little sleeping going on.” Buffy stated as a large smile beamed from her lips and her skin flushed with the thoughts of Spike and what had transpired on Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. Anya quickly asked another question on the heels of Buffy’s disclosure

“Was it Tuesday night?”

“Yeah….. The first time….as well as the second, was Tuesday night and then there was twice early Wednesday morning. Oh…and I definitely can’t forget twice later on that morning before my attempts as breakfast. Don’t ask. Then there were several times after we came back from brunch and food shopping…….”

“Easy girl…..details later just the basic facts now!” Anya affirmed

“Ok….so the basic answer is yes….. the first time was Tuesday night after the Red Sox game.” Buffy confirmed. Anya smiled in triumphant and held her hand out towards Willow . The tips of her fingers waved back and forth in a ‘gimme’ motion. Willow pulled her wallet from her pocketbook and pulled several denominations of dollars bills, equaling about fifty bucks from it. She begrudgingly placed them into Anya’s eager hand. Anya’s smile grew as she clenched her fist around the bills and then proceeded to count them.

“What the hell is this!” Buffy demanded

“What? It’s only a small wager amongst friends.” Anya responded as she counted

“Is there any other parts to this wager?” Buffy huffed

“Yeah…..sorry. But it was too good of a bet to pass up.” Willow explained

“Fine….fine. What are the other questions?” Buffy asked

“There are only two more…..where did this initial experience take place?” Anya asked in her best lawyer’s voice

“Do you need to know specifics like which rooms, surfaces etc.or is the general location sufficient?” Buffy inquired

“No specific info needed, well not yet anyways….general location is sufficient.” Anya retorted

“Alllll….. over my apartment.” Buffy announced with a giggle and brightly flushed cheeks. Willow placed her hand out to take back the money that she had just lost to Anya. Anya pouted as she placed the stack back into Willows extended hand.

“Anya…where did you think it was going to happen?” Buffy queried

“The way you were wiggling around in your chair last Friday night, somewhere on Landsdown Street or maybe at Fenway Park .” Anya explained

“Thanks Anya……I do have some self control.” Buffy huffed

“No you don’t” Willow and Anya responded together, followed by their brief laughter.

“You’re right……I don’t!” Buffy laughed along with her friends

“The last question…….who made the first move?” Anya asked. Buffy lowered her head and tried to cover her answer with a mock cough.

“What? May you repeat your answer ADA Summers?” Willow joked

“Fine! It was me! The moment we got into my apartment I jumped on him like a big hoe!” Buffy announced. Anya started to do a little dance in her seat as she held her hand back out to Willow. Willow mocked snarled at her friend as she added more money from her wallet to the pile that now was placed before her. Willow handed Anya the money with a rough “Here”. Anya started to fan her self with the money, now in which looked about a hundred bucks. Anya then placed a chaste kiss on the money before she started to count. Buffy’s eyebrows rose at the amount of money that exchanged hands.

“Double or nothing.” Willow explained with a sulk.

“It looks like Anya is treating tonight…..thanks to me and libido!” Buffy announced as she gave a slight salute with her rum and coke. Anya went to oppose, but Willow stopped her statement with a question of her own.

“So…..I know this sound like a question from the ‘Summer Nights’ song in Grease, but was he worth the wait?” Willow inquired

“In one word or less……” Buffy asked. Both Anya and Willow nodded as they awaited a response

“AMAZING” Buffy and Spike both replied at the same time. Their responses were simultaneous even though he was miles away at Willie’s

“You said that already man.” Clem retorted to his friend that sat next to him at the bar with the dreamy look on his face.

“Well….what else do you want me to say? I’m bloody not giving you details if that’s what you’re searching for.” Spike snapped

“No…..no….well yes….I was looking for details but since you’re so tight lipped I’m not going to push.” Clem mock pouted

“Good move mate.” Spike retorted

“So you finally made a move?” Clem asked

“No mate…..she did. And it was……”Spike responded until he was cut off by Clem’s voice

“Yeah…yeah amazing. Got that memo already.” Clem joked

“So she was more than a wam bam thank you mam, I take it?” Clem asked

“Ya…..most definitely more than that. Buffy is in a category all of her own. Even surpasses my ex Dru.” Spike explained

“Already….man she must be somethin’ special.” Clem responded, based on his knowledge of Spike’s ex, the relationship they had and how it ended.

“Very. That’s why I don’t want to rush anything. Even though I already told her that I love her.” Spike admitted as he shook his head in disbelief with his own actions.

“You what!?! What….did you let your William persona take over again? Don’t tell me that you said it during sex…..because that doesn’t count!” Clem asked with widen eyes

“No and No…..I didn’t get that poncy and it wasn’t during sex. Plus she didn’t hear me. I whispered it while she was walking away. I just couldn’t help myself……and….and….she said it first!” Spike tried to explain

“What?” Clem asked with even wider eyes, which appeared to be very cartoon like. Spike proceeded to tell Clem about the incident in the kitchen when Buffy tried to cook for them. As he spoke, Clem’s eyes started to take their original position in their sockets.

“Are you sure William didn’t take over? She didn’t mean that she ‘love’ loves you….you ass! It was just an expression. Why do I have to explain this to a lawyer who moonlights as Casanova?” Clem jested

“I know she didn’t mean it you pillock! It’s just my heart doesn’t always hear what my brain has to say. And believe me…..my willie doesn’t listen to either of them!” Spike said with a chuckle

“That’s the truth for every warm-blooded male! So how are going to proceed? Don’t tell me you’re going to rush in there with your heart on your sleeve?” Clem asked with concern

“No…..like I said I’m going to take it slow. I’m going to let her…..” Spike explained

“…set the pace of the relationship.” Both Spike and Buffy stated again at the same time, even though they were miles away from each other.

“Well, I think that’s the best. Men, even my Xander, get spooked with the idea of being in a long term relationship. Thank goodness he was hit with some sense about noticing a good thing when he sees it.” Anya agreed

“’Hit’ is the operative word. I still believe she placed some spell on him.” Willow chucked

“No, no spell and no abuse in this relationship. Well if you count the occasional spanking, biting and very minor hair pulling….” Anya explained

“La…la….la….la….not listening…..la….la…..” Willow sang as she stuck her fingers into her ears like a small child that doesn’t want to listen to someone. Anya gave an exaggerated eye roll then continued.

“Anyway…..let him set the pace, but you call the shots. From what you told me, Spike seems to like to be in control but enjoys a woman who gives him a run for his money.” Anya rationalized

“Anya if she wants to have this relationship go anywhere, she can’t play games. It just ends up causing problems that in the end might destroy the relationship.” Willow explained

“I’m not suggesting playing games. I’m just stating that Spike seems like the type who might lose interest if Buffy plays a mindless girl that lets a man call all the shots. Plus, Buffy playing Miss Submissive…..so not going to happen.” Anya retorted

“Right…..so here’s my plan, let him set the pace on how fast this relationship will progress, but make sure that I don’t become some Stepford Wife….Buffybot that will agree with whatever he says or does.” Buffy explained with a decisive head nod.

“And if speaking your thoughts don’t work…..use sex. I know that when I want something and Xander claims he’s adamant that I can’t have it, all I do is give him a blow job and…….” Anya tried to enlighten Buffy before Willow ’s sing-songy voice rang over hers

“La…la….la…..not listening…..la…la…la..”

“Oh… Willow stop it! Just because you don’t like penises anymore, doesn’t mean we all don’t like them!” Anya declared

“It’s not about not liking penis, it’s specifically Xander’s penis that I don’t want to hear about! I swear I should sue you for emotional distress or something!” Willow announced

“Sorry…..won’t stand in court. You have listened and participated in many conversations that one could believe to be offensive. Yet until Xander’s name was placed on said penis, you never had an issue.” Anya stated in her formal lawyer’s voice.

“She’s right Willow , would never stand in court. You’ll just have to keep la..la..la ing.” Buffy said with a sympathetic shrug

“Yeah….well it doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Willow pouted

“And that’s the reason why you like girls.” Anya responded in a cheeky manner

“I meant that…..oh never mind!” Willow stated with a flustered tone. Then she asked Buffy “So when do you see him next?”

“We are going to have a picnic on the Common and walk the last leg on the Freedom Trail tomorrow.” Buffy stated

“Well….I don’t mean to be a buzz kill….but I was actually talking about the next time you see him in court.” Willow hesitantly asked

“Shit…..I forgot all about that. Well I didn’t…. but I pushed that in the deep recesses of my mind. We have a Pre-trial Conference on Wednesday. Hopefully this won’t cause problems with our relationship. It’s so new…..I hope it can withstand this trial.” Buffy said with a deep sadness in her voice.

“Don’t worry…..it will all work out. Just have a long talk with him tomorrow and explain to him what you just said to us. I think he’ll understand and agree to let work be work and leave it at the office.” Willow stated with optimism. Buffy looked at Willow with a hopeful smile and stated as she lifted her glass

“Alright ladies…..let’s make a toast.” Both Anya and Willow followed suit

“To me and Spike!” Buffy cheered

“To Buffy and Spike!” the ladies retorted

There was a slight spring in Buffy’s step as she entered into the courthouse on Wednesday morning for the pre-trial conference (1). Buffy reflected on the long and though conversation that she and Spike had on Saturday night. This conversation followed a wonderful day of picnicking and sight seeing.

They discussed how they wanted to proceed in their relationship, both on a personal and professional level. They concurred that what transpired in the courtroom remained there and was not to be brought into their bedroom. Both agreed that they were attorneys that had sworn to defend their client’s or the state’s positions in court and no matter what their personal feelings for one another were, in court, that position was their main objective. This held especially true at the time of trial.

Buffy’s body hummed with lusty thoughts of how they “sealed the deal” after this lengthy conversation. Buffy tried to shake hands to do so, Spike had in mind other things to shake…….like Buffy’s entire bed as he pounded into her taunt body.

Buffy shook her head in attempts to dispel these potent visions from her mind. She inhaled deeply to calm the desire that licked throughout her body.

‘Can’t go into court horny as hell! Especially with him only a short distance away! If I don’t control myself, I’ll jump on top of him and give the court a whole new meaning to the word debriefing!” Buffy inwardly chuckled

As she proceeded down the hallway, she noticed a flash of bleached blonde hair out of the corner of her eye. Buffy quickly turned in that direction. At the end of the hall stood Spike….’My Spike’…….Buffy sighed. He was donned in a tailored black suit with micro thin-pin strips in aqua that stylishly matched his tie that lay over his black tailored dress shirt. Despite the ‘bad boy’ bleached locks, he looked like his body was made for that suit.

‘Yummy! He looks scrumptious in that suit….but I know he looks better without it!’ Buffy’s inner slut screamed as her paced increased as she approached him.

Almost like he could sense her presence, Spike’s head snapped towards her direction, despite him being in, what appeared to be an intense conversation with another attorney. Buffy could see desire flash in his now stormy cerulean eyes, as he nostrils flared slightly as he attempted to breathe in her scent.

“Attorney Eros.” Buffy stated firmly as she held out her hand to motion to shake his. While the tumultuous emotions that swirled throughout her body, Buffy sounded calmer that she actually felt.

“ADA Summers.” Spike nodded as he held out his hand to shake hers. While their hands touched, pulses of desire and need flowed between them. Spike gently rubbed his middle finger on Buffy’s pulse point as their connection lasted as long as appropriate. When they broke apart, both felt the lost of each other’s touch. They both stared at each other briefly then Spike mentally slapped himself so he could talk and continue the charade of two attorneys not two lovers.

“ADA Summers……Attorney Charles Gunn.” As Spike introduced the two attorneys and they shook hands, Spike felt a flash of possessiveness storm his brain. His inner cave man screamed “Mine……my Buffy….no touch!” Spike reeled quickly from this barbarian thought process and thankfully in enough time. He was afraid that he was about to growl, grab her by the hair and drag her off to his cave.

“Billy boy…..you ok….did we loose you or something?” Charles asked with a perplexed look on his face.

“What? Oh….no….just a little worried about this pre-trial today, big case for Wolfram and Hart. So….. do you think we’ll be called in soon Bu…..I mean ADA Summers?” Spike asked as he looked around for the woman he just addressed.

“Man….you are way out of it! She left minutes ago, after a five minutes conversation with me! Dude….you need to get a grip!” Charles joked

“Yeah…..I definitely need to get a grip. Charles I’ll catch up with you later….Ta.” Spike stated as he walked away in attempts to find Buffy before the conference.

“Yeah…ok….see ya.” Charles retorted as he turned and walked towards the clerk’s office.

Spike located Buffy as she sat outside courtroom number four, on the second floor. She was busy reviewing her records so she didn’t notice Spike as he stood in front of her as he drank her sight in.

“Spike……you scared the daylights out of me!” Buffy whispered loudly as she dropped her file on the floor. The pages were dislodged from the file and then they were strewn across the highly polished floor. Buffy quickly moved from her seated position to squatted as her bottom hovered over the floor as she tried to retrieve her papers. Spike stayed in his upright position.

“Are you going to help me or what?” Buffy scoffed

“No…..the view up here is marvelous luv…..no intentions to move.” Spike purred as Buffy followed his eyes that leered at her exposed cleavage, which was accentuated by her black lace push up bra. Buffy looked up to his desired filled eyes, and stated
“If you want to see these up close and personal, you’ll get your firm peach ass down here and help me with my papers.” Buffy growled playfully.

“Now?” Spike questioned with an eyebrow wiggle

“Never……if you keep it up.” Buffy bit back.

“You should know by now, that whenever I’m around you, I’m ALWAYS UP.” Spike purred. Buffy’s gazed immediately shot to said area. A rock hard bulge was encased in his black tailored trousers. Since Spike always went commando, was only one layer of fabric away. It appeared that if she released the zipper a few teeth, the entire zipper would descend by the shear force of his erection. Buffy thoroughly licked her lips at the tantalizing sight in front of her. A pool of moisture spread inside her black silk panties and she started to tremble from the lust. Buffy mentally shook herself to rein in control. She quickly turned her head away from Spike as she continued to collect her papers. After several beats she stood up and approached Spike. Buffy stood close, but within appropriate distance in court and stated

“Spike…..please go somewhere else. You’re too distracting. We need to remember….. courtroom not bedroom. Now be a good boy and shoo.” Buffy said as she waved the one hand that was not filled with the disarrayed file, in a ‘shooing’ motion.

“But luv….I don’t wanna.” Spike pouted

“Go!” Buffy whispered loudly as she pointed her finger down the hallway. Spike looked at her with a mock sadden look, turned and walked slowly down the hallway. To add in the show, he looked over his shoulder twice with fake sniffles and a large pout. Buffy chuckled to herself as he moved down the hallway. ‘God…..that man’s going to be the death of me.’ Buffy giggled to herself as she tried to sort through the mess that was once her file.

Approximately 35 minutes later at 10:15, the bailiff came out of courtroom four and announced the Masters case. Buffy looked down the hall and notice Spike…..well Attorney Eros as he approached with Darla Masters, now in her Newbury Street best, not her S & M outfit that she sported at the time of arraignment. A sneer quickly flashed across her ruby painted lips at Buffy as she continued down the hall with Spike. Upon that bitchy look, Buffy entered into the courtroom without holding the door for them.

Buffy organized her belongings as Spike and Darla entered into the courtroom. Always the gentleman, he held the small swinging door open for her and quietly instructed her to sit in the second chair over. Spike gave Buffy a small smile and a wink, before he settled himself at his table.

Initially Judge Snyder asked ADA Summers if there was a plea bargain given to the defense, which there was not and then he asked Attorney Eros if he changed the plea of his client, which he did not, then the pre-trial began. Over the next few hours the attorneys haggled over the pre-trial statement, both the defense and the state’s witness list and several pieces of evidence that was going to be presented during trial.

At first Spike thought that he was going to have a difficult time as he faced Buffy in court. After several moments, the verbal sparring was more of foreplay and a turn on then a having a negative backlash in their relationship. By the time the judge call recess for lunch, Spike was left wanting to take Buffy in the nearest janitor’s closet and fuck her silly.

Spike was about to approach Buffy to suggest his ‘plan’ he was stopped by Darla, when her long red nail dug slightly into the crux of his bent elbow to stop his movement.

“Yes, Ms. Masters?” Spike said in a polite manner
“Darla….William would you care to join me for lunch? My treat.” Darla purred. Spike swallowed back the bile that rose into his throat from the moment that she touched him, even though it was through two layers of clothes.

“Ms. Masters (Darla raised an eyebrow to correct him)…..umm…yes Darla. I would love to join you….it’s just that I had other plans for lunch and….” Spike started to explain as he looked towards the table where Buffy was seated over the last several hours. His heart dropped a little when he noticed that Buffy had already left the table and was no longer in the courtroom. “umm…..I guess my plans have changed. I would love to join you for lunch, but I assist that I pay.” Spike finished.

Spike continued to place his belongings into his brief case and he and Darla exited from the courtroom. Unfortunately, as they walked, Darla had snaked her hand and arm through Spike’s and now they were linked as they walked through the courthouse and out towards Darla’s awaited limo.

When Spike returned from the extremely uncomfortable lunch with Darla, due to her blatant sexually innuendoes and unwanted touches on his hands, arms, and once knee, he sighed with relief that he was finally away from the human octopus and was safely back in the courtroom….with many witnesses.

‘Never bloody again…..I’m never going to be alone with that ….that woman….if one could call her that! Just because her daddy’s paying me doesn’t mean I’m one of her escorts!’ Spike fumed silently. Spike felt a little better when he saw Buffy as she sat at the state’s table. He tried to casually get her attention, but it was a no go. Spike just shrugged his shoulders slightly and chalked it up to her being distracted with the rest of the pre-trial.

The pre-trial came to a close shortly after the lunch break. Judge Snyder asked if there were any other issues that needed to be discussed. Both attorneys stated no. Judge Snyder than asked if the defendant wanted a judge or jury trial, Attorney Eros, after he briefly discussed this with his client, choice jury. After the formalities were completed, Attorney Snyder asked his clerk to check the docket for a date for jury selection and for a trial date.

“Jury selection is being held October 21st 9am, trial set for the week of November 16th. Attorneys I am only allotting a week for this trial, let’s get it done. Any other questions…comments….good.” Judge Snyder signaled to the bailiff for him to announce

“ALL RISE”

All those in the courtroom rose for the judge. He then left the bench in a swirl of all black, with only his balding dome that gleamed as a shiny beacon. Buffy quickly collected her belongings and left the courtroom in a quick clip. Spike spoke with Darla briefly then handed her off to her parents, well dad and tarty step-mom that’s half ol’ daddy’s age, which had joined them in the courtroom after the lunch break. ‘Thank goodness they’re here.’ Spike inwardly praised as he briefly shook both Mr. Masters’ and Mrs. Masters number five’s hand. Spike then collected his belongings and headed out of the courtroom.

Spike exited the courtroom in hopes that he could speak to Buffy. To no avail, as he walked down the hallway, he bumped into another Attorney from Wolfram and Hart and despite his attempts to break free, he was roped into a mindless conversation. After several moments, Spike sensed Buffy approach to his side and then her sweet voice politely interrupted this meaningless conversation.

“A word Attorney Eros.” Buffy asked tight-lipped as she approached Spike.

“ ADA Summers….yes one moment please?” Spike responded as he wrapped up his conversation with another attorney from Wolfram and Hart.

After Spike quickly finished his conversation and the other attorney walked away, Spike looked for Buffy and noticed that she headed towards the attorney’s private conference room. Spike followed her lead as he reached the conference door. Buffy opened the door, stepped aside to let him enter first, and then proceeded to follow him in. She tightly shut and locked the door behind the two of them.

Buffy turned to face Spike. Spike was the first to break the visual stare down.

“So luv…..couldn’t wait to have me alone? Let me tell you this is a brilliant place to ‘work’.” Spike commented as his talented tongue snaked out and curled in front of his teeth.

“So am I your first?” Buffy asked with anger wrapped around her words

Spike was completely taken back by Buffy’s question and the direction of the conversation. With a furrow in his brow, he responded

“You surely can’t be asking if you were my first…..as in sexually?” Spike asked hesitantly with a chuckle in his tone

“Really Spike!?!” Buffy asked with a poignant stare

“So luv, since I’m not following your line of questioning…..could you please be a tad more specific?” Spike asked

“Am I the first….here?” Buffy asked through clenched teeth

“Here in the States?” Spike asked slightly confused

“No…..!” Buffy hissed

“Look….this game had gotten stale about three exits back…..say what you mean Buffy!” Spike snapped back

“Fine…..am I the first woman that you have been with from court?” Buffy barked back. As she spoke to him like he was a petulant child.

Spike’s face fell as if he was slapped. He closed his eyes tightly, let out a deep sigh, and then responded.

“No….no your not. But you already knew that, didn’t you?” Spike asked solemnly

“Yeah…yeah I did. I just wanted to hear it from the ass’ mouth first hand.” Buffy explained harshly

“Don’t you mean horse’s mouth? (Buffy glared at him) Right….you clearly meant what you said.” Spike said sourly

“Just for the record Buffy, they were well before I truly met you.” Spike explained

“They!?!” Buffy scoffed

Spike’s cerulean eyes slammed shut at his admission. ‘Now you’ve bloody done it you sod!’ Spike inwardly berated himself. He slowly peek one eye open at the now extremely pissed woman before him

“Ya…I’m still here! And waiting for an explanation! I’m not part of some list of all the women in court that you want to ‘shag’?” Buffy asked in a mocking tone. Her arms were wrapped around her body in a defensive stance and she loudly tapped her foot in agitation.

“Absolutely not! Buffy none of those women meant anything to me! You’re the only one….the only one that means anything and everything to me.” Spike declared as he slowly approached Buffy. With his admission he noticed that her body had softened some and he hoped that his movement towards her wouldn’t anger her more. Spike stopped a few feet away, not to push his luck.

“Oooooo….it just gets me so mad. That skanky bitch was sitting at the next table while I was having lunch at that small deli around the corner. She was with that stenographer from the pre-trial conference, and they were giggling and carrying on like they’re in high school or some shit like that. I tried to completely ignore them, though it was somewhat difficult. She has the most annoying voice! Anyway….then I overhear that whorish bleached bottle blonde blabbing on and on about…..YOU! She was spewing something about how you were her ‘blonde bear’ and how she rocked ‘Spikey’s’ world’. Then she stated that she had heard that you were dating someone else and she wondered how she liked her ‘sloppy seconds’. Oh and get this….. she stated that she had to cut you loose because you were too clingy! Nothing would cling to her except those tacky sweaters over her fake tits and her cheap knock-off perfume!” Buffy fumed as she started to pace the conference room.

Spike bit back a laugh as he heard Buffy rant on and on. After several beats upon her completion she looked at Spike with a cool glare.

“What’s so funny? Really Spike…..Harmony? Of all people? Did you loose a bet or something?” Buffy asked with a slightly lighter tone

“Not exactly luv. Just let say that it was after numerous pints and complete lack of all sense.” Spike explained

“Please tell me it was just once?” Buffy asked softly

Spike stepped closer to Buffy, so they were face to face. He gently cupped her flushed cheek as he tilted her chin up so they could look at only each other.

“Buffy…….all the women that I have ever slept with have been but one time. There was only one other woman that I was with more than once and she almost became my wife.” Spike explained with deep emotion that filled his words and stormy azure eyes.

A shimmer of tears formed at the bottom of Buffy’s lashes, before she moved her face out of Spike’s gentle touch. She shook her head slowly, tried to calm herself before she spoke.

“I’m sorry Spike…..I shouldn’t give you the third degree about your past relationships. It’s just hearing her talk about you like that really pissed me off. I just let my anger get the better of me.” Buffy explained softly

“Oh…sweetheart. There’s no need to apologize. You’re taking this rather well I have to say. If it was me, the bloody bastard would be in the hospital and I would be downstairs in holding.(Buffy went to speak and Spike’s glare stopped her) No…..no don’t say a word! You were a virgin….a very skilled virgin…..but a virgin no less when we met…..just leave it at that!” Spike explained loudly

Spike stepped forward and pulled Buffy into his comforting embrace. He placed an affectionate kiss on the crown of her head and gently pulled back to look at her beautiful face. Passionate cerulean blue studied fervent emerald as an understanding passed between the two. After several beats, Spike slowly leaned down and captured Buffy’s soft bee-stung lips with his. The kiss was filled with passion, even though it was soft and gentle. After several moments, the lovers pulled apart. Buffy was the first to speak.

“So….nobody else since us?” Buffy asked hesitantly

“No…..well….” Spike answered. Buffy’s eyes blazed with anger, but before she acted Spike spoke

“Only Mary and her five friends.” Spike stated as he wiggled his fingers in indication that it was just a bad joke.

“But Mary and her buds haven’t visited since we’ve been together…..together….right?” Buffy asked with curiosity

“I sent them packing after the first night. They haven’t been back since.” Spike joked

“Good…..I want you alllll to my self.” Buffy cooed as she cupped Spike’s impressive bulge through his tailored trousers. Spike’s eyes blazed and he breathed in with a quick draw of breath upon her touch.

“You have me…..all of me.” Spike growled as he surged forward to capture Buffy’s sweet mouth.

Then the two attorneys proceeded to ‘conference’ heavily for the next hour.

(1)A pretrial conference may be conducted for several reasons. Pretrial conferences may be held to (1) expedite disposition of the case, (2) help the court establish managerial control over the case, (3) discourage wasteful pretrial activities, (4) improve the quality of the trial with thorough preparation, and (5) facilitate a settlement of the case.
Pretrial conferences are conducted in criminal cases to decide matters that do not inquire into the defendant's guilt or innocence. Under rule 17.1 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, pretrial conferences for criminal cases may be conducted to promote a fair and expeditious trial. In practice, federal and state courts use the pretrial conference in criminal cases to decide such preliminary matters as what evidence will be excluded from trial and what witnesses will be allowed to testify.

It was a lazy Sunday, early evening when Buffy had called Spike. They spent the entire weekend together, all day Saturday and Sunday morning. After numerous hours of persuasion, which entailed being naked in her bed as they explored every inch of each other’s bodies. Buffy finally was dressed, despite numerous protests from Spike, as she instructed him to do the same. Even though she wanted to spend the rest of the day being thoroughly worshiped, real life was calling and she had some serious laundry and other tedious house hold chores to do. With an exaggeration pout, Buffy escorted Spike to the door, and with another mind-numbing kiss, they bid each other good-bye.

After several hours and loads of laundry later, Buffy missed her man and decided to give him a call. Despite how silly she felt, these feelings dissipated when she was informed by Spike that he had picked up the phone several times to call, but didn’t want to make her believe that she was dating a stalker. Their lengthy conversation covered everything from what they have been doing since he left a few hours ago, to what they were going to watch on television tonight. Buffy decided that now was the time to discuss the subject that has been weighing on her mind and that she has been avoiding to talk about since their first night together.

“Ummmm…..Spike?”

“Yeah luv?”

“I’ve wanted to talk to you about something……for awhile now and I didn’t known exactly…….ummmmm……how to present it to you. I tried to earlier…..but it never seemed to be the right time……soooo……ummmm.” Buffy stuttered

“Buffy, what’s wrong?” Spike asked with concern

“No….nothing’s wrong….per se…..well just the exact opposite……well ummm….once it happens…..well that is if you……want it to happen…..” Buffy continued to stutter

“Buffy, luv….you’re rambling.” Spike chuckled, even though his mind was still slightly on edge to what Buffy needed to say.

“Yeah…..it’s just that I wanted to……take our relationship to another level. No…..no don’t freak out! It’s not like I want you to move in or something like that! And it’s not that I want you to mistaken me……being with you is incredible…..beyond incredible. Webster doesn’t even have a word to describe it……and it’s not like…..by ANY means that we’re lacking in that department……it’s just….ummmm….I just…..if you want…..I definitely want…..to add to our…..sexual relationship.” Buffy finally finished. Her eyes slammed shut as she awaited his response to her jumbled, but finally stated request.

“You want a three-some luv?” Spike purred

“No…no….I already told you no threesome unless it’s girl, boy, boy; you, me and James Marsters….or no deal.” Buffy giggled as she slowly opened her eyes in relief.

“Right…..didn’t forget luv. Still working on contacting him.” Spike purred again

Buffy’s mind flashed to being bedded by these two incredibly hot men. First vision was her standing sandwiched between them as one feasted on her swollen core in the front, while the other held one of her legs up as his other talented hand massaged her quivering mound, and as him feasted on neck with long licks and tender bites. Then it quickly flashed to one man eating her out while the other fucked her mouth gently with his stiff cock. Spike’s deep baritone voice broke her from her lusty thoughts

“Buffy…I know what you want….you want my mouth on you delectable quim….don’t you?” Spike’s voice caressed his words like liquid sex. A pool of moisture that formed earlier with her lusty visions, now doubled and saturated her silk panties.

“Yes….yes more than anything.” Buffy moaned

“I’ve wanted nothing more than to be buried between your sweet delectable thighs forever. Breathing be damn. I just didn’t want to take that liberty.” Spike’s voice rumbled

“Take liberties….take the whole 151 foot statue!” Buffy exclaimed with a chuckle. Spike’s deep laugh filled Buffy’s receiver.

“Spike….I also want to taste you…..feel your cock filling my mouth with you slowly pumping away…..”Buffy purred. But before they were both too far gone with their fiery thoughts, Buffy continued and she shook her head to clear her mind.

“Let’s focus…..I just feel that we need…..”Buffy started to explain

“A note from the doctor……I agree luv. I know that I have and I assume that you have, been careful in the past…..it’s just not every partner have given the same courtesy.” Spike spoke clearly, even though his mind whirl with thoughts of his golden goddess spread before him as a human buffet, with no area off limits by his mouth, tongue and teeth. Spike’s erection tented his running pants. He tried to gingerly adjust himself, but due to the pressure of his wayward appendage and the subject that they were discussing, his hand lingered longer than necessary.

“True. There’s also another reason I want us to be checked….I want…no I need….to feel you….all of you…..your beautiful naked flesh….. as it enters into me.” Buffy’s voice dropped several octaves as she completed her explanation of what she wanted. As he heard her explain this heavenly gift to him, Spike could no longer control himself.

While he held the phone between his ear and shoulder, he lowered his pants so his raging erection broke free from its fabric prison. Spike’s hand wrapped around the base of his cock as he slowly worked his fist in a slow up and down motion. His eyes closed as he fantasized that it was Buffy’s sweet mouth that was wrapped around his cock, as she worked him into a mindless frenzy. As she spoke Spike tried to concentrate his mind on her words. As slight moans and her breath hitching, Spike had to know what was transpiring on the other end.

“Are you touching yourself luv?” Spike growled

“mmmmm…..yeah.” Buffy cooed

“That’s my girl, where are your talented hands?” Spike asked as his hand continued it’s leisurely pace.

“ahhhh……one’s squeezing my nipple and the other……ohhhh….the other is circling my clit.” Buffy moaned

“God…..I wish I was there to see you…..brilliant sight it must be. With your quivering thighs spread for my eyes, as you work pleasure upon your magnificent body.” Spike’s pace slightly increased, as now he swirled his fist on the downward stroke.

“Uhhhh…..mmmm…..Spike….are you touching yourself?” Buffy asked with a groan

“You know that I am sweetheart…..uhhhh…..just hearing your moans…..I can’t bloody help myself.” Spike squeezed his eyes tighter as he tried to starve off his impending orgasm.

“Tell me what your doing?” Buffy commanded as the swirling tempo of her fingers on her swollen clit increased.

“My cock is in my fist as I’m imagining that it’s your brilliant mouth devouring it.” Spike growled as he continued to work himself over.

What about…..ummm….your balls?” Buffy breathed heavily her question.

“Fuck……luv…..your hand is gently caressing them as your sucking my cock.” Spike quickly lost control as his body stood at the door of his release.

“Oh yeah…..mmmmm……now I’ll move my hand to replace my mouth. I’ll continue pumping away on your glorious cock…..I need to taste your balls. I’ll cup one in my mouth as my tongue swirls around it. Mmmmmm…..so tasty.” Buffy purred as she added small pinches to her clit as she circled the descended nub.

“Naahhhh…..Buffy….” Spike blurted as he followed her commentary, while his other hand now cupped his balls. “That’s it luv……” Spike needed to get control, so he growled out commands to Buffy to follow, but first he asked.

“How wet are you kitten?”

“So wet….so wet for you Spike.” Buffy voice hitched as her inner walls quivered

“Bring you hand off your marvelous breast, and slowly travel down your beautiful body. I want you to place it at the entrance of that sodden quim. Now enter your three fingers into your heated core and at the same time I want you to pinch that hidden pearl.” Buffy moaned as her hand followed Spike’s instructions. Before her fingers entered Spike spoke again.

“Buffy…..I want you to envision that it’s me between your thighs……three fingers deep and my mouth on her perfect clit. Do you see me there?” Spike asked as his hand continued circling his cock now with a greater speed.

“Yes…..Spike….ohhh……god….mmmmm.” Buffy mumbled as her fingers poised at her entrance.

“Now…..Buffy….NOW!” Spike growled as his face strained with the war that was being fought between his body and mind. Buffy followed his instructions immediately. A wail tore from her throat as her fingers entered into her drenched core, and her inner walls fluttered several times as an intense orgasm shredded through her body. Buffy’s hips continued to pump against her hand as another smaller orgasm quickly followed the first.

“Yes……mmmmm…..Spike….ohhh….I wish you were here…..your mouth on me….devouring me…..mmmmm…..” Buffy purred as she could hear the increased pace of Spike’s movements on the other end. Her voice was all that he needed to fall over the edge.

“Naaahhhh…..Buffy…..ohhh….luv!” Spike growled as his warm seed spilled over his hand and stomach.

All that could be heard on either line was the heavy pants and “mmmms” of both spent parties.

“That was…..” Spike stated slightly winded

“Completely…… mind-blowing!” Buffy announced between her laughs.

“Mmmmm…..I love to make you laugh sweetheart.” Spike cooed as his hand stilled.

“And you always do it soooo….well. Even when your not here.” Buffy giggled as she gingerly stretched, as small quivers continued to spasm in her core.

“Anytime luv….anytime. Hopefully next time…..it will be my mouth not just my words.” Spike purred.

The next few months went by quickly as Buffy and Spike enjoyed each other’s company. Since the Pre-trial was finished and the next court date wasn’t until October, the lovers were able to focus on each other outside the courtroom. Spring turned into summer and they spent most of their time together. During the week they started to do mundane things together like going to the gym, food shopping and the like.

Over the weekend they would spend the night at each other places. They tried once during the week to have a “sleep over”, but both didn’t get any sleep due to their night being filled with pleasure, both given and received. When Spike’s alarm had sounded at 6am the following morning, the duo barely heard the loud, unrelenting wail and after numerous times of Spike’s fist that struck the beast to trigger the snooze alarm, both were eventually late for work and after only two hours of sleep they had to try to function. Since that incident, despite their desires and their longer and longer goodbyes, they begrudgingly leave each other every weeknight.

One weekend in late June, while the duo hung out at Buffy’s apartment, she invited Spike to Willow’s annual Fourth of July party. Willow lived in a three family home in Cambridge that had a small backyard. The three tenants usually get together and have a small shindig on the fourth for their friends

“So would you like to go?” Buffy asked shyly, while they shared the couch, with Buffy as she sat Indian style and Spike stretched out with only his feet that hung off the couch in front of Buffy’s form.

Even though they have been inseparable since May, Buffy was hesitant about asking Spike to go. This was since Spike has only met her friends on one other occasion, when the three girls and their dates all went to a Red Sox game. Since Willow brought a woman, Xander and Spike were left to ‘bond’. What a total disaster! Between the name calling and high testosterone levels, that flared during part of the game and in the bars after, plagued the night with some male brooding, dirty looks, and fun ‘killing’ tension.

“You do realize that this is another Yank invented holiday where they celebrate kicking out my ancestors from your shores?” Spike joked as the duo sat in front of the television vegging.

“Yes…..and you should see the celebration! Fireworks, tons of foods, booze…..nothing like it!” Buffy declared

“Will the whelp be there?” Spike asked

“Yes the whelp….I mean Xander will be there. You two need to really get along! God….it’s like you two are five years old or something!” Buffy huffed

“Oi…..he started it! (Spike was met with an eyebrow rise from Buffy) He did! He asked if Billy Idol had noticed that I stolen his look! Bloody pillock!” Spike growled

“Now…now…..Billy….(Buffy met with Spike’s growl)…. I mean Spike. Maybe he’s just jealous of how sexy you are and he covers it by making fun of you?” Buffy stated with a chuckle as she leaned over and kissed his chiseled cheek.

“Yeah….and pigs will fly out of my arse next! Droopy boy is too thick to understand how to be jealous. That bird Anya has his brain and balls in the palm of her hand. I don’t think he could make a conscious move or decision without her say so.” Spike declared

“Well….that much is true. But it doesn’t matter. He’s Willow ’s best friend since grade school and Anya’s husband to be. You’ll just have to play nice.” Buffy announced as she placed her feet on his lap so he could rub them.

“Do I have to?” Spike said with a mock whine as his gifted hands started to work the arch of her right foot.

“Mmmmm….Yes….or I’ll take you over my lap.” Buffy threatened with a slight moan.

“Now I’m definitely going to misbehave!” Spike responded with an eyebrow wiggle and his talented tongue snaked out to touch his front two teeth.

“I should threaten you with something that your not going to enjoy……mmmmm…..let me see……how about you’ll be shut off, no Buffy goodness for entire week!” Buffy declared. Spike’s hand stilled at the threat.

“You wouldn’t?” Spike asked with wide eyes.

“Oh……so that will get your attention? Yes….yes I do mean it. Play nice…..or no dessert!” Buffy stated with finality.

“Fine….fine….I’ll be a good boy. But can I still be spanked anyways?” Spike said with a purr.

“We’ll see. Now keep rubbing.” Buffy answered as she began moving her foot to coax his earlier attentions.

“Bossy bint.” Spike whispered under his breath.

“What….what did you say Spike?” Buffy asked

“Lots of lint…..on my….ummmm….sweaters…..yeah…..I need to purchase new ones for the winter.” Spike replied as he struggled to find a response.

“Ummmm…..that’s what I thought.” Buffy laughed as she picked up the remote to look for something else to watch.

Two weeks later the party was on Saturday, which was actually the fourth. Buffy was excited due to being able to finally spend time with all her favorite people for the entire day; her friends and Spike. Even though she still spent every Friday night with her girlfriends, her mind would wander to Spike. She tried to enjoy her girl’s night out, but her body and mind would always crave him.

Buffy, well Spike, agreed to make a dish and dessert to bring to the party. Spike didn’t know exactly what to make, since this was his first barbeque, so Buffy pulled a few recipes from Good Housekeeping magazines and asked him to choose what he thought he could make. Spike settled on making traditional Boston baked beans and a chocolate truffle for dessert. Buffy was fortunate that she had a quick metabolism and that she enjoyed working out, or she would be 500 lbs before their first years anniversary.

Even though the festivities started a 2pm, Spike arrived with the food he made via taxi around 12:30 to pick her up, so the duo could help Willow set up. Since Willow lived on the third floor, it took sometime to bring down the supplies for the party.

Luckily the weatherman said that it would sunny all day, temperature around 85 with minimal humidity. But living in Boston over the last ten years, New England weather is completely unpredictable and it could snow today who knows!

Despite the instability of New England weather, Buffy chose a red halter top that had an open bare back except for the spaghetti straps that held it together and a pair of cut off denim jean shorts that had a small hole at the base of her right butt cheek. When Spike saw her, his eye flared with immense appreciation and desire. As she approached the taxi she could see Spike then bark at the taxi driver, and form the words “Eyes front” when he noticed that the driver appreciated the same view.

When Buffy entered into the taxi she placed a lingered kiss on Spike’s cheek and whispered ‘hi’ as she kissed him again. When Buffy crossed her tanned legs, Spike placed a possessive arm over her legs, gave a ‘death’ glared to the driver in the rear view mirror and once the taxi moved into the line of traffic, his body finally relaxed. Normally Buffy would hate this Cro-magnum possessive behavior, but it had the opposite effect with her since it was Spike. Her body ignited with small pulses of desire as his fingers traced random patterns on her thigh.

At the first red light, Buffy look appreciatively at how Spike was dressed today. He had really gone out of his way to impress her friends and to be a ‘good boy’. Gone was his normally slicked back hair, but it now donned his head in bleached relaxed waves. It resembled how he looked after a shower when he didn’t have gel to place it. He wore a black fitted cotton tee and tan Dockers. With the darkness of his shirt, his bright cerulean eyes stood out as she could see desire swirl in them.

“You look simply delicious luv.” Spike whispered into her ear as he gently bit and gave the lobe a tug. Then his mouth continued its assault on the column of her throat.

“Mmmmm…..I was thinking the same about you. I just love that despite your boy next door appearance, I know what kind of demon that lurks underneath.” Buffy cooed as she placed her hand on the side of his cheek to encourage his administrations of small kisses, bites and licks on her neck.

“Buffy…..lets go back to my place. I don’t think I can go all day without you beneath me.” Spike purred into her ear with his hot breath.

“Mmmm…..don’t tempt me. But I promised that I would help Willow. I wouldn’t be a good friend if I don’t go early to help her.” Buffy explained through a shuttered breath.

“Please……I’ll make you feel so good.” Spike coaxed

“Later…..I promise. I have a special treat for my boy…….later.” Buffy explained as she pulled her neck away from his gifted mouth, turned to face him and placed a chaste kiss on his full, now pouty lips.

“Why not now and later.” Spike huffed

“You know why. If we go there, we’ll never leave. Believe me you’ll be very pleased with my special treat for you.” Buffy explained with another brief kiss.

“Ok….I’ll be good and wait for my nummy treat.” Spike stated as he pulled Buffy into another mind-bending kiss, then sat back in his seat as both parties tried to control their lust riddled bodies.

Within twenty minutes the pair arrived at Willow ’s place. Buffy got out of the taxi first, after a warning from Spike to the driver that if he sees his head turn or his eyes in the rearview mirror he could forget about his tip. Luckily for the driver’s pocket he did as Spike asked. Well until they were both out and as the driver sped away he beeped his horn and when they both looked, he had his fingers in a V as his nasty tongue danced between. If Spike weren’t carrying a pot full of beans, he would have gone after him. Instead Spike’s voice rang out with enough British and American explicates to make a sailor blush.

The duo climbed the three flights of stairs to Willow ’s apartment. After the taxi ride with Mr. Nasty Ass and the climb, they were both ready for a stiff drink and a seat. Buffy knocked and the door quickly opened with a bouncy redhead on the other side.

“Hey……I’m so glad that you guys are here! We have a lot to do. Angel has been dismal since his lover moved out a month ago and the Wiccan, Amy, that just moved in three months ago is high on some funky herbs……so she’s not much help. Did I say that I was so glad that you’re here?” Willow asked

“Yeah….Will…..you did. And no problem. We are here to help. They broke up? What happened?” Buffy asked as instructed Spike with a head tilt to follow her to Willow’s kitchen.

“I don’t know. He’s been brooding for a month straight. It was hard to talk to him in the first place, now with this, it’s next to impossible. Angel wasn’t the outgoing one he just liked to sulk in the background.” Willow explained as she walked into the pantry that was off the kitchen to get some snacks.

“What about that bird Amy, maybe she can brighten his day?” Spike asked in attempts to join the conversation.

“Angel’s gay, his lover’s name was Lorne.” Buffy explained

“Should have known with a poufter name like Angel.” Spike stated with a snicker. Buffy shot him a look that could kill, if it was a blade. She clenched her teeth and whispered an explanation.

“ Willow is a lesbian…..knock it off with the gay slang!”

“It’s not like I have an issue with lesbians, two women together is a brilliant sight to behold…..” Spike said with a dreamy expression. “If I could clone you luv, I would never leave the bedroom again!” Spike announced

“Knock it off bleached boy!” Buffy snapped as she threw a bulkie roll at his head. Just in time he ducked and it hit the wall with a soft thump.

“Oi……that was a complement!” Spike responded

“Remember that you have the whole day to prove that you deserve that special treat and at this rate, you’ll not only be Buffyless tonight, but you’ll be blue balled by the months end!” Buffy huffed as she started to cut the remaining rolls.

“Fine…..fine. I won’t use any words like nancy boy, pillow biter, arse pirate, cock jockey or any other names to describe that poufter. I promise.” Spike announced with a smirk. Buffy was prepared to launch another roll until she saw Willow walk back into the kitchen with an arm full of snacks. Both parties went to their respected corners. Buffy slightly pissed and Spike silently laughing to himself.

For the next hour, the threesome made countless trips up and down the stairs as they brought the supplies that were needed for the party. Part way through, a tall brooding man entered into the backyard carrying small tables and folding chairs from the basement. Spike believed that this was Angel, and his assumption was correct when Willow chirped “Hey Angel” and gave an energetic wave. He turned slightly said “Hi Willow, hi Buffy” quietly and went back into the basement. On the trip back up the stairs Spike asked Willow

“So Red….tall, dark and forehead, that Angel?

“Tall...dark...for....hey! Not nice Spike....but yeah that guy’s Angel. He’s really quiet and usually keeps to himself. Lorne was the outgoing one. Always singing, dancing, outrageous outfits, he was the regular life of the party. We use to call him The Host. They were together for a few years. Lorne moving out really hit him hard.” Willow explained

“Sorry to hear that. Maybe this party….will lift his spirits? If not, do you have any….ummmm….blokes to introduce him to?” Spike asked as they filled the last basket to go downstairs.

“No…not really. Most of my friends are straight. Angel did invite some friends maybe they’ll invite someone for him. I don’t think that he’s really looking….it’s hard to after a long term relationship. It’s so weird. Recently, after that law was passed, they were discussing marriage. Now a few months later, he moved out.” Willow explained

“Yeah…..I don’t know what I would do if Buffy and I…..ummm….yeah so is this it?” Spike asked as he tried to change the subject quickly and tried to focus on the supplies. Willow noticed this, but didn’t comment. They put a few more items and headed downstairs where Buffy and Angel were setting up the tables and folding chairs.

A short time later, Xander and Anya showed up with the grillable meats and veggie burgers, per Willow’s request. When the final napkins were folded and the grill roared with a ‘manly’ flame, the guest started to arrive. Some of Willow’s friends from work and college showed, with a few who brought dates.

Then some of Angel’s friends showed up and enjoyed ogling the men, especially Spike. Even though Spike did not usually have an issue with gay men, but when one commented how ‘beautiful his eyes’ were and wondered if he could know first hand if the ‘carpet matched the drapes’, Spike decided to stay close to the other ‘manly-men’ that stood around the grill, who talked about sports and drank beer straight from the bottle.

The day wore on with everyone enjoying the food, conversations and each other’s company. When Spike spied Buffy head upstairs by herself, a cat that ate the canary smile graced his full lips as he slowly followed behind. When Buffy exited Willow’s bathroom several moments later, she jumped since she did expect anyone else to be there.

“Spike! You scared me half to death!” Buffy yelped as her hand flew to her chest in fright.

“Sorry luv. Saw you coming upstairs, all on your lonesome, and felt that I had to make sure you were safe.” Spike explained

“Lame.” Buffy retorted

“Who?” Spike asked

“You…..making an excuse to come up here.” Buffy clarified

“No….no excuse. I needed to make sure my girl was safe. Don’t know what kind of beasties that may be lurking from between here and there.” Spike explained as he slowly moved closer to Buffy.

The heat that radiated from their bodies quickly filled the distance between them. Neither knew who moved first, but soon their mouths were in a fierce duel with lips, teeth and tongues. Spike’s hand ran through Buffy’s golden locks as it reached to the back of her neck as he pulled her closer to his muscular body. His other hand rested on her lower back as his thumb drew small circles on her exposed flesh.

Buffy’s hands roamed over his form, she touched but never was able to enough to satisfy her runaway desire. Spike’s mouth broke from hers as it started to feast on the sensitive column of her neck and mostly naked shoulder.

Only after numerous brief throat clearings, Buffy’s lust slightly broke. Buffy’s eyes fluttered open and she looked towards the noise. In the hallway stood Willow, who seemed slightly nervous and Anya, who looked highly impressed.

“Now I see why you’ve been walking like a cowgirl who’s spent months on the range!” Anya declared

Spike pulled his mouth away from Buffy’s neck, as she looked at her friends. Before Buffy could retort, Spike responded.

“Believe you me, she gives as well as she gets.” Spike purred, then his tongue snaked out and touched the front of teeth. Spike gave Buffy another brief, but intense mind-blowing kiss and walked pass the two friends and left the apartment. The two ladies watched as he passed, then their eyes shot to their ‘Cheshire Cat’ smiling friend.

“You Slut! She would have totally fucked him in your hall if we didn’t need more dip Willow!” Anya bellowed to the blushing redhead.

“If these walls could talk…..what would they say? Huh Willow?” Buffy retorted as she tried to take the focus off of her as she fixed her skewed shirt and hair that was now in partial disarray.

“My walls, my secrets. Don’t need you to add to them thank you very much!” Willow huffed with a chuckle as she turned to retrieve the needed dip.

“Sorry….I had no intention for that to happen. He followed me up here…..” Buffy tried to explain as she followed Willow out into the kitchen.

“Yeah….and I saw how much you hated that idea while your hand was checking his package like a baggage handler at Logan Airport!” Anya responded as she followed Buffy out into the kitchen.

“Nice…..!” Willow laughed as she placed some dip from a container into a smaller bowl to bring downstairs.

“If we were any later he would have been cleared for take-off!” Anya added

“Ok…ok anymore airport jokes you want to get in or can we return to the party?” Buffy asked with a snort.

“No…I think I’m good…..you?” Anya asked Willow

“No….I think that about covers it. Let’s head back.” Willow responded. Laughter filled the stairwell as the three ladies headed back downstairs to the party.

The rest of the party went by in a blur; with card games, small volleyball game, drinking, eating and conversations that filled the day. When the sky became dark, Amy decided to join the party with her stoner boyfriend. They partook in left over food and disappeared again.

Later around 9ish, fireworks could be heard filling the evening sky. The parties rushed to the balconies located in Willow’s and Angel’s apartment in attempts to see the fireworks that were being done on the Esplanade in Boston. Buffy always-enjoyed fireworks, but due to the way that Spike’s face lit up as he watched, made her enjoy them even more.

After the fireworks ended and they helped with some clean up, Willow bid them a good night and told them not to worry since Xander and Anya were the clean up team. Xander tried to put in his opinion in the matter, but was out ruled two votes to one. At approximately 1 am the tired lovers made their way to Buffy’s apartment.

“I really did have a brilliant time luv. Besides being visually undressed by Angel’s nancy boy mates, it was perfect.” Spike chuckled as he exited the elevator on her floor.

“Yeah…..that one guy was lucky that he left when he did, I was about to bitch-slap him for those comments.” Buffy joked

“Ohhh….kitten has claws.” Spike purred as he scooped Buffy up, placed her on his shoulder and walked towards her door.

He fished his keys out of his pocket and placed his key into the lock. Early in the summer, they had exchanged keys to one another’s apartment. It happened regularly that when one arrived home, there was their naked partner lounged on the others respective couches or beds. Buffy loved being greeted by a fully naked Spike as he lounged on her couch as he slowly stroked his impressive erection when she came home after a long day at work. Once that godly vision hits her eyes, all is forgotten except the Adonis that is before her.

Buffy giggled as the door opened and he gently dropped her onto the couch. Spike closed the door quickly and tried to join her. Despite the long day, Buffy jumped from the couch and ran into her bedroom, with Spike in hot pursuit. She ran to the other side of her bedroom, so the bed was between them. The only light came from the living room was from a table lamp. The light illuminated behind Spike to hide his features, but Buffy knew a wicked smile was present.

“Spike…..don’t you want your present?” Buffy breathed quickly, not from exertion but from desire.

“Yeah……been a good boy I have.” Spike growled as he started to stalk towards her.

“Spike could you light some candles, I’ll change and be out soon.” Buffy cooed as she walked towards him, placed a small chaste kiss on his lips and left the bedroom. Spike proceeded to light the candles that were placed throughout the room. He removed his shoes, socks and shirt. Left his pants on, but undid the top button. He loved when Buffy undressed him, the sight of her biting her bottom lip as she freed his erection always made him harder. Despite how many times she had seen him naked, the desire that swirled in her emerald depths still bewildered him every time.

Spike was brought from his thoughts as a sultry ‘hi’ came from the doorway. When he looked up, his mind froze with the vision that was before him.

Buffy head was slightly cocked as she eyed him through her thick lashes. Her talented tongue slowly caressed her now painted blood red lips. Her flaxen hair was wildly teased as some flowed over her shoulders, while the rest traveled down her back. She was dressed in a shear crimson baby doll teddy, with black thigh highs that pooled into four inch black stiletto heels. After several moments of Spike’s attempts to form a coherent thought he spoke.

“Luv……come to me.” Spike ordered as he moved from his lounged position on the bed, to kneeling with his hand outstretched. Buffy seductively stalked towards the bed. She hovered slightly out of his reach and with defiance in her eyes she spoke.

“You want me Spike?” Buffy purred as her hand slightly ran across her breast. A deep growl was Buffy’s only response. Buffy’s eyes closed briefly as vibes of pure animal lust flashed across her that left welts of desire burned across her skin. While her eyes were closed, Spike struck lighting quick, grabbed her and pulled her into a scorching kiss.

Buffy was too far gone to play any longer. The brief, but consuming interaction in the taxi, the ‘meeting’ in Willow’s hallway, and the fleeting touches and long glances during the party had kept Buffy on edge all day. She needed him and could wait no longer.

Spike guided Buffy with his body, but their mouths always remained in contact, to the bed. The only way that she knew that she had moved was the soft sheets that kissed her exposed flesh. Coolness of the sheets and the fire of Spike’s body, made Buffy’s flesh quiver with dual sensations. The candlelight played off Buffy’s body as Spike pulled away from her mouth to place his hand on her cheek and whisper to her

“Buffy……I love you.” Spike spoke with a shuttered breath. Despite the minimal light, Buffy could see that tears were formed in his crystal azure eyes. With this admission, Buffy’s eyes watered and she responded immediately

“William…..I love you too.” Her declaration was filled with love. The lovers smiled sweetly at each other, then Spike slowly leaned forward and kissed Buffy passionately. The lust that was once was there was replaced with desire not only for each other’s body but also for a deeper connection of their minds and souls.

Gently Spike removed Buffy’s lingerie as he placed loving kisses over her mounds. Her dusty pink tipped nipples stood erect as they waited for his talented mouth and hands as he explored her flesh completely. Spike traveled down her taunt stomach, with long licks and small nips. Once he arrived to her lacy panties he paused as he breathed in her essence. He placed small kisses on her clothed core and then continued down to her stocking covered legs. While he kissed around the top of the left thigh high, as Buffy removed her stilettos, Spike noticed something white on Buffy’s other leg. Spike lifted his head up from her thigh and asked

“What’s this luv……..cheat sheet in the bedroom?” Spike chuckled. Buffy moaned as she felt the rumble of his lips against her thigh. After a few brief moments she spoke.

“Open it.” Buffy ordered huskily as she moved her thigh to coax him. Spike pulled the small rolled note from her thigh high. Buffy propped her upper body with bent elbows as she watched with pent up excitement. Spike unrolled the paper and quickly read the words. Once the medical jargon penetrated his mind, he understood that this was the ‘green light’ that he was waiting for. Before Buffy could comment, Spike had ripped her thin crimson panties from her body and spread her thighs wide. A brief ‘big bad wolf-smile’ split his lips before the electricity of his mouth was on her sodden core that made her arms give way as pleasure tore through her body.

Spike attacked her heated core with vigor as he ran his extended pointed tongue slowly around her entrance and completely avoided her distended clit. Buffy’s back bowed as she groaned with sheer pleasure. Spike pulled one side of her folds into his mouth as he sucked and gently nibbled. He then released the one side to consume the other fold all the while his fingers lightly caressed the insides of her splayed thighs. Buffy’s hips moved as her body seek out friction that would bring her the release that it craved. After he finished his attention on her outer folds, Spike flattened his tongue and ran it from the base of her opening to the top, still missing her clit.

“Uhhhhh……Spike……please…..” Buffy pleaded as her hips moved more.

“Mmmmm…….your delicious luv…..your sweet like honey……I could feast on you for days.” Spike purred as small puffs of his heated breathed touched her already sensitive pussy. Her descended pearl twitched as Spike could see her moist core glisten from his administrations and her own juices.

Spike leaned down again with a flattened tongue and licked slowly from top to bottom several times before he could sense her impending orgasm. Spike pointed his tongue again and dove directly into her core. He wiggled his gifted tongue as he mouth latched around her cleft to engulf her folds. After several moments of his intense feasting, Buffy’s orgasm rocked through her body. A forceful keen tore from her throat as her back bowed with the intensity of her climax. Spike continued his administrations despite her orgasm, which brought another smaller climax to course through her core. Spike held her legs splayed so he could feast on all that was his doing. He could feel her body relax as he removed his mouth and continued to place long licks along her cleft. After several swipes of his tongue, Spike tapped her clit with the tip. Buffy’ body tensed again as she moaned loudly

“Yes….mmmmm….Spike…..uhhhh….right there.” Spike continued to administer long licks that were followed by small but intense taps on her distended nub. Buffy’s hips again started to rotate on their own volition in the search for another climax. After several minutes of meticulous attention to each area, he latched onto her sensitive clit with his teeth and slightly tugged. Buffy’s hips shot off the mattress and Spike laid his arm over her hips to keep her in place as he continued the sweet torture.

Spike lifted his head as he looked at his golden goddess. Her mouth was slightly parted as she plucked her nipples with her fingers and thumb. Her eyes were hooded as she watched Spike indulged the sweetness of core. Spike placed his the fingers from his hand that was not braced against her hips, at the entrance of her pussy. Spike placed small kisses on the top her mound and worked his way down towards her clit. Simultaneously Spike latched on her distended pearl and inserted three fingers in her sodden core. Another mind-bending orgasm ripped through her body as Buffy screamed in pleasure.

“Oh……Spike……ahhhhh…..ahhhhh……yes!” Spike continued to feast on her clit until Buffy’s hips slowed and he could feel her inner walls decrease in its shutters. Spike then removed his mouth from her clit and started to clean Buffy’s spendings with a flattened tongue as he ran it from base to top, until he felt that she was ‘clean’. He tenderly removed his fingers, which caused Buffy to moan again, from their moist haven. He then removed her honey from each digit. Once he felt that he had ingested all that her body had to offer, he slowly moved up her form as he paused several times to place long licks and open-mouthed kisses upon her spent body.

Buffy realized with a hazed mind that Spike was still in his pants, when she felt the fabric brush against her sensitive skin. After several moments, Buffy was able to form a coherent thought and spoke.

“Spike…..why are you still in you pants?” Buffy spoke softly, still quite ‘soggy’.

“That was about you luv….not me.” Spike claimed as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. After several beats, Buffy intensified the kiss and became more aggressive once she tasted herself on his lips. Despite how wrung out she was a moment ago, she found a newfound strength and flipped Spike onto his back. After several moments of kissing him intensively, her mouth left his as it traveled down his neck, his muscular chest and now at his chiseled abs. Buffy looked up at Spike as she started to finish remove his pants.

While she slid the pants over his hips she heard a crinkling sound in his left pocket. As she removed his pants she moved her body to the end of the bed. She slid her feet to the floor as she fished her hand into his pocket. Buffy pulled out a small piece of folded paper. She inspected it briefly and held it up.

“Is this what I think it is Spike?” Buffy asked with excitement. Spike brought his supine form up onto his elbows, mimicked Buffy’s earlier position as he responded.

“That it is luv……but I didn’t want you to just because of a note and definitely not because I was given the immense pleasure of tasting you.” Spike purred.

Before Spike could respond, Buffy eyes flashed as she now realized there was nothing that stood in her way of tasting him. She slowly stalked towards the bed, leaned forward as she placed her hands down so she could slowly crawl towards him.

Once she reached his throbbing erection, she looked at him, slowly licked her crimson stained lips and her tongue reached down to flick over the now lightly purpled helmet. Immediately Spike’s head bowed back as pleasure raced through his body. Buffy placed tentative small licks on the belled head, before she wrapped her lips around the head completely. Spike could no longer support himself on his arms as he let go and landed softly onto the bed. Moans emitted from his throat as her heated mouth surrounded him slightly as she continued to run her tongue over the bulbous knob. Spike’s hand gently lowered into Buffy’s hair as he ran his fingers through her silky mane.

Buffy lowered her mouth as she continued to suck his cock with vigor. Her cheeks hollowed as the suction brought his erection further into her awaiting mouth. She placed her hand at the base of his cock as her mouth traveled further and further down. Due to his shear size, she was unable to fully engulf him, the flesh of his shaft that was exposed, was covered by her fingers that formed a fist around him. Buffy started to move up and down his erection with gentle pulls of both her mouth and fist.

“Buffy…..uhhhh…..that’s it luv……your mouth is incredible……yeah…..mmmmm.” Spike mumbled his praises as Buffy worked him into a mindless frenzy.

With her loose hand, she softly cupped his balls and caressed them. Spike’s neck bowed as intense pleasure washed across his features. Buffy could feel Spike’s body as it prepared to climax when he growled

“Buffy, come here……I want to taste you when I come.” Without the release of his cock with her mouth or fist, Buffy moved her body from between his thighs to straddle his face, with each knee that rested near his ears. The moment he saw her core above him, Spike grabbed her hips, and then raised her head and his mouth clamped on her drenched pussy. Spike could feel Buffy shutter and her moan vibrate against his flesh that was incased in her mouth.

The lovers continued to feast upon each other as they received and gave intense pleasure concurrently. Spike felt his orgasm quickly approach, so he sucked her clit into his mouth and tenderly placed small nips onto the sensitive nub as he placed two fingers inside her fiery cleft. An orgasm shutter through her womb as she tried to cry out as she mouthed his cock, as Spike orgasm tore through him. His warm seed splashed in the back of her throat and Buffy continued to milk him until his hips slowed and his pulsating shaft stilled as Spike continued to savor Buffy’s spendings.

As the lovers gained some semblance of control, Buffy moved her hips from their current position and then she lay next to Spike as she curled into his side. The only noise in the room was the heavy breaths of the pair as they enjoyed the silence and the feeling of one another’s bodies.

A brief time later, Spike could feel Buffy’s body shake with quivers of laughter that followed her intense orgasms. Manly pride came forth as he realized that it seemed that she always laughed after their time together. Spike placed a chaste kiss on her golden crown. Once her body started to still, Spike placed a tender finger under her chin, lifted her face and starred deep into her eyes.

When cerulean met emerald, the love that they proclaimed earlier swelled from their souls and spoke to one another without a word. Buffy leaned slightly down, grabbed the discarded comforter, covered them, and curled into his side. She then placed a loving kiss on his chest and closed her eyes. Spike ran his fingers soothingly through her locks as he felt her breaths deepen, which signaled sleep. Spike soon followed her with a permanent smile embossed across his lips.

The dog days of summer gave way to balmy autumn days and colder nights. Days became shorter and nights longer as the leaves began their change from the bright greens of summer to the myriad of autumn oranges, reds, and golds. Fall was here and despite the breath-taking sights of the pending slumber of Mother Nature, the realization that the carefree days that Buffy and Spike had shared were now gone with the trial upon the horizon.

“Excuse me….Attorney Eros, I’m sorry to interrupt…..” Martha hesitantly spoke as she hovered in William’s doorway. Broken from his thoughts, William glanced up from the mountains of paperwork that littered his desk. Since he had been fixated on the same paperwork for the last three hours, his eyes had become slightly bloodshot and unfocused. An hour ago, he replaced his contacts with glasses in attempts to gain some relief that never came. Same paperwork same result. Since the Masters’ trial was on the vista, William needed to focus completely on preparation.

“Not an interruption at all Martha, more like a welcomed reprieve.” William responded as he removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose, as he closed his eyes tightly in hopes that some tension would be relieved.

“Yes well…..I have just received a phone call from Attorney Manners’ secretary. He requested that there would be a meeting in an hour that is essential for you to attend.” Martha informed William.

“Without a doubt this is in regards to the Masters’ trial.” William responded as he finally opened his reddened eyes and replaced his glasses.

“I believe that it is. Would you like me to prepare the files for you?” Martha offered shyly.

“No, but thank you. As you can see (as William waved his hand across his desk) everything is here….in one form or another. I just need to organize…..ummm…..somehow. Do you think…..?” William asked hopefully.

“Of course! I’m delighted to help.” Martha beamed as she hurried into his office.

For the next forty-five minutes, Martha and William tried to organize the wayward paperwork. Once they completed an outline and placed the papers in some order, William collected himself and headed to his meeting.

As William walked towards the conference room where the meeting was to commence, a brief wave of gratefulness filled him, since the designated room was located on the fifth floor and not on the gateway of hell….the twelfth. Unfortunately, soon the feeling of gratefulness dissipated with the realization that no matter where the meeting took place, the ominous feeling remained, he was on Dante’s Eighth circle of hell, bolgias 5, 7, and 8.(1) This was the permanent residence of the lawyers of Wolfram and Hart. Once he reached the conference room, Attorney Manners’ secretary was seated in front of the room awaiting his arrival. The same plastic, unnatural smile graced her meticulously painted crimson lips as she stood to greet him.

“Attorney Eros, as pleasure to see you again. Have a seat and I will alert the others of your arrival.” She gestured to a seemingly welcoming black leather chair. Quickly in his minds eye, William could see that once he sat, leather straps would magically appear from underneath the chair, wind around his wrists and ankles securing him to the now chair of torture. Despite his struggles, he would be unable to break free. Next, a ball gag would materialize in his gapped mouth, to muffle any and all screams that would come. After that, metal needle-like jacks emerge from the headrest, as they capture his eyelids, and held his eyes fixated open, in tribute to the Ludovico Technique from Clockwork Orange.(2) All the while flashes of depravity strobe in front of his now unyielding wide eyes. The only thing that broke him from this horrific and almost realistic imagination was the secretary’s practiced and monotone voice. With a slight jolt, William looked upon her as she spoke

“Attorney Eros….please follow me.” She stated as she walked towards the conference door. Upon opening the heavy wooden door, she stepped aside and gestured for him to enter. William confidently, which was just in show only, entered the door to observe three other attorneys seated at the other end of the lengthy conference table. It appeared by the scatter of papers, the half filled water glasses and the intense stares that greeted him that they have been meeting for some time before his arrival. At the head of the table sat Attorney Manners. To his right, which the implication didn’t go unnoticed was Attorney Morgan. Lilah. A devilish grin graced her flawless features. Even though the smile pervaded her face, it never reached her stone cold eyes. To his left was William’s Team Leader, Attorney McDonald. Of the triad of attorneys present, he was the least corrupted. This doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t sell his own mum’s soul to advance his career; it just meant that he hadn’t reached that level of debauchery yet.

“Attorney Eros, please take a seat so we can begin.” Attorney Manners voice rang out through the cavernous room. William made his way to the seat that was located next to Attorney McDonald. He couldn’t stomach being seated next to Lilah. William could see in his peripheral vision, her smile contorts into a sneer as she noticed the direction that he had chosen.

While William walked towards his seat his mind raced to the possibilities of the discussion that the devil’s trio wanted to have. Panic tore through him, as he feared that they wanted to discuss him ‘sleeping with the enemy.’ William hadn’t thought of their relationship in any other terms other than a man and woman who were deeply in love. Even in the earlier days of their courtship, where he was the defense attorney and she was the ADA on opposite side of a high profile case, he never thought of her as the enemy. William wondered how he would defend himself, if at all, against them. With an inward growl, his inner Spike declared ‘I’ll tell them all to get bent!’

Once William arrived to his seat, he quickly sat down to start the demon feeding.

“Attorney Eros, we have assembled this meeting today due to the impending trial in the Masters’ case. If I am correct, jury selection commences tomorrow. This area of Pre-trial, as you know, is a pivotal part to laying the groundwork to guarantee a win at trial. Even a seasoned attorney can carry all the evidence, witnesses and the judge with him, but if the jury has one faulty member, it will be all for naught. This is why we’re here today. Attorney Eros, Attorney Morgan is our utmost expert with the process of jury selection. In addition to her inequitable talent to select a juror, she has the edge of being a female. Which in a case, such of this nature, is the edge that this firm needs to solidify a win.” Attorney Manner explained to the other three attorneys.

“Attorney Eros, since my secretary assured me that your paralegal had cleared your schedule for the rest of the day, you will meet with Attorney Morgan to absorb her extensive knowledge before you enter into proceedings tomorrow. Now that this is settled, Attorney McDonald, a word please.” With that, the two attorney rose from the table and headed out of the room. With the definitive sound of metal meeting metal as the massive door closed behind the duo, William felt dread spread like wildfire throughout his mind.

Lilah glared at William like a lioness sizing up her prey. Another more sinister smile graced her wine-stained lips. This time mirth twinkled in her usually deadened eyes.

“Mmmmm……alone at last.” Lilah purred as her fingers suggestively stroked her pen. She rose up from her seat, which was across the table, as her gaze was transfixed upon William. Like a deer in the headlights he watched her stalk around the mammoth conference table as her fingers gingerly stroked the plush leather chairs along her way. Almost as if it would have been sacrilege, Lilah didn’t touch nor chose Attorney Manners’ chair to sit in. She finally chose, as in a demonic form of the game of duck, duck, goose, to sit in the chair that once housed Attorney McDonald.

William snapped out of his stupor as he tried to busy himself with the now interesting paperwork, which lay in front of him. Lilah focused her wicked gaze on his profile, while he continued to aimlessly shuffle papers. Lilah, not enjoying being ignored, decided to gain his attention she demanded, as she leaned marginally forward to expose the creamy skin of her bountiful cleavage. She reached over and placed her audacious hand upon William’s mid thigh. With a slight squeeze, she cooed just a hairs breath from his ear

“So…..where do we start?” Anger boiled William’s blood as his inner Spike yelled ‘It doesn’t bloody matter that they are my bosses! This pompous bitch needs to realize that I’m no ones keep. Especially hers!’

Despite his overwhelming anger, William continued to eye his paper as he spoke in a cold, calculating manner

“Attorney Morgan, if you would so kindly remove your hand from my thigh. If you chose to not heed my one-time warning, I will be forced to do so…..” Then his icy cobalt gaze met hers he continued to add, “And I won’t be so gentle.” The pair starred at each other in a battle of wills. Finally Lilah backed down with her gaze as she removed her hand from his thigh. William resumed to review his paperwork briefly than spoke

“Where shall we start?” He asked casually as nothing had just transpired. Lilah decided to follow suit after her deep intake of a cleansing breath and then she proceeded to explain the art of jury selection.

The next morning William headed towards Judge Snyder’s courtroom. The first part of jury selection commenced inside the courtroom. After each juror were asked, by both the defense and district attorney’s office, questions pertaining to generalize issues in a case, the remainder of the procedure concluded in the judge’s chambers.

William was emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted, since he remained in the conference room with Lilah till almost midnight last night and with a 9am start of court, he didn’t have anytime to relax and no time to speak with Buffy. When he spied his golden beauty in the halls of the court, his heart fluttered against his ribs as in attempts to take flight. With only a cage of bone that held it in place. Spike longed to sprint towards her, fall upon his knees as in prayer, and bury his head into the safe haven of her body. Consequences be damned! All that mattered now was her. As William walked towards the only creature that was pure in this house of corruption, he was stopped by Satan’s mistress herself.

“Attorney Eros. Lovely to see you looking your best for me today.” Darla cooed at William who was dressed in a midnight black suit with a black dress shirt and blood red silk tie. Her dagger-like claws dug into his arm after she snaked her hand through the space between his arm and ribs and now that rested on his bicep. Despite the layers of clothes, her touch brought waves of shivers and disgust in its wake. William wanted to scream and pull his arm away from this horrid creature. As his heaven moved further down the hall, William felt his heart turn cold, as the only thing that could save him from this hell on earth, slowly disappeared.

Defeated, William turned to evil incarnate, choked back the vile that rose in his throat and spoke while they walked, still linked by her hand, towards the courtroom. Once they were approximately thirty feet away from the entrance, he stopped to address her.

“Ms. Masters….(William ignore her eyebrow raise at his formality and continued) this process will by trying. As I’ve explained before. We’ll review all the perspective jurors and I assure you only those that will be understanding and respectful in our plight will be chosen. Those that are not will not remain on the jury. I will do everything in my power to assure that.” William explained to Ms. Masters.

The malicious intent in her eyes appeared, as she seemed more interested in fondling his bicep and undressing him with her eyes than her fate. It was evident by her nonchalant nature that she believed that these proceedings were a waste of her time. It was almost appeared that she here to fight a parking ticket not dealing with a case that may result in possible jail sentence if convicted. Luckily for her, her father approached the pair. Almost with a magnetic affect, Darla let go of William’s arm and mirrored the same action on her father. She purposefully blocked out step-mom number five in the process. Her father gently patted her hand in condolence as the trio walked towards the courtroom door, with wife number five in tow. After several moments, their case was called forward.

When William arrived inside the courtroom, he regarded Buffy as she sat at the DA’s table as she prepared for the upcoming proceedings. Once William took his place at the defense table with Ms. Masters, the bailiff’s voice called out

“PLEASE RISE……HONORABLE JUDGE SNYDER PRESIDING…..”

In unity the courtroom stood for the judge as he entered. Once he was seated, the patrons of the court followed. The jurors entered into the court in a duckling straight line and sat in their designated seats. The jury selection proceeded as planned. Each attorney asked pertinent questions and collected notes on each prospected jurors to be discussed and reviewed at a later time. Throughout the proceedings, Buffy noticed that even though Spike appeared to be on his ‘game’ today, the fire that was a permanent residence in his cerulean eyes and that coated his words was gone. He appeared to be almost robotic when he delivered his questions to each juror. Since none of these people that filled this courtroom knew the true Spike, this beautiful articulate man transfixed them. Buffy on the other hand was disheartened, since this was not the man that she appreciated and deeply loved.

When the first stage of the proceedings concluded, court broke for lunch recess. Spike instantaneously gathered his belongings and headed out of the courtroom, despite the protests from Darla from where she sat and from her father when Spike whirled past him. With abrupt words to excuse himself, he headed towards the attorney’s conference room. Buffy exited the courtroom and noticed immediately where Spike had gone. She approached the conference room, knocked gently and asked for permission to enter. Buffy heard a muffled “This room is occupied’, then followed by complete silence. Buffy slowly opened the door and peeked her head in, and softly spoke

“Spike…..it’s me. Can I come in?” Without a response, a firm iron grip formed around her wrist and she was brought into the room, with only the firm closing of the door that confirmed she was inside. Lightening quickly, she was surrounded by a trembling wall of flesh. His forehead rested on her shoulder as his warm breath filled the cage of his arms that held her body to him. Buffy could smell the mint from his breath, his masculine aftershave, and all that was distinctly Spike. Soon another smell emanated and tickled her senses…..the salt-water smell of tears.

Buffy placed one hand at the base of his skull as she soothed the fine hairs that were housed there. Her other hand rubbed soothing circles upon his slightly quavering back. After several minutes, Buffy pulled away marginally so she was able to place her the palms of her hands on the sides of his damp face. Small streams of tears tracked down his etched cheeks. Buffy placed a soft chaste kiss upon his full lips before she spoke.

“Spike…..sweetheart, what happened?” Buffy asked with a soothing and concerned tone.

“Luv….I can’t do this anymore. I felt that I could change the world by being in the belly of the beast. I didn’t notice until it was too late, that I’ve been devoured and now digested.” Spike whispered.

“Spike…..what happened?” Buffy asked with slight distress. Spike couldn’t answer. He knew once he did, and then he could never go back into the mouth of hell. He knew that once she heard what he had been through in the last ten months since he’s been at Wolfram and Hart, she would convince him, which wouldn’t take much, to walk away and never look back. After several moments as he gazed into her breathtaking emerald eyes, Spike spoke

“Luv…..please….just can you hold me, for a little while. Once this trial ends, we’ll talk about everything. No holds barred. Right now is not the time. But I promise, we will discuss this. For now….” Spike explained as he brought Buffy over to the chair that was behind her, encouraged her to sit as he lowered himself to the floor. He buried his heavy head into her welcoming lap, as his muscular arms clutched her body. Once Buffy moved forward to encase him with her loving form, Spike moved his head to rest on her outer thigh, as her head rested on his heaving back. She drew small patterns of comfort upon his back with her hands as she whispered words of love and solace.

The lovers clung onto each other like a stranded man lost at sea. Their emotions swelled as the tide, as Buffy continued her comforting words to her distraught paramour. Too soon, their time alone was over, as the pair begrudgingly broke apart. Spike looked lovingly into Buffy’s eyes as he placed a tender kiss on her bee-stung lips. They held hands until the very moment the door was opened. They reluctantly broke apart, as they understood the job that needed to be done.

(1) Eighth Circle (Fraud)
The last two circles of Hell punish sins that involve conscious fraud or treachery. The circles can be reached only by descending a vast cliff, which Dante and Virgil do on the back of Geryon, a winged monster represented by Dante as having the face of an honest man and a body that ends in a scorpion-like stinger (Canto XVII).
The fraudulent—those guilty of deliberate, knowing evil—are located in a circle named Malebolge ("Evil Pockets"), divided into ten bolgie, or ditches of stone, with bridges spanning the ditches:
Bolgia: means pit
· Bolgia 5: Corrupt politicians (barrators) are immersed in a lake of boiling pitch, which represents the sticky fingers and dark secrets of their corrupt deals. They are guarded by devils called the Malebranche ("Evil Claws"). Their leader, Malacoda ("Evil Tail"), assigns a troop to escort Virgil and Dante to the next bridge. The troop hook and torment one of the sinners (identified by early commentators as Ciampolo), who names some Italian grafters and then tricks the Malebranche in order to escape back into the pitch. (Cantos XXI through XXIII)
(barrators: Barratry is the name of two legal concepts, one in criminal and civil law, and one in admiralty law.
· Bolgia 7: Thieves, guarded by the centaur (as Dante describes him) Cacus, are pursued and bitten by snakes and lizards. The snake bites make them undergo various transformations, with some resurrected after being turned to ashes, some mutating into new creatures, and still others exchanging natures with the reptiles, becoming lizards themselves that chase the other thieves in turn. Just as the thieves stole other people's substance in life, and because thievery is reptilian in its secrecy, the thieves' substance is eaten away by reptiles and their bodies are constantly stolen by other thieves. (Cantos XXIV and XXV)
· Bolgia 8: Fraudulent advisors are encased in individual flames. They, like their true thoughts in life, cannot be seen. Dante includes Ulysses and Diomedes together here for their role in the Trojan War. Ulysses tells the tale of his fatal final voyage (an invention of Dante's), where he left his home and family to sail to the end of the Earth. He equated life as a pursuit of knowledge that humanity can attain through effort, and in his search God sank his ship outside of Mount Purgatory. Guido da Montefeltro recounts how his advice to Pope Boniface VIII resulted in his damnation, despite Boniface's promise of absolution. (Cantos XXVI and XXVII)

(2) Ludovico Technique....see this sight http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066921/

After the break, literally and figuratively, the pair returned to court to continue the jury selection in Judge Snyder’s chambers. Those that were present were the judge, both attorneys, stenographer and Darla Masters. Both attorneys went through each perspective juror and their responses, to decide if they could stay on the jury. At the end of the proceedings, three perspective jurors were excused.

Juror number three, was dismissed since she was a retired Catholic school teacher, who was active in her local church and still attended services three times a week. Which did not include her teaching CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) every Wednesday night to tenth grade teens planning to make their Confirmation. Both attorneys agreed that she would be bias in regards to the entire nature of this case and would not be a fair nor a partial juror.

The next two jurors, five and eight, were dismissed when both attorneys decided to use their option of peremptory challenge (1). Juror number five was dismissed by Spike due to that both Buffy and he had a brief yet unsettling experience with him.
Ironically he was the taxi driver from the Fourth of July. They both recognized him immediately upon his enterance into court. Luckily due to their profession, both were able to keep a straight face and did not give any indications that they wanted to kick his scuzzy ass.

The taxi driver didn’t appear to recognize either of them, probably since this incident happened over almost five months ago, and he has most likely had hundreds of fairs since then. Needless to say, he was removed immediately, neither Buffy nor Spike wanted to look at his ugly mug throughout the trial.

Juror number eight was removed by Buffy. She simple didn’t like the ‘look’ of her. Well, more specifically, she didn’t like the looks that she was giving Spike. Buffy knew that Spike would want to ask her later on why she dismissed juror eight, but using their agreement that they had made early in the relationship, which was they would not discuss anything legal related in their personal lives, would be a way out of that discussion. If he knew the real reason why, she would never live it down.

Once jury selection commensed, all parties were relieved. Spike exited court with Ms. Masters and her family in tow, as they frantically drilling questions at the surrounded attorney. Buffy gently smiled towards him, when he lifted his eyes slightly above the chattering trio. A smile ghosted his lips, as his eyes returned to the concerned father in front of him. Buffy knew that today was a hard day for both of them. This was just a taste of what the next month of preparation and more importantly the week of trial was going to be for them. ‘Would they survive?’ Buffy dishearteningly thought, as her gaze focused on him briefly. She then turned and left the courthouse with this question still buzzing in her mind.

After another week and a half filled with work, work and more work, Buffy wearily entered her apartment Friday night with a long sigh. Despite how exhausted her mind was and how her depleated body yearned for an extended bath and then to cocoon herself in her warmest, fuzziest pjs, she was filled with excitement.

Tomorrow night was Halloween! Her most favorite holiday, well besides Thanksgiving and Christmas of course. It was the one day of the year where one could be someone else and not be judged. Where you could be as naughty as you wanted and could blame it on the night and still be rewarded with treats anyway. Tomorrow night she was going to have fun….lots of tricks and treats…as she left maturity, responsibility and the adult world behind and just enjoyed herself.

Fun was to be had! Anya and Xander had planned a Halloween/Housewarming party in their new home, that they purchased in late September. Early October Buffy had received an invitation from Anya addressed to Buffy and friend (s), to attend said party. Buffy had asked Spike if he wanted to invite Clem. Buffy had spent some weekends with Clem and Spike as the hung out; drank beer, ate hot wings and watched sports. Since Clem was as big of a sports nut as Buffy, he quickly wormed his way into her heart.

As always, Anya had planned to go all out; everything from the invitations, to decorations, to the food going to Anya’s parties were always a major treat. So when Buffy received the invitation, a large smile graced her face when she pulled from the envelope, an extremely festive, warty witch that was stirring her caldron, that had all the party information on front. Buffy chuckled when her eyes reached the bottom of the caldron where it stated “Costumes opitional….gifts mandatory”. Buffy knew that this bluntness was all Anya’s idea. She also knew that either this instruction was written unbeknownst to Xander, or a more likely explanation was that he wasn’t aware of the entire party and wouldn’t be, until tomorrow evening when all their friends came to their home dressed in their Halloween best, bearing gifts.

After much thought, Buffy had decided on the perfect costume, Little Red Riding Hood. She had purchased this outfit during a sex party that was hosted by Anya a few years back. It has hung in her closet untouched since she received it in a plain brown wrapped package delivered to her apartment two weeks after the party. In all this time, the costume remained in it’s plastic wrapping, since there hasn’t been any men worthy of her taking the effort to dress up. Now that there was, her and Spike’s love making was in one word…..combustable. They were like a flame to gasoline. Once even the smallest spark was struck, there was no stopping their passion. So unfortunately, the outfit never made it out for his viewing pleasure.

The previous weekend when Spike spent Saturday night over her house, Buffy asked Spike what he was going to go as. He declared that he was no ‘sod’ and ‘wouldn’t be dressed as some ponce’. After some “oral persuasion” by Buffy, he agreed that he would wear a costume, but he would be the one to pick it out. Despite Buffy’s continuous bribes and pleas, he held strong and told her that she would have to be patience to see his costume. With a prominent pout, Buffy retorted that since she had to wait, so would he.

Finally the Halloween was here! After a mundane day of laundry, bills and food shopping; Buffy stood in her bedroom, wrapped in only a towel, skin flush and slightly damp from her shower. Her costume, which comprised of a low cut, red gingham mid thigh length dress, with a white apron, and red cloak laid out on her bed. After some consideration she decided that she would wear white bobby sock and black Mary Janes, to add a naïvite edge to her riske outfit. To finish off the look, she would braid her hair into two plaits, on either side of her head, that would be tied with red ribbons.

As she applied the moisturizing cream over her tempid skin, she became slightly distracted as her mind raced with thoughts of the last few months with Spike. A bright smile graced her face as memories of their time together flashed as pages in a picture book, in her mind’s eye. Those pictures changed to feelings of dread since the trial was on the horizon and all the questions that she had in her mind about them on a personal level, due to their professional connection, weighed on her mind. 'Could she work through these feelings?' 'What if she can't?' The sound of music filled the silence in her room, broke her from her reverie.

“So hold me when I'm here
Right me when I'm wrong
Hold me when I'm scared
And love me when I'm gone
Everything I am
And everything in me
Wants to be the one
You wanted me to be
I'll never let you down”*

After her eyes fluttered quickly to reset her mind in the present, she looked around to locate where the music came from. It wasn’t till after the second round of lyrics rang out, did she remember that this was the new ringtone that Spike had programmed in her phone.

“Even if I could
I'd give up everything
If only for your good
So hold me when I'm here
Right me when I'm wrong
You can hold me when I'm scared
You won't always be there
So love me when I'm gone

Love me when I'm gone...”*

Buffy found her phone that announced loudly with song, that there was someone that wanted her. She picked up the phone from her kitchen counter and noticed that it was Spike on the other line.

“Hey.” Buffy answered with a smile in her tone.

“Hey yourself. Almost ready to share a taxi to Anya’s?” Spike asked

“Almost.” Buffy retorted

“Uh…uhh…..let me guess…..you’re standing in your kitchen, only in a towel. You’ve just finished applying cream to all that delicious skin that I love to worship. Am I close?” Spike purred

“Now that’s just freaky! If I didn’t know any better I would think that you’re hiding in my closet making this phone call!” Buffy declared as she slowly approached her living room closet and opened it with a ‘ah ha!’

“No luv…..not there. But you’re a creature of habit. Many of times when you think that I’m just being a slug laying there, I’m actually studying my favorite subject.” Spike explained, as his voice caressed his words like liquid silk.

“Send me a picture of you right now.” Spike growled as he started to rub his erection through his tight black denim jeans. At this demand, moisture started to coat the inside of her thighs as Buffy closed his eyes while his baritone voice caressed her body. After a deep inhale, she shook her mind clear and responded

“Spike……at this rate we’ll never get to the party. Give me ten, and then leave your place. I’ll be ready when you get to my apartment. Just call me when you’re a block away, so I can be downstairs when you get here. ‘Kay?” Buffy instructed. Her orders broke him from his sexual haze, like a splash of cold water on a hot day. He removed his hand from his slightly deflated cock and responded

“Yeah luv…..ummm……is everything…..never mind. Yeah……I’ll see you in a half. Ta kitten.” With that Spike cradled the receiver of his phone. His mind briefly pondered her sudden shift in the flow of conversation, but chalked it up to her strenuous work schedule and the length of time it would take to get to Anya’s place in Newton , from her apartment in Boston . Spike placed the finishing touches on his ‘costume’, then called Clem instructed him to meet him in the condo’s entrance. After he hung up with Clem, Spike called the taxi and promptly left his condo.

Approximately twenty minutes later, Buffy stood in front of her mirror as she admired herself in her “Little Red” costume. She knew that Spike would flip when he saw her and due to their last trip to a party via taxi, she was glad that Clem would be there to buffer the situation. Buffy and Spike alone equaled nakedness and a taxi ride to the affluent section of Newton were not prepared for their dogging(2). As she applied another layer of cherry lip-gloss, her phone rang again

“Love me when I'm gone...

Love me when I'm gone
When I'm Gone
When I'm Gone
When I'm Gone”*

“Hi……you close?” Buffy asked quickly.

“Yeah, block over. Head down now, we’ll be outside.” Spike instructed, “I’ll see you……” Spike pulled the phone away from his ear and looked at it, as it was something foreign.

“What’s the prob?” Clem asked Spike, with a slight lisp due to his fake fangs. Spike shook his head slightly then spoke

“She must have thought I finished…..ummm….nothing….no problem at all.” Spike explained slightly bothered by Buffy’s recent standoffishness. Five minutes later, their taxi pulled up to Buffy’s apartment building. After idling for less then a few minutes, Spike noticed Buffy leaving her building. He quickly exited the taxi, so he could hold the door open for her. When Buffy saw him, she spun around once and struck a pose while she asked playfully

“How do me look?”

“Absolutely delicious luv.” Spike purred as he wrapped his arms around his Little Red Riding Hood. With an impatient beep of the taxi’s horn, the lovers broke apart to enter into the taxi. Once the address was given and the taxi moved into the line of traffic, Buffy leaned forward, so her gaze met with Clem’s on the other side of Spike. With a dazzling smile she greeted him and questioned him about his costume.

“Well…..I’m a cross between one of those Charpae dogs and demon-like thing. No clue…..this was all that was left at the store….kinda threw it together. Hey as a dermatologist…..I would be my best patient!” Clem laughed as the floppy latex skin of his costume shook. Buffy’s eyes moved for the first time to Spike. She leaned forward and placed a lingering kiss on his sculptured cheek, before she whispered ‘hi honey’ into his ear. This loving gesture dispelled all the awkward and uneasy feelings that Spike has had since their two earlier phone calls.

“So……hun…..what are you suppose to be?” Buffy asked as she eyed him. His ‘costume’ was the same outfit that he wore on their second date, when she was introduced to ‘Spike’. He had on a form-fitted black cotton tee shirt with his tight black denim jeans, and heavy black Doc Martens donned his feet. But his outfit would not be complete without his second skin, the ankle length black trench. The butter-soft leather smelled of whiskey, cigarettes and everything distinctly Spike. Buffy’s body hummed as she thought about that evening, and how just his sexual aura turned her into a lust-driven mess. Well, until he opened his mouth in the taxi and all thoughts of sex was suck away.

“I’m a vampire luv…..see…..” Spike stated with a considerable grin. Buffy looked and could see his incisors capped with two ‘fangs’. After she briefly touched one pointy tip, Spike leaned forward, and with his hot breath in her ear continued to speak “Actually, now that I think of it, I can be the Big Bad, who wants to eat Little Red Riding Hood all up.” With those words, the tip of Spike’s tongue ran the shell of Buffy’s ear. Her eyes slammed shut as an overwhelming wave of lust rolled through her body.

After several moments a loud throat clear broke the pair’s gentle nuzzling. Buffy pulled away from Spike’s talented mouth as he placed small kisses and nips along the column of her throat after his initial attention to the shell of her ear.

“Sorry…..we’re being wicked rude…..aren’t we Spike?” Buffy stated as she gently nudged Spike away from her neck.

“Huh…..no.” With that response, Buffy flashed Spike a look that said ‘Are you sure about that answer?’ Spike realized his faux pas as answered quickly “Yeah…..rude. Sorry mate.” Clem chuckled at how whipped his friend was and let him know by a slight wrist movement mimicking flicking a rope. At the same time made a ‘whacha’ sound imitating a whip-like sound. Buffy giggled, while Spike gave him a look of ‘Thanks a lot you fuck.’

The trio arrived at Anya’s and Xander’s home approximately half and hour later. The couple had purchased a two story Colonial, complete with a white picket fence. Buffy who normally loved the city, had a slight green streak flash through her mind, as she looked upon her friend’s now marital home. Spike paid the taxi driver as Clem and Buffy started to walk arm and arm up to the front door.

In pure Anya fashion, the house was decorated in a way that would make Martha Stewart envious. There were cornstalks, bails of hay, pumpkins and gourds decorating throughout the front stairs and walkway. The duo waited for Spike to meet them on the stoop before they rang the bell. The door swung open with Anya dressed head to toe in Pepmo Bismo pink fluff. On closer inspection, Buffy recognized that she was dressed as a bunny, with large floppy ears and massive feet. With a quirk of his scarred eyebrow, Spike eyed Anya.

“What? I decided to face my fears this Halloween and dress in the scariest costume I could find!” Anya explained as she stepped aside to let in her guests. Spike and Clem looked at Buffy for an explanation all they received was a shrug and her mouthing ‘I’ll tell you guys later.’

Anya’s home was equally if not more extravagant as the outside. There were delicate faux cobwebs draped over the entranceways and the darken hallway that lead from the foyer to the kitchen. The living room that was to their right was ablaze with candle and firelight as they cast shadows on the modern furniture and decorations that filled the cozy room. On the left, was the dining room that had a buffet of all sorts of ‘goodies’ from appetizers, dips, cheese and vegetable trays and all types of decadent desserts.

Anya was introducing the trio to the other guests that were scattered around the two front rooms, when Xander dressed in a tux approached and interrupted Anya’s introductions.

“Anya, honey, are we out of……oh….sorry didn’t know you were with Billy want-a-be here.” Xander said with a leer, then he continued “Buffy…..love the costume!” Xander exclaimed as he leaned forward and gave her a friendly kiss on the cheek. Buffy peered over to Spike, as he flashed his ‘fangs’ at Xander, for first the comment and second, more importantly kissing Buffy.

“Droopy boy……didn’t know you were the valet tonight or are you the butler? Either way, piss off Jeeves!” Spike growled. Both men stepped forward in ‘manly testosterone filled overtures.’ Buffy stepped between the two, as she placed her hands in the middle of each of their chests. She then looked over at Clem and asked

“Hey Clem, it looks like Spike needs a drink to cool off…..you wanna….?” Clem shook his gaze from both the men and responded

“Yeah….Spike lets get a brew. Also there’s a woman dressed as a cavewoman sampling the dip that is decked out in a fuzzy bikini that has my inner Cro-magnum Man itching to get out. He would like to knock her over the head with a Flintstone size brontosaurus bone and drag her to my cave. Maybe you can distract her while I sneak up from behind. You game?” Clem chuckled as he tried to lessen the tension in the room with humor.

“Oh, good choice Clem. That’s Faith and she’s pretty easy. Just loves her orgasms and having one night stands.” Anya stated bluntly. Eight pair of eyes shot towards Anya from her quite brusque statement. Spike then looked at Clem and stated

“Yeah….sure mate. Let’s get you a little nookie tonight.” With that Spike pulled Buffy into his arms and kissed her passionately. Just as soon as Buffy gained her bearings, Spike pulled away from her still pursed lips and spoke again with a slight nod of his head, “Ladies…..that does include you whelp…..” he then he pulled away from the group in a swirl of leather.

Buffy eyes fluttered from the wave of lust that spread throughout her body. Quickly she placed an exaggerated wide smile on her face and shrugged her shoulders, since she didn’t know what to make of Spike at the moment that would explain his actions. Xander tried to step forward until Anya stepped into his way and announced

“Alexander LaVelle Harris. Don’t you ruin my party with this macho bullshit! Now let’s get back into the kitchen so we can fill the crème puffs.” With that a blurry of pink moved forward as Anya turned Xander around and slightly pushed his back towards the hallway that led to the kitchen. Buffy stood in the foyer stifling a laugh as she witnessed this interaction. Buffy then noticed Willow in the living room as she talked with Tara.

Several months ago, when Anya started to actively look for a house, she began to interview perspective people to sub-let her apartment until her lease was up in February. One of the people was Tara MClay. Anya was so thoroughly impressed with her both personally and financially that Tara moved into Anya’s old apartment in September after she moved into her new house. Tara was a part-time student at Emerson College studying performing arts. She also works at a local bar as a waitress and volunteers at a local community program that works with inner-city kids learning about acting, music and art.

For the last several weeks, she has joined the ladies on Girl’s Night Out on Fridays. The close nit trio didn’t know how Tara would feel since they have been together since law school. Initially, since she is naturally shy, she would sit and watch the girl’s and their antics. Soon she joined in and in no time at all was one of the gang. She seemed to compliment everyone’s personality, especially Willow ’s. After awhile, they started to go out alone. Several weeks later, Willow told Anya and Buffy that she and Tara were dating and it was becoming very serious. With a raise of their drinks in cheer, the girls congratulated them on many wonderful times together.

Buffy observed the two women, as Willow held Tara ’s hand as she whispered into her ear. Tara was blushing and giggling with her ministrations. She didn’t want to interrupt, but as she approached the two lovers and offered a soft ‘hi ladies,’ Tara looked up first and with a shy smile, stood and gave Buffy a quick hug.

As she became covered by crème colored folds of her costume, Tara placed a peck on her cheek in greetings. Buffy pulled back slightly to take in the rest of her costume. The dress was embellished with sparkling sequins and raised puffy fabric shoulders that flowed into long embroidered sleeves. Tara had a ‘magic’ wand in her right hand and perched upon her head was a tiara of crystals of copious shapes and sizes. She was the epitome of Glinda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz.

“ Tara ….I mean Glinda…..it looks like I should be on the look out for the munchkins and the lollipop kids! I absolutely love your costume!” Buffy gushed

“Thanks…..it was my mom’s. She wore it during our hometown production of the Wizard of Oz. She stitched the whole thing by hand.” Tara beamed as she ran her hand lovingly over the one of the sleeves. As the ladies broke apart, Willow stood and gave Buffy a big hug. Decked out in leather and armor, she was her all time favorite feminist, Joan of Arc. Despite how opposite the pair looked as they stood side by side, their feelings that they had for one another, stretched across the small space separating them as an invisible connection.

As the ladies talked about everyday things, Buffy felt a slight tickling feeling on the back of her neck. She sensed that Spike was close. A few moments later, her back was enveloped by his body heat as his leather encased arms wrapped around her middle. Spike placed a loving gentle kiss on her pulse point that sent small shivers throughout her body. Even with such a small innocent gesture, Buffy’s eyes closed, as feelings of desire and love pulsed throughout her body. The only thing that broke this intimate moment was Willow ’s perky voice.

“Hey Spike! Been awhile. Ummm…..this is my girlfriend Tara. Tara this is Buffy’s boy toy Spike.” Willow stated with a giggle.

“Ha ha Red. You say it like being her boy toy is a bad thing.” Spike said with an eyebrow wiggle. Spike released one arm from Buffy’s middle to shake Tara ’s hand. “Glinda…..it’s nice to meet you.” With her eyes wide Tara asked

“How did you…..?”

“With a gorgeous hand-made costume such as that? How could anyone think you were anything else?” Spike asked with curiosity

“Well….Xander thought I was the Queen of England.” Tara explained. Spike rolled his eyes and responded

“Why am I not surprised? That whelp wouldn’t know one of the most famous iconic witches, well besides the Wicked Witch of the West! Even one of those flying monkeys could tell that this dress was in no way shape or form a period dress and couldn’t be confused with the Queen of England. That arse probably doesn’t even know that there were several Queens of England!” Buffy turned in his arms slightly and looked at him with astonishment.

“Wha’? My noggin is here on my shoulders for more than housing my devilish handsome looks I’ll have you know. Me mum, ummm….the Wizard of Oz was her favorite flick. Even though the movie came out in 1939, bloody brilliant movie for its time I may add, she just loved to watch it over and over again. We had this yearly tradition to watch it together, from as far back as I can remember.” Spike explained with a shimmer of sadness in his cerulean eyes. Buffy placed her hand gently on his sculptured cheek and placed a tender kiss on his full lips. After several moments of emerald meeting cerulean, the lovers turned to face Willow and Tara.

“So ladies have you met my mate Clem?” Spike asked as he looked over to the buffet table for him.

“Is he the guy that looks like a melted candle?” Willow asked with a chuckle.

“That would be him. Under all that latex he’s not such a bad looking guy.” Buffy explained.

“Well since three of us here prefer women, we’ll just take your word for it Buffy.” chuckled Willow

“Nice one Red.” Spike laughed. The foursome laughed and then continued to talk until Anya popped into the living room as she told Willow and Tara that Xander was destroying her crème puffs with his construction worker mitts and that she needed their help. Both ladies sighed and then followed her into the kitchen.

Several hours later the party was in full swing. People were eating, drinking and enjoying each other’s company. During the party Buffy and Spike started to mingle first together, then separately when she felt that he and Xander were able to remain in the same house safely. When Buffy was leaving the kitchen after she help Anya with more desserts, she was stopped in the darken hallway by Spike.

“Mmmm….Little Red Riding Hood, do you have any goodies for me?” Spike purred as he placed her form between him and the wall. Spike wound one arm around her lower body as him mouth dipped into her exposed cleavage. His tongue drew small random patterns on her breasts as her back arched slightly and she plunged her hand into his bleached locks to hold him to her. Spike’s mouth made a trail of licks and small bites, upwards as he lavished attention on her neck. After several more minutes of torturous pleasure, his skillful mouth found hers as they feasted on one another’s lips.

Buffy reached down between them as her hand grasped his impressive erection through its denim prison. After several more moments she pulled away

“My…my….what a magnificent cock you have?” Buffy cooed as she continued to caress his erection through his jeans.

“What better to fuck you with?” Spike purred as he leaned forward to feast on her tender neck again. The pair continued to caress and savor each other until a loud and exaggerated throat clear broke the lust-filled haze of Buffy’s mind.

‘Busted again’ Buffy thought inwardly as she quickly released his erection, as her hands flew up in the air in a mock surrender. She looked back and forth twice between Spike and Tara, who had interrupted them. Buffy then slid out from behind Spike’s muscular form and the wall that she was pressed against, and fled down the hallway. Her head remained down as she passed Tara. Spike spoke in attempts to dispel any confusion at their recent position.

“Buffy was helping me….with a muscle cramp.” Spike explained firmly to Tara.

“A muscle cramp….in….your…pants?” Tara asked as she tried to stifle her laugh.

“Wha'? It’s a thing!” Spike responded defensively. Tara shook her head as she passed Spike and continued down the hallway towards the kitchen.

Once Tara passed over the threshold of the kitchen, a giggle exploded from her previously tightened lips. Willow who was aiding Anya with the desserts looked up and questioned her giggling girlfriend.

“Baby…what’s so funny?” Willow asked as she placed a soft lingered kiss on her cheek.

“Tonight is going to be so fun, with us being on Spike and Buffy lust patrol! A minute ago I caught the two of them in the hallway. Just let’s say that body parts that should remain clothed in public, were about to make its presence! Anyway, Buffy fled and Spike stayed behind and tried to give me an explanation.” Tara explained with a chuckle

“What did he say?” Willow asked between her own giggles.

“He told me she was helping him with a muscle cramp….in his pants!” Tara laughed loudly.

“No….no he didn’t!” Willow laughed along.

“Hey what is with them and hallways? I’m glad that I recruited you guys earlier for this! We need to keep vigilant, they cannot be allowed to christen any areas that Xander and I haven’t!” Anya announced. Both Willow and Tara looked around at all the surfaces and areas that filled the kitchen. Anya noticed their trepidation as it cross their features.

“Oh….don’t worry, you don’t have to patrol in here. We’ve gotten to everything in here, some places twice!” Anya announced. Both ladies eyes widen and their hands rose immediately, in dread to touch ANYTHING. Quickly Willow responded

“On that note….” Willow announced, as her hands remained raised, as she turned, motioned to Tara as they both turned to leave the room. Anya shrugged as she continued to place more decadent desserts on a serving platter.

“Good luck to find any areas out there that hasn’t be christened!” Anya announced to their retreated forms.

The evening progressed in fine fashion, and around one am the guests started to leave. Buffy and Willow offered to stay and help clean up, but Anya told them that they help so much during the night with everything that she and Xander will get it in the morning.

After hugs and kisses goodbye by the girls, and a sneer from Spike to Xander, the lovers headed home. Clem ended up taking a taxi home earlier in the night…..alone. He left early since the latex from his costume had started to give him a rash and the only way to remove it was with a solution that he had at home. Buffy and Spike decided to spend the night at Spike’s so they could check on Clem in the morning.

Once Buffy and Spike arrived inside his apartment, all the pent up desire flashed forward and consumed them. The only thoughts that rushed through their minds want....take…have.

Their coupling was fiery and wild as Buffy jumped up and wrapped her legs around Spike’s hips. As teeth and mouths collided, Spike ripped off her thong as her hand fisted in his hair as they consumed each other. The sound of metal teeth descending echoed through the room, as Buffy removed the only barrier between her and bliss. With care, but no haste, she removed his cock from his pants and with one thrust he was balls deep inside her. A wail tore from her throat as their intense connection triggered a full body orgasm. Buffy’s calves shook as both hands moved to grasp his shoulders in attempts to find purchase.

Spike continued to plow into her heat as his teeth bit into her neck, leaving small marks in their wake. As her inner walls started to flutter from another impending orgasm, Spike felt his completion slam through him as it pushed to break through. After several more thrusts, he spilled himself into her awaiting core. Another orgasm rocked through Buffy as Spike’s hips slowed their tempo. Throughout the room, the only sound that could be heard was the heavy breathing and giggles. Spike gently extracted Buffy from his body and placed her gingerly on her feet. He leaned forward and gave her an extremely sweet and tender kiss, especially after their rushed and animalistic coupling. After several moments, Spike’s eyes widen

“Buffy…luv….we didn’t use a condom!” Spike spoke with horror. Buffy looked at him with a smile, placed her hand on his cheek then responded.

“Well….I was going to surprise you….well….SURPRISE!” Buffy yelled as she raised her arms over her head. Spike’s eyes, if at possible, widened even further. After several beats Buffy understood where his line of thinking had gone, then she tried to explain in a flurry of words.

“No….oh….no…no…no! It’s not that! No….no…no bun in the oven for Buffy! I meant that I’ve been getting the depo shot. Which means, we can fuck like rabbits with no baby bunnies! SURPRISE!” Buffy said again with her arms thrown up in the air. After several beats Spike spoke

“So are you saying no more rubber johnnys for my willie?” Spike asked with a child-like enthusiasm.

“If that means that you don’t have to wear condoms anymore than yeah….no more rubber johnnys for ya willie!” Buffy responded with a bad English accent.

Lust flashed in Spike’s eyes as he looked upon Buffy. He slowly licked his lips like the Big Bad Wolf that totally wanted to eat Little Red Riding Hood all up. She noticed that his previous semi-erect cock was no longer semi. It was full force and seemed to grow larger by the moment. Buffy smiled with a devilish grin, and then ran full speed into Spike’s bedroom. In moments, he was in hot pursuit as a little mock howl sounded as he ran after her. For hours later, there were many treats to be had.

(1)Peremptory challenge usually refers to a right in jury selection for the defense and prosecution to reject a certain number of potential jurors who appear to have an unfavorable bias without having to give any reason. Other potential jurors may be challenged for cause, i.e. by giving a reason why they might be unable to reach a fair verdict.

* When I’m Gone 3 Doors Down

(2) Dogging is a British euphemism for engaging in sexual acts in a semi-public place (typically a secluded car park in a car) and then watching others doing so. Frequently, there are more than two participants; both group sex and gang banging can be included. As observation is encouraged, voyeurism and exhibitionism are closely associated with dogging

It was a lazy rainy Friday night, when Buffy and Spike decided to stay at home and have dinner in. As she entered into his apartment after an extended and tedious day at work, her senses were assaulted with the heavenly smells of garlic, tomato and Italian spices. Spike had outdone himself in the area culinary mastery, with homemade meatballs, a quick gravy (1), and eggplant parmesan. Buffy’s stomach immediately demanded to be fed with a thunderous, almost inhuman protest since she had only had toast and coffee earlier this morning.

In addition to the blissful smells, her sight was appeased when she spied Spike, as he stood in the kitchen, with a pair of track pants that were slung low on his delectable hips. He was sans shirt so his mouthwatering alabaster skin glistened under the kitchen lights, as he was situated in front of the stove as he slowly stirred the gravy. His bleached locks were in disarray as if he just showered and had yet style his hair. When Buffy entered into the kitchen an immense smile graced his full lips as his cerulean gaze caught her emerald one, as he held a copious amount of thick gravy on the end of a wooden spoon as he offered her a sampling.

“Tell me what’cha think?” Spike asked he gently blew on the steaming food, before he offered her a taste. Buffy placed her lips cautiously around the spoon’s end as she sampled the ambrosia.

“Oh…my…..that’s probably the best thing I’ve ever had in my mouth.” Buffy cooed as the diminutive tip of her tongue swiped the remainder of gravy from her plump lips. Buffy was met with a scarred eyebrow raise due to her declaration. Buffy giggled as she wiggled the pink appendage at Spike, then she turned and headed back into the living room to get a change of clothes from her small travel bag.

When she returned she wore black yoga pants and a deep burgundy fleece pull over. As they fell into their typical domestic routine, Buffy started to set the table, while Spike continued to prepare dinner. Now adding homemade garlic bread to the menu. A silence filled the kitchen as the two continued to complete their ‘assigned’ tasks.

Spike decided to break the silence, when he asked Buffy how her day was and the like. Her answers were uncharacteristically diminutive and at times slightly abrupt, but he chalked that up to her extensive and arduous day. Once dinner was complete, the pair were seated and then preceded to eat in virtual silence.

After they completed their meal and cleared the dishes, they proceeded to enter into the living room to watch television. Spike sensed that something weighed on her mind, since Buffy chose to sit in the recliner and not next to him on the couch.

Usually when they watched television, they would automatically enter into their ‘snuggle’ position; with Buffy lying down and Spike’s body resting in the cradle of her hips, his head on her mid chest as she ran her fingers through his wayward locks. Or they would be seated, with her feet on his lap as he massaged the tension away. Instead, she was seated on the recliner, with her legs pulled up to her chest, chin rested on her knees. It appeared as she was trying to prevent him from approaching her.

Another ten minutes of silence filled the room, until Spike couldn’t tolerate another moment longer. His rough voice, due to the minimal usage in the last hour, rang out and caused Buffy to slightly startle out of her reverie.

“Buffy…luv….what’s on your mind?” Spike asked full of concern.

“Nothing.” Buffy answered quickly and without taking her eyes of the screen.

“If you don’t mind me saying luv, it doesn’t appear to be nothing. Even though you’re sitting there, your not, if you catch my drift.” Spike responded as he turned to face her rigid form. Buffy lifted her head off her knees and her eyes shimmered with tears, before she looked away and responded to him.

“It’s just……I don’t know…..I’ve been thinking some….well not some…..a lot…..” Buffy stuttered, as her vision seemed to be fixated on the cotton candy pink nail polish that donned her toes.

After her statement, Spike’s forehead furrow as he tried to decide how he would proceed. His brain screamed that he wanted to know what she was thinking about. His heart, on the other hand, protested and wanted to continue in the blissful unknown. Due to Spike being Spike, his brain overrode his heart and the words tumbled from his mouth before his heart could veto them.

“What have you been thinking about that would upset you so much?” Spike asked as a gigantic weight filled the pit of his stomach, threatening to displace the Italian dinner. Deafening silence filled the room for several moments before she spoke, as her eyes were still downcast.

“I don’t think that this will work.” Buffy all but whispered. Despite her words that hit his ears as a scream, Spike asked her to repeat what she had said. This time, Buffy’s gaze met his as she spoke with conviction.

“I don’t think that this will work.” Buffy stated with strength that she did not feel. Her heart pounded in her chest and dinner was on the cusp of making a reappearance. Buffy’s head swarm with conflicted thoughts, from her feelings and her logic.

“You said that, but what does that bloody well mean?” Spike asked with a bitter edge to his voice. Buffy inhaled deeply, before she began to speak again.

“I had a whole explanation planned, but it all sounds like utter bullshit to me as those words ran through my head. It’s just…..I don’t think that it can work…..between us…..a relationship……I just won’t work. Buffy explained

“You keep saying that it won’t or can’t work! Repeating yourself four times isn’t an explanation it’s an echo! Just say what you mean Buffy!” Spike snapped as he stood in front of her seated form. Buffy’s gaze ascended his body until it reached his face that was slightly contoured with irritation and hurt. His reaction triggered her defenses and she responded as such.

“Fine….you want me to be straight with you…..here it is……I need to break away from you.” Buffy explained with a set expression. Once the words hit his brain, Spike sat down and his features soften as he spoke.

“Why didn’t you say so in the first place? Here I was all worried that it was something more than us having time apart while we get ready for this trial. If I wasn’t such a selfish bloke that wanted you with me 24/7, I would of thought of the same thing. Yeah…..I agree, time apart will be good so when get our mind set on the trial.” Spike declared with relief.

Buffy didn’t respond as she buried her head into her legs as her forehead rested on her knees. Despite his recent statement, due to her silence, he questioned if he was completely off from their interpretations of her prior statement. Since her silence was the only sound that he was met with, Spike asked her another question that filled his heart with utter dread.

“Buffy…..you do mean that we’ll stay apart until the trial is done…..right?” Spike’s voice sounded so small as the words left his mouth. When he was met with her teary gaze, Spike felt his heart shatter in his chest.

The breath that he didn’t know he held, shuttered as he exhaled, as he tried to rein in his emotions. Spike lunged forward off the couch and landed on his knees in front of her. Her legs remained perched on the recliner, as Spike tried to get as close as he could with them in the way. His chest pressed against her shins as he placed his hands on her damp cheeks. Pain-swirled azure met hardened emerald as he spoke.

“Buffy…..I love you…..we belong together. This trial is such a miniscule part of our lives…..it shouldn’t impact our relationship.” Spike declared with love-filled eyes. Buffy looked into his cerulean depths for a few moments before she spoke.

“It’s not just this trial…..its the basis of our whole relationship……that is why we won’t work.” Buffy clarified. After several beats, as he searched her eyes, his hands fell away from her tear-stained face. Spike in defeat, slumped to the floor as he head hung down. As Buffy’s feet reached the floor, Spike’s head shot up to stare at the woman before him. With a shaky voice he spoke

“What do you mean…..maybe I’m dense…..but I don’t understand. I thought our relationship was as close to perfect as two people could be?” Spike whispered. Buffy looked down on the crushed man at her feet, as she tried to swallow the lump that was housed there.

“Amazing sex and trips to the park aren’t the foundations for a perfect relationship.” Buffy murmured. His stare hardened at her remark, as he shot to his feet and grabbed her tightly by the upper arms as he retorted

“That’s not all we had! It wasn’t day trips and shagging that made us perfect together……it’s our connection. I know you felt it! How can you stand there at deny that!" Spike growled

“We had a connection……but it was always based on lust! Outside the bedroom how compatible are we? Sure we like the same everyday things……like food and sports…..but that doesn’t mean we’re soul mates! Our view of the world in completely different! I fight for truth and the justice for the wronged…..you sold your soul to Evil Inc. for the all mighty buck, as you defend rich boys and girls that think that just because their family has money that they’re above the law! We were fooling ourselves that we could blissfully ignore this pink elephant in our relationship! Everything that you stand for from the minute you put on your suit makes my skin crawl! How could I truly love you, when who you are is all that I hate?” Buffy yelled. Spike eyes widen in fury as his hands tightened on her arms, before they dropped away.

Spike didn’t hear Buffy move around the room as she collected her belongings, while the pain and fury pounded in his ears. Buffy faced his turned form and softly spoke before she left.

“I’m sorry…..I didn’t want to hurt you. It’s just……I love you and……” Buffy tried to explain as Spike whipped around and faced her. His once angelic face was contorted into a demon-like sneer, as his eyes flashed with a fury-filled, steely gray hue. Buffy shivered slightly from the anguish and anger that filled the man in front of her.

“Don’t…..you…..DARE! Don’t you tell me that you love me while you’re ripping my heart to shreds!” Spike shook with resentment, as he spoke with a hardness that she had never heard before.

“Please…..I didn’t want to leave like this…..”Buffy tried to clarify, before she was cut off by his snarl.

“GET….THE…..FUCK…OUT! NOW!!” Spike yelled as he tried to hold his tears at bay. Buffy’s eyes widened, as her own tears danced on her bottom lids, which threatened to fall with the smallest flicker of movement. She looked upon him for the final time with great sadness, before she spoke the last three words that seemed to echo in his mind for days to come.

“Good-bye…..William.”

With that she turned and left his apartment, as she silently closed the door behind her. The closure of the door sounded in his mind like a blast. A demonic scream tore from his throat as he began to mindlessly grab anything and everything that moved, to hear the sounds of its destruction. As pieces and shards of broken glass, wood and fabric filled the room. Like a hurricane, Spike ripped through is apartment as he unleashed the fury that burned in his soul.

Buffy hovered outside his door as she heard and felt the pain that Spike had unleashed. Her heart screamed at her to go back to him. Tell him that she made a mistake. That no matter what, they could conquer all that would befall them. Her mind told her to walk away, that he was strong and that this was for the best.

Buffy mind won, as it orchestrated her feet to move away from his door. In a haze, Buffy left his building. Eventually, with her body on autopilot, she arrived home. Upon entering her apartment, she fell to the floor and shattered.

(1) most people call it sauce, but being Italian, my family calls it gravy

After several hours of destruction, Spike sat in his demolished room as he seethed, still not feeling any better. During his rage, he attempted to demolish the room that Buffy had destroyed his heart in.

When this didn’t work, he drowned his sorrows in pints of any spirits that he could get his hands on. This ended when his throat heaved, as he tried to drink cooking Sherry. Being out of liquor, Spike decided to head out to a local bar. He chose a seedy bar that was in walking distance from his condo. He didn’t want to go to Willie’s because he just wanted to be left alone.

He continued to become completed obliviated, in hopes that his alcohol-laden mind would numb his pain and anger. Well his inner pain was eventually repressed. His outer pain, well, that was another story.

SATURDAY EARLY AFTERNOON…….

As Buffy laid on the floor between the realms of asleep and awake, she heard voices as they called to her. Due to the haziness of this state, the voices were muffled, like when your head is underwater, as they filled her ears. Buffy continued to keep her eyes closed in hopes that these murmurs were her inner voices that berated her for what she had done, not someone from the outside as they attempted to breach her walls of numbness. When touches came in addition to the murmurs, Buffy realized that someone was there.

“Spike?” Buffy rumbled in a war-torn voice as she tried to open her swollen, reddened eyes. Since last night, she had remained on the floor as she cried and screamed, while her heart shattered over and over again. Only when the abyss of sleep over took her exhausted body did this cycle end. In the light of day, her self-loathing pushed forward to reclaim its domain in her heart and mind.

“Buffy…..oh my goodness…..what happened sweety?” Willow asked as she knelt next to her broken friend. Anya and Tara stood on the threshold on Buffy’s apartment as they witnessed Willow approach Buffy who was curled in a fetal position on her living room floor. They quickly entered into the apartment, gently closed the door behind them as they watched Willow try to speak to their slightly disoriented friend.

When Buffy didn’t show up for they’re scheduled Saturday brunch, and there was no answer on her cell nor home phone, the ladies because extremely worried. They rushed over to make sure Buffy was ok. Luckily, Willow had the extra key that was given to her, since the trio exchanged keys with each other in case of emergency. Right now was definitely one of those times.

“ Willow …..is that you?” Buffy asked as she tried to blink pass the haze that coated her sight, due to her puffy eyes.

“Yes honey…..we’re all here. We were so worried about you. Here……let me help you up off the floor.” Willow reached forward to aide Buffy to stand. Anya and Tara rushed forward to help her to her bedroom, which the ladies silently decided was the best place for her. Once they arrived to her bedroom, they gently lowered Buffy to her bed. Willow removed her shoes as Tara lowered the comforter for her to enter. As a small child that just had a nightmare, Willow help Buffy get under the covers and then she sat on the bed’s edge as she lovingly brushed stains of golden hair off her forehead. After several moments Anya spoke

“Buffy, what happened? Are you hurt? Who did this to you? Was it Spike?” Anya asked her questions in rapid succession. Willow looked at her with a gaze that screamed ‘shut up’, and then she spoke

“Sweety I know that you’re upset, but we need to know what happened. Do we need to call….ummm….somebody?” Willow asked with apprehension. Buffy looked lost in her words for a moment then her eyes snapped wide open as she sat up.

“No…..no….don’t call anyone! It was my fault! I brought this upon myself! I deserve everything I’m going through now and more! If you knew…..if you only knew…..what I did….you would hate me too.” Buffy declared with strength until the end, when her voice broke as tears flooded from her eyes and tracked down her swollen, tear-battered cheeks.

“Buffy….we would never hate you….never! There is nothing that you could have done that should leave you this torn up! Now tell us what happened!” Anya declared as she stepped closer to the bed. Buffy could see fear as it filled Anya’s eyes as she spoke.

“I….I broke up….with Spike.” Buffy explained as fresh tears traveled down her face. The trio released a breath, that none of them knew they held, with her statement. Anya looked at Willow, then back at Buffy before she lunged forward to grab Buffy in a crushing hold.

“Anya….Anya….” Buffy stammered as she was taken back by her behavior. Well that was until Willow joined in the group hug.

“Guys…guys…..airs becoming…an issue here….” After each lady placed a chaste kiss on one cheek, they extracted themselves from her. Tara stood in the bedroom’s entranceway, until Buffy opened her arms, and Tara came forward for a warm embrace. After several beats, the hug ended with a sweet kiss from Tara upon Buffy’s forehead. Tara stood next to Willow ’s seated form before she spoke.

“Buffy…..you had us so scared….we thought….ummm….we thought…..well never mind what we thought. What’s important that we are here for you.” Willow stated with care. Buffy’s eyes widen and her jaw went slack when Willow ’s words sunk into her mind. She went to say something until Anya interrupted her and spoke

“No….don’t say a word. Please…..let’s move on.” Anya stated brusquely. Buffy nodded, before she asked

“I guess you guys were really worried, huh? I’m sorry. It seems I’m saying that word a lot lately. But I am….I’m truly sorry for making you guys worry. It’s just…..Spike and I….we…no I….broke up with him last night. I’ve been like this ever since. I don’t even know how I got home, nor what time it is. All I know is that there’s a massive hole in my heart that I dug out with my own two hands!” Buffy then started to cry in earnest. Willow leaned forward as Buffy threw her arms around her, to cling to body as she cried. Willow tenderly ran her hand over her golden tresses, as she started at the crown of her head, to where her hair ended mid back.

“I…..I….can’t breathe….it hurts so much. Why? Why…..did I hurt him?” Buffy bawled as Willow continued to stroke her hair in attempts to comfort her distraught friend. Tara quietly left the room to make Buffy some tea to possibly aide in comforting her. Tears welled in Anya’s eyes as she watched her friend break down. After several moments Buffy pulled from Willow ’s embrace and spoke

“I told him that I hate him…..hated him for what he stood for. I told him that he sold his soul for the almighty buck since he works for that…that firm.” Buffy spat as she thought about Wolfram and Hart.

“Buffy…..you know that’s not true. He’s a lawyer just like you. You know that even the seemingly guilty has the right to representation.” Anya appeared as a total contradiction at that moment, her voice sounded strong, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

“But that’s the thing Anya, I know this. I made myself sound like a modern day superhero saying some bullshit that I fight for justice or some such. I know just because I represent the state, that there are still guilty ‘victims’ that we represent. There are people who break the law all the time, but when someone violates their rights I fight for them. The same people that at one time were defended by lawyers like Spike in one case, can be victims in another.” Buffy explained as she slowly sipped her tea that Tara had brought them.

“Then why….did you?” Tara asked hesitantly.

“I don’t know. Over the last few weeks this case has been weighing on my mind. I have been trying so hard to keep my personal life with Spike and professional life with Attorney Eros separate. It worked, for a while. It was like that old adage….out of sight out of mind. But now with the trial weeks away….I don’t know…..I can’t see past it anymore.” Buffy explained as her eyes misted again.

“You can’t or you won’t?” Anya asked boldly. Buffy looked at her with blurry tear-filled eyes and then spoke.

“I guess….both.” Buffy responded as the flood gates of her tears flung open, as the saltwater burned her battered cheeks once more.

SUNDAY…….

After Spike awoke on his living room rug, among the broken shards of glass and wood, a pain that encompassed his entire head, throbbed to enormous portions. This pain blurred his vision, while his eyes fought to open. As he tried to stable his spinning mind, the thoughts of the last few days, rushed forward.

His stomach lurched as he struggled to his feet as he staggered into his bathroom. After the entire contents of last nights alcohol binge emptied into the toilet, Spike dragged himself into his bedroom, as he sought the comforts of his bed.

Once cherished, now painful memories flooded into his mind. Memories of them as their bodies, minds and souls intertwined with passionate embraces, touches and words. A newfound fury blazed forward as Spike started to rip the sheets from his mattress in attempts to clear away any reminisce of her.

With the flurry of his movements, his long forgotten guitar, fell from the corner of the room. The distinctive ‘twang’ of the metal strings as they vibrated off the wood, jarred Spike from his fury. He slowly approached his once main outlet for his emotions. As he picked up his solid black, steel-string acoustic guitar, memories of how he came to this place in his life, rushed forward as the damn that held his past back finally burst.

Throughout his life, Spike would play music to release all the emotions that swirled in his mind. Despite his father’s protests, his mum cultivated his love for the arts; music, poetry and the like. After his mum passed when he was 18, his music was now the only outlet he had. His father didn’t show his emotions nor speak of his feelings of his wife’s passing. This also held true to what he tried to strongly instill in his grieving son. Since his mum, who was the center of his world was now gone, he was left with only one way to express himself that wouldn’t make him be considered being a ‘Nancy boy’. It was his music.

Overnight he transformed himself from a straight ‘A’ college student, whom wore polo shirts and chinos to a ‘punk’ with bleached hair, dressed head to toe black and indulged in life’s excesses; drugs, alcohol, fights and women. This is when his ‘Spike’ persona was born. His father threatened to kick him out or stop paying for school. Spike being who he was, beat him to the punch and in his second semester, he dropped out and threw himself fully into the seedier parts of his new life.

This is when he met Drusilla. His life truly went straight to hell from there. Despite all his problems, Spike was the saner of the two. Drusilla was heavily into drugs and had schizoaffective disorder (1) that would make her at times hallucinate. She professed that she was able to see into the future and claimed that her dolls, especially one named Ms. Edith, would tell her secrets that only she could hear.

Spike was on the path of total destruction, until one night a once-time friend of his saw him in a local bar. Spike was smashed as always. This old friend told him that Spike’s father had cancer and had tried to find Spike for the past two years.

At that moment, Spike made a decision to straighten out his life and go back home. He broke completely from the world that he had known for the last two years. He knew that he broke Drusilla’s heart and when he found out that she had overdosed a year later, Spike was devastated. But he knew that if he had stayed, it would have been both he and Dru found dead on a flophouse floor, with a hypodermic needle suck in their veins.

Spike finished school, went to college and then eventually law school. His father passed away in Spike’s last year of law school, after battling lung cancer for over eight years. His passing was difficult for Spike, but it also made him more determined to become a barrister, which for generations all of the men in his family had been.

Spike graduated valedictorian of his graduation class. He then attended all three levels of training; BVC, vocation, and pupillage(2). After he completed this, he had passed the bar on his first attempt. He practiced several years as a barrister in London, then decided to practice overseas, Boston Massachusetts to be more exact. His thoughts had come full circle as he opened his eyes as calmness filled him. He thought about where he had started out and how he ended up.

‘It’s not the end of our journey that shapes us, it’s the steps that we take to get there.’ Spike thought to himself as he sat upon his stripped mattress and started to strum the strings on his guitar. His eyes slowly closed as the music and lyrics filled his head. His deep baritone voice filled the room as he sang as the memories of the night flashed in his mind’s eye as moving pictures.

* Gone Forever: Three Days Grace http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQk9T_Khd2g website for the song

“Don't know what's going on
Don't know what went wrong
Feels like a hundred years
I still can't believe you're gone

So, I'll stay up all night
With these bloodshot eyes
While these walls surround me
With the story of our life

I feel so much better
Now, that you're gone forever
I tell myself that I don't
Miss you at all

I'm not lying, denying
That I feel so much better now
That you're gone forever

Now, things are coming clear
And I don't need you here
And in this world around me
I'm glad you disappeared

So, I'll stay out all night
Get drunk and fuckin’ fight**
Until the morning comes
I'll forget about our life

I feel so much better
Now, that you're gone forever
I tell myself that I don't
Miss you at all

I'm not lying, denying
That I feel so much better now
That you're gone forever

First time you screamed at me
I should have made you leave
I should have known
It could be so much better

I hope you're missing me
I hope I've made you see
That I'm gone forever

And now, it's coming clear
That I don't need you here
And in this world around me
I'm glad you disappeared

I feel so much better
Now, that you're gone forever
I tell myself that I don't
Miss you at all

I'm not lying, denying
That I feel so much better now
That you're gone forever

And now, you're gone forever
And now, you're gone forever”*

As the last note left his guitar and reverberated through the silent room, Spike let the tears that he held back for the past two days, flow freely. An hour later, among his tears and sorrow, Clem found him.

Clem entered into Spike’s apartment without knocking. Well…..he had knocked, almost non-stop for two days. Since Spike’s noisy neighbor stuck her head out of her door with her nasty rat dog, Muffin the killer Chihuahua, every time he did so, he decided to give breaking and entering a whirl. As he entered into Spike’s apartment, the niggling feeling that something was amiss raised the small hairs on his arms.

Clem looked around the room as he cautiously stepped over the remains of Spike’s once classy living room. Under Clem’s shoes, he could hear glass and wood crackle from his weight. As he walked further into the condo, he could hear the agonizing sound of pain.

“Spike…..hey buddy…it’s me….Clem. I’m comin’ in.” Clem called as he tried to give Spike the space and time he needed to collect him self. As he entered into Spike’s bedroom, he could only see the outline of Spike as he sat on the floor with his back to the wall.

His head rested on his chest and it almost appeared that he was sleeping. With a few deep draws of breath, Spike raised his face and looked upon Clem.

“Spike….ummm….whatcha doin’?” Clem asked cautiously since he didn’t know what to say to his fallen friend. After several moments, a forced chuckle emerged from his throat as he responded.

“I wanted to know what it was like to have your heart ripped out of your body while it’s still beating…..it’s exactly what I thought it would be.”

“So I can assume that you redecorating your living room is part of this little experiment?” Clem asked with a light tone, in hopes to bring his friend out of his slump.

“What can I do for ya mate?” Spike asked harshly

“Me…nothin’. The better question is what can I do for you?” Clem asked with concern.

“What makes you think that I need your bleedin’ help?” Spike growled.

“Oh….I forgot about sarcastic, fucking asshole Spike. Long-time no see.” Clem scoffed back. Another forced bark of laughter filled the room as Spike struggled to stand from his position on the floor. As he stepped into the light that came from the demolished living room, Clem’s voice caught in his throat before he spoke.

“Shit….Spike! What the fuck happened to your fuckin’ eye?” Clem exclaimed.

“Me and a bloke had a disagreement last night. I gave him my opinion he gave me a black eye. I’ve had worse.” Spike scoffed as he tried to pass Clem and enter into the hallway.

“Fuck…..did he also give you a pile of shit to roll in?” Clem exclaimed as he waved his hand in front of his nose in attempts to disperse the foul stench that came off Spike’s form.

“Bloody ha….fuckin’ ha!” Spike growled as he dropped himself on his battered couch. Clem followed him as he finally got a full look at his friend. In addition to his eye that was swollen shut, there was dried blood on his forehead that appeared to come from a gash that was housed in his bleached locks. His lips was slightly swollen and there was a large scrap that adorned one of his sculptured cheeks, which appeared to be road rash.

The collar of his black tee shirt was torn, as if someone held him by it while the placed all those love taps to his battered face. As Clem looked down to his hands, the knuckles of his left hand was bruised, cut and tinged with blood.

“Man…..are you sure that you’re opinion was all you gave him?” Clem asked as he continued to stare at his battered friend.

“I know this sounds cliché, but you should see the other bloke.” Spike jested

“So….can I safely guess that all this (as Clem swept his hand over Spike’s form and then the living room) is due to an argument with Buffy?” Clem asked with trepidation.

“I wish it was just an argument mate. She broke up with me…..Friday night. Been on a bender ever since. Nothin’ else to say.” Spike responded nonchalantly.

“So it’s just over? And you’re fine with it?” Clem scoffed. Spike flinched as his words seeped into his mind. His head fell down in defeat as his cerulean eyes welled with tears.

After several moments, he looked up at Clem. What Clem saw there scared him. His strong, confident and full of life friend…..was reduced to tears. The anguish that filled him, poured from his eyes as he regarded Clem.

“She’s gone…..one minute she was here…..now she’s gone.” With that, a grief-stricken sob ripped from his throat as he buried his face in his hands. Clem slowly approached Spike, sat on the couch next to him, as he placed a comforted hand on his shoulder. The two men stayed that way until the final tear was shed, an hour later.

(1) Schizoaffective disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a mental disorder characterized by recurring episodes of mood disorder and psychosis. Distortions in perception alternate with and occur simultaneously with elevated or depressed mood. These perceptual disortions may affect all five senses, including sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, but most commonly manifest as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking with significant social or occupational dysfunction.

(2) The Bar Professional Training Course (Bar Vocational Course or BVC prior to the 2010-2011 academic year) is a graduate course that is completed by those wishing to be called to the Bar, i.e. to practise as a barrister in England and Wales. The ten institutes that run the BPTC along with the four Inns of Court are often collectively referred to as 'Bar School'.
This vocational stage is the second of the three stages of legal education, the first being the academic stage and the third being the practical stage, i.e. pupillage. No person can practise as a barrister unless she or he has successfully completed this course.

** change the lyric from ‘fuck and fight’ to ‘fuckin’ fight for this story

For the next ten days, time was measured by legal terms; opening statements, closing arguments, witnesses, cross-examinations, burden of proof, testimonies and final judgment. Each day started and ended in preparations for the trial. Despite their personal lives and feelings, both Buffy and Spike were able to shut down that part of them and push past it. Well….during the waking hours this was true, at night all bets were off.

Spike became overtaken by a horrific case of insomnia. Most of the time, when he arrived home after a fifteen-hour day at work, he would lay in his bed as he stared at the ceiling until his alarm screamed the beginning of a new day. In the past nine days, he was working on twenty hours of sleep…tops. Attorney McDonald started to call him William the Bloody, since he felt that all these long hours spent on this trial meant he was out for blood. Spike just ghosted a smile and went back to his work.

Spike knew that none of these people gave two shits about him, since nobody noticed that he had dropped almost ten pounds, his roots were showing and the increasingly growing dark circles that laid under his flat, unemotional cobalt eyes. The only person that would of noticed was Clem, and Spike’s hours that he spent on preparation, kept him away from his watchful eye.

On the other side of the city, Buffy was faced with her own personal hell. Her mind and heart were constantly at war; her mind told her that this was the best, her heart screamed for Spike and his love. This on-going battle made her mentally exhausted. Since she was always tired, her body begged for sleep.

Which she fought tooth and nail since sleep equaled nightmares. Nightmares that plagued her, which mainly consisted of look on Spike’s face when she told him it were over. Liked a skipping record, she could hear him scream “Get the Fuck Out….NOW!” She would wake up with a start, her tank top clung to her as her body shook with the sweat that was cooling on her skin. Each time the same nightmare, each time the same result. Her only salvation and damnation….this case.

Both Willow and Anya traded off ‘Buffy patrol’. They would stop by work and home to make sure she ate and took care of herself. But when the ring of their voices fell silent in her apartment, the nightmares, both awake and asleep, began.

Once the morning of the sixteenth dawned, both Spike and Buffy sighed in relief. It was like a man on death row on the day of his execution. He would be relieved that the dread and fear that filled his days before his death was over, but the full understanding that this was the end, became a harsh reality. As they each went through their morning routines, the thought of each other and this trial weighed on their minds.

The first to arrive was Spike with Ms. Masters and her family in tow. She was perfectly coiffed with her blonde hair held is a stylish French twist. A burgundy silk blouse was housed under an elegant gray suit jacket with matching gray tailored pants. She had worn minimal make-up and simple accessories of pearl earrings and a strand of pearls around her neck.

Spike was dressed in a tailored black pin-stripped suit, with a black dress shirt and a solid cornflower blue silk tie. He tried to find his red ‘power’ tie, but couldn’t seem to locate it. As he tried to prep the Masters family again on what they should expect during the trial, a petite form moved to his left that immediately caught his eye.

Buffy entered into court with a stomach full of butterflies and dread. The constant phrase of “Be Strong…Be Strong…..Be Strong” played over and over in her mind as she walked down the hall of the courthouse. The air seemed to be sucked out of the room, when she saw Spike, as he stood out front of Judge Snyder’s courtroom as he spoke to his client and most likely her family. Her once poised and confident steps faulted briefly after she took a deep breath and started towards him. When their gazes met, Buffy stopped mid stride as his appearance seemed to have her transfixed.

His complexion was pallid, while his once sculptured cheek bones were now sharply raised as if he had lost some weigh and quickly. As her gaze traveled to his, under his once bright cerulean eyes, laid dark circles that now framed his lifeless steely gray stare. As Buffy tried to question him silently with her eyes, he broke their connection and resumed to address the family in front of him. Buffy silently passed him as she entered into the courtroom, as she fought back the tears that pricked behind her eyes.

Suddenly the door of the courtroom flew open as Spike entered. His eyes scanned the courtroom looking for his true love. There….he sees her. Simultaneously her head turns as she senses that he is close. Buffy leaps up from her seat and runs towards his open arms. They passionately kiss, while their bodies fit together in utter perfection. As there kiss ends, Buffy proclaims her love to Spike and that she never wants to be without him ever again. Spike proclaims ‘never’ as their passion ignites once more, mouths fusing together in a fervent dance. Spike moves from her embrace, falls upon one bent knee, as he tenderly holds her left hand. Words of love and utter devotion are declared as Spike asks for Buffy’s hand in marriage. With tears in her eyes she says ‘Oh William…..’

“William…..William….Attorney Eros…. Are you alright?” Darla asked as she slightly shook his shoulder to jar his response.

“Uhhh? Oh….my sincerest apologies. I was…ummm….going over my opening statements. One can never be too prepared for trial.” William explained to the trio in front of him.

Darla and her step-mom, looked relieved. Her father still held onto his skepticism, but didn’t question any further. With a silent sigh of relief, the bailiff called the case forward. William held the door open for the Masters family to proceed forward. Her parents sat behind the defense’s table, as William opened the half door for Darla to proceed to their seats. William convinced himself to not look over to Buffy and to face slightly to the side so he back was somewhat to her.

“ALL RISE…..HONORABLE JUDGE SNYDER PRESIDING…..”

The courtroom stood in unison as Judge Snyder walked into the room as he stormed towards his bench. The scowl on his face warned Buffy that this was the mood setter for possible the whole trial. ‘Great…..the only thing else that I need is the floor to open up and I fall into the pits of hell.’ Buffy looked down briefly in hopes that maybe this would be the escape that she needed. After several beats she thought….’No such luck.’

“PLEASE BE SEATED……DOCKET ENDING 1139……..STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS versus DARLA MASTERS ONE COUNT OF AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT, TWO COUNTS OF ASSAULT AND BATTERY, TWO COUNTS OF RESISTING ARREST AND ONE COUNT OF ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICIER.”

The courtroom sat again in unison as the Judge Snyder greeted the jurors and each attorney. Judge Snyder prompted Buffy to begin. Buffy smiled as she faced the jury to present her opening statement (1).

“Ladies and Gentleman of the jury…..this case is about taking responsibility for wrongful actions. In the early hours of February 22nd 2009, the doorman, a one John O’Malley, who was on duty at the complex that Ms. Darla Masters, who is seated at the defense table, owns the penthouse suit, witnessed a young man trying to leave the premises only donned in a leather thong, in attempts to hail a taxi. When Mr. O’Malley stopped him, he noticed that he was severely scratched up, limping with numerous bleeding marks down his back.

We will have testimonial from a weapons expert that will confirm that these marks were caused by a six-foot bullwhip that belong to a one Darla Masters. In addition to these marks, the victim had dried wax that was founded dried in splatters upon his chest, torso and genital area.

The defense will claim that the victim, whom we will refer to as John Doe, and Ms. Masters were engaged in consensual sex, and that she was coerced by the victim to participate in Sadomasochism or S & M. In which they will claim, that she reluctantly agreed to participate in, as she placed eight licks of a whip, where one lash required stitches and all eight will leave permanent scars. Also they will claim that he agreed for her to place melted candle wax upon his body. Candle wax that was generated by a candle with a paper core. Which is the hottest burning candle, which will be confirmed by our expert witness in Chemical kinetics (2).

Ladies and Gentleman of the jury, your duty for the next several days will be tedious at best. The goal of the prosecution is to give you the information that you will need to beyond a reasonable doubt, agree that Ms. Masters have committed these hideous and malicious actions, without the victims consent. Thank you for your time.”

Buffy walked back to her seat as her sights set on the hateful stare of Darla Masters. Buffy almost wanted to stick out her tongue at her and chant ‘na na na na na!’ After she sat, William rose from his seat and stood in front of the jury. With a charming smile and a deep baritone voice he addressed them.

“Good day…..Ladies and Gentleman of the jury……my sister Attorney Summers has painted a picture that depicts my client, Ms. Masters as a violent and soulless monster that derives pleasure from others pain. Attorney Summers, has also portray what happens between two consenting adults, should be open to legal scrutiny if it doesn’t fall with the bounds of what is considered “normal”.

My client Ms. Masters is a twenty-eight year old college graduate that comes from a very affluent Bostonian family, that has ancestral ties that can be dated back to the Mayflower. Yes, Ms. Masters was with the ‘victim’ (William used his fingers to mimic quotation marks) in the early hours of February 22nd, 2009. And yes, what Ms. Masters and the victim participated in may be to some, risqué or even labeled as S & M. Regardless of these two facts, this does not constitute any laws being violated nor the man in this case should be deemed as a victim. We are here today to dispel the labels that some place on others when judgment is being rendered on the activities of two consenting adults. Thank you for your time.”

After William finished, he walked towards his seat. His gaze remained forward as he moved. Once he was situated, Judge Snyder announced that court would be in recess for one hour. Trial would resume at 2 p.m. The bailiff announced for the court to rise, as the judge made his way off the bench and retired to his chambers. Once he disappeared through his chamber’s door, the patrons of the courtroom dispersed.

William sat and quietly spoke with Ms. Masters and her family while the courtroom emptied. Buffy slowly collected her belongings as they continued to speak. After several moments, William moved and with extended arm, his back towards Buffy, as he guided Ms. Masters outside of the small swinging door. The foursome made their way outside of the courtroom.

Buffy finished collecting her things, then exited the courtroom in hopes that she could maybe speak briefly with Spike. Even though now wasn’t the time, she just felt that she should at least say ‘hi’ and ask how’s he doing. ‘How do you think he’s doing?’ her inner voice questioned harshly ‘He looks like he’s been through hell, and has the scars to show for it….all courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Summers!’ her inner voice continued to yell. With a deep sigh, Buffy moved from the hallway in search for a quiet place that she could be alone.

When court reconvened at 2 p.m. Buffy’s first witness, John O’Malley, was called forward. After numerous questions, that dealt with where he works, the time of his shift that night, and if Ms. Darla Masters lives at his place of business, Buffy proceeded to ask him questions in regards to the state that John Doe was in when he had found him. Mr. O’Malley gave a detail account of what his body looked like. There were several objections by William due to Mr. O’Malley giving more an opinion not facts. After some redirection, Buffy felt that Mr. O’Malley did well on the stand as the state’s witness.

Next Mr. O’Malley was cross-examined by William. At first he re-asked several questions in a different manner, in attempts to confuse the witness. Luckily for Buffy, he held true to his story. Then William went for the throat.

He started to ask Mr. O’Malley about his history with alcohol abuse and then he inquired if Mr. O’Malley had partaken in any alcohol that night. Mr. O’Malley admitted that he had a few beers, well before the start of his shift at midnight. After several more questions about what is a ‘few’, Mr. O’ Malley admitted that he had five beers that evening. Buffy tried to object (3) several times to this line of questioning, each shot down by Judge Snyder’s voice growling out “overruled”. (4)

William also brought up that Mr. O’Malley had a tense relationship, at best with Ms. Darla Masters. Based on the fact that Mr. O’Malley was recently on un-paid leave of absence due to the numerous complaints by Ms. Masters. That night was Mr. O’Malley’s first shift back since his suspension.

After William tore apart the state’s witness, Buffy went forward with redirect examination (5). For the jury Buffy had Mr. O’Malley clarify over a time span of eight hours he had five beers and none after eight p.m. She proceeded to have Mr. O’Malley explain to the jury the basis of Ms. Masters’ complaints. Which consisted of Mr. O’Malley wouldn’t stand when she passed the desk after leaving the in-house gym and that he didn’t open the door one day for her when she had two bags of shopping. But this was due to the fact that he was helping a 89 year old woman that has arthritis, that uses a walker, into the elevator. After Buffy was satisfied with his answers, she thanked Mr. O’Malley as he was instructed to exit the witness stand.

Once Mr. O’Malley left the stand, the Judge instructed the jurors to not discuss this case with anyone, even among themselves. Judge Snyder declared that court was adjourned until 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. After that the bailiff instructed the courtroom to rise, as the judge exited the bench. Once the judge retired to his chambers, the courtroom cleared.

Again Spike spoke with Ms. Masters and her family as Buffy collected her belongings. After several moments, Ms. Masters left with her family. Only Buffy and Spike remained. The tension that filled the room felt like she was being suffocated. After several deep breaths she spoke.

“Hi Spike. Good first day uh?” Buffy spoke as she stared at his profile. Several beats later he spoke.

“Buffy…..look….this is really hard……it killed me today, sitting so close to you….yet so far away.” Spike whispered as his saddened gaze met hers.

“Spike….I never meant…..it’s just…..it’s for the best.” Buffy explained quietly.

“Well…..like everything else that you have said in this courtroom, I disagree. Good night…..Buffy.” With that he pulled his leather briefcase from the table and slowly made his way out of the courtroom. Buffy stood there, as she stared at the place that once housed his defeated form. With numerous exaggerated blinks, she pulled from her thoughts, collected her belongings and left the courtroom.

Nine am the following morning, court reconvened for a second day. Buffy brought forward her two expert witnesses. After they testified the prosecution only had the two arresting officers left, since John Doe refused to testify. Despite this, Buffy felt good that these two expert witnesses were really going to make an impact on the jury.

The first witness was weapons expert Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. Mr. Wyndam-Pryce was in his mid-thirties, fairly good-looking well-dressed man. He was also British, which Buffy enjoyed since she could tell the women of the jury were swooning over Spike’s accent.

Buffy first went over his qualifications that made him an expert in the field of weapons. After he listed his degrees, years with the Queens Army, and all his tactical and ballistics training, he proceeded to list the years of experience he had in martial arts. He also told the jury of his training that he has had in instruments used in torture and war.

After Buffy presented the jury with an enlarged picture of John Doe’s back, labeling it prosecutions exhibit A. Buffy proceeded to ask Mr. Wyndam-Pryce what type of instrument of torture was used to create this marks upon this man’s back. This was met with a loud ‘objection’ from Spike and a ‘sustained’ (6) from Judge Snyder. He proceeded to instruct the jury to ignore that question and the stenographer to strike that from the record.

Buffy asked this question again, but instead calling it an ‘instrument of torture’, she just question what type of object would create such marks. He responded that it was a leather whip, he could tell by how the skin welted in such a manner.

He continued to explained that it appeared that the whip was between five to eight feet and that the person was standing approximately six feet away, due to the pattern of the marks and how they were raised. The last part of his explanation was that the person that wielded this had knowledge of the whip and how to use it, with enough force and skill to cause these types of welts. After he finished Buffy brought forward the first piece of evidence.

“Prosecutions exhibit B, a six-foot bullwhip that was found at the Ms. Darla Masters home at the time of her arrest. Buffy stated as she held up a coiled whip in a clear plastic evidence bag as she showed the court, then gave it to the witness.

“Mr. Wyndam-Pryce……does this whip look like it could cause those (as she pointed to the picture) marks?”

He asked ‘may I’, as he referred to opening the bag. Buffy instructed him to do so. He removed the whip from the bag and uncoiled it. Mr. Wyndam-Pryce inspected the whip before he told the court ‘yes’. Buffy then asked the bailiff to bring forward the fabric dummy that she had set up for demonstration. As the bailiff moved the dummy into the courtroom, William announced

“Your honor….I object!” William announced

“On what grounds Attorney Eros?” Judge Snyder asked.

“On the grounds that this man is an expert with his tools of the trade. I am assured that he can make any marks that he chooses. Plus this is a fabric dummy with a latex back, this in no way shape or form, simulates human flesh. This demonstration will be a waste of the courts time.” William explained. Judge Snyder sat quietly for several minutes and then rendered his decision.

“Overruled….Attorney Summers, proceed.” With a large smile, Buffy called forward Mr. Wyndam-Pryce. She had set up a mark on the floor to show six feet away from the dummy. He proceeded to place eight lashes upon the dummy’s back as the jury stared in amazement. Once he was though, Buffy thanked him, and he returned to his seat. She asked one more question before she let Spike cross-examine him.

“So it’s safe to say Mr. Wyndam-Pryce that a novice or a first time user wouldn’t be able to handle a whip in such fashion that would cause those injuries?”

“No, a six-footed like that….no. They would have to be skilled to even wield it, never mind hit their mark with the intensity to cause those welts.”

“Thank you Mr. Wyndam-Pryce….nothing further.” Buffy headed back to her table as William proceeded forward.

William started to ask routine questions about where in England that he was born and how long has it been since he had moved to the U.S. Spike was trying to give him a sense of comradery before he started to hit him with the real questions.

William first asked about his knowledge of whips. He answered that he had extensive knowledge that spanned five years. William then questioned where he learned to use a whip such as this and how does he know what type of welts that a whip would leave on human flesh.

The witness answered honestly and explained that he had studied films and endless amounts of literature about the damage that whips can leave on one’s body. He also stated that he had gone to several S & M clubs in the United States and Europe that catered to people who enjoyed using a whip and those that enjoyed the whip being used on them.

William tried to get him to admit that he himself was into S & M and that is the first hand knowledge that he had. Mr. Wyndam-Pryce stayed calm and denied this and stated that his interest at these clubs were purely educational. After William stated that he had nothing further from him, he was dismissed. When Buffy looked over to Ms. Masters, her face was flushed and it looked like she had an orgasm right here in court from that demonstration.

The next expert witness that was called was the Dr. Winifred Burkle, Chemical kinetics specialist from Harvard University. Winifred, or Fred which she insisted to be called, was a slender, Texan woman who, despite her many years in Boston, still held on to her southern draw. She was sweet and gave off the air of a slightly uncomfortable intelligent woman that usually scared people away with her intellect.

Buffy, as with the previous witness, went over her qualifications and the like. Then she proceeded to have her describe her field of expertise. Her eyes lit up as she explained at length what exactly chemical kinetics was and how important it is in our everyday life.

Numerous times Buffy needed to redirect her on trying to use lemans terms to explain her field. On several occasions, Buffy would re-explain what she had said, in a form of a question, so she didn’t loose the jury with all the scientific terms. Buffy proceeded to have Fred explain the different temperatures of the core of a burning candle. Fred explained that it would depend on what the core was made of. Buffy then asked about a paper-cored candle. She explained that they burned the hottest and gave the temperatures. She also gave the difference in degrees, between a standard candle and a candle with a paper core.

“A candle can burn between 1,100 Celsius (majority), where hot spots may be anywhere from 1300-1400 Celsius. That’s a typical soy or wax candle. A candle with a paper core burns the hottest, at 2550 deg F. which is 1400 Celsius.” Fred explained with a bright smile on her face. Buffy stepped away from her and went to the prosecutions table and held up another clear plastic evidence bag.

“Prosecutions exhibit C, a candle that was found at Ms. Darla Masters home.”

“Objection your honor. Most people have numerous candles in their homes. The prosecution could of taken a candle from my client’s home and claimed that it was the one that caused the burns on John Doe’s body.” William objected.

“Your honor, this is the only candle that was found in the area of the attack on John Doe. This candle was found placed next to the bullwhip, which was submitted as prosecutions exhibit A.” Buffy explained

“Objection overruled. Attorney Summers continue.” Judge Snyder stated.

“Ms. Burkle….I mean Fred….you had a chance to exam this candle, under the watchful eye of the court, prior to trial, am I correct?”

“Yes”

“Now could you tell the court what type of core does this particular candle have?”

“A paper core.”

“Which you have stated before, burns the hottest, am I correct?”

“Yes”

“Prosecutions exhibit D, E and F, pictures of John Doe’s burns that he had sustained. Let the record show that prior to John Doe having his burns attended to, there was a white waxy substance that was located here on exhibit D, his chest. Exhibit E, his torso and exhibit F his genitals. Fred, does this appear to be, in your professional opinion to be candle wax?”

“Your honor…..Ms. Burkle is an expert in Chemical kinetics, not the art of candle making.” William rebuttal brought a slight chuckle from the jury. After a few gavel bangs, Judge Snyder responded

“Ms. Burkle…..have you ever burned a candle before during your experiments in your lab….or even at home?”

“Yes your honor….I’ve certainly have.” Fred answered with a heavy southern draw.

“And does that substance appear to you to be candle wax?”

“Yes your honor….it certainly does.”

“Fine…..now that is resolved….Attorney Summers, proceed.”

“Thank you your honor. The prosecution like to present exhibits G, H and I. These are the photos that were taken after the wax was removed from John Doe’s body. Do these appear to be burns that were created by melted wax from a candle, more specifically a candle with a paper-core?” Buffy asked.

A few quick intakes of breaths were heard throughout the courtroom, especially when Buffy showed the picture of the angry reddened burns that cover his genitals.

“Yes…. These burns, in my professional opinion, were created by a candle that had a paper-core. As you can see the skin is blistered and puckered, which appeared to happen immediately, which indicates that the temperature would have to be on the higher end to cause that type of reaction.”

“Thank you Fred.” Buffy stated as she walked back to the prosecution’s table. Judge Snyder called out for cross-examination as William stepped forward.

He proceeded to ask her questions about her field of expertise and how she became interested in this field. William then questioned her position that this was indeed burns that were caused by a paper-core candle.

He also questioned how extensive her expertise was in with candles, their fire points (7) and the damage that the wax from a candle that was applied to human flesh would cause. Fred wasn’t as quick witted or confident as Mr. Wyndam-Pryce on the stand. But overall she held her own. When William was finished, Buffy waved her right to re-direct examination and she then was excused from the stand.

After Fred left the stand, the Judge announced an hour recess for lunch. He instructed the jury again to not talk to one other or anyone else about this case. He announced that court would reconvene in an hour. With that the bailiff announced his departure. After he exited, the courtroom did the same. Spike left with his client and Buffy found another quiet place to be alone.

After the hours recess, court reconvened. Upon bailiff calling Buffy’s next witness, Officer Riley Finn, her paralegal leaned over the wooden barrier to whisper in her ear. Buffy stood up, apologized to the court and to Judge Snyder and asked if she could have a ten-minute recess.

Judge Snyder stated with an annoyed tone, that they had just come back from lunch and asked why hadn’t she taken care of this then. Buffy explained that this was an issue that had only come to light at this moment. Begrudgingly, he agreed and once he left the room, Buffy ran to the hallway to tend to this new lead.

After the ten-minute recess, court resumed. Buffy stood as she addressed Judge Snyder.

“Your honor, I would like to withdraw my request for Officer Riley Finn to take the witness stand at this moment, but I would like to call him at a later time. At this time I would like to call Angelus to take the stand.” Buffy announced.

Ms. Masters’ eyes bulged out of her head as she heard this name called. She quickly tugged on William’s arm to get his attention, as he quickly flipped through his witness list to locate this ‘Angelus’. Before he objected he thought ‘Who does he bloody think he is….. Madonna?” William joked to himself, before he stood

“Your honor…..Mr. Angelus is not on my list of witnesses that was presented during pre-trial conference.” William loudly objected.

“Nor is he on mine…..Attorney Summers care to explain?” Judge Snyder sneered

“Your honor this witness has just come to light less than twenty-four hours ago. I was only informed of him late last night…..well past business hours. This was why Attorney Eros did not receive notice.” Buffy explained as her eyes stayed on the judge. She could feel Spike’s angered gaze burn into her as she spoke. Spike turned his body to face her as he spoke

“You could of bloody well called me, anytime you know this!” Spike growled. Buffy continued keep her eyes fixated on Judge Snyder, even though she wanted to face him and tell him she’s sorry.

“Enough Attorney Eros….let’s not make this personal.” Judge Snyder instructed. Silently in unison they thought ‘It’s always been personal’.

“Attorney Summers….is this witness pertinent to the state’s case?”

“Yes….yes your honor. This witness is extremely relevant to the state’s case.” Buffy confirmed

“Fine….fine. Attorney Summers, I will allow this witness. But heed my one-time warning, we are not on a fishing expedition and you are to keep the scope of your questioning within minuscule perimeters. Are we clear?” Judge Snyder asked

“Crystal clear your honor….thank you.” Buffy responded

“Bailiff……call the next witness.” Judge Snyder ordered. The bailiff in the front of the court announced Angelus to the stand, while the other bailiff, opened the door to let him enter the courtroom.

(1) An opening statement is generally the first occasion that the trier of fact (jury or judge) has to hear from a lawyer in a trial, aside possibly from questioning during voir dire. The opening statement is generally constructed to serve as a "road map" for the fact-finder

(2) Chemical kinetics, also known as reaction kinetics, is the study of rates of chemical processes. Chemical kinetics includes investigations of how different experimental conditions can influence the speed of a chemical reaction and yield information about the reaction's mechanism and transition states, as well as the construction of mathematical models that can describe the characteristics of a chemical reaction.

(3) objection is a formal protest raised in court during a trial to disallow a witness's testimony or other evidence which would be in violation of the rules of the court. An objection is typically raised after the opposing party asks a question of the witness, but before the witness can answer, or when the opposing party is about to enter something into evidence. The judge then makes a ruling on whether the objection is

(4) overruled the judge disagrees with the objection and allows the question, testimony, or evidence.

(5) Redirect examination is the trial process by which the party who offered the witness has a chance to explain or otherwise qualify any damaging or accusing testimony brought out by the opponent during cross-examination. Redirect examination may question only those areas brought out on cross-examination and may not stray beyond that boundary.
(6) Sustain - when the Court allows an objection to testimony or evidence.
(7) The fire point of a fuel is the temperature at which it will continue to burn after ignition for at least 5 seconds

As the bailiff stepped aside, a larger than life male entered into the courtroom. In unison all eyes landed on his form, as he leisurely strolled into the courtroom. His presence was felt throughout the suddenly silent room, not due to his over six-foot stature, but the authority that his shear presence exuded.

His regal features remained stoic, as he moved with poetic grace, while he made his way to the stand. His thick dark chocolate colored hair was pulled back at the base of his skull, into a simple ponytail. Which rested slightly below the fur trim of his heavy ankle length black woolen coat. Under this coat, his large body was donned in a midnight black tailored suit, with a maroon silk shirt that was opened several buttons to exposed his muscular chest.

His deep brown eyes were housed under eloquently shaped eyebrows that rose slightly, when he spied Ms. Masters seated in the courtroom. A cocky grin graced his pencil thin lips, that were framed by a full and thick, porno-star-like mustache and meticulously manicured soul patch, as he passed her clearly shaken form.

All eyes remained on him, as he entered through the small swinging door that separated the courtroom. Soon he was finally seated in the witness box. After he was sworn in, Buffy approached him with a bright smile in order to question him.

“Good afternoon Mr. Angelus. First I would….” Buffy started, until his deep Irish brogue interrupted her.

“No Mr. my sweet lamb…..Angelus…..just Angelus.” He purred as his eyes openly pursued her body. Buffy never felt so naked in her life, from just a simple gaze. She shook off the feelings of uneasiness and continued to speak.

“Pardon me….Angelus. As I was saying…..” Buffy started to explain before he spoke again.

“No need to pardon a lovely creature as yourself, Buff.” Angelus purred again. Buffy swallowed the bile that rose in her throat from his statement and leers. She thought to her self ‘Do I really need this scumbag to make my case?’ After several beats her mind told her she did, so she just plowed forward.

“Angelus….if you could please refer to me as Attorney Summers or even Ms. Summers that will be fine….thank you. As I was saying…..” Buffy face flamed, as he interrupted for the third time with more attempts of suave dialect.

“Why so formal now lamb….you weren’t that formal on the phone last night?”

Anger flashed in Buffy’s features as she prepared to tell this asshole where to go and how to get there, when William’s infuriated voice filled the room.

“Your honor! This so call witness, is in no way shape or form the ‘extremely relevant’ witness that Attorney Summers had claimed him to be. In my opinion, he is wasting this court’s precious time with his obvious tactics of stalling.” William announced. Angelus’ smirk returned, as his eyes blazed with curiosity. Judge Snyder’s gavel banged several times before he bellowed

“Attorney Eros….be seated. Attorney Summers if your witness cannot start producing anything more that pick up lines, then he will be dismissed from the witness stand. Is this clear?”

“Yes your honor.” Both attorneys replied. Buffy took several deep breaths as she approached the witness again.

“Mr….I mean Angelus. Do you know a one Ms. Darla Masters, that is present in the courtroom today?” Buffy asked with calmness that she didn’t feel.

“Aye I do lamb…..she’s seated next to Mr. Cockney over there.” Angelus stated as his heavily gold-laden hand with numerous rings and bracelets, pointed over to the defense table. Before William could object, Buffy clarified his response.

“Let the record show that Angelus is indicating Ms. Darla Masters whom is seated next to Attorney Eros. Thank you. Angelus…..what is the nature of your relationship with Ms. Darla Masters?” Buffy asked

“No relationship lamb.” Angelus stated brusquely.

“Pardon? You don’t know Ms. Darla Masters?”

“Aye I do.”

“Then how do you know her?”

“Very intimately. Isn’t that right Darla?” Angelus purred as his heated gaze sought hers.

Buffy turned to look at Ms. Masters, with thoughts that she would be at the least angry with him that he was testifying against her. The look on her face was far from anger. In actuality, her gaze burned with lust and it appeared that she wanted to fuck him right here in the courtroom among all these people. Her gaze faltered momentarily when William’s voice rang out

“Your honor….please instruct the witness to not speak directly with my client.” he stated through clenched teeth.

“Mr….I mean Angelus….please refrain from speaking to anyone besides Attorney Summers. Do you understand?”

“Aye.” Angelus responded with a slight head nod.

“Could you please clarify, very intimately Angelus?” Buffy asked as her insides cringed at the carte blanche she just gave him to answer. She dreaded that his response would be in the same manner that it has been since the beginning of his testimony.

“We fuck, quite regularly.” Angelus purred as his fiery eyes bore into Buffy’s widening ones. William could barely hold himself back as he instantly stood. His chair violently pushed away and as it landed, banged off the floor with a thunderous sound that jolted Buffy from the gaze that she held with Angelus. William growled out

“Your honor…..this…this….man, if one could call him that…..are taking liberties with members and patrons of this court that are repugnant. He should be immediately withdrawn from this court.”

“Your honor….please. If I could get a ten minute recess to speak with the witness…..I believe that if I was given this liberty, I can address the proper etiquette in court. Due to his accent, obviously he is not native to the United States and may not be aware of the do’s and don’ts of court. Please your honor…..ten-minutes?” Buffy pleaded to Judge Snyder. After several beats he spoke.

“Attorney Summers, I will allot you ten minutes. Do instruct your witness on the appropriate language, manners and the like in my court. Angelus…..if you are not a quick study to Attorney Summers’ teachings, you will be escorted out of my courtroom and held in contempt of court (1). Have Attorney Summers explain how that is not a wise move. Ten minute recess.” With numerous bangs of his gavel, the bailiff called out to the courtroom to rise. In a swirl of black, Judge Snyder was gone.

Buffy signaled with a sharp head jerk, for Angelus to step out of the witness box and followed her. All eyes stayed on the pair as they exited the courtroom. Only two sets of blue eyes showed anything besides disbelief; one filled with lust, the other filled with seething fury.

The only sound that could be heard in the silent halls was the steady tattoo of Buffy’s heels, as they hit the highly polished granite courthouse floors, as she furiously marched towards the confidential lawyer’s meeting room. After she pulled the door open, Buffy stepped aside and with her eyes, signaled for him to enter.

Once he did, he casually sat in an uncomfortable wooden chair, as he watched Buffy pace back and forth several times. Her features were tight, as she tried to collect her thoughts before she spoke. After several moments her voice rang out.

“Let me start by asking, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING? You call me late last night on my, what I believed a private home phone number, which by the way….so going to be change today. You assured me that you are willing to testify, for the state, against Darla Masters. Now that you’re here, your just dick…..I mean messing around on the stand. Pissing off the members of the court, which may I add includes the judge and so not helping my case! I don’t know if you’re some kind of person that needs your five minutes of fame…..but you’re not getting it in this forum. Not with my case buddy!” Buffy fumed as she paced. With her last sentence completed, she turned her fury filled eyes on the rather uncharacteristically quiet man. As her gaze landed on him, his eyes twinkled with mischief, as a smirk graced his lips.

“Well….are you going to explain yourself or are you just going to sit there and stare at me?” Buffy fumed

“Oh….so I have a choice with how this interaction continues?” Angelus retorted

“What?” She loudly questioned, eyes bulged, before she started to pace the room again. Buffy started to talk to herself out loud as she did so. “All I’m trying to do is win this case. I should have known with all this shit piled against me, with Spike and Judge Snyder that this was going to be an uphill battle! But I deserve this win…..I’ve worked hard….put in my time…..what more do I have to do?” Buffy finished as she looked upwards in some hope for an answer.

“The big man upstairs is not whom you’re looking for answers from there lass. All the answers that ya need are here.” Angelus placed his finger to his head, and then spoke again “And here.” as he placed his palm against his chest where his heart was housed. As he spoke she looked at him with trepidation then she responded

“Ohhh? So you’ve decided to make this conversation two-sided, well that’s a start. Now first how did you get my number?” Buffy demanded.

“Look lamb, clocks ticking and that imp of a judge will be calling upon us in no time. Do you really want to waste our time discussing trivial things such as that?” Angelus asked bluntly. Buffy thought and quickly answered as she sat down

“I guess not. Fine, enlighten me, what are you referring to?”

“Well lamb, you’re going about this case all wrong. Your looking at this case as being about one person beating another. It’s not that, not at all. This is all of the matter of trust. That my sweet plum, Darla, didn’t have with Mr. John Doe before they took part in her little ‘session’. Which by the way, her sweet skin will feel the bite of my whip for that mistake soon, I assure you.” Angelus explained

“Again, with the huh?” Buffy asked with confusion as it filled her features. After his deep, spine-tingling chuckle he continued

“How long have you and Mr. Cockney, what did you call him….ah yes Spike, been shagging?” Angelus asked as his heated stare bore into hers.

“What….what are you talking…..I mean my relationship with Spi…..I mean Attorney Eros is not up for discussion.” Buffy snapped. He raised a sculptured eyebrow at her declaration, and after a heavy sigh she responded.

“How…how did you know?” Buffy hesitantly asked.

“Sweet Buffy…..Justice is truly blind if others could not see or feel the passion that flows between the two of you. That spark…..especially when I explained in such a blatant and colorful term my relationship with Darla. Those few words completely triggered his pure animalistic side. The way he wants to possess you…..all of you. A beautiful sight that was! The fury and fire that flowed from him…..I’m surprised that the courtroom didn’t ignite in flames.” Angelus explained as Buffy’s eyes shimmered with impending tears. She quickly shook them off and spoke

“We’re not here to discuss my once relationship with Attorney Eros. Please explain what you meant about me going in the wrong direction with this case.”

“Ahhh…..attentive littl’ lamb you are….but not too insightful. Pity….since we don’t have much time left, I’ll explain. This is truly a privilege for you, sweet Buffy. Normally I don’t usually explain myself. My gift, as yours is with the law, is reading human behavior. I drink it in, as it is a fine wine. When I speak with someone, I don’t give my opinions or observations, I simply read their body language and sense their feelings and insecurities. Then present them back to the person in forms of questions. These questions are ones that they are usually too afraid to ask or answer for themselves. Once I say my peace, I let them figure out their own dilemmas. Just say I’m a catalyst for thought. Oh well…..maybe we can play at a later time.” Before Buffy could respond, he continued

“I have no doubt that Darla did whip that bloke. But she didn’t mean to cause those damaging marks upon his tender flesh. Darla tried to use methods of giving trust, to someone she didn’t. That is where her mistake laid. Again, as I said before, she will be punished for that. Not only for starting a game that she doesn’t know how to lead, but also for giving that young man control that he had no clue how to wield.” Angelus explained to a now captivated Buffy.

“I can tell by the swirl of confusion in those mesmerizing emerald eyes that you don’t quite understand me. Let me simplify this for you. S & M is not about one person beating another. People that don’t understand it may see it that way, but their just bloody judgmental fools. Sadomasochism is the means that two consenting adults use, in an attempt to achieve the highest level of trust between one another. Now don’t mistake me, this trust doesn’t equal love. It is what it is…..simple and complete trust. It’s a trust that goes beyond all boundaries of words."

"On one hand you have the sadist, who is trusting in the masochist that he/she will receive them without judgment or restrictions. The other, the masochist who lays his/her trusts in the sadist, that he/she will treat their mind and body with the utmost care. Yes….there is many tools that are used to achieve this level of trust. But they’re only implements to break down the barriers that we place between one another. S & M is about achieving pleasure through pain. Ask yourself this sweet Buffy, when is one the most honest?” Angelus asked to the attentive Buffy.

“When they’re in pain.” Buffy answered softly as the validity of his words rang true in her mind.

“So do what you must to my sweet Darla, but just know this, she never meant to cause that bloke any harm. Also my brand of justice is far more powerful then anything that little troll of a man could give ‘er.” Angelus stated with a snicker, before he continued.

“Now littl’ lamb since you understand the reason behind S & M, doesn’t mean you fully understand the meaning of it. You never will. You don’t trust…..not yourself, not others, especially Mr. Cockney. It’s such a pity too. All that fire and passion you possess will be all for naught. You will never know what the feelings of love, an all consuming love, without trust.” Angelus explained

“That’s not true! I trust….I do trust myself and others. I also love….I love completely with my entire being!” Buffy objected loudly.

“Tsk…tsk lamb. I don’t even know you and I can plainly see that’s a lie. Your words are a weak attempt to confirm in your mind what your heart doesn’t truly feel.” Angelus stated with a click of his tongue.

“So what…..the only way that I will truly love and trust someone is for them to take a whip to my back?” Buffy questioned with bite to her words.

“See….you haven’t been listening at’ll lamb. In a relationship, the couple determines how they proclaim their trust for the other. Most choose words and actions. Others choose more unconventional means. Just remember this, you can’t love without trust. That includes, most importantly, your self.” Angelus explained. The bailiff’s knock and voice that the judge wants them back in court, brought Buffy out of her racing mind. As Angelus stood he stated

“Thank you sweet Buffy for giving me these ten minutes of your time. Since you so graciously given your time, I give you my word that I will behave on the stand. Mr. Cockney’s fury-filled glares and the lust-filled ones from my Sweet Darla, will keep my mind brimming with delicious emotions and thoughts. Ta.” With a sweep on his fur-trimmed coat, he headed towards the courtroom, with a shocked and baffled Buffy, as she followed behind.

True to his word, the rest of the testimony ran smoothly. He answered questions thoroughly and without a hint of his earlier lust-filled tones or statements. During cross-examination, William appeared to be out for blood. Buffy could clearly see the fire that Angelus mention, as she studied William’s eyes and tone as he questioned Angelus.

‘This is Spike as a lawyer.’ Buffy thought as he worked. ‘Before this, it was William that held court, but now, it’s definitely Spike.’ Angelus’ voice rang in her ears as she watched him 'The way he wants to possess you…..all of you. A beautiful sight that was! The fury and fire that flowed from him…..I’m surprised that the courtroom didn’t ignite in flames.' Buffy was pulled from her thoughts with Judge Snyder’s voice.

“Attorney Summers…..redirect?” After several beats of her eyelids, she spoke as she stood briefly

“No….no your honor. I’m done with this witness.” as she retook her seat. With that Angelus was excused from the stand. As he passed Buffy, he gave a slight nod of his head and continued out of the courtroom. Buffy could feel both Darla’s and William’s questioning eyes bore into her. After Angelus, Judge Snyder announced that court would be in recess until tomorrow morning nine a.m.

(1) Contempt of court is a court order which, in the context of a court trial or hearing, declares a person or organization to have disobeyed or been disrespectful of the court's authority. Often referred to simply as "contempt", such as a person "held in contempt", it is the judge's strongest power to impose sanctions for acts which disrupt the court's normal process.
A finding of contempt of court may result from a failure to obey a lawful order of a court, showing disrespect for the judge, disruption of the proceedings through poor behavior, or publication of material deemed likely to jeopardize a fair trial. A judge may impose sanctions such as a fine or jail for someone found guilty of contempt of court.

The following morning, Buffy called forward her last two witnesses, arresting officers Officer Riley Finn and Officer Forrest Gates. Their responses and mannerisms mirrored one another, both during direct examination (1) and cross-examination. In the field, their in sync nature would be an asset; to civilians it was just peculiar.

During direct examination William couldn’t help but snicker to himself ‘these bloody tin soldiers are completely mindless. I wonder if one needs to take a piss, does the other whip it out?’ William needed to cough to cover a small laugh that erupted from his throat.

On both occasions each officer testified with steadfast certainty that Ms. Masters was verbally combative. This behavior was out in full force. When each of the officers tried to discuss the events that lead up to the injuries sustained by the victim, John Doe her behavior escalated when they instructed her to turn around, so they could place her in handcuffs. Both officers insured they followed procedure and read her, her Miranda rights (2). Both testified since the female officer that was normally on shift was ill, two male officers had to arrest her. Each officer testified at one point Ms. Masters flailed her arms and struck Officer Riley Finn on his right cheek.

Once both officers had their turn to testify, Buffy informed the court that the ‘prosecution rest’. At that time, court was in adjourned until 2 p.m.

After court recess, William called forward his first witness, Dr. Margaret Walsh. She was a Biomechanical expert. (3) She testified on direct examination that John Doe had sustained these injuries by a trauma that was caused by a thin, leather-bound object. She testified to the velocity (4) of said object to cause the damages to John Doe’s skin.

“Dr. Walsh based on the principals of velocity, is it possible to someone that is the weight and stature of Ms. Masters cause such damage to John Doe?” William questioned.

“With the weight, stature and general strength that is required to wield such an object to cause those marks, probability states that it is highly unlikely that Ms. Masters caused these injuries.” Dr. Walsh explained.

“Thank you, Dr. Walsh.” William continued to direct examine her further about the time of injury. She testified that the injuries happened within a five-hour window from when John Doe was examined by EMTs at two a.m., to five hours prior, which was approximately nine p.m. Due to the nature of his injuries this is the smallest window that could be given.

“So Dr. Walsh, this means that these injuries could have been sustained hours before he went to Ms. Darla Masters’ penthouse, could they not?”

“Yes. Like I said, there is a five hour window prior to when he was seen by someone. He could have sustained these injuries and then went to Ms. Masters’ home after.”

“Thank you Dr. Walsh. No further questions.” William graciously thanked as he headed back to his seat.

Buffy proceeded to cross-examine Dr. Walsh about her certainty of probability that Ms. Masters could not cause these injuries. Since it was not 100%, this left a window open for the possibility that she could have caused these injuries.

Buffy continued to inquire of Dr. Walsh how was it that the whip that was found in Ms. Masters’ home was the one that cause these injuries to John Doe. Before she could answer, Buffy continued her questioning as it related to the window of time. She asked why such a large window.

“Dr. Walsh isn’t it true that upon the moment that the skin is punctured, platelets begin to start to repair the wound and a clot will form?” Buffy asked

“Yes.” Dr. Walsh answered

“And if I remember from Bio 101, after a clot forms it starts to become a scab not shortly after correct?” Buffy inquired

“Well, how quickly we heal depends on individual healing patterns which vary from one person to the next. This depends on their diet, hygiene, wound care and any pre-existing/concurrent conditions that could impede with the healing process.” Dr. Walsh responded.

“Alright, if the person was a healthy early twenty-year old male with no pre-existing conditions? How long could it take?”

“The skin starts to heal itself within an hour or so after injury. There are no scabs per se, those take approximately two days to form.” Dr. Walsh explained.

“So, since these wounds were still bleeding when John Doe was examined by the EMTs at 2 a.m., and since he was found by John O’Malley the doorman only fifteen minutes earlier. One could say that these wounds were fresh and not from hours prior.” Buffy declared, and before she could retort Buffy stated “Nothing further your honor.”

William chose to utilize his option of redirect examination of Dr. Walsh.

“Due to your earlier statements of probability that Ms. Masters did not cause these injuries, it is possible that John Doe brought this whip to her home. Is it not?”

“There is no evidence whose whip this belongs to. Just because it was in her home doesn’t automatically conclude that it is indeed hers.”

“Thank you Dr. Walsh. Now, could these wounds been disturbed during the time that John Doe was being examined or when he simply moved?”

“Yes, a wound of this nature could bleed with minimal movement by the person himself or by others examining him.” Dr. Walsh explained

“Thank you, nothing further your honor.” After that Dr. Walsh was dismissed. William proceeded to call his second expert witness Warren Mears. He was an expert in reconstruction of accidents utilizing his computer. After a lengthy process of reviewing his qualifications, experiences and the like, he started to explain to the jury the process of how he reconstructs the incident.

When Buffy looked upon several jurors, she could tell that he had lost them in their own minds, forty minutes ago. ‘Bonus for me.’ She thought. Finally after his lengthy explanation, the bailiff brought forward a large screen television, which had Mr. Mears laptop connected to it. He proceeded to type in several entries, and then the screen was filled with a computer generation of Ms. Masters. This three dimensional ‘person’ resembled Ms. Masters. From her hair and eye color, down to an outfit that was similar to the one that she had on today.

After a few more taps of the keyboard, another three-dimensional ‘person’ appeared in the center of the screen, more specifically his unclothed back. Mr. Mears stated that this ‘person’ was the exact measurements; height, weight and body type that of John Doe. Buffy was impressed, despite the hair color and length it did look like John Doe from behind.

During Mr. Mears’ explanation, he put the ‘people’ into motion on the screen. The first frame showed the computer generated Ms. Masters, as she stood behind John Doe, with a six-foot whip that again impressively looked like the one in the evidence bag. ‘She’ proceeded to ‘whip’ or attempt to ‘whip’ John Doe.

Mr. Mears showed many angles and scenarios, which all alleged that Ms. Masters could not have placed those welts upon John Doe’s back. Mr. Mears concluded that based on the multitude of variables that pointed towards that Ms. Masters could not have caused these marks, and based on his experience, she did not. After William’s direct examination, Buffy followed with cross-examination.

She proceeded to ask what are the ‘multitude of variables’ is he referred to during direct examination. Mr. Mears explained that a person’s weight does fluctuate, the precise height of John Doe when he was ‘whipped’, and the strength and speed that was placed behind the whip when it was wielded, were to name of few.

Buffy proceeded to hit each point that he brought up. Each time she brought certain amount of doubt and some ‘I don’t knows’ from Mr. Mears. Once she was through, William did again utilize redirect examination. Buffy hoped that the doubt that she caused swayed the jury. Once Mr. Mears was dismissed from the stand, court was adjourned to 9 a.m. tomorrow morning.

The following morning, Buffy entered the court with a slight bounce in her step. Since she and Spike had parted ways, she hadn’t been able to sleep. Last night, after Anya had slipped a little Nyquil in Buffy’s dinner, she had slept for almost eight hours. What Anya had done was a very tricky thing to do she knew, but she was grateful all the same. Now her body and mind felt renewed. That was exactly what her spent body needed.

As she walked towards the courtroom, she spied William out of the corner of her eye. His usually emotional-filled face was eerily detached, especially his eyes. The normally bright cerulean gaze was replaced by a hardened steely-gray hue. Buffy kept her eyes forward until William roughly placed his hand on her elbow as he growled

“I need to talk to you….now.” With that he released his hold and walked towards the conference room. Buffy’s stomach dropped at the thought of entering that room again. It seems that an outwardly mundane room was in actuality a portal to her emotional hell. Each time she had passed over the threshold of said room, she’s had to face feelings that she tried to keep in check. Jealousy. Sadness. Trepidation. Confusion and guilt.

Buffy followed him anyway. She owed him at least that much. Once she entered, he gestured for her to sit. He had chosen to stand. After several beats he spoke.

“May I ask pray tell….what or I guess who, was that bastard that you put on the stand the other day?” Spike snarled.

“Who are you referring to Spike?” Buffy asked innocently.

“You bloody well know who I’m referring to. Don’t play coy, it’s not flattering.” Spike seethed.

“Fine….are you referring to Angelus?” Buffy asked back with bite.

“Oh course I am! Bloody arse…..prancing around looking like some pimp from the Red Light district!” Spike growled.

“Spike, you can’t be jealous, can you?” Buffy asked with a snicker

“Hardly.” Spike chucked with a deep-menacing sound that clenched her insides. “No….not jealous. The green-eyed monster only strikes when you fancy someone that are being courted by another. At this moment, fancying you is the last thought I have in my mind.” Spike stated coldly.

This statement drained all the color from Buffy’s cheeks. She felt a deep overwhelming feeling of sorrow settle into her bones. She wanted to cry out. Apologize for her behavior and how much pain she caused him, but her pride and sheer spite stood in the way. An impassive gaze filled her emerald eyes.

“Then why am I here?” Buffy asked in slightly perturbed tone. Spike’s form remained rigid as he stood before her with only the table to separate them.

“I wanted to ask you, from one lawyer to another, why the bleedin’ hell would you blind side me like that. I’ve been nothing but forthright with you. You never needed to ask for discovering, witness lists or the like more than once. Some not even that! Then that pillock strolls into court. Puts the whole place on its ear and then stroll his holier-than-thou, Mick arse out. You put forward that you are an honest and trust worthy lawyer. Oxymoron I know, but the bloody sod that I am, believed you.” Spike growled as he moved forward. He placed his hands on the table as he leaned menacingly forward. Stone-cold features transformed his handsome face as he hovered several inches away from her ashen one. Then he growled his next statement

“Well until now. You may act all high and mighty, but you’re just like the rest of us. At least I’m man enough to admit it.”

With that, he spun around and turned to leave. After Spike opened the door slightly, he looked over his shoulder and made a statement that placed the final nail in her emotional coffin “And you said I sold MY soul.” Once he finished, he left a dazed and confused Buffy. As the door closed behind him with a distinct ‘click’.

A deafening tidal wave of sound flooded her ears. All she could hear was her heart pounding and shattering inside her chest all at once. Tears rimmed her lower lids as they threatened to fall with the slightest of movements. Only one other time in her life did she ever feel this much pain. ‘When her mom…..No! Don’t think of it. Get yourself together Buffy! You can’t let him get under your skin. Now dry those tears and get your ass back to court!’ Buffy’s mind screamed.

She numbly stood and as on cruise control; walked towards the courtroom. She entered the door, after several steps sat down. Spike talked and laughed with Ms. Masters and her family as the court waited for Judge Snyder to take the bench. As Buffy remained trapped in her mind, the outside sounds mimicked Funhouse laughs and muffled voices that barely seeped into her hazy mind. The announcement from the bailiff, as it declared the presence of the judge, snapped her back into the forefront. Once Judge Snyder sat, he instructed William to call his next witness.

At first William’s list of character witnesses were three pages long. Ms. Masters requested to have at least thirty. After much discussion at pre-trial conference, she was allowed to have four. Buffy believed that was still too many, but in order to come to an agreement, four became the number.

The first witness was Ms. Masters’ priest, Father Caleb, from her family’s congregation. He was a mid-thirties man that was dressed in full priest garb, all black with the basic white clerical collar. Even though he testified that he hadn’t see Darla in ‘many years’ on a regular basis, she was at every Easter and Christmas mass. This remained true, since he had become the priest at her church. He also testified that her family was ‘extremely’ generous with donations that kept the parish afloat. After Father Caleb’s ‘songs of praise’ for Ms. Masters, William ended his direct examination. Next Buffy was called forward for cross-examination.

During the short time that Buffy cross-examined Father Caleb she felt a profound uneasiness. First due to him being a priest. Even though she wasn’t religious, it felt like sacrilege to be questioning a man of the cloth. Secondly, and more so, during his testimony he claimed that Darla wasn’t one of those typical ‘dirty girls’ that society had in their mists. He started to quote scriptures and retell stories of how these ‘dirty girls’ were what brought down Sodom and Gomorrah and kicked Adam out of the Garden of Eden. As quick as she could, she excused him from the stand.

The next character witness was the Dean from her alma mater, Yale University. On direct examination Dr. Robin Wood testified that Ms. Masters was very involved with school, both academically and socially. She belonged to the Aurelian Honor Society (5) and to the Yale Entrepreneurial Society. He generally discussed her grades and how she ‘made her presence known’ at Yale.

Upon cross-examination, Dr. Robin Wood did testify that the Masters family are alumni of Yale and have over the past decades, donated large sums to the school. When Buffy inquired what a ‘large sum’ was, Dr. Wood responded that he didn’t have the figures and was unable to speculate a guess.

Buffy inquired if Ms. Masters was involved in any other clubs or societies. After several ‘I don’t knows and it was only rumored’ he admitted that it was believed that Ms. Masters was part of the Skulls and Bones Society (6). This society has a history of their memberships heavily tilting towards the Power Elite. The society was strictly men until 1992, when woman were ‘tapped’ in as members.

Buffy pointed out that Ms. Masters must have power indeed, to be able to be a member of such an elite society. This type of power could be used against others for her own personal gains. After her sharp-tongued statement, she told the judge that she had ‘no further questions’.

William did ask some questions of Dr. Wood under redirect. These questions were in regards to his knowledge of the Skulls and Bones Society and if he had actual proof that she was a member. Dr. Wood stated that he had limited knowledge of the society and no he didn’t have proof it and it was only rumored to be true, not the actual truth.

After a long morning of direct and cross-examinations, the court broke for an hour recesses. After lunch, William continued with his witnesses.

The next two witnesses, were a pair of painted pigeons that congregate on Newbury Street in Boston. They cooed to William how wonderful and generous Darla was and that they believed John Doe was just looking for money and fame. They both claimed that Darla was part of high society, as they were, and didn’t need to ‘rent men’ out to be with. They also stated that Darla has given unlimited donations to help many causes such as planting trees in the city of Boston and feeding kids in Africa. One claimed that she was a ‘humanitarian’.

On cross-examination, Buffy pointed out that John Doe has not and was not scheduled to testify in this trial. She questioned that due to him not testifying, how did this support their beliefs that John Doe was out for money and fame. As reading off a script, both women mimicked one another’s actions, even though they were not together.

With a ‘pft’ and roll of their heavily painted eyes, each explained in their own shallow way, that just because he wasn’t here today, doesn’t mean that after trial is over that he won’t sell his story. They claimed he would sell these lies to the Enquirer or Lifetime, so they can make his story into a movie.

Buffy’s felt that her attempts to punch holes into their testimonies were beyond easy. Since their stories were already very paper thin and their one-tracked, money-filled minds, couldn’t rap around any concept that wasn’t the consensus of the flock. After several questions, Buffy was merciful to the court, due to their incisive mindless rambles and released them from the stand.

After each Stepford Wife completed their testimonies, the court was adjourned for 9 a.m. the next morning. Both William and Buffy were relieved that this was soon to be over. Tomorrow Ms. Masters was to testify and then closing arguments.

William was relieved to the fullest extent. After tomorrow besides several minutes to hear judgment he wouldn’t have to see Buffy ever again. The band aide that held together his frayed feelings and emotions could be torn off and his could finally get past this, this emotional limbo. He thought to himself as he lay in his bed that night ‘Just one more day mate. One more day and all this pain can be put behind me, and then I can move on.’ To the silent room he snickered before his voice broke through.

“Yeah right. Maybe if I keep telling myself that, then it would be true.” With that he rolled over and hugged a soft down-filled pillow close to his body. As his cheek lay on the cool cotton of the pillow case, his nostrils were filled with a scent that clung to the material, Buffy’s essence. He took a deep intake of breath as his eyes closed. A single once trapped tear, streamed down his cheek staining the fabric.

Across the city, Buffy laid awake as her mind buzzed with thoughts of tomorrow. ‘How quickly the mighty have fallen.’ She thought as her eyes stared blankly at her darkened ceiling. Not too long ago she was on the top of the world. She had a job she loved, friends that were her family, and a man that she completely adored. Now most of it was altered in one way or another.

Well the job she still loved, but her perception of her role in the law had changed. It was no longer black and white. Prosecution good…..defense bad. It took her breaking Spike’s heart to realize that he shouldn’t be roped into that category of defense equals bad. She realized that her perception was completely faulty and their relationship had suffered and eventually ended because of it.

Then today, her world was rocked even further, when the words that he had said to her, rang in her mind as it had scattered her beliefs again. ‘You put forward that you are an honest and trust worthy lawyer…… You may act all high and mighty, but you’re just like the rest of us. At least I’m man enough to admit it.‘ The words rolled around her mind, then the last thing he said, slammed forward, ‘And you said I sold MY soul’.

Buffy shuttered as she determined that she couldn’t close her eyes. If she did, sleep might take her. If the sandman did come, then tomorrow would be there. Tomorrow meant that last day that she would see William. With this realization, tears started to flow freely as her body shook with the sorrow that she felt soul deep.

(1) Miranda Rights: Every U.S. jurisdiction has its own regulations regarding what, precisely, must be said to a person when he or she is arrested or placed in a custodial situation; the typical warning is as follows:
“ You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney present during questioning. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you. Do you understand these rights?

(2)Direct examination is the questioning of a witness by the party who called him or her, in a trial.

(3)Biomechanical experts study forces which cause injury and the mechanisms of injuries. The biomechanical expert is trained in engineering as well as human anatomy. Injuries do not occur in and of themselves. They required a mechanism which includes the force required to damage bones, soft tissue and muscle, etc. an attorney would not need to present a safety engineer or biomechanical engineer to explain how someone may have been broken foot when a heavy object fell on it but an expert would be required if the injury were to occur while operating a vehicle, etc.
(4) In physics, velocity is the rate of change of position.

(5) The Aurelian Honor Society was founded at Yale University in 1910. The award is given "to that member of the graduating class who is outstanding in sterling character, high scholarship, and forceful leadership,"

(6) Skull and Bones is a secret society at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.

The following morning Buffy was begrudgingly summoned from her restless sleep by the persistent command of the alarm clock. After an hour of crying last night her exhausted body collapsed under the weight of its demands for sleep. Now that the clouds of sleep had cleared Buffy knew that morning was here. Her stomach knotted with the thoughts of what that truly meant.

She wanted to crawl deeper into her comforter. Cocoon herself in goose down and fabric, in an attempt to keep away the outside world. Maybe if she didn’t greet the day then time would stand still. She knew that this was just wishful thinking, but her hopes remained. Again, the alarm made its presence known. Her hand shot out from its confines as she blindly searched for the destroyer of dreams and silence. Once her hand met with its plastic home, she slammed her palm down, as she finally suppressed the sound. Her hand snaked back into her warm haven, as she opened her puffy and reddened eyes. Buffy mentally willed her body to move. After several moments, she threw her shelter away as the cold air of the morning assaulted her once cozy form.

As Buffy numbly stepped into the hot spray of the shower, she became grateful that her flowing tears were washed away down the drain, hopefully with her feelings of anguish and self- loathing.

Spike pulled himself out of bed with a brighter outlook on life than he has had in the last several weeks. As he combed his bleached locks into his usual slicked back style, he studied his reflection that stared back at him through the steam-covered glass. Yesterday was the turning point that he needed, to finally move on. Strangely, Buffy herself had started the process in motion.

When she had brought forward that bastard Angelus, it opened his eyes for the first time that Buffy wasn’t as perfect as he perceived or she claimed to be. After he had told Buffy what he thought of her and her actions, he felt a freedom that liberated his weighted heart. He had felt a sense of peace that he hasn’t felt in sometime.

‘I’ve got my rocks back now! I’m no longer her whipping boy!’ His inner Spike announced in rebellion, as he donned his muscular form with his most expensive suit and favorite scarlet tie. Well, it wasn’t his favorite, more of his second favorite. His good luck charm, his beloved crimson silk tie, the one he had won numerous cases in, was still missing. Spike tore apart his apartment on the hunt for his charm, to no avail. He even had his local dry cleaners search their place for it. Still nothing.

‘Bloody must be where the laundry gnomes take that one sock that I always loose in the wash.’ Spike inwardly joked as he finished tying his black $500 JM Weston shoes. He stood before his full-length mirror as he inspected the finished product. ‘Handsome bloke I am. Need to gain back some weight, but otherwise….’ Spike thought as he grabbed his black trench and briefcase. With a final scan of his condo to make sure he hadn’t forgotten anything, he left on his way to court.

Despite her difficulty in becoming motivated this morning, Buffy arrived in the courthouse before Spike. Buffy hoped that maybe she could talk to him. At least apologize for being sneaky with Angelus and maybe ask, or even beg, that he could forgive her for how their relationship ended. More specifically how she ended their relationship. She knew that it was a long shot. If the way he looked and spoke to her yesterday was any indication, she knew that was a big no.

In her mind’s eye, she daydreamed that he would forgive her immediately. Sweep her into his muscular arms, as he placed loving and toe-curling kisses upon her mouth. Instantly, her imagination changed from romantic to erotic.

Suddenly, the backdrop of the courthouse melted away and was replaced by her bedroom. Shadows of candlelight played across his flawless nude form, as he worshiped her body completely. He brought her to completion time and time again with his talented mouth, hands and cock. Lost in her fantasy, Buffy’s body crested with another ‘dream’ orgasm. Her mouth framed in a silent moan, as the loud sounds of the courthouse halls, shook her from her thoughts.

Buffy fluttered her eyelids as the realization of where she truly was, slammed into her mind like a freight train. She tried desperately to get her bearings. Her brow and upper lip felt moist with perspiration. Half crescent marks adorned her palms, since her hands were balled into tight fists throughout her daydream. Her breaths were quick short pants, as she tried to control her bodily reaction to her fantasy. Buffy stood and with a shaky gait, walked towards the nearest ladies room. As she moved, she felt the evidence of her climaxes, as it dampened her panties and upper inner thighs.

After she cleared away the residual effects from her imagination, she stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Her face flushed, eyes wild and unfocused as she clutched the sides of the porcelain sink. After several moments, Buffy turned on the cold water, as she placed her cupped hands under the stream. She splashed several handfuls of cold water on her blushed, heated face in an attempt to focus her mind. Buffy’s mind finally focused, as the coldness permeated her mind and brought her back into reality.

Buffy looked up into the mirror as she tried to focus. She mentality prepped herself for the day and more importantly seeing Spike for the last time. Buffy looked down at her Gucci watch and started to scramble to dry herself off. It was five minutes before court was in session. Due to this, she burned through her time that she could speak with Spike alone. ‘I’ll do it after court. Hopefully he’ll listen.’ Buffy thought as she moved quickly towards Judge Snyder’s courtroom.

Buffy arrived to her seat with seconds to spare, as the bailiff’s voice rang out the arrival of Judge Snyder. William noticed immediately from his peripheral vision, Buffy’s clearly shaken form as they stood waiting for the judge’s arrival. She braced her upper body with her unsteady hands on the prosecution table, as her face held an unfocused gaze. When the bailiff instructed to the court that they could take their seats, Buffy’s form fell in an ungraceful heap upon her chair.

William wanted to go to her. Pull her uneasy form into his arms and console her on whatever vexed her so. Then his inner Spike had other ideas. ‘Mate, snap out of it! She brought this upon herself. You reap what you sow and whatnot. Stay strong….stay strong.’ William’s eyes moved forward to focused completely on the judge. Judge Snyder instructed William to present his next witness. His last witness, Ms. Darla Masters.

Despite William’s protests for Darla not to testify on her own behalf, she demanded that she would be put on the stand. In addition to Wolfram and Hart’s and her father’s backing, William didn’t have any other option then to comply.

“Your honor, the defense calls forward Ms. Darla Masters.” William announced to the court.

Ms. Masters eloquently walked forward to take her place on the witness stand. Her petite form was donned in a conservative; black tailored pants suit, with a teal silk blouse underneath. Simple diamond earrings adorned her ears and a simple gold chain with a teardrop solitaire diamond pendant completed the outfit. Ms. Masters’ blond hair was coiffed in a sophisticated chignon that accentuated her attractive features. Once she sat, William began with a brief statement of reassurance for her benefit.

“Good Morning Ms. Masters. I understand that this is a trying time on you. Due to the nature of the alleged crime, Attorney Summers and myself are going to have to ask you questions that are very personal in nature. If at any time, you need a moment to collect yourself, please feel free to do so.” As on cue, Ms. Masters brought a white lacy hankie to the corner of each eye, as she wiped away non-existence tears.

“Ms. Masters, is it alright if I address you as Darla?”

“Please, I’d rather you call me Darla.”

“Thank you Darla. Now what is your relationship with the alleged victim, John Doe?”

“That night was the first time we’d had met. We were set up on a blind date, which I told him to meet me at my penthouse. Well, before we went out, one thing lead to another….I thought he was a nice guy! Not some freak! I never thought it would result in this!” Ms. Masters placed her face into her hands, as her shoulders shook with tears. Or so the court thought. After several moments, she looked up, as she dabbed under her eyes. Which were already completely dry.

Buffy wanted to yell her objection that she called John Doe a freak, but she held steady. Due to the mock ‘waterworks’ she didn’t want to appear heartless to the jury. She knew that the jury would see through her charade soon enough.

“I understand Darla. As I said before, this is very difficult. Let’s take this one step at a time. When you refer to one thing lead to another, were you referring to sex?”

“Yes. But we never ended up having sex.”

“When you referred to John Doe as a ‘freak’, what exactly do you mean by that?”

“Well, we were kissing and then some foreplay. Before we were about to have sex, he told me that he wanted to do something kinky. I said sure. Then he pulled out this wicked looking whip and a candle.”

After William picked up the evidence bag, announcing to the court as defense exhibit A, he showed this to Ms. Masters.

“Is this the whip that you are referring to?”

“Yeah. He told me that he wanted me to hit him with it. On his back. I didn’t notice the bloody welts that he already had there, until he turned around and put his hands against my wall.”

“So your testifying that his back was covered with welts when he turned around?”

“Yes.”

“So he requested for you to whip him, after he asked you to put the candle wax on his body?”

“Objection your honor. Defense is leading the witness.” Buffy announced.

“Sustained. Question stricken from the record. Jurors please ignore the last question. Attorney Eros…” Judge Snyder stated

“Which did he present to you first, the candle or the whip?”

“The candle.” William stopped her right there and walked over to the defense table. He picked up another evidence bag and announced “Defense exhibit B, a candle that was found at Ms. Darla Masters’ home.”

“Please Darla, continue.”

“Well, he lit the candle and told me that he wanted me to drip it on his naked body. He told me that he liked it done to his chest, stomach and his privates.”

“His privates? Could you elaborate Darla?”

“His penis and testicles.”

“Thank you. So John Doe asked you to drip hot wax on his body, then he asked you to whip him?”

“Yes.”

“Did you place the wax on his body?”

“Yes. I didn’t want to! He told me that it would help him get off. So I did it!” Ms. Masters theatrically wailed. Again her head landed into her hands, as her upper body shook with sorrow. Buffy’s eyes rolled as she thought to herself ‘and the Oscar goes to….’

“Do you need a moment Darla?” William asked

“Yes.” A mumbled response came from behind her hands. After several moments, she looked up again, and there were a few tears that dampened her face.

“Are you ready to continue?” With a slight head nod, William did. “Let me go back to a statement you made earlier. You stated that you never had sex with John Doe. Why was that?”

“After I put the wax on him, he looked really hurt. I told him that this was all too much and I wanted him to leave. He yelled some nasty words and then I kicked him out.”

“What nasty words were said?”

“He called me a…a…cock tease and that I was a whore. I told him to get out. I didn’t care if he had any more clothes on then his underwear. I just wanted him out.”

“Well, thank you very much Darla. No further questions your honor.” With that William returned to his seat.

“Attorney Summers….” Judge Snyder announced

“Yes thank you your honor. Good morning Ms. Masters. May I call you Darla also?”

“I prefer that you don’t.” Ms. Masters responded

“That’s fine. Ms. Masters, are you familiar with the roles that certain court employees have?”

“I guess.” Ms. Masters stammered with a confused look on her face

“Let me be more specific. Are you aware of the role of a stenographer?” Buffy asked as her hand gestured to the woman who sat off to the side of the judge’s bench.

“No…not really.”

“Well let me briefly explain. A stenographer transcribes spoken or recorded speech into written form. This written form is then filed in the courthouse records, permanently.” Buffy explained

“Are you familiar with the term of perjury?” Buffy asked

“Objection your honor. I don’t see how this line of questioning has to do with this case.” William announced

“Attorney Summers….where are you going with this line of questioning?” Judge Snyder questioned

“Your honor, I wanted to see if Ms. Masters is familiar with the court’s terminology for not giving true statements on the stand.” Buffy explained

“Attorney Summers, it is the jury’s responsibility to determine who is telling the truth. Not yours. Move on.” Judge Snyder urged

“Thank you your honor. Now Ms. Masters, you had stated earlier that you had just met John Doe that evening is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“You also stated that you were set up on a ‘blind date?”

“Yes.”

“Who was the ‘match maker’ that set up this ‘blind date’?”

“It was a mutual friend of ours.” Ms. Masters explained

“Now was this mutual friend of yours, did you know he or she on a personal or professional level?”

“I guess I knew her on a personal level.”

“You guess?”

“No, not guessing. A personal level.”

“Thank you. Now, is this person affiliated, more specifically the madam, of a well known escort service in downtown Boston?”

“Objection your honor.” William protested

“On what grounds Attorney Eros?”

“On the grounds that this common affiliate, had never testified on the prosecution’s behalf, and their profession can never be truly known or confirmed.”

“Objection sustained. Have that last question stricken from the record. Jurors please ignore that last question. Attorney Summers.” Judge Snyder instructed.

Buffy didn’t care that her statement was taken back. The judge could instruct the jurors to ignore the statement, but it’s already out there.

“Ms. Masters you claimed that John Doe brought the whip and candle to your home is that correct?”

“Yes.”

“Now if you felt that he was a ‘freak’, which was your word, why did you indulge his requests of the hot candle wax?”

“I….I didn’t mind doing that. If that was what he wanted. Everyone has their own sexual desires, who am I to judge him?”

“That is true Ms. Masters. But isn’t calling him a freak doing just that?” Before she could respond Buffy asked another question.

“Now Ms. Masters what is your relationship with Angelus?” Ms. Masters’ face flushed a deep hue of pink, as she started to fidget in her seat. After several moments of no response, Buffy prompted her.

“Well….Ms. Masters, what is the nature of your relationship with Angelus?”

“We…ummm….we’ve slept together.” Ms. Masters whispered

“Excuse me Ms. Masters. You need to speak louder so the stenographer and the jury can hear your response.” Daggers shot from Ms. Masters’ gaze as she responded again

“We’ve slept together.”

“Thank you. Now when you ‘slept together’ are you referring to sex?”

“Yes”

“Could this sex be considered risqué in nature?” Buffy asked.

“Objection your honor. This line of questioning does not hold relevance to this case.” William proclaimed.

“Your honor, the history of Ms. Masters’ sexual experience does hold relevance when it shows a pattern of S & M practices.” Buffy retorted.

“Attorney Eros, your objection is overruled. Attorney Summers, tread lightly.” Judge Snyder instructed.

“Thank you your honor. Ms. Masters your sexual relationship with Angelus does it consist of S & M practices?” Ms. Masters’ face tightened as it looked like she wanted to tell Buffy to ‘fuck off.’ She looked over to William, as he shook his head instructing her silently to not say anything rash. Ms. Masters took a deep breath and continued.

“Yes one could say that.”

“Are you one of those that could say that?”

“Yes.”

“Ms. Masters could you be more specific? What type of S & M ‘tools’ are used in your time together?” Ms. Masters closed her eyes as she responded.

“Handcuffs, whip cream and other foods, blind folds, sometimes silk bindings for my arms and legs.”

“What about other instruments? Like whips, candles, paddles or the like?” As her eyes remained closed she responded

“Yes.”

“Yes to?”

“All of it. We have used all of it.” Ms. Masters responded with a small voice.

“So when you have used these props, are you giving or receiving?” Ms. Masters’ eyes snapped open, as real tears started to spill.

“Both. I’ve done both.”

“More specifically, the whip. Do you give or receive?”

“I….I received.” Ms. Masters stated through her sobs.

“And the hot candle wax?” Buffy asked

“Received.” Ms. Masters responded, now in full out crying.

“Thank you Ms. Masters for being truthful. Do you need a moment to collect yourself?” Buffy asked. Ms. Masters mascara smeared eyes flashed at Buffy when she responded

“No…keep going. It doesn’t matter now!”

“Alright. Now Ms. Masters you claim that John Doe had these welts on his back when he arrived is this correct?”

“Yes.” Ms. Masters sniffled

“So you never whipped him?”

“No.”

“Despite your familiarity with utilizing a whip?” Before Ms. Masters could respond, Buffy announced to the court.

“Thank you your honor, no further questions.” Buffy stated as she headed back to the prosecution’s table.

“Attorney Eros, redirection?” Judge Snyder inquired.

“No…no your honor. The defense rests.” William responded.

“Ms. Masters, your excused.” With that Darla left the stand on weak knees. Her head hung low in what appeared to be shame, as she made her way back to her seat.

“Court will be adjourned for an hour, until 2 p.m.” Judge Snyder announced as he gavel made several bangs against the bench. With that, the bailiff announced for the court to rise as he exited. Once he was gone, courtroom started to clear. Buffy wanted to approach Spike to talk. But she knew, now wasn’t the time. ‘Later, I’ll talk to him later.’ Buffy inwardly told herself as she exited the courtroom.

When the courtroom filled after the hour recess, the Judge announced to the jury that each attorney will give their closing arguments.

“Attorney Summers…” Judge Snyder called forward

“Thank you your honor.” As Buffy approached the jury, she smiled brightly then spoke.

“Members of the jury, you have heard testimony from numerous people, both expert and character witnesses. Each telling their own perception of the events that took place in the early morning hours of February 22, 2009 and their perception of Ms. Darla Masters. My job throughout this trial was to provide each of you the information that you needed to make an accurate and legally responsible decision based on the facts in this case."

"The state’s first witness Mr. John O’Malley, the doorman at Ms. Masters’ penthouse, testified that he was there when John Doe had come downstairs from her apartment. He testified to the state that John Doe was in when he found him. Next, I presented two expert witnesses; Mr. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce and Dr. Winifred Burkle. Both testified in their areas of expertise. Mr. Wyndam-Pryce testified that someone who was skilled could wield that whip. Which, based on Ms. Masters’ own testimony that she was. Next was Dr. Winifred Burkle, who testified that the waxy substance found of John Doe’s chest, torso and genitals was indeed candle wax. She also testified that the candle that was found in Ms. Masters’ penthouse was a paper-cored candle, which burns the hottest."

"Again based on Ms. Masters’ testimony she admitted that she did place hot wax on John Doe’s body. The state’s final witness, Angelus, testified that he had a sexual relationship with Ms. Masters which entailed the usage of S & M instruments such as whips and candles. The same instruments that were used upon the victim John Doe.”

“In the past days you’ve heard testimony from the defense’s expert witnesses that are questionable. Dr. Margaret Walsh admitted that wounds heal within an hour after injury. Since John Doe’s injuries were still bleeding when he was seen by the EMTs, within fifteen minutes after he was stopped by John O’Malley, would confirm that these injuries were sustained not more than an hour before he was found. Which conflicts with Dr. Walsh’s testimony of a five hour window of time from when the injury was received and John Doe being examined by the EMTs."

"Next the defense brought forward Mr. Mears. Despite his extensive knowledge of computers, he admitted that there were numerous variables that could alter his program and not show the actual incident that had occurred.”

“For the defense, character witnesses; Father Caleb and Dr. Robin Wood, admitted that the Masters family has donated large sums to each of their affiliations. Which could sway anyone’s thoughts or beliefs about another. Last but not least, Ms. Darla Masters. She herself testified that she is familiar with S & M and that she had participated in numerous forms of risqué sexual behaviors."

" This one question I leave for you, members of the jury to ponder. Was John Doe an outlet for an obviously powerful woman, who no longer wanted to be on the receiving end of the bite of a whip and decided to be the one who gave the bite? Thank you for your time.” With that Buffy returned to her seat.

“Attorney Eros” Judge Snyder called. William approached the jury with the grace and pride of a lion. A beautiful smile graced his handsome features, and then he spoke.

“Ladies and Gentleman of the jury. For the past several days you have been given numerous conflicting testimonies on behalf of how and whom caused these injuries to the alleged victim John Doe. The defense expert witnesses, both Mr. Mears and Dr. Walsh, testified that Ms. Darla Masters does not have the stature nor strength to of caused John Doe’s injuries."

"Dr. Walsh testified that due to the nature of these injuries, that they would bleed with little disturbance and that the injuries could have been caused up to five hours, before he arrived to Ms. Masters’ home. Mr. Mears showed you numerous scenarios via his computer. Each showing that Ms. Masters could not of caused these injuries. "

"The numerous character witnesses that were brought forward, contested that Ms. Masters was active and contributed in her church, Yale University, and with local charities.”

“The state claimed that their expert witness, Mr. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, who testified he is proficient in the area of weaponry. Has himself admitted to frequent S & M clubs and specializes in the usage of whips. He is no way shape or form a novice in wielding a whip and his skills cannot be compared to those of any layperson."

" The next expert witness was a Chemical kineticist, whom did give her testimony that a paper-cored candle does burn the hottest. Which is not in dispute. What is in dispute is the state never proved that this candle belonged to Ms. Masters. Ms. Masters, upon her own testimony, did state that she placed the hot wax upon John Doe’s body. This was after he had presented the candle and instructed her to do so.”

“The other two witnesses are faulty at best. John O’Malley had just returned from administrative leave due to his inappropriate and unacceptable behavior towards Ms. Masters. This gives him ample reason to testify against Ms. Masters on behalf of the state. Next was Angelus. He testified about his relationship with Ms. Masters. One would ask why he chose to do so? Angelus was not called forth by the state. He sought them out and asked Attorney Summers to testify against Ms. Masters. His reasoning was never fully explored during cross-examination, but I have a theory."

" I believe that when Ms. Masters decided that their relationship needed to end, he wanted to get back at her. As both Angelus and Ms. Masters testified, he was the one in control or the sadist in their relationship. In being the sadist, he would want to always remain in control. When Ms. Masters decided to take control back, he upped the stakes and decided to hit her where it would hurt the most, her freedom.”

“Ladies and Gentleman, I hope that you will not join Angelus in taking away the freedom of Ms. Masters. Rendering the judgment of not guilty will ensure that Ms. Masters will be able to take control of her life once more. Thank you for your time.” With that William returned to his seat.

Judge Snyder then instructed the jury of what their role was now, since the trial was completed. After his instructions, the bailiff lead the jury out of the courtroom. Judge Snyder told both attorneys that they will be notified when the jury returns with a verdict. After that, court was dismissed.

Once the courtroom cleared, this included the still distraught Ms. Masters, Buffy approached Spike as he collected his belongings.

“Spike…..good trial.” Buffy stated as stuck out her hand to shake his. Spike looked at her hand as it was a viper and then responded.

“Yeah…..good trial. Very glad that it’s over.”

“Me too. I was wondering if maybe….ummm…..maybe we could talk? Over some coffee?” Buffy inquired.

“Buffy there’s nothing to talk about.” Spike looked at her with a harden gaze.

“Yeah, I know the trials over. There are other things, more important things I would like to talk to you about.” Buffy explained

“Buffy, let me elaborate, there is nothing to talk about. The trial is not the only think that is over. Please excuse me.” With that Spike grabbed his briefcase and left. With a very stunned and hurt Buffy in his wake.

The next few days passed as a blur as each attorney waited for the jury’s verdict. Due to being both mentally and emotionally drained, Buffy had taken some vacation time after the adjournment of the trial. She hadn’t planned to return to work until the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday. Jenny told her the only time they would bother her was if judgment came in before Monday. Buffy hoped the jury would hold out until after Turkey Day.

When she received the call Wednesday morning, she was partaking in a large bowl of her childhood fave, Frosted Flakes, as she stared mindlessly at Jerry Springer and his daily selection of misfits. The phone call didn’t surprise her at all. Nothing she hoped for recently had come to pass so she really shouldn’t be at all shocked.

The past few days, she had become a hermit. She hadn’t left her apartment, nor had she left her favorite pair of crimson flannel pj bottoms with matching hooded, well-loved Harvard sweatshirt. The pocket of her sweatshirt housed her new means of comfort. Randomly, she would run the silky fabric through her fingers, mindlessly as she stared at the television.

If she wanted to have any profound thought about why she chose this particular ensemble as she dug them up from the bottom of her bureau draw one could say it was because they symbolized a simpler time in her life. As she snickered at the toothless, uneducated, trailer-trash guests on Springer’s stage, prolific thought was the last thing she was going to partake in. She watched two men fight over a woman in her early twenties who had only three of her own teeth and had four kids by other men, Buffy thought to herself ‘Well, I don’t feel so bad about myself.’

Her cell phone rang, gratefully, during the commercial. Buffy was going to let voice mail grab it, but her mature side told her to at least look at the screen to see who it was. After she glimpsed, a loud curse erupted from her mouth, as she placed her cereal on the end table. After briefly shifting her mind into ‘professional mode’ she answered.

“This is Attorney Summers.”

“Buffy, it’s Jenny. I know you didn’t want this call, but the jury’s in. Snyder is instructing everyone to be there at 2 p.m. ”

“Damn. I was hoping they would mull over their decision, after some turkey and pie. I guess not. I’ll be there with bells on. Thanks.” Buffy stated flatly.

“Well, either way good luck. Give me a ring when you get out. Let me know the verdict.” Jenny instructed.

“Will do. Talk to you soon. Bye.” With that Buffy hung up. She looked at the screen; as chairs, fists and clothes were flying. With a snicker she shook her head and turned off this foolish show. ‘Time for real life.’ With that Buffy dumped the rest of her cereal and headed down the hall to get ready for court.

Spike returned to work Monday morning with a new sense of purpose. He knew his life needed a total overhaul, from his love life to his job, all of it. Over the weekend, while he confined himself to his condo’s four walls, his mind raced. Decisions needed to be made. Spike explored each and everyone. Finally he came to a consensus.

He needed to put himself first, professionally and personally. Once the barrier of the verdict on the Masters case was removed he would take the steps professionally to get where he wanted, no needed to be. Personally, well that would take more time. He’d already made some steps, but so many more difficult ones were to come.

When Martha informed him that Judge Snyder had announced that the jury was in, and they were due back in court at 2 p.m. , Spike released a massive sigh. After he thanked Martha, Spike’s mood lightened considerably. The relief all was soon going to change was now becoming a reality, not just thoughts in his mind. ‘Just a few more hours mate….just a few more hours.’ Spike inwardly chanted to himself as he tried to keep his mind occupied until court at 2.

“ALL RISE…..HONORABLE JUDGE SNYDER PRESIDING…..”

The bailiff listed the name of the case and the charges, after he instructed the court to sit, once the judge was situated on his bench.

“Bailiff, please bring in the jury.” Judge Snyder instructed. Twelve jury members filed into the court, as each took their seats they held throughout the trial. Each jurors face was impassive as they sat awaiting instruction from the judge.

“Jury foreman. The verdict. Bailiff, please retrieve this from the foreman.” Judge Snyder instructed.

The bailiff walked toward the foreman, obtained the small piece of paper that held life altering information, and headed back to the judge’s bench. This portion of the trial seemed to take forever though the process took only minutes. Judge Snyder opened the folded paper, briefly read the verdict, and with no outward signs of emotion, handed it back to the bailiff. The bailiff returned this sacred paper back to the foreman.

“Foreman, please read the verdict to the court.” Judge Snyder instructed.

“We the members of the jury are unequivocally deadlock at this time.” The male juror announced to the court.

“Mr. Foreman, are you stating that you are a hung jury (1)? Is this deadlock on each offense?” Judge Snyder inquired.

“Yes your honor. We are deadlocked across the board.” The foreman responded.

Ms. Masters let out a slight cry of happiness when the foreman announced this. William placed his hand on her arm gently, silently instructing her to wait a moment before she celebrated. Both attorneys knew what Judge Snyder was going to do. He was going to instruct the jury by utilizing the Allen charge. (2)

“Members of the Jury:
I'm going to ask that you continue your deliberations in an effort to reach agreement upon a verdict and dispose of this case, and I would like for you to consider as you do so.

This is an important case. The trial has been expensive in time, effort, money and emotional strain to both the defense and the prosecution. If you should fail to agree upon a verdict the case will be left open and may have to be tried again. Obviously, another trial would only serve to increase the cost to both sides, and there is no reason to believe that the case can be tried again by either side any better or more exhaustively than it has been tried before you.

Any future jury must be selected in the same manner and from the same source as you were chosen, and there is no reason to believe that the case could ever be submitted to twelve men and women more conscientious, more impartial, or more competent to decide it, or that more or clearer evidence could be produced.

If a substantial majority of your number are in favor of a conviction those of you who disagree should reconsider whether your doubt is a reasonable one since it appears to make no effective impression upon the minds of the others. On the other hand, if a majority or even a lesser number of you are in favor of an acquittal, the rest of you should ask yourselves again, and most thoughtfully, whether you should accept the weight and sufficiency of evidence which fails to convince your fellow jurors beyond a reasonable doubt.

Remember at all times that no juror is expected to give up an honest belief he or she may have as to the weight or effect of the evidence; but, after full deliberation and consideration of the evidence in the case, it is your duty to agree upon a verdict if you can do so.

You must also remember that if the evidence in the case fails to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt the Defendant should have your unanimous verdict of Not Guilty.

You may be as leisurely in your deliberations as the occasion may require and should take all the time which you may feel is necessary.

I will ask now that you retire once again and continue your deliberations with these additional comments in mind to be applied, of course, in conjunction with all of the other instructions I have previously given to you." (3)

Judge Snyder looked upon the jury and continued

“Now, with that being said, each of you needs to return to deliberation till the end of the day. Starting Monday, after the Thanksgiving Holiday, you are to resume the task of breaking through this deadlock and rendering a verdict on each count. Thank you, members of the jury. You are now dismissed. Bailiff, please see them out.”

“Attorneys, you will be informed when the jury completes their deliberations. Court adjourned.” With several bangs of his gavel, the bailiff called for the courtroom to rise. The judge made his way off the bench and out of the courtroom.

Once the judge was retired, William explained to Darla what this all meant. Buffy collected her minimal belongings and headed from court. Her mind was still buzzed with seeing Spike again. If at all possible he looked more handsome than before.

His muscular form donned a tailored dark gray suit, with his traditional black dress shirt underneath. A gray and black pinstriped tie broke through the darkness of black. Spike’s ashen pallor was gone and his cerulean gaze held that twinkle that had disappeared far too long ago. Despite how it pained her to admit this she was glad he seemed to be moving on and looked better for it. Especially after how defeated he looked before their confrontation about Angelus. With that Buffy headed back to the inner sanctum of her apartment.

Despite the attempts to remain impassive about Buffy’s presence, Spike noticed and took note of every movement and facial expression that passed over her beautiful face. She was dressed in a black tailored pencil skirt, with a generous slit that rode the length of her thigh and stopped mid way. A form-fitted emerald green silk blouse hugged all her exquisite curves. Her hair fell in soft waves down the middle of her back with several wayward strands that laying upon the tops of her breasts.

As she listened to the judge, her face remained solemn with a hint of saddness. Spike knew his callous words at their last meeting were possibly the reason for this. As she exited the courtroom Spike tried with all his might not to let his head turn to follow her. He wanted to talk with her, but he knew this would not be conducive to his overall plans.

The next week passed without much thought for Buffy. Besides celebrating Thanksgiving at Anya’s, she remained at home until work brought her out again on Monday morning. The following Thursday morning as she shifted through a mountain of paperwork, she received a call that the jury was finally in again on the Masters case.

For the first time in almost a week, Buffy felt a true smile cross her face. Sure at Thanksgiving, she smiled. It was forced, not real. Gratefully Willow and Anya didn’t call her out on it, even though she knew they could sense her heartache and inner turmoil.

Buffy decided she was going to approach Spike again. She was going to apologize to him for her hypocritical view of him as an attorney and for letting her jaded view come between them which eventually lead to her ending their relationship. As Buffy climbed the stairs of the courthouse she felt a heavy burden finally lifted from her. “Hopefully he will listen.” she thought. She felt even though he may be infuriated with her right now, Spike was still a sensible and reasonable person. Buffy would try to plea to that side of him.

Buffy entered into the courtroom and took her place at the prosecution’s table. She looked over to the defense table and noted that nobody was present. Buffy became slightly antsy as she waited for him to arrive.

Just moments before the bailiff announced the judge’s arrival, an eloquent mid-thirties woman entered into the small half door with Ms. Masters in tow. Buffy was about to introduce herself to this woman, until her introduction was interrupted by the judge’s arrival. After the judge took his seat he instructed Buffy to begin.

In standard protcol, Buffy announced her name and position as the prosecution. After she completed her spiel, she waited with bated breath to find out who this woman was and more importantly why was she here instead of Spike.

“Good afternoon, your honor. Attorney Lilah Morgan from Wolfram and Hart present today to represent Ms. Darla Masters. First off I would like to present the court with a Motion to Substitute Attorneys (4). Changing the acting attorney from Attorney Eros to myself.” Attorney Morgan declared.

Buffy had to bite the inside of her cheek in order to control her mouth, as the words of ‘Why? and Where’s Spike?’ wanted to burst forward.

“Ah, Attorney Morgan. Haven’t been in the killing fields for sometime I assume?” Judge Snyder replied

“I assure you, your honor I’m well equipped to take over this case.” Attorney Morgan retorted

“Attorney Morgan, I was merely making an observation. My comment was made due to the fact you should know when an attorney replaces another attorney from the same firm a motion doesn’t need to be filed. Your ability to try this case is not in question since Attorney Eros has done all the work for you. I hope this is not how your firm works. Let the newer attorneys do all the grunt work and the uppers get all the glory.” Judge Snyder sneered.

“I assure you your honor. When our firm wins a case, the entire firm reaps the benefits.” Attorney Morgan responded.

“Ahh-ha, fine, if you say so Attorney Morgan. Attorney Summers, do you have any issues with Attorney Morgan replacing Attorney Eros?” Judge Snyder asked.

At first Buffy didn’t hear him, didn’t hear anything at all. Her mind hummed with questions that she wanted to be answered now. The judge’s voice broke through the haze as he repeated his question.

“Attorney Summers….issues?” Judge Snyder asked with a preturbed tone.

“No.” Buffy’s voice sounded small and distant in her own ears. As the judge instructed the bailiff to bring in the jury, Buffy’s mind still reeled from this discovery. After the verdict, she was going to ask this other attorney where Spike was and why wasn’t he here. She hoped it was a case of him being too ill to be there, but the heavy knot that filled her stomach told her otherwise.

The court went through the procedure of the changing of hands with the verdict. Once it reached the foreman’s hands again, the judge instructed him to inform the court.

“We the members of the jury are irrefutably still deadlock at this time, on all above accounts; one count of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of assault a battery, two count of resisting arrest, and one count of assault on a police officer.” The foreman explained.

“Mr. Foreman, I can understand the three of the counts, that deal with the assaults, but why is the jury deadlocked on resisting arrest and assault on a police officer?” Judge Snyder inquired.

“Your honor, one of the only issues that the jury agrees upon, is that if this incident, which we do not agree on being a violation of the law, was never called into the police, then Ms. Masters would of never resisted arrest nor assaulted a police officer during said arrest. This is why at this time we are unable to come to a verdict.” The foreman explained.

“Well, thank you members of the jury. I understand that you have all done everything in your power, to render a verdict. Unfortunately this could not be achieved. Members of the jury you are excused. Thank you for your time.” With that the bailiff showed the members of the jury out through the door that lead them there. Judge Snyder faced Ms. Masters and spoke.

“Ms. Masters, have your new attorney explain to you what has transpired here. This in no way, shape or form means that you are neither innocent nor guilty. This simply means that the jury was unable, despite all the tools available to them, were able to render a verdict. The prosecution can decide to retry this case. If this happens, you will be brought forward again for some or all of the allegations against you. With that being said, this case is deemed a mistrial (5). All parties excused.” Judge Snyder banged his gavel once last time. The bailiff called for the last time, all to rise. Once the judge exited into his chambers, the courtroom filed out.

Ms. Masters was hugging her parents, as Attorney Morgan waited to speak to her about had transpired. Buffy left the courtroom and waited until Attorney Morgan came out alone to speak to her. As she exited and headed down the hallway, Buffy approached her and introduced herself.

“Pardon me, Attorney Morgan. I’m ADA Summers. I was just curious may I inquire what happened with Attorney Eros?” Buffy asked as she held out her hand to shake the other attorney’s. Attorney Morgan looked at her hand with distain and then spoke in an arrogant tone

“ADA Summers, I’m not privy to discuss the inner workings of our firm. If you’ll excuse me, good day.” With that, Attorney Morgan turned and walked away.

Buffy wanted to go after her. Tell her what she really thought of her ‘firm’ and most of the people that worked there, but decided against it. Since Spike was still there, she didn’t want to cause any problems with Evil Inc.

As she frantically racked her brain to who could answer her questions, she could almost hear a ‘blink,’ as a giant cartoon light bulb emerged above her head. With a new-found determination, Buffy hurried from the courthouse in search for this person. This one person, that would know and with a bit of luck would tell her, Clem.

Clem was interrupted mid bite into his large Italian sub with everything, when there was a knock on his front door. He lowered the volume on the Bruins game, as he wiped his oily hands on his sweats, as he made his way to answer. When the door revealed who was behind, Clem became startled and speechless, for one of the few times in his life.

“Hi Clem. I was hoping that maybe we could talk.” Buffy asked with slight reservation. Clem continued to look at this petite blonde in front of him. ‘It was amazing that someone so small could have such an effect on someone like Spike.’ Clem thought to himself, as he stood motionless.

“Ummmm….if this is a bad time…..” Buffy amended as she started to feel uncomfortable with her decision to see Clem.

“Wha’……no….no…..it’s not a bad time. Please excuse my rudeness. It’s not very often, well at all, that a beautiful woman comes to my door and wants to come in. For a minute there I thought I was having a Penthouse moment.” Clem joked as he stepped aside to let her enter.

Despite how funny his comment was Buffy couldn’t bring herself to laugh. Only a small smile briefly crossed her lips. Clem outstretched his arm to silently offer her a seat on the couch. Clem sat on the other end and turned to face her. Both waited in silence, as they each waited for the other to speak. Buffy broke the silence first.

“Clem….I….I don’t know where I should start. Ummmm…..I was wondering….well more like hoping….that…ummm.” Buffy stuttered as she looked at her folded hands placed on her lap.

“You want me to tell you where Spike is?” Clem asked with a firm tone. A teary emerald gaze met his before she spoke with a quivering voice.

“Yes….please.”

“Buffy, to be honest, if Spike wanted for you to know where he was he would have told you himself.” Clem stated with brutal honestly. Buffy’s head appeared to hang lower, as her hands twisted around a small ball of silky red fabric Clem hadn’t noticed till now. After closer inspection, Clem noticed that it was a tie, one of Spike’s ties. The same tie he had been actively looking for, for weeks. He even went so far as to blame laundry gnomes for its disappearance.

“Listen, I don’t mean to be a dick….I mean jerk….it’s just Spike’s my best friend and to be all honest you treated him like shit dumping him like that. He was just doing his job. You and I both know that he is definitely not one of those skuzzy lawyers that they characterize on tv, nor one they tell stupid jokes about. You really were….well…. a bitch.” Clem declared as his eyes widen from his own statement. He waited for her to tell him to ‘fuck off’ or worse slap his face. What she did next completely surprised him. Her head raised, she looked him straight in the eye and spoke.

“You’re absolutely right. I was a totally bitch and that’s stating it mildly. I have numerous other adjectives that I would use to explain my behavior and treatment of Spike and that one is the mildest of the bunch. But the fact remains, even though I don’t deserve to ever see or speak to Spike again it doesn’t mean I don’t desperately hope to.” Buffy stated as she looked at Clem. Before he could respond Buffy started to talk again.

“Clem, it’s all my fault he’s gone. I’m not talking about the breakup. That was just plain awful in its self. I’m talking about after. Well it all started with my witness, he probably told you all about him. His name is Angelus……..”

Clem’s mind started to wander, like it usually does when a woman goes into story mode. He knew this was probably one, on a long list of reasons, why he was still single. But he couldn’t help it, his mind, well had a mind of its own.

Clem’s thoughts brought him to the conversation that he had with Spike approximately a week ago. Ironically about the woman who was now in his condo, spilling her heart out about him.

Despite the consensus, Sunday was his favorite day of the week. Well during the fall it was. Two of his favorite New England teams were on; the Patriots and Bruins. Clem had assumed his customary position; seated in the middle of the couch, feet stretch out on the coffee table. On his lap, a large bowl of some sort of salty, crunchy snack, today it was his favorite Smartfood popcorn. A six-pack of Amstel light, lay on ice, in a small cooler at his feet. Remote control at the ready, so he could switch back and forth between the games.

A knock on his door rang over the crunching and the commentary of the Pats game. In between bites, Clem yelled out

“Ips Obpn!” The door swung open, as Spike walked casually into his place.

He took a seat on the love seat located to Clem’s right. His unfocused gaze landed on the game, as silence filled the room. After several moments, following Clem swig of beer, he spoke.

“So…..what have I done to earn this dubious pleasure of you companionship?”

“Sorry mate. I know I’ve been MIA for the last month. Between the break up with Buffy and trial, been somewhat of a recluse.” Spike responded. As his stare didn’t falter from the screen.

“It’s ok man, I understand. Combination of lady troubles and work can bring even the mightiest down.” Clem commented.

“Yeah. I just wanted to stop by before I go.” Spike explained, as his eyes moved from the game and then settled on the man next to him. The handful of popcorn remained partway to Clem’s gaped mouth, as he stared at Spike with disbelief.

“Come again?” Clem squeaked, as the popcorn rained back into the bowl on his lap.

“Yeah. I’ve decided now’s a good time to head back to London. Been putting off business I’ve had to attend to over there, for the past six months. At the time, had something to justify me doing so. Now…..well now…”

“But you’re coming back right? After you take care of business in jolly Ol’ England. Your white lily British ass will be back on American soil in no time. Right Spike?” Clem asked his abnormally quite friend. Spike’s gaze flickered back to the game. Several moments later he responded.

“Several months ago, it would of taken the Army of Hell to keep me away. A few weeks ago, even after everything with Buffy, the answer would have still been a hell yeah. But now, I just don’t know. Clem, she came to me you know. The last day of trial, she asked if we could talk. I noticed….I felt how upset she was, it lasted all day long. She put forward a brave front, but I could tell she was in pain. I let her down. When she broke my heart, she did it with the thoughts that it was the right thing to do. Despite how bollocksed up her reasoning was, she did it because she thought it was for the best. When I turned away from her that day, it was to hurt her. Nothing more.” Spike explained. As his stare held strong, his tears battled there way forward.

“So, the question is do you still love her?” Clem asked

“Hell yeah, I still love her. I just don’t trust her. And that my friend is the rub. You can’t truly have one without the other.” Spike explained as he placed his head into his hands, forehead rested in his palms.

“Do you think time away to clear your melon will help?” Clem asked

“Don’t rightly know. What is the ol’ saying, if you love something set it free. If it comes back to you, it was meant to be. If it doesn’t then it wasn’t yours to begin with?” Spike asked, as his head remained bowed.

“Yeah, something like that. What do I tell her if she comes around? Asking where you are? If you believe that she wants to be with you, you know that you fleeing the country will bring her to my doorstep being all Nancy Drewish.” Clem asked. Spike’s head rose from his hands as he looked upon his friend as responded.

“Tell her nothing. Not only do I have to trust her, but also she has to trust me. I guess the proof will be in the puddin’.”

“Boy someone is being extremely witty today with all these old adages.” Clem joked. After a look of ‘Fuck off’ from Spike, he started to laugh along.

“So that brings me full circle. My butt on your couch, talking your ears off.” Buffy stated as her story came to a close.

“I understand.” Clem murmured. He learned a long time ago, first from his mother and sisters, then later with girlfriends and female coworkers, a few strategically placed “oh really” and “I understand”, a woman didn’t realize you zoned out during their ramblings.

Buffy definitely must be off her game, because she’s the type that was smell his bullshit from a mile away. Instead her next comment really caught him off guard.

“Spike’s really lucky to have a friend like you. Well, I have Anya and Willow, but I really needed a male’s point of view on this. Thanks a lot for listening.” Buffy’s eyes bore into Clem as they both sat in awkward silence.

Clem believed that the eyes were the windows of your soul, and he could tell that Buffy was completely and utterly hopelessly in love with Spike. He had only seen that look once before, shining from Spike’s eyes when he talked about her. Even though he knew that Spike might kick his ass for this, he decided to tell Buffy what he knew. Not because what she said, but for the look in her eyes.

“To be honest Buffy, I don’t know much. He went to London to take care of some business. He didn’t say when he would be back. That’s all I know.” Clem explained.

“You don’t know where in London he is?” Buffy asked with hope.

“No….like I said, all he said was he was going London.” Clem stated with a shoulder shrug. Buffy looked defeated, as the small bit of hope that she had momentarily was gone. Buffy stood and thanked Clem as she made her way to the door. Clem stood and spoke as her hand held steady upon the knob.

“Look……I know that this isn’t much of a consolation but he hasn’t put his condo on the market. I guess that could be construed as good….right?” Clem asked with a small smile. Buffy looked over her shoulder and spoke before she exited his place.

“Yeah….well when life hands you lemons, might as well make lemonade. Thanks again for listening to the ramblings of a desperate woman.” Buffy whispered as she closed the door quietly behind her.

Clem stared at the closed door for several moments, as his mind ran with thoughts. As he walked over to his couch, he grabbed his cell phone, and began dialing the London extension as he plopped down and tried to get comfortable. Full on knowing that he had a long conversation ahead of him.

As he heard the line ring, he thought ‘She asked if I knew where he was….well I don’t. But it doesn’t mean I don’t know how to get a hold of him.’

(1) hung jury is a jury that cannot agree upon a verdict after an extended period of deliberation and is unable to change its votes due to severe differences of opinion
(2) Allen Charge In United States jurisprudence, an Allen charge, named for the case Allen v. United States,164 U.S. 492, 501-502, 17 S.Ct. 154, 41 L.Ed. 528 (1896), is the set of instructions given to a jury when, after deliberation, it reports that it is deadlocked and unable to decide on a verdict. The purpose of the instruction is to encourage jurors to re-examine their opinions and attempt to reach a unanimous verdict if possible.
(3)Taken directly from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allen_charge

(4) Motions to substitute attorney can be used in several circumstances: When an attorney leaves a firm which has been counsel in a case, the client will either stay with the firm, using a different attorney, or will stay with the attorney and allow his file to be transferred to the attorney's new firm. In the event the client stays with the firm and the firm assigns a new attorney to the client, no substitution is required.
(5) mistrial n. the termination of a trial before its normal conclusion because of a procedural error, statements by a witness, judge or attorney which prejudice a jury, a deadlock by a jury without reaching a verdict after lengthy deliberation (a "hung" jury), or the failure to complete a trial within the time set by the court. When such situations arise, the judge, either on his own initiative or upon the motion (request) of one of the parties will "declare a mistrial," dismiss the jury if there is one, and direct that the lawsuit or criminal prosecution be set for trial again, starting from the beginning.

Days bled into weeks as the leaves of autumn gave away to the dustings of early winter. Despite how she wrapped her body in layers of cable-knit sweaters and woolen coats, Buffy always felt a chill that was bone deep.

The month of December offered a grateful distraction. As she let herself be swallowed among the faceless, nameless crowds of shoppers. Despite being jarred by shoulders and bags swollen with gifts she felt nothing.

Anya opened her home to everyone for Christmas. Just like Halloween, her home was picture perfect. Small white lights twinkled like stars in the desert sky as they were weaved through the rich fresh garland that trimmed all the doorways, fireplace and banisters. A large white fir tree stood proudly in the corner of the living room opposite the raging fire. The tree was trimmed with more small white lights, various sized silver balls and eloquent hand-blown figurines. A plethora of gifts in colorful wrappings flowed from beneath the tree.

The cozy rooms were filled with laughter and cheer as old and new friends came together to welcome the holidays. Despite the warmness that enveloped her as she walked from room to room her arms remained wrapped around herself to keep out the cold.

When Willow finally found Buffy in front of the fire, her gaze was transfixed as the flames licked and consumed the logs that lay inside the belly of the inglenook. Willow placed her hand gently on Buffy’s shoulder as she spoke.

“Buffy, sweetie, are you alright?” Buffy blinked several times, after the walls of her mind were breeched.

“Huh?” As she turned her head upward, she continued to speak. “Oh….hey Will. You want to sit down.” Buffy asked as she slightly shifted to allow some space for Willow on the settee was placed before the fire. Her stare returned to the flames. After several moments of quiet Willow spoke.

“Buffy, I’m, well actually we, we are really worried about you. You’ve been in a haze since, well since….”

“Since Spike left? It’s ok Will you can say his name.” Buffy whispered as her gaze left the golden blaze and fell upon her friend.

“Buffy, please we want you back.” Willow pleaded as the fingers from her right hand weaved with Buffy’s icy left digits.

“Will, I want to be back. I just don’t know how. It feels like he took a piece of me when he left. I feel so lost without him.” Buffy stated as her eyes filled with tears. “I broke his heart and he left. There’s nothing else to say.” Buffy leaned her head on Willow’s shoulders as soft sobs broke from her body.

“Buffy, honey you need to stop beating yourself up over this. I believe that the both of you needed time apart. Spike made the difficult decision to leave.” Willow explained. Buffy pulled away from her shoulder and looked at her with wide, pleading eyes.

“No Will, you don’t understand. It wasn’t a joint decision for this time spent apart. I told him that I didn’t want him anymore. He left! The only person that could tell me where he is can’t or won’t. I’ve been calling Clem since Spike left after Thanksgiving. I call him like clockwork, same time, same day every week. At first he would laugh and tell me that ‘no, he didn’t know where he was.’ It was almost like a running joke. Three weeks in he told me that he can’t help me, don’t call again and hung up. The only connection I had is now gone!” Buffy explained with newly formed tears as they tracked down her face.

“Buffy, all I can say is this, there’s an old Polish proverb that says “To believe with certainty, we must begin by doubting.” I think that after you’re finished your doubting phase you’ll be able to move forward with certainty. Buffy, while he is gone work on yourself. Become the person that you want to be. Trust that he will be back. If you keep running in place you’ll find that he has passed you by when he does comes back.” After Willow spoke, she stood then placed a chaste kiss to Buffy’s golden crown as walked away. Buffy watched her departure whispered a soft ‘thank you’ as she wiped away her tears. After she collected herself, Buffy stood and joined the festivities with a newfound optimism.

The next month passed in a blur of bridal fittings, bachelorette parties and bridal showers. Anya’s wedding was the last Saturday in January. The wedding proceedings and reception were to take place at a castle-like mansion in Lenox Massachusetts, Cranwell Resort.

The couple treated the six members of their wedding party to a full weekend of being pampered before the wedding that was scheduled at six p.m. After a day in the spa; for facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, hair and makeup, the ladies made their way to their rooms to get ready for the ceremony.

Anya chose a beautiful shade of deep jade green for the simple yet eloquent strapless, floor length, empire waist dress. The flowers were a simple bouquet of bright persimmon colored gerbera flowers. As Buffy placed the silken fabric on her bronzed skin, complimentary of sunless tanning from the spa, she felt goose pimples erupt along her skin. Despite being in numerous weddings before Buffy felt that this was going to be a monumental day.

She couldn’t explain why she felt this way. She just chalked it up to the first of her friends getting married. This in itself would change her relationship with Anya forever. Not in a negative way, just a transformation from the past to the present. They were no longer college buddies who kept in touch. She and Willow were now friends with a married woman. After Buffy placed another thin layer of gloss on her full lips she placed the tube into her clutch and headed off to Anya’s room to help her into her gown.

Willow and Buffy helped Anya into her elegant, form-fitting, mermaid gown, with a small train that trailed behind her. A simple veil held by a silver comb was placed in her golden hair. As Anya stared at her reflection in the full length mirror her eyes shimmered with tears of joy that threatened to spill. With reassurances from her friends she was able to hold them back. A knock announced it was time. The small wedding party of Buffy, Willow and Tara followed Anya out of the suite. They entered a private elevator that would take them to a small room off the reception hall where the vows were to be exchanged.

The wedding itself was small, less than one hundred people. From Xander’s side, most of his family arrived that morning, including his mom and dad. Friends from Xander’s construction business also filled the groom’s side of the room. The bride’s side was filled with mainly friends, as both Anya’s parents were deceased and she was an only child. The three women that surrounded her on this monumental day were her only family.

Willow and Tara were escorted by two of Xander’s relatives and his best friend, Jesse, walked with Buffy. Soon the Wedding March filled the room as Anya’s arm was linked with an old family friend of her father, an African man named, Ta’Hoffren.

The ceremony was simply beautiful. Once Anya and Xander read their own vows there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. As the Justice of the Peace pronounced them man and wife a thunderous applause filled the room as Xander pulled his new bride into his arms and kissed her passionately. Here Comes the Bride filled the room again, as the newly married couple floated down the aisle arm in arm. Sheer bliss filled their features. The only two people they could see were each other.

Once each pair of the bridal party was announced the new Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Harris were presented to the room of joyous family and friends. After they were seated and toasts from Willow and Jesse were given, Anya and Xander had their first dance. As the music of ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar (1) filled the room tears of joy filled the majority of the female persuasion eyes. As the couple danced their first dance as man and wife Buffy’s feelings were conflicted.

She was elated that her friend had found a partner such as Xander to share the rest of her life with. For the first time since Christmas she felt sorrow. Buffy wished that she would find be blessed again to find that kind of love. She knew that she would never find another love like Spike. He was her true love, her match in every way. She could only hope she would find happiness again. After their first dance the couple took their seats and dinner began.

As the conversations and champagne flowed, everyone was immensely enjoying themselves. After dessert was served the DJ started to play more music so the guests could start dancing. Buffy had many dance partners throughout the evening. As the smooth baritone voice of Luther Vandross filled the room Buffy was approached by Xander’s uncle Rory to dance.

As the lyrics of ‘Here and Now’ (2) filled her mind Buffy closed her eyes and blocked out the incessant slightly drunken babbles of Uncle Rory. When the song reached its second cluster of lyrics, Uncle Rory’s motions halted as another deep baritone voice was heard

“May I cut in?” Buffy’s eyelids fluttered as this voice washed over her senses. When she realized who this voice belonged to her lids snapped open. There, standing before her with his hand outstretched was William…..Spike. He was dressed in tailored burgundy dress shirt that was tucked into black tailored trousers. His hair was still bleached and slicked back in his usual style. But the best accessory to his outfit was the fire that was housed in his cerulean gaze.

Buffy moved as a heavenly drawn to the sun, she placed her hand in his. Sparks of electricity flared at the minimal connection. As Spike pulled Buffy into his embrace and the entire world fell away. Stormy emerald met passionate blue. Their bodies swayed in synchronization. Buffy laid her head against Spike’s muscular chest as the lyrics filled her mind.

“When I look in your eyes, there I'll see
All that a love should really be
And I need you more and more each day
Nothin' can take your love away
More than I dare to dream”
I need you” (2)

As the last line rang through the room Buffy burrowed her head into his chest, as silent tears started to fall.

Spike could feel her quiver as he felt her tears stain his shirt. He gently stroked her golden mane as he continued to hold her close. Spike placed a sweet, loving kiss upon her crown as he tried to soothe her. No words passed between them. There was no need they both knew how the other felt. When the last baritone ‘yeahs’ rang through the hall Spike tilted Buffy’s chin upward. He placed a soft yet passionate kiss upon her lips. With that he turned and walked away.

Buffy stood in the middle of the dance floor, eyes closed, her chin still tilted heavenward. As her eyes fluttered open she noticed that Spike was gone. Her mind questioned if she had just imagined him there. Then she heard his deep, penetrating laugh float towards her ears. Buffy turned her head towards this beautiful music and saw him with his left hand in Xander’s right as it appeared that he was congratulating him for his beautiful wedding and more so, exquisite bride. After Spike placed a chaste kiss to Anya’s cheek he turned and headed out of the hall.

Buffy shook her mind out of its stupor as she ran. Well as fast as you can in a dress and heels, to the foyer of the mansion. After she finally found her voice she called out to him

“Spike…..Spike! Please wait!” He stopped in his tracks, but remained facing away from her. Buffy walked slowly, almost like she was approaching a scared animal and tentatively reached out. Before she could touch his back she pulled her hand away and spoke. Spike stood rock-steady despite the flurry of feelings that filled his mind and body.

He wanted to turn, pull her into his arms and passionately kiss her until they both only chose to pull apart based on necessary of air and nothing more. But Spike held steady. All these months apart, would be for naught if he gave into his desires.

“Spike, I’m…..I’m….I don’t know where to begin. Are you back in the states? If so, is it permanent?” Then after a few beats, her last question was whispered, “Were you here to see me?” After several moments Spike turned and looked upon her.

His eyes thoroughly studied her. Her lower lip was fixed firmly with her teeth, as she bit into it nervously. Her eyes were hopeful and at the same time fearful to what his response would be. Salty tracks of her tears were still damp upon her flushed cheeks, as her breaths were shallow she appeared to be trying to calm herself.

“Yes…yes and yes…..well partly. Was also here to see the blushin’ bride.” Spike answered. Buffy stared at Spike with a confused expression. After a few beats he clarified.

“Just answering your questions luv.” Buffy’s heart fluttered as he used this term of endearment. As the pair continued to look intently at one another, Spike spoke first to break the stare down.

“Well, I’ll be headed out. Bye, Buffy.” Before he could leave, Buffy’s voice stopped him.

“Spike, do you think…..well maybe….we might be able to….I don’t know….talk?”

“I don’t know…..” Spike retorted with hesitation.

“Look….I’m not expecting anything Spike. I just feel that we left things unfinished. I would really like to sort them out. Please?” Buffy asked as she moved two steps closer. Her essence filled his mind as it overpowered his senses. Following some slow blinks to clear his hazed mind, Spike spoke.

“Just as long as there are no expectations, that’s fine. How about next Saturday afternoon sound?” Buffy’s heart sank since she wanted to bring him up to her room and talk to him now. Reality kicked her hard when she really understood that things were truly different now.

“That sounds great. How about noon? I’ll bring lunch?”

“Brilliant, I’ll see you then. Good night, Buffy.” With that he turned and left the mansion. With a soft response Buffy responded “Good night Spike.”

(1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJyJwbAa1i8 Amazed

(2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A31u-dIMT-4

The following Saturday couldn’t arrive fast enough for Buffy. She spent the morning indulging body, mind and soul. Completely pampering herself. After a long hot soak, she showered and donned her body with copious amounts of heavy scented creams. When she was done, she wrapped her glowing form with a thick terry-cloth robe padding toward her closet.

As she mulled over what outfit she would wear. She stood in front of her closet. A deep chord of sadness stuck her heart. It was less than a year ago she stood in this very spot deciding what to wear for their first date. Though she knew today wasn’t a date, she still wanted to look perfect for him. Hopefully, today was a chance to apologize for past wrongs so they could move on.

‘There’s that word again, “hope”, that four letter word with thousands of meanings. It hasn’t been to kind to me as of late.’ Buffy inwardly thought as she discarded another ‘no’ outfit in the ever growing reject pile.

Finally, she picked a cream colored cowl neck sweater and an ankle length chocolate brown, suede skirt. Carmel leather knee-high boots complemented the outfit. A simple pair of gold hoops graced her pierced ears. She wore her hair flowing golden waves down her back with two small plaits that ran from each temple and met in the back of her crown, held with an eloquent, yet simple golden barrette.

She kept her make-up minimal, a gentle swipe of bistre covered her lids and a light coat of midnight black mascara was placed on her upper lashes. Lastly she placed a sheer layer of gloss, to her full lips. Once she was through, she stood back and studied her reflection. With a deep breath and a solemn nod she grabbed her faux fur-lined, russet leather trench and headed to Spike’s.

Across town Spike regarded him self in his bathroom mirror as a hint of worry and pent up excitement graced his handsome features. His head was telling him that she was only there to talk about their past hurts and mistakes. His heart and body, on the other hand screamed that this was the woman he loved and desired. All this bullshit he planned to express with words should be expressed by his actions as he possessed her body with his. His impressive erection tented the soft terry cloth that donned his slender hips. As he looked down he casually remarked

“Sorry mate, your not invited to this party. I know you’re upset, haven’t been brought out to play in some time. Well, maybe some day soon I’ll dust you off and let you have some fun. But for now, be gone!” Spike chuckled as he stared at his willful appendage.

As he continued to slick back his bleached tresses, he tried to remember the last time he had sex of any kind. Not since Buffy. He hadn’t even had a proper wank since her. Nothing could replace being sheathed in her fiery depths. ‘No wonder you’re begging for attention.’ Spike thought as he finished his hair. He considered letting Mary and her five friends play. Spike quickly convinced himself that a wank was the only way to guarantee a fruitful discussion would take place. Which would not happened if he greeted Buffy at the door with the raging hard-on that he sported right now. He glimpsed at the time and changed his mind. Buffy was to arrive in a half hour.

‘Plenty of time to shoot my load, but not enough time to get rid of the goofy shite-eatin’ grin I have afterwards. Damn!’ Spike inwardly cursed. “Sorry mate.” Spike apologized to his fifth limb, as he walked towards his closet to get dressed for the ‘talk’.

Buffy arrived at Spike’s condo a half an hour early. She lingered at their favorite take out Chinese restaurant for some time, in an attempt to waste the minutes. After twenty minutes, she ordered then waited another twenty for the food. Afterwards, despite the brisk winter air, she decided to walk the five blocks to his condo. Her gait was casual, again, in an attempt to burn through the minutes. Even after all her efforts to pass the time, she was still at the landing of his building a half an hour before she was expected.

Buffy was tempted to turn and leave, but excitement drove her actions. She pressed the button to alert him she was there. Buffy bounced on the balls of her feet; first her actions were to bring some warmth into her frozen limbs, secondly in anticipation of seeing him again. After she waited several beats for him to answer a frown marred her once eager features.

‘Maybe he doesn’t want to see me. He could have just agreed to meet me so I would back down that night. Now he’s fled again, in order not to see me.’ Buffy’s mind raced with dread.

As she turned to leave, with the heavy weight of defeat and sorrow, his voice broke through the intercom.

Spike dashed from his bedroom as he heard Buffy’s sweet voice fill his apartment. As the towel hindered his mad sprint it fell from his hips, leaving him naked as the day he was born. With the gracefulness of an ox, he plowed into his couch and end table as he tried to reach the Holy Grail, the intercom. As he fumbled with the buttons, he prayed that she hadn’t left, thinking that he stood her up.

“Hello…..hello! Buffy is that you? I hope your still bloody there. I was just getting dressed and was all the way in my room……are you still there? Bloody ‘ell! Shite….where’s my bleedin’ phone so I can call her?” Spike’s voice was broken off as she assumed he was searching for his phone. As she wiped the small tear that had formed at the corner of her eye, she walked over to the intercom system. Buffy pressed the button and spoke

“Hey Spike. I’m still here. Can you ring me up?” Spike scrambled back to the intercom and spoke into the box.

“I’m glad that I caught you. Please come on up.” Spike pressed the door release button and spoke again “Just let your self in, door’s open. Need to finish getting dressed. Can’t meet you starkers, can I?”

As the words left his mouth, he inwardly groaned. He looked down to his exposed member as he thought, ‘my damn willy is overtaking my mind. Behave, or I’ll beat you.’ As his cock jumped in response, he continued ‘Oi, doesn’t help to threaten you with something you want.’

On the receiving end of this comment, Buffy stood as she processed what he had just said. Naked Spike. A flood of desire filled Buffy, her skin tightened, goose bumps erupted all over her tense body. Her panties dampened slightly as visions of him naked danced in her mind. All the sudden she felt extremely flushed, her clothes restricting. Buffy wanted to step outside to let the frigid January air cool her overheated body, but the buzz of the door as it unlocked changed her mind. As she headed towards the elevator, she tried to calm herself for the meeting ahead.

As she reached his door, Buffy’s nerves and mind were on fire. She stood on the threshold of his door taking a deep cleansing breath. Buffy tried to calm herself before she entered his home. The feelings of lust and desire were replaced with dread and regret as she thought about the last time she was there. When she broke his heart and tore a part one of the most important relationships she ever had. The destruction and pain she brought into their lives still burned paths of self-loathing and inner rancor throughout her.

As she hastily swiped away newly formed tears, she inwardly thought ‘This is why I’m here, to face the music of my wrong doings. I need to prove to him and myself that I can take responsibility for my pig-headedness.’ Despite his instructions to just come in, she placed a tentative knock on the door before she entered.

As she entered, the past rushed forward into her mind’s eye.

“We had a connection……but it was always based on lust! Outside the bedroom how compatible are we? Sure we like the same everyday things……like food and sports…..but that doesn’t mean we’re soul mates! Our view of the world in completely different! I fight for truth and the justice for the wronged…..you sold your soul to Evil Inc. for the all mighty buck, as you defend rich boys and girls that think that just because their family has money they’re above the law! We were fooling ourselves thinking we could blissfully ignore this pink elephant in our relationship! Everything that you stand for the minute you put on your suit makes my skin crawl! How could I truly love you, when who you are is all that I hate?”

Ghost-like whispers of these words pervaded her mind as they assaulted her ears. Buffy’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes slammed shut to push away the flashes of Spike on the floor, broken and defeated as he questioned why. Regardless of the words that spilled from her mouth, they never justified the anguish she caused this beautiful man. She knew this now, in a way, she knew it then. She was just was too scared to admit her thoughts and fears were unjustified.

The memories and voices cleared as she heard Spike’s footfalls as they swooshed along the carpet, walking down the hallway to greet her. She was brought into the present, tears stained her cheeks and her heart lay heavy in her chest. She needed to give herself a moment. On a whim, she hurried into the kitchen.

Spike walked into the living room, no sign of Buffy. Apprehension started to bubble forward, with this room being Buffyless, but the sounds of clinking glassware staunched his fears. He followed the sounds. Spike spied her, well most of her, that wasn’t covered by the kitchen cabinet. She was poetry in motion, on her toes, bottom swaying as she attempted to reach the upper shelves. Her muffled voice broke him from his ogling.

“Hey, just getting a few plates and things. Can you grab the take out by the front door? It’s by my coat?” Spike’s eyes blinked quickly as he tried to dispel the lust that permeated his azure eyes.

“Huh….oh yeah. Be right back.” With that Spike took his one last fill, and returned to the living room. Behind the cabinet door, Buffy quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks and eyes, with several damp tissues. With the brief reprieve she had, Buffy was able to collect herself to face him. Her mask of happiness hid the true sorrow she felt.

When he returned, Buffy was setting the table. The process felt so familiar, yet so different. Her thoughts returned to the last time they shared in this domestic activity. Her memories then led to how an hour later she had destroyed both him and their relationship.. Fresh tears welled in her emerald depths. With a deep intake of breath, she instantly pulled them back as she heard his approach.

“Foods a bit cold. Let’s nuke it a bit, and then we can eat. I got all your favs, General Gao’s chicken, spring rolls, pork fried rice, beef and broccoli, and my all time favorite crab rangoons!” After Spike placed the bag on the table, Buffy explained what she purchased as she removed each white and red cartons from the bag. She presented each of the cartons like Vanna White as she turned Wheel of Fortune letters. With a grand smile and a pose.

‘Behold this beauty before me. Has she always been this magnificent?’ Spike thought to himself. At the mere sight of her, his heart and soul was doing an internal Snoopy Dance. Then his mind spoke up. ‘Don’t look at her. Just listen and digest her words like all this food. Then after, if we like what we hear, we’ll pass judgment.’

“Yeah, it’s great. I’m feeling a bit peckish since I skipped brek this morn.” Spike stated as he collected some silverware from the draws. They scooped heaping rations upon their plates, in virtual silence. Both wanted to speak, but were unsure what to say. Buffy heated her plate first, then Spike. As they sat across from each other both started to toy with their food but not really eating. Spike decided to speak first.

“Alright, I guess I’ll go first. I propose that we keep our dinner conversation light. Let’s just catch up with each other. How were your holidays?” Spike asked as he lifted his beer to his full lips.

At first Buffy, wanted to yell ‘How the fuck do you think they were? I was depressed, alone and hurting!’ but she reined in her anger and self-pity and told her self ‘You can do this!’

“Went by pretty fast, always does after Thanksgiving. With the rush to get presents and then with Anya’s wedding, it was mostly a complete blur.” Buffy responded as she crunched into a crispy rangoon. After several chews she asked “Ewu?” and she brought her hand up to her mouth, to block out the mangled food inside.

After a slight chuckle he responded “Not too bad. Met up with a few mates, drank some spiked nog, listen to some Pogues…have you ever heard of Fairytale of New York (1)? Bloody brilliant Christmas song it is.” After Buffy’s head shake he continued “Besides that, welcomed in the New Year with the same mates. All and all, pretty good time.”

“Cool….New Years, just like Christmas, held at Anya’s. Besides nobody to kiss, it was a wonderful time. More General Gaos? Buffy stated as she held up the carton. Despite the small dig the conversation continued in the same manner. They talked but not really conversed. After they finished they cleared away the mess and headed into the living room. Spike sat on his couch. Buffy started to walk towards the love seat until he started to pat the cushions besides him. Giving her the ok to sit closer. After several beats of silence, Buffy spoke.

“Spike, let me say first off that I’m a control freak and a big-time bitch.” As she saw his movements to speak she interrupted “Look, we both know this is true, so don’t deny it.”

“Actually luv, wasn’t going to deny any piece or part of that, I was going to agree.” Spike responded with bluntness. Buffy’s eyes widen a bit, smiled and continued.

“Good, at least we agree on that. Now, I just wanted to tell you why I’m that way. This is not an excuse by any means, just an explanation. Well, if you want to hear it?” Buffy asked with reservation. She wanted to show him that she was trying to change her faults, and one way to do that was to ask, not assume things.

“You don’t have to tell me, but I would like to know.” Spike explained as he sat back to listen to her. Buffy stood as she started to explain.

“This is really still hard for me, even after all these years, but it needs to be said. I just have to move. Okay…..I am the bi-product of the American norm. Man meets woman. They fall in love. Get married. Buy house with white picket fence in the suburbs. Bring into the world, a product of their love and devotion, me. They lived in marital bliss, well until my father decided that work and other extracurricular activities were what he desired more than his established fam. He left my mom and me outright when I was nine. Now that I look back, he was already gone long before that; all the missed dinners, birthday parties, late-night meetings. Just at age nine, he decided to make it official. One day, a child of two parents. Next, another statistic, child of divorce.”

Buffy stopped briefly and faced Spike as he absorbed her words. With a brief nod, he urged for her to continue.

“Don’t let this fool you. Mom and I were a formidable team. We were not only mother and daughter, but also best friends. We faced everything together. Secrets didn’t exist; those were my father’s shameless foibles. That all changed when I was seventeen.”

“The beginning of my Senior year of high school, she started to complain of headaches. At first she chalked them up to the flu, allergies, or even good ol’ stress. After a few months, none of those excuses seem to be plausible anymore. One night when it was especially bad, I threatened to call the ambulance to take her to the emergency room. She talked me out of it, and promised that she would call her doctor in the morning. I stayed home that day to make sure she called. She did.”

“Later on that day, we went to her doctor’s office. After some questions, blood work and the like, he sent her home. That night, we received a follow up call from him. He instructed her to come to the hospital in the morning for some more tests. He told her that he wanted her to have a CAT scan, more blood work and for her to stay overnight for a 24 hour EEG workup. I was petrified. Mom just handed me a cup of cocoa and with some reassuring words, she set my mind at ease.”

“See, she never held anything back. When money was tight, because dear ol’dad forgot to send the child support, or when she was having an especially rough patch, like when my dad remarried and announced that his secretary, now wife was expecting their first child, she confided in me. I told her when I experimented with alcohol or pot. She even knew when I lost my virginity to my high school sweetheart, Angel. She knew it all.”

“Angel? We’re not talking about that poncy bugger from Willow ’s party are we?” Buffy stopped her movements and looked at Spike. A grin broke from her somber features as she responded

“No, first off that Angel was gay remember? Secondly, my Angel, that was his nickname. His real name was Liam. His sister gave him that name because she said he had a ‘face of an angel.’ So it stuck.”

“Don’t care how handsome a bloke is, that still is a Nancy boy nickname.” Spike huffed.

“Okay……are we done with gauging nicknames…..SPIKE? Can I get back to my trip down memory lane?” Buffy asked with a mock huff.

“Sorry, by all means luv. Proceed.” Spike stated with a grand sweep of his arm.

“Okay, so she went in for tests.” Buffy walked to the window and stared out at the beautiful view of Boston that lay past the pane of glass. The city below was covered with a fresh powder of snow that had started to fall since she arrived at Spike’s. The hazy winter sun twinkled off the flakes, giving the city a look of glass. The words to continue stuck in her throat. Saying them out loud would confirm that hellish time in her life existed.

Spike approached her rigid form, she stood motionless in front of the window. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder as he silently urged her to continue. Once Buffy felt his warmth and the comfort that he was willing to give her, she found the strength to proceed.

“After all the tests, the doctors told us that she had a brain tumor. They said they could perform surgery to remove most of it. After she would need radiation and chemo to ensure that it was completely gone.” The glass fogged with the whispers that escaped her mouth. Both stayed motionless for several moments, Buffy turned to face Spike.

“The surgery was a success. Besides the horrendous scar and her missing hair, you would have never known what she had gone through. I joked with her telling her that I was going to style her Barbie dream hair. After I brought in several wigs to cover up the residuals of surgery. Despite how the doctors told me that things might be different for her after the surgery; not just with the medicine, chemo and radiation, but her personality may change as well. I never believed them. When I saw her in the hospital, a few days after surgery, she was my mom. Before the cancer, before the headaches. When I brought her home a week later, I found out how wrong I really was.”

“She had nightmares. Well that’s an understatement. She would wake in the middle of the night, covered with sweat, screaming, and crying. When I would go to her, she would calm, I would get her back to sleep, for all of it to start again an hour later. She would yell and swear at me, which she had never done before. She told me that I ruined her life and I drove my father away because I was a selfish bitch.” Buffy’s eyes started to tear with the memories Spike pulled her into his muscular embrace.

Spike held her, as her tears soaked his shirt. He offered comforted words as he ran his hand gently over her golden tresses. After the tears passed, she pulled from his arms, stood next to the window, but remained facing Spike. With a faint smile continued.

“Well, let’s just say that all was not of the right in the Summers’ household. Looking back now, I would take those weeks over what happened next.” Buffy turned and faced the window again as she spoke.

“One day I came home, in a relatively good mood. Finished my mid terms, Angel and I were still together. Despite me being MIA from the relationship for months. Well, he didn’t have a hard time I wasn’t there, because he had another girl named Eve, warming his back seat. Anyway, I came home singing some stupid top 40 song, opened the door and called to my mom. After several bellows, I walked into the living room. That’s where I found her. She was lying on the couch. In all appearances, she looked like was sleeping, well with her eyes wide open. Time just stood still. All I remember is throwing up and then somehow I dialed 911. After that, I don’t remember. My memories are blurry. Not because I can’t remember, but because that is how my world appeared after I found her.”

As she finished her sentence, Buffy felt Spike’s arm around her shoulders as he walked her away from the window. As he allowed her time to collect her thoughts and emotions, he headed into the kitchen. When he came back, he offered her a bottle of water. Buffy took a heady swig, as she sorted through her thoughts. Spike sat at the end of the couch and waited for her to continue.

“Senior year….while everyone was deciding what dress to wear, flowers to hold and who to ask to Prom, I was picking out caskets, a headstone and eulogies. My next biggest memory was, standing at her grave, with my four-year-old stepsister Dawn holding my hand, telling me that my mom was in heaven.”

“After the funeral everything moved so fast. Dad told me that he couldn’t support two households. So he had to sell my home. He wanted me to move to LA, but I fought tooth and nail not to leave Sunnydale until after graduation. I won. I spent the next six months, with my best friend at the time, Cordelia Chase’s family.”

“Since my childhood house and my only family were gone, I decided that I needed to leave. Not only Sunnyhell, which I so newly dubbed, but the entire state of California soon became too close to the epicenter of my pain. I originally was going to Stanford for undergrad and law school, had a full boat too. On a whim and a prayer, I applied to Harvard and the rest is history.” Buffy finished with a shrug of her shoulder. After several moments of silence, Spike commented.

“I’m terribly sorry for your loss, Buffy. I can understand.” Spike stated. Deep voice filled with sympathy. Buffy’s anger flared with this statement. All these years, people giving condolences, saying that they understand. A dam in her mind finally broke.

“Bullshit! How could you possibly understand Spike! Nobody truly understands! All their sad glances and ‘I understands’, it makes me sick!” Buffy anger burst forward as she stood. Spike’s nostrils flared with fury. He gritted his teeth as he responded.

“I don’t bloody understand! Is that right Buffy? Well I’ll have you know that I loss my mum around the same age as you and my da several years later! I buried both my parents before I was even thirty! Before they could see me get married and give them grandchildren. I have no one! Not a bloody soul! Both my parents were only children, as was I. I’m all alone in this bleedin’ world. So you tell me Buffy, who doesn’t understand!” Spike growled. With a start, he turned and headed toward the kitchen. She could hear him as he rummaged through the cabinets, probably in search for some hard liquor.

With Spike’s disclosure, Buffy’s eyes widened and filled with tears. After several moments he returned with a bottle of Jameson’s Whiskey and two small glasses. He filled each with copious amounts of amber liquor. With a slight raise of his glass, he downed it all in one shot. Buffy did the same, followed by a loud ‘blahhhh’.

As smirk erupted from his face, as he poured another drink. He held up the bottle to offer another. She held out the glass as he served her. In silence they drank again, with the same affect from Buffy. Spike flopped down on the couch, with a loud sigh. After several moments he spoke.

“Buffy, I know that you don’t trust enough to believe that others have felt or feel pain. It may not be your pain, but its pain all the same. Some people get sucked under by it, like an undertow on the beach. They’re washed away in the sea of their emotions, some never to surface again. Others grow stronger from it. They use it as the armor that they present to the world. Their pain brings them character, shapes who they are. You and I are the latter. But it wasn’t always the case for me. After my mum died, I was swept away. My ocean was booze, drugs, sex and self-destruction. I completely lost myself. Do you remember months back when I told you there was only one other woman who I was with more than once?” With a slight nod of her head, he continued. Spike stared into the amber fluid as he spoke.

“Yeah, well I met her, Dru, during my dark days. She was as lost as I was. A right pair we were. She was certifiable, not only in jest. She was schizoaffective, heard voices, saw things that weren’t there. It all went away for her when she shot heroin. I loved her, so I followed suit. See this scar?” Spike asked as he pointed to the one that crisscrossed his eyebrow. Buffy softly responded “Yeah.”

“I got this little memento during those days. Dru and I needed our fix. We only had a few pounds, only enough for one of us to score. Well, I decided that I was goin’ to get our junk and keep my dosh at the same time. So when Dru was distractin’ him while was rubbin’ herself against the dealer, I attacked him. Hit him with a thin metal rod that I had tucked in the sleeve of my trench. Thought I was right smart. Wasn’t smart enough. Didn’t figure that he had back up. Well, his mate didn’t take kindly to me beatin’ his boss’ arse, so he threw me to the ground. The buy was at an ol’ rail yard. The burly bastard tossed me on the tracks. Since I was shite faced, I didn’t protect my face on the way down. Next thing I remembered, I was in the emergency room. My head pounding something fierce and half of my melon wrapped like some kind of mummy. Dru told me with shrieking laughter, that I had hit my eyebrow on an old rusty railroad spike, which she presented to me for a gift the following Christmas. After that, she called me Spike. Now I have a nickname and a battle scar to remind me everyday of my own personal hell.” Spike continued to gaze into the glass as he continued.

“With my love affair with death, I lost two years of my life. Till one day, an old mate of mine, one that I actually saw when I was back in London for the holidays. He told me that my da was dying from cancer. At that moment, I decided that I wasn’t ready for death, for him or me. So I left it all behind, my life that I knew, even Dru. A year later, she was found dead, in an abandon building, needle in her arm. Her passing was something awful. Blamed myself. My da told me that I couldn’t have helped her. Lead horse to water and all that rot. Deep inside, I knew I couldn’t have saved her, she was too far gone. But it didn’t make it hurt any less.” Spike opened his mouth, and let the firewater burn his throat as it traveled down. He filled his glass again, and then finally looked at Buffy as he finished his story.

“I went back to school, eventually became a barrister. Da passed before I finished. He never did see all that I worked for. But I know he knows. From what ever place he is, he and me mum both know.” Tears fell from his cerulean eyes as he placed the glass on the table. He swiped them away with the back of his hands then spoke again.

“So see, I do understand. More than you know. We may two peas in a pod, but I’ve worked through my trust issues, both with others and more importantly with myself. You’ve just begun your long journey.” Spike stated as he looked at Buffy.

“Without trust, you’ll never be able to truly love. I didn’t realize that until I left. I never understood or accepted that I deserve more than what you were able to give me. Our relationship was lopsided. You controlled our relationship, from beginning to end.” Spike explained.

“What are you talking about?” Buffy asked with a perturbed tone.

“Buffy, we’ve been so honest to this point, let’s not go back to covering the truth, shall we? You know exactly what I mean. You were the one that determined when we first went out. Then you set the pace on the intensity of our sex lives. How fast, when the first time happened, even when I first was able to taste you. You even determined, without me, when we were able to be together with no barriers, well physical ones anyway. There were always emotional ones. You were in complete control. When you decided that you were no longer at the helm, you jumped ship. Made me believe that it was my choices and down falls that broke us apart. When in actuality it was you. Your fears. Your distrust of yourself, of me and of us.” Spike explained with a level tone.

“So your saying that our relationship failing was all my fault?” Buffy asked as she stood and started to cut a swath on the living room rug.

“Yeah, I am.” Spike stated with a shoulder shrug.

“So,what? If I told you from the beginning my feelings about you being a defense attorney from Wolfram and Hart, you would have what? Quit?” Buffy asked with a clipped tone.

“See, you never gave me any options. Buffy, you were always, the bloody judge and jury. You could have at least told me how you felt. You’re right, I wouldn’t have quit, but at least I would of known the score. Like you said at the beginning of this conversation, you’re a control freak. You believe that if you have your pieces on both sides of the chest board that you can control the game. Well, you forgot one thing, that stratagey leaves you all alone. Life is about risks. It’s about conceding that there are others that do know how you feel and what is best for you. I’m not saying to follow someone mindlessly. That’s just the other side of the wrong coin. What I’m saying is that there are those that love you, and come hell or high water want what’s best for you. You just have to trust them enough to do so. Also, trust yourself enough to let them.” Spike responded as he stood. He walked over to her stiff form. He placed his hands on her upper arms and spoke as he stared into her emerald gaze.

“Buffy, words can’t describe how I feel that you trusted me enough to tell me about your mum. She sounded like a hell of a woman.”

“Joyce.”

“Excuse me?”

“Her name was Joyce.”

“Beautiful name, for a exquisite woman, if the woman before me is a testament to her legacy. Buffy we all deserve to be loved. A type of love that consumes you and burns away who you thought you were, but in its place, a new person rises. You become a part of something bigger. It’s no longer about you, your wants or your desires. You then become a we. This doesn’t mean that you lose who you were, you just become better. For once in your life, someone other than yourself feels your pain. They laugh with you. Share your hopes and dreams. Silence the fear and self-doubt. They become the one person that you long to see when the dawn arrives and at the days end. They become your everything. Now, I speak from the small taste I had with you. I loved you like that Buffy. Unfortunately, we weren’t in it together. But I do know this, I deserve that type of love and so do you.” Spike place a small kiss on Buffy’s forehead as he turned to walk towards the window.

“Spike, how did you know where Anya’s wedding was?” Spike turned away from the window and spoke.

“Willow told me.”

“Willow? She never told me that she talked to you.” Buffy stated with her voice becoming slightly angered.

“Well, I only spoke to her once. She gave me a ring about two weeks before the wedding.”

“How did she get her number?” her voice raising

“From Clem.”

“What? Clem told me that he didn’t know where you were! Was everybody in on keeping Buffy in the dark?” Buffy barked as she defensively crossed her arms around her body.

“Buffy, that’s not true. Clem didn’t know where I was. He only knew how to get a hold of me.” Spike clarified.

“Spike, that’s just a play on words!”

“No, it’s not. I asked him not to tell you how to get a hold of me. As for Willow, he knew both our numbers. He knew mine since I gave it to him. Knew hers, since she had been seeing him for a concerning mole she wanted looked at. Willow was worried about you. So was I. Buffy I didn’t leave to hurt you. It was necessary for me to work on myself. Clear my head. I wasn’t any good for anyone, especially myself the way I was. I did it for me.” Spike explained.

“I still think that it wasn’t right that she didn’t tell me.” Buffy huffed.

“Well, Lesson the first. Trust that Willow was doing what was in your best interest. Honestly Buffy, if you knew my number, would you of respected that I didn’t want to be contacted?” Spike asked he approached her.

“Probably not.” With a scarred eyebrow raise she amended “No, I wouldn’t of have. I probably would of called you right when I received it.”

“And….” Spike prodded

“It would have been a mess. I know that. I would have tried to have an intelligent conversation, but it would of quickly spiraled out of control. It would have ended in complete badness. As the old adage says ‘The road to hell is paved with good intentions.’ After that conversation, you may have never returned to the US in fear of the crazy American chit!” Buffy joked. A deep chuckled sounded from Spike as he stood in front of Buffy.

“So what happens now?” Buffy asked

“I don’t rightly know. Like the saying goes ‘Yesterday was history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that’s why it is called the present.’” Spike said with a smile.

“You know how I love new adages. Where did you hear it from?” Buffy asked with intensity.

“I heard it from Master Oogway, the giant tortoise, from Kung Fu Panda. Very perspicacious bloke.” Spike smiled.

“What?” Buffy chuckled

“Well, that was the movie that played from Heathrow to Logan Airport. Bloody brilliant flick, that Jack Black is a bleedin’ riot!”

“So are we alright?” Buffy asked as she looked down at her feet. Spike put his finger under her chin and tilted it upwards. As emerald depths met dazzling cerulean, he spoke.

“Yeah, we’re good.” As he released her chin he continued to speak. “Buffy, I don’t want to lose you from my life. Maybe when you’re ready to trust me as your friend, you’ll give me a call sometime.” Spike finished as he stepped back and looked towards the clock, it was 4 p.m.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I have to be somewhere by 7 p.m. I hate to cut our conversation short, but this was planned before I saw you last week.” Spike explained.

“No….no….don’t apologize. I’ve been here for over four hours. Let me head out. So do you want to give me your number, so I can call you sometime?” Buffy asked as she collected her coat and purse.

“You remember my number, don’t tell me you don’t. Lesson the second, trust yourself that you remember my number and trust that when you call that number, that my deep sexy voice will be the one that answers.” Spike stated with an eyebrow wiggle. Buffy nodded as Spike, the gentleman always, helped Buffy on with her coat. Buffy held her hand out and stated

“Friends.” Spike looked at her hand, as it was a poisonous snake, and then pulled her into his arms.

“Buffy, friends do hug.” As the pair, held each other, the passion flared between them. It took all their willpower to pull away from each other’s embrace. Spike placed a chaste kiss to her forehead and bid her goodbye.

After several beats, Spike walked towards the phone, removed it from the receiver and started to dial. Several rings, a sweet voice filled the line.

“Hello?”

“Hey Glinda. Are we still on for 7?……Yeah, I’ll be bringing Clem……Oh Red wants to talk, yeah put her on……Hey Red….Yeah, it went fairly well……no….I didn’t make her cry……well not that much……I’ll have you know it was an life altering conversation we had……no, I’m not being dramatic…..yeah, yeah mum……Oi, I’ll have you know that me mum was the light of my life and me calling you that is a complement……Ok, I forgive you…….You’ll probably hear from Buffy soon……Yeah, I did have to tell her about our conversation……Don’t worry I tied it in with learning to trust……I hope that it works too……Yeah, I miss her like hell…..I hope your right…..Alright, I’ll see you in a few, Bye.” With that Spike hung up, went into the bathroom to take a long overdue cold shower.

(1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv0hlbWpa1w&feature=related This is Fairytale of New York by The Pogues. Yes this is the song that they sang at the bar at the beginning o

As the lion roared the arrival of March, Spike and Clem occupied their usual spots on Spike’s couch. They’d occupied these same spots each Saturday since his return, each man flanked by snacks and beer as they watched the some sort of sport. Today the Bruins were in the playoffs, while the puck slid across the glass-like sheen of the ice, Spike’s mind began to wander.

Buffy

Anytime his mind wasn’t completely occupied his thoughts always returned to her. Questions, as always flooded his mind. ‘How is she?’ ‘Is she alright?’ ‘Does she hate me?’ These doubts and concerns buzzed through his mind like a mosquito on a hot summer evening.

Spike hadn’t heard from or about her for almost two months. Well actually thirty-four days, three hours and twenty-two, no twenty-three minutes. But who was counting? She hasn’t called him like he had hoped, nor did he call her. He needed to respect her space though it was killing him a little each day. During the small ‘Welcome Back’ dinner Red and Glinda had thrown for him in early February, the last night he had seen Buffy, it was decided that everyone had said their piece. Now it was up to Buffy to do use the information for her benefit. Spike also hadn’t asked, nor did they supply any information on the last two occasions he had spoken with the couple.

Spike was broken from his thoughts as a shower of cheese curls hit his cheek. With a few blinks and a look that could kill, Spike glared at the other man.

“Oi! What the bleedin’ ‘ell was that for?” Spike barked.

“Welcome back bleach boy! I was talking and talking and nothing! Christ! I should let your ungrateful ass get your own brew!” Clem huffed as he stood.

“Sorry, mind just escaped me for a bit. Just thinking about……”

“Yeah, I know…..Buffy. You know, that girl got issues?” Clem stated as he walked around the couch.

“Don’t we all mate?” Spike responded.

“Yeah….yeah we do. So, brew?” Clem asked as he walked over to the kitchen.

“Yeah, but no pansy arse American beer. Give me a Heineken!” Spike yelled to Clem as he rummaged through the fridge. The buzz from the intercom rang. Spike walked over to the door trying to figure out who would be ringing him. He pressed the button and spoke.

“’ello?”

“Yes, is this William Eros’ place?” A male voice rang through the intercom.

“Umm…yeah?”

“Sir, I have a delivery for you. May I come up?” After several beats, Spike shrugged his shoulders and pressed the button to respond.

“Yeah, not a problem mate, come on up.”

Clem came from the kitchen double fisted. He looked at Spike with an expression of ‘What the fuck?’

“Don’t rightly know. Hopefully it’s not a lawsuit or something. Hey, maybe it’s Ed McMahon from Publishers Clearing House with one of those gigantic checks!” Spike joked.

“Well, since good ol’ Ed is dead. Let’s hope it is not him. Plus, if you win anything, it would be the biggest asshole award and let’s face it, there are no big checks awarded for that!” Clem jested back.

“Har…har ya bloody eunuch!” Spike retorted. A knock broke off the retaliation from Clem. Spike opened the door and stared at a man dressed in a god awful, bright Irish green suit, with a shamrock vest under the obnoxious colored jacket. With a quirk of his scarred eyebrow, Spike spoke.

“Good day Mick. What can I do you for?” Spike said with a smirk.

“William Eros?” With a nod he continued “I have a delivery for you.” With that, the leprechaun man handed Spike a bouquet of flowers and a small bag. With a slight nod he left.

Spike watched briefly as the mountain of green headed down the hallway. Bringing his gifts into the condo, Clem glared at Spike and asked “So, how come you, king of all asses, get prezzies and I get nothin’! That’s it! I’m just going to start acting like a dick then all the women will flock to me!” Clem huffed, plopping down on the couch.

“Oh pipe down, don’t be such a sod. I haven’t a clue who this is from. I haven’t been with anyone other than Buffy for almost a year.” Spike explained as he stared at his gifts.

At first he examined the bouquet. The beautiful hues of a dozen Iris’ spilled forward creating a contrast between the stark white of small violets in the bouquet. Attached to the arrangement was a small card that stated:

I trust you, let’s take a chance

A bright smile graced his features as he read the card several times over. Spike then proceeded to open the silver bag and remove a mass of tissue paper. Once he unfolded the paper he discovered a CD. On the cover it stated simply:

PLAY ME

Clem watched in awe. There was a permanent smile affixed to his friend’s face as he inspected everything he received. Spike shut off the television and proceeded to place the disc inside the player. After a brief silence, music started to fill the condo.

“A strangled smile fell from your face
It kills me that I hurt you this way
The worst part is that I didn't even know
Now there's a million reasons for you to go
But if you can find a reason to stay

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
Believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes

She said "If we're gonna make this work
You gotta let me inside even though it hurts
Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see"
She said "Like it or not it's the way it's gotta be
You gotta love yourself if you can ever love me"

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
And give me a break
I'll keep us together, I know you deserve much better

But remember the time I told you the way that I felt
That I'd be lost without you and never find myself
Let's hold onto each other above everything else
Start over, start over

I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
and believe that I can change
I'll keep us together whatever it takes” (1)

Once the last note of the song ended, Spike looked at his baffled and unusually quiet friend. After several moments of silence, Spike spoke.

“My beautiful woman stole my idea. Doesn’t matter, it still hits soul deep. Lucky bloke, aren’t I?”

“Definitely. Are you going to call her? Do you need me to leave?” Clem asked as his thumb motioned towards the door.

“Nah. If she follows the same script it will be hours before she comes. Anyway too hyped to be alone. Need you here to keep me from runnin’ to her place and ruining her plans.” Spike explained with a warm smile.

“Cool. Let’s take this mood down a few notches, Bruins and brew?” Clem stated.

“Yeah, sounds good.” Spike responded.

Though Spike tried to relax as he waited for his next gift, more specifically Buffy, he couldn’t contain his excitement. His hands fiddled alternately with his hair and the CD case while his leg bounced in anticipation. After a half an hour Clem yelled.

“Man….will you stop with the leg! It’s like you’re some dog getting its belly rubbed. Friggin’ annoying! Just go to her! Don’t you think enough time has gone by?” Clem glared at his friend.

“If I’m right, I should be getting a call in approximately fifteen minutes telling me……” With that another buzz chimed through the condo. “Or actually now.” Spike stood and approached the intercom. He pressed the button and spoke.

“Yeah?”

“William Eros?” Another male voice rang through.

“This is he. Do you have a delivery for me?” Spike asked the voice.

“Yeah, can you buzz me in?” The man asked.

“Sure, come on up.”After several minutes, a knock sounded. Spike opened the door quickly. On the other side was another man dressed head to toe in another outrageous outfit, this one better than the last. Not only did he sport an ill-fitting Irish green suit, he wore black elf-like shoes with large golden buckles adorning the tops, and the ‘traditional’ green top hat with the large golden buckle on the front. Spike gaped at the man who was several inches taller than him with a slight smirk.

“Yeah…yeah….leprechauns are suppose to be short, not almost 6’3”. Sully is out sick so I needed to do the deliveries. And as you can tell he’s a lot smaller than me.” The man spoke as he gestured to the pants, which showed his exposed ankles and shins.

“No comments here mate. So whatcha have for me?” Spike stated looking for his gift.

“Oh…dur…..here.” Before he handed Spike the bag he asked “Your Billy Eros right?”

“William Eros, yes.” Spike corrected him.

“Sorry man. Have a good day.” After he handed Spike the bag, he turned and left.

Spike brought the slightly larger bag inside, putting it on his coffee table. He clapped then rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

“Let’s see what goodies my luv has bestowed upon me?” Spike reached into the bag removing two gifts wrapped in silver paper. After shaking both neither making a sound. Clem watched intently as his friend inspected the gifts like a child touching forbidden gifts under the Christmas tree.

“I know they’re both yours, but can open one?” Clem asked with a child-like pout.

“Yeah, why not. Here open this one.” Spike stated as he handed Clem one of the wrapped boxes.

Both men tore into the paper like it was Christmas morn. Under the wrappings laid two plain white boxes. They looked at the gift, simultaneously raised their shoulders and focused on their own present. Concurrently they raised the lids to their boxes. Their feelings of what they received flashed across their features. Spike’s was a look of pure lust and sinful promises. Clem’s was a look of utter confusion.

“Hey, I know this is your present and all, and I may sound like Chuck Brown and his receipt of a rock, but I got grass. Not the good kind either, just plain ol’grass. Whad’ya get?” Clem asked as he leaned over and looked into the box in Spike’s hands.

“Handcuffs! Holy shit! Way better than mine, I only……” Clem stated before he was cut off by Spike’s words.

“Get out.” Spike growled.

“What?” Clem looked at his now animalistic friend with shock.

“I said GET….OUT!” Spike growled again, but much louder.

“Uhh? Why? I’m not getting it.” Clem asked with confusion.

“And you won’t be getting it here! Neither will I if you don’t get your arse out!” Spike explained loudly.

“Jeesh…..don’t need to get all demony. Here take your grass and I’ll screw.” Clem’s eyes widen as the pieces fell into place. “Ohhhh……and on that note, I’ll be heading off. You two enjoy!” With that Clem quickly collected his belongings and left without another word.

A myriad of feelings flooded him; excitement, bliss, desire, and the most importantly love. Spike’s mind raced. He didn’t know what his next move was to be. ‘Was he to go to her, or she him?’ ‘Does this entire process mean that she wants to be in relationship? And if so, is she ready for that? Was he?’ His thoughts were dispersed when there was a knock on his door. He stormed to the door, swung it open with such force it should have fell from its hinges.

“Bloody ‘ell Clem! I told you to push off what……” Spike was stopped mid sentence at the angelic vision before him.

Buffy

Spike stared at her, mouth agape like a fish out of water. After several beats she spoke.

“Hi Spike. Did you get my presents?” Buffy’s soft voice reached his ears, but all her heard was the pounding of his ever-expanding heart. A grand, warm smile beamed from her glossy lips as she gazed at the befuddled man in front of her. After several more beats she spoke.

“May I come in? Don’t think you want your neighbors to witness…..” Buffy was cut off by Spike’s gentle, but demanding mouth covering hers. Buffy melted into his arms as he swept her into the condo. The next thing she knew her back was against the door, one hand in her golden tresses, the other tenderly placed on her inflamed cheek.

As quickly as it started he pulled away taking several steps back. They stared at each other, eyes glazed with desire, breathing shallow in an attempt to control their animalistic draw to one another.

With the distance, Spike was able to see her, all of her. Her flaxen hair was full of waves falling over her shoulders and down her back. Her fiery emerald eyes were framed by a smoky gray shadow with a heavy layer of midnight black mascara on her upper eyelashes. A hint of crimson gloss covered her swollen bee-stung lips.

His eyes traveled down her body drinking in the mere sight of her. He noticed the thigh high, black trench adorning her body a belt synching her tiny waist. On her toned legs, were black, sheer hose that spilled into blood red, patent leather, three-inch stilettos.

With a croak, Spike stated “Like the shoes luv.”

“Knew you would.” Buffy responded in a sexy raspy voice. Buffy stalked over to the coffee table where the gifts that she sent him laid. She turned to face him as she opened her trench coat and let it slip from her arms.

Spike was stunned into silence as he saw her heavenly body encased in a sheer, crimson baby doll teddy. Her puckered nipples strained against the gossamer fabric as her shallows breaths caused her chest to rise and fall. She then slowly turned picked up the handcuffs. Buffy carried them in her palms as she walked towards Spike.

“All that I have done and will do today is because I love you completely. I know this now because I have learned to truly love myself. This epiphany was achieved because of you. You were the catalyst starting the flame for my self-exploration.”

Spike finally found his voice as she stood before him.

“Buffy, sweetheart I didn’t do anything. I only told you how I felt. Everything that you have achieved was based solely on the powerful and remarkable woman standing before me.” Spike whispered, loving placing his hand on her cheek. Buffy held her palms up to him as an offering then she spoke.

“William, I trust you entirely, with all that I am. Please let me show you how much.” Buffy whispered as she looked at him with desire and utter love.

Spike eyes widened at her request. She wanted him to use bondage to show how much she trusted him? At first he was going to protest. Tell her that it wasn’t necessary to prove to him like this. After a few moments Spike realized that it wasn’t only him that she was trying to prove her trust to, it was herself.

Spike tentatively reached forward to take the handcuffs from her upturned hands. Once her hands were free, her eyes still holding his cerulean gaze, unwound a sash of black silk from her right wrist. Once it was released, she held it up for him to take as she slowly turned around.

Without words he knew what she wanted. Spike slid the handcuffs into his back jeans pocket with shaky hands he placed the makeshift blindfold tenderly over her eyes and fastened it in back with a bow.

Buffy turned around slowly to face him. Despite her vision being cloaked in the silken darkness, she could sense him. In two steps, her hands were placed on his muscular chest. After a soft, tender kiss placed upon his full lips, she spoke.

“I trust you.” Spike knew that was his cue to begin.

His entire being was at war; his heart was telling him to be gentle and kind to her body. Worship her fully with subdued kisses and soothing caresses. His body screamed to claim her. Devour her fully, place hungry, urgent kisses, licks and bites over the entirety of her luscious body leaving no spot untouched.

Buffy stood in the middle of the living room blindfolded, Spike’s gaze absorbing her very being. She had an air of confidence, her chin raised high, breathing steady, lips pursed waiting to respond to his in any way. She was a vision, simply breathtaking.

Spike pulled slightly away from her body and circled her twice. He studied her from all angles. She remained steady upon examination. Buffy startled slightly when his hot breath brushed against the shell of her ear as he purred

“Loose the teddy luv.”

Buffy slowly lowered each of the thin straps. As it trailed down her arms, the silk of the material and his demanding words caused her skin to prickle in response. The gossamer fabric lowered over her pert mounds then pooled at her feet. She stood before him in a crimson thong, black sheer thigh-highs and stilettos. Buffy’s rosy peaks puckered tighter with the cool air and the knowledge that his eyes held firm on her body. Spike gently took her hands and instructed her to slowly raise each foot, pushing the fabric away so the lingerie no longer bunched at her feet.

Then his touch was gone and Buffy began to use her other senses to seek him out. She heard his rapid breathing, felt the light skim of his clothing against her sensitive skin as he passed her. The slight brush of his clothes on different areas of her body told her he was circling her form much like a shark surrounding their prey. His heady essence surrounded her. His desire, power and an animalistic raw sexuality. Her body hummed with the thoughts of him possessing her fully. In the past she had always held back a small part of her heart and soul she didn’t let anyone see. No longer. She was completely his.

Buffy mentally urged herself to remain still his talented hands placed a soft caresses upon her heated flesh. As his knuckles skimmed down her left cheek, she leaned toward his gentle touch. His hand continued to travel from her flushed cheek, down the column of her throat and ended at the top of her heaving mounds. Spike could tell that her resolve was breaking, as well as his own. He knew that he had to give her what she craved, what she had wanted when this game of trust had begun.

Spike brushed her abdomen, just slightly above the waistband of her panties, with a feather-like touch of his fingertips. A jolt of electricity surged throughout her body as a lustful moan escaped her now parted lips. Her back arched as she sought his caress. Spike pulled away from her needy flesh letting out a deep, lust-filled chuckle before he spoke. His deep, baritone voice caressed her mind, just as his hands had caressed her body moments ago.

“Now, now kitten. Good things come to those who wait.”

Buffy’s mind spun her desire and need short-circuiting all reason. She wanted to pull away the blindfold, throw him to the ground and ride his impressive cock until they both exploded from sheer ecstasy. Despite this overwhelming desire, she held firm. Buffy thoughts were scattered on the wind when she felt his scorching breath on her right nipple. As the pointed tip of his gifted tongue flickered over the taunt nub Buffy’s head lolled back and small mews escaped her lips. After several moments of his ministrations, a growl filled her ears as he commanded.

“Give me your wrists.” Without thought Buffy lifted both arms chest level as she heard the distinctive clinch of metal. As the cold steel of the cuffs bit into her wrists, Buffy’s breathing increased. Once each cuff was firmly in place, Spike purred.

“Now kitten, let’s play.”

Spike placed two fingers on the interlocking links between the cuffs as he gently turned her around. Once about face, he carefully guided her forward. She assumed to his bedroom. After countless steps Spike stopped and released her hands. In a gravelly voice his instructed.

“Raise your arms over your head.”

Upon his command, Buffy immediately brought her linked wrists upward. After several beats, Buffy sensed Spike behind her as he grabbed her hands and then she felt a slight tug between the cuffs as something kept her arms suspended above her head. With an experimental pull, she felt the resistance.

“Ah….ah…ah….be a good girl and you’ll get your just desserts.” Spike purred as his fingertips trailed down her wrists, arms and gently caressed the outsides of her highly sensitive breasts.

Buffy’s mouth parted as a moan passed her full lips. When he removed his touch, her body cried out for more. She moved her legs slightly as she tried to apply pressure on her damp core.

“Now, where to begin.” Spike purred as Buffy could feel his lust-filled gaze peruse her heated form.

As in sync, where his eyes landed, her body would shift towards his gaze. Her peaks were painfully hard and begged for his touch. Her panties dampened further with anticipation. As the silence and eagerness became too much to bear, Buffy felt his fingertips stroking her right buttocks in a slow meticulous circular motion. Her sensitive skin heated in the wake of his touch. Buffy’s taunt body relaxed with each swirl of his gentle stroke.

‘SMACK’

Buffy startled slightly as his open palm harshly met with her tender flesh. A gasp flowed from her mouth delighting in his treatment. Spike then resumed the soft torturous motion of his fingertips. Her tense body started to relax the longer his gifted hand continued to travel over her skin.

‘SMACK…SMACK’

Two successive slaps to her buttocks had a squeal of pure delight poured from her trembling lips. As she anticipated another round of soft touches, his fingers sought out her nipples as he eagerly plucked the rosy nubs. As her back arched to meet his hands his hungry mouth covered hers. After they feasted on each other for several moments, he pulled away completely. Leaving her searching and feeling bereft from loss of contact.

As Buffy’s body still hummed from his ministrations and the promises of future explorations, she felt his presence behind her. Spike’s fingers followed the same path as earlier as they skated over her wrists, down her arms. They changed direction and continued to travel down her lower back.

Her head arched backward as she sought more of his body. Once his hands reached their destination, Spike’s hungry mouth latched onto the crux of her throat, where her shoulder and neck meet. His teeth sunk into her flesh, as his hands wrapped around her hips, as he roughly pulled her back. Spike growled as he ground his denim covered cock into the swell of her ample backside.

Buffy moaned ‘More’ as a plethora of amazing feelings flooded her body. In an instant he was gone again. Buffy loudly protested “NO”, as her body and mind reeled from pleasure and frustration.

“Do you need more kitten?” Spike purred as his voice held a deep promise of continuation.

“Yes.” Buffy pleaded.

With that, her panties were quickly ripped from her body. After the offending garment was torn away, Buffy stood bare before him. His hungry gaze drank in her form. Her breaths became quick pants. Her body became flushed, as she awaited his next move.

Spike brought her panties to his nose and breathed deeply. The darkness of his pupils swallowed his azure irises as the aroma and vision of her arousal had him on edge. The growl that filled the air prickled her exposed flesh. His lust-riddled voice flowed into her hazy mind

“Kitten, you’re driving me wild. Do you trust me to continue?” Spike growled as he approached her suspended form.

“Yes.” Buffy moaned.

She remained still as she waited with bated breath for his next move. Buffy felt his hand slide over the back of her knee and travel up her thigh. He urged her leg forward as he placed it over his shoulder.

“Spike what are you…?” When she felt the tip of his clever tongue flicker briefly over her exposed dampened folds, her words were swallowed up by a pleasure-filled moan.

He continued to bestow pleasure upon her body and with agile movements he placed her other leg upon his shoulder. His muscular body supported her weight completely. No pressure was felt in her suspended arms. Buffy’s head flung back as the bliss built.

“Uh…..yes…..yes….Spike.” Buffy muttered incoherently as he feasted upon her core. Spike alternatively used his wicked tongue to lap her essence, and then placed forceful pleasurable bites on her inner thighs.

The myriad of feelings, both pleasure and pain mingled as her climax wavered slightly then crashed through her body. A shrill cry escaped her throat as her second orgasm, immediately followed her first. After her thighs and center stopped shaking, Spike slowly released her legs from his shoulders.

Buffy slightly slumped due to the pliability of her muscles. Spike reached up and unlocked one side of her handcuffs. He gently placed her arm around his shoulder as he removed the other side. Once she was released he placed a hungry kiss upon her mouth. Buffy’s desire renewed like wildfire when tasted herself on his tongue. After several moments of their mouths battling for dominance, Spike pulled away and demanded.

“Get on your knees.”

Where once anger would of swelled forward at this brusque request now, only desire bloomed. Using his body as her guide, she slowly lowered herself to the floor. As she reached up to free his erection, Spike removed her hands with a slight push. Buffy lowered her hands as she awaited his engorged member. As she heard the descent of his zipper, his deep voice rang out.

“Little lamb, following the shepherd. Her trust is now blindly given.” Upon hearing this, Buffy’s face lifted towards where he’s voice fell and spoke.

“I don’t trust you because you tell me to. I trust you because I tell myself to.”

Buffy waited for him to continue. After several minutes of silence, Buffy called out

“Spike?”

Buffy felt his trembling hands framing her face as they followed behind her to release the bow. Once the sash fell from her eyes her lids fluttered to get used to the light. Once her was sight clear, she saw Spike before her. His cheeks were stained with his tears, as more unshed ones hovered on his lower lashes. His cerulean gaze held the look of sheer love and admiration.

His hands again cupped her cheeks as he slowly and gently placed his mouth to hers. Their kisses were tender and passionate as they drank the essence of one another.

Without breaking contact, Buffy slowly reached down to capture the hem of his tee shirt. She quickly removed the garment from his muscular form as he returned her mouth to his. Buffy then leaned forward as she gently guided Spike to lie down.

As he was spread out before her, she straddled his upper thighs as she slowly lowered his pants. Buffy then backed up slightly as she pulled them down to his ankles he proceeded to kick them from his body. Buffy sat astride his hips, her center hovered over his steel-encased flesh. Her gaze never left his. Before she lowered her body onto his, Spike spoke with a shaky chuckle

“Might be a tad quick luv. Not even Mary and her five friends have visited since you’ve been gone.”

“Don’t worry, we have our entire lives to take it slow.” Buffy cooed as she impaled herself on his cock.

Twin gasped of pleasure filled the room. Slowly their gazes met as Buffy slowly started to rock back and forth. Spike sat up so he could encase her body with a cage of his arms and chest. Their mouths fused as their bodies melted together.

The pair continued this leisurely, but intense pace until Spike could feel her inner walls flutter signaling her orgasm. Buffy placed her hands on his shoulders as she started to increase her pace. As her climax washed over her like a gentle tide, Spike soon followed. After he placed a lingering love-filled kiss upon her mouth, Spike buried his head into her bosom as the lovers stayed intertwined.

Hours later as the lovers reacquainted themselves with each other’s bodies, Buffy laid on her stomach as Spike worked a new type of magic on her body with his hands. He massaged her muscles until she was a melted pile of flesh under his talented touch.

“Mmmmmm…..you definitely live up to your name.” Buffy purred as he worked his fingers into the arch of her foot.

“How’s that luv?”

“Eros is a primordial Greek god of sexual love and beauty.” Buffy moaned as his hands continued their ministrations.

“Does it now? Why would you research my last name?” Spike purred as his hands started to work down her calf.

“Mmmmm…..well if that was to be my last name, then I would want to know what it means.” Buffy responded. As the words left her mouth, her eyes widened in shock. She turned slightly to see Spike, hand stilled on her leg, as he stared at the beauty before him.

“Spike…..I didn’t mean it like that I…..” Buffy’s sentence was cut off midstream, as she was flipped over onto her back as his mouth plundered hers. After several moments, Spike pulled away and spoke.

“Mrs. Elizabeth Eros…..Buffy Eros…..love the sound of that.” Spike declared as his mouth returned to hers with all the passion that he felt.

The rest of the evening passed with the lovers feasting upon one another’s flesh and short periods of sleep. Buffy found a new position that she loved above all others, her head resting upon his chest as his arms wrapped around her body.

As Buffy and Spike enjoyed Chinese takeout, picnic on his bed. She wanted to ask him a question that was on her mind. They’d foregone plates, and were eating directly from the red and white cartons.

“So, when did you have large ‘S’ shape hooks installed on your ceiling?” Buffy inquired as she pointed with her chopsticks, to the metal hook that still held the black bathrobe sash, from their ‘bondage play’.

“Oh, they were here when I bought the place. The previous owners had a sex swing in their bedroom.” Spike explained with a chuckle.

“What? Did you see it when you came to look at the place?” Buffy giggled.

“No, thank god for that. The owners were an older couple who needed to sell the place since they were moving to Florida.” Spike explained.

“Um….how old is older couple?” Buffy inquired.

“The man was 86, the lady 82.” Spike chuckled.

“Nice! Maybe that’s the secret to a long life.” Buffy remarked.

“Well, if I am able to worship your delectable body as much as I desire, we are going to live forever.” Spike purred as he ran his hand over her toned backside.

“Mm…..love the sound of that.” Buffy cooed as her mouth covered his.

Several hours later, the sated couple lay in each other’s arm as Buffy placed small gentle kisses on his muscular chest. Spike decided now was a good as time as any to discuss his life since she left.

“Sweetheart, I wanted to apologize for that night in early February, when you came to my flat.”

“Spike, that’s not necessary…..” Buffy started to explain.

“No, it really is. Overall what I said was truly how I felt, well except one thing. I don’t believe it was entirely your fault that we broke up. It was both of us. One can only control another when that person grants them the permission to do so. If I didn’t like how things were going, I’m a big boy I could have voiced my opinion. So I can’t rightly blame you for doing what I let you do.” Spike explained.

“Damn straight bleach boy.” Buffy joked as she placed a slight nibble on his chest.

“Oi, it takes a big man to admit his wrong doings. Give a bloke a break.” Spike as he pretended her words wounded him.

“And you are definitely a BIG MAN.” Buffy cooed as she palmed his cock through the sheets. Spike moaned as his eyes closed. After several beats he stated

“Unhand me you minx, I need to finish my thought!” Spike jested as he grabbed her wayward hand and planted a tender kiss to the palm, and then placed it under his on his chest. Ignoring Buffy’s pout as he continued.

“Also I’d like to apologize for speaking to Willow about us. To be honest, we only spoke briefly on two occasions about our relationship. Once when she called to tell me about Anya’s wedding and the second time when she had me over to her flat for a Welcome Back dinner, the same night I saw you last.”

After Spike spoke he waited for her response. He feared that she would be angry, but again she held true to the theme of the evening. She completely surprised him with her response.

“Spike I know that you speaking with Willow wasn’t a big grassy knoll conspiracy. I fully understand now that you both talked because each of you care deeply for me and hated to see my hurting. That’s why I love you both so much.” Buffy said as she pulled Spike into a tender kiss. After several moments she spoke again.

“It was both of you that set me on the path of learning to truly love and trust myself. At Christmas time I felt the lowest of the low, Willow told me an old Polish proverb ‘To believe with certainty, we must begin by doubting.’ Which meant to me; starting where my doubts began, my father.” Buffy stated as she intertwined her fingers with Spike’s.

“A few weeks after I saw you, I decided to go back to California, more specifically LA where my dad and his family lives. It was completely strange being back there. I hadn’t set foot on the west coast in over ten years. I talk with my father on the phone, but I haven’t seen him since I was an angry eighteen years old, grieving the death of her mother. My dad, his wife and my now almost fifteen years old stepsister Dawn, greeted me at the airport. It was so weird. The last time I saw her, she barely came up to my waist. Now she towers over me and she is an absolute beauty. She has these big blue doe eyes, long chocolate brown hair and legs that go on for miles.” Buffy explained.

“The bit sounds like a beauty, if she’s anything like her big sis.” Spike stated as he placed a chaste kiss on the crown of her head.

“Well, the first week was very awkward. My dad and I danced around each other and the huge pink elephant in the room when we were together. The second week his wife took Dawn out and left my dad and I alone. At first we chitchatted about mundane stuff. Then the question of all questions fell out of my mouth. I asked him why he had abandoned me. From there everything else flowed. There was yelling, name calling, both on my part and crying, on both of our parts. After several hours, we had purged our souls and exorcised our demons. For the first time in my life, I felt at peace. That was the true beginning of my life. Everything before that is so small in comparison. After the three weeks were over, I came back to Boston. I have to say, I’m so glad to finally be home.” Buffy explained.

“To Boston?” Spike asked. Buffy lifted her head and she gazed into his cerulean eyes.

“No, your arms.” With that Spike pulled her towards his mouth as he kissed her passionately. He slowly rolled her onto his back, as his hips were cradled in her splayed thighs. He slowly entered her core as he whispered

“I love you Elizabeth, with all that I am and all that I will ever be.”

She responded. “I you, my sweet William.”

(1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVd6PembUWU Lifehouse Whatever It Takes

The beautiful melody of Chopin’s Nocturne in E flat major Opus 9, No. 2 softly played as Buffy studied her reflection in the full length mirror. The touching notes of the piano causing her to reflect on the past two years. Their lives were drastically changed after the exquisite, life-altering moments shared that night; it felt as if they were both reborn. All that came before those moments were shadows and empty shells of what had transpired since.

When she and Spike had left the sanctuary of his condo two days later, it was as if she was seeing things in living color for the first time. Buffy felt as if she’d been in a deprivation chamber until then, like she was in total darkness. Now every experience was brand new. All her senses were alive.

Over next several months they explored their new life together. They learned each other in the way lovers were meant to. Words could not describe how they felt for one another. ‘I love you’ seemed so small, so obsolete. During early fall Spike needed to return to London on business. Buffy wasn’t aware of what type of business it was, not even when they were greeted at Heathrow Airport by a limo and whisked away like royalty.

Spike took Buffy to a breathtaking flat in Mayfair, a small village in London where he grew up. As she stood in the garden his mother had planted when he was a child, a large grin shone her features as she pictured Spike, well then William, as a boy running through the acre of land that surrounded the home causing mischief. She pictured a child with wavy, sandy blonde hair, round cherub cheeks, and a bright, cerulean youthful gaze taking the entire world in. She pictured him running through the grass barefoot, catching frogs in their small pond and playing cops and robbers with other neighborhood boys.

Buffy’s body tingled like it did that day. Spike had slipped his arms around her, as he nuzzled the small stretch of exposed skin at the base of her neck. As she closed her eyes he told her that he needed to discuss something very important with her. Buffy had been slightly worried, but she trusted that he wasn’t going to hurt her in any way.

Buffy remembered how worried he appeared to be when he started to talk. After she slipped her hand in his, his apprehension melted away. Spike told her that he came from a long line of barristers, going back hundreds of years. He explained that his family had owned their own firm for almost as long. Prior to coming to Boston, Spike was the owner and head council of his family’s firm, Eros and Eros.

Despite his he and his father being only children, his ancestral families were quite extensive. Sons, cousins, fathers and uncles, all ran the firm side by side. When he grandfather died, he left the firm to his only living relatives, Spike and his father. They were the only males left to carry on the Eros name.

Spike explained further about his family, how when his father passed, the entire firm became his. He stayed and ran it for several years, but wanted to leave London, since he felt that there was nothing left here for him. Buffy also found out that Spike was extremely wealthy, like Massachusetts Royalty, the Kennedy’s, wealthy. The only reason why he worked for Wolfram and Hart was to get a better understanding of the U.S. legal system.

Spike informed Buffy that he now wanted to start his own firm in Boston, and wanted her to be his partner, in every way.

Under the rowan tree (1) his mother planted the year he was born, William proposed to her. As he lowered himself to one knee, held her shaky hand is his equally unsteady one. His deep baritone voice filled her mind, his intense gaze never left hers.

“Elizabeth, my life was incomplete until you entered my world. You are my equal in every way. With all that I am and all that I will ever be, I will always love and cherish you. Will you do the honor of becoming my wife?” Spike asked as he slowly pulled an exquisite platinum two-carat diamond solitaire from his pocket. The tears of joy that hovered on Buffy’s lower lids, spilled forward and traveled down her flushed cheeks.

Spike slowly slipped the luminous ring upon her finger. Before it was firmly seated past her knuckle, she leapt from her seat, wrapped her arms around him and with a barrage of kisses and ‘Yes! Yes!’ she gave him her answer.

After hours of passionate lovemaking, the lovers spoke of their future. They wanted to get married on St. Patrick’s Day, a monumental day in their relationship. Unfortunately, the next year was too close and it would be almost another six years before St. Patrick’s Day fell on a weekend, way too long to wait. The couple decided that since the day that Spike had proposed was very special to him, his mum’s birthday. Their wedding day would also be a special date, her mother’s birthday, June 19th.

“Buffy, are you almost ready?” Willow’s voice broke through her memories, as she remained lost in thought.

“Yes, I’m ready.” Buffy spoke as a beautiful smile graced her full lips, looking at Willow in the glass as she responded.

Glancing at her reflection once more, Willow started to straighten the small train that fell behind her Empire style-wedding gown. The dress was simple but eloquent seashell white with iridescent appliqués that adorned the bust of the dress. Buffy’s hair was in a simple chignon that was collected at the base of her neck. A large single lavender peony was placed on the right side of the chignon. Upon her ears a simple pair of diamond studs.

Her four bridesmaids, Anya, Willow, Tara and Dawn, all wore lavender dresses. Each wore a different style they had chosen on their own. Spike only had one best man, Clem, and one usher, Xander. So each man had two women to escort down the aisle, neither complained. The men wore morning suits, since her wedding was at 11 am. The wedding was being held at Cranwell Resort, the site of Xander and Anya’s nuptials and also where Spike and Buffy had their first dance.

“Pumpkin, are you reading to come out?” Hank asked as he peered into the bride’s changing room.

“Yeah dad, I’m ready. Let’s get me married!” Buffy announced. The other three bridesmaids entered and helped her get her flowers and resituate her train. Buffy’s flowers were mixture of purplish hues of orchids, sweet peas, roses and peonies. The ladies carried the same bouquet just smaller.

Buffy took her father’s arm as she stood before the closed doors. Behind them was her future. First, Xander walked Dawn and Tara down the aisle. Next, Clem took both Anya and Willow. After the trio was half way down, the wedding march sounded for her grand entrance.

In unity she heard the room of less than fifty guests stand to watch the bride enter the room. Hushed ‘oooh’s and ahhs’ filled the room as she and her father walked down the aisle toward her new life, her mate, her everything, William.
He looked gorgeous in his morning suit, the charcoal gray of the jacket brought out the blueness of his eyes, and the expression held in his intense gaze was of sheer love and awe.

Her father placed a chaste kiss to her cheek as Spike walked forward to collect her from him. Arm in arm they moved close to the Justice of the Peace. Buffy could feel the slight tremble of his arm. Buffy squeezed lightly to reassure him, with this gesture he seemed to calm. Anya gently took Buffy’s bouquet away before the Justice of the Peace spoke.

As he addressed the small gathering, Buffy and Spike remained arm in arm. When it was time for the vows, Buffy and Spike turned to one another. The couple took hold of each other’s hands as they prepared to say the vows that each had written Buffy went first.

“My dearest William, today I marry my soul mate. The only man that knows and loves me for all that I am, without reservation. The only man that is my equal in every way. The one that challenges me to be a better person for those in my life and more importantly, for myself. The only man that could ever make me laugh.” With the last sentence Spike raised his scarred eyebrow, as he, Willow, Anya and Buffy all tried to suppress a giggle. “Most importantly, the first man that showed me how to trust and love myself and others fully. Today I give you my heart and soul. I love you.” As Buffy tried to keep her tears at bay, Spike spoke.

“Elizabeth, there were so many things I wanted to say, but they all just came out wrong. So I decided that with this song, I would be able to tell you how much you mean to me.” With that soft music started to flow into the room, from a gentleman that held a acoustic guitar that was seated behind Buffy. Spike held her hands and gaze firm, as he started to sing.

“You're my world
The shelter from the rain
You're the pills
That take away my pain
You're the light
That helps me find my way
You're the words
When I have nothing to say

And in this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you
Still tangled up in you

You're the fire
That warms me when I'm cold
You're the hand
I have to hold as I grow old
You're the shore
When I am lost at sea
You're the only thing
That I like about me

And in this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you

How long has it been
Since this storyline began
And I hope it never ends
And goes like this forever

In this world
Where nothing else is true
Here I am
Still tangled up in you
Tangled up in you
I'm still tangled up in you
Still tangled up in you” (2)

As the song ended, the room was in silence with the exception of several women sniffling. Even all her bridesmaids were gently wiping away fallen tears.

The Justice of the Peace gave everyone a brief moment before he spoke.

”Do you William take Elizabeth to be your wife – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

”I will” Spike declared.

”Do you Elizabeth take William to be your husband –in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?”

”I will” Buffy announced.

The Justice of the Peace looked towards Clem as he spoke.

”What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the rings in my hand?” As he held them he stated.

”May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle, may they grow in understanding and compassion. May the home which they establish together, be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize spirit of love in their hearts.”

The Justice of the Peace handed Spike Buffy’s ring as he spoke

William, in placing this ring on Elizabeth’s finger, repeat after me: Elizabeth, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.

After Spike repeated these words the Justice of the Peace handed Buffy the ring for Spike as he instructed her.

”Elizabeth, in placing this ring on William’s finger, repeat after me: William, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.

Buffy repeated these words that were told to her, as her loving gaze never left his. After the ring was placed on Spike’s finger, the Justice of Peace addressed all those that were present.

”May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness.”

”In as much as William and Elizabeth have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.”

”You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other’s best friend.”

“And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth.”

”You may now kiss the bride.”

With that, Spike tenderly pulled Buffy into his arms as he kissed her with all the love and passion that he felt deep in his heart and soul. When they slowly pulled apart, a thunderous applause filled the room.

The Justice of the Peace announced, “Please all welcome Mr. and Mrs. William Eros.”

As the newly married couple walked on airs down the aisle, they both possessed a smile and joy all could feel.

After an hour of countless pictures of the wedding party, they were finally announced to their family and friends. With music and deafening clapping and whistles, each entered the room. Each member took his or her positions at the head table. Once they were all settled, Clem stood to toast to the new couple.

“I have known Spike or William to some of you, for a few years, over that time we have grow close. I don’t consider him my friend, but one of my brothers. I thank both of you Buffy and Spike, in showing me that true love does conquer all.” With a raise of his glass towards the couple, he toasted them. After he was done, Clem sat as Anya and Willow stood to give their toasts.

“Anya and I have known Buffy for over ten years. In that time we have seen her grow from a starry eyed twenty-one year old to a cultured woman. She has been one of the most loving, caring, understanding person, when it came to those outside her heart. She fought for the rights of the underprivileged and wronged. Once she met Spike, her life changed tremendously. Now all she gave strangers, she gives to those close to her, including herself. For the first time we saw a woman who showed the world herself, her true self. Thank you Spike, for giving us Buffy.” Willow stated as she gently swiped the tears that flowed from her eyes.

Anya held her glass up, as she encouraged the room to follow. Once the flutes of champagne was raised, Anya announced.

“To William and Elizabeth.”

"TO WILLIAM AND ELIZABETH!” In unison the room filled with family and friends cheers.

(1) The European rowan (S. aucuparia) has a long tradition in European mythology and folklore. It was thought to be a magical tree and protection against malevolent beings. It was said in England that this was the tree on which the Devil hanged his mother. the density of the rowan wood makes it very usable for walking sticks and magician's staves. This is why druid staffs, for example, have traditionally been made out of rowan wood, and its branches were often used in dowsing rods and magic wands[citation needed]. Rowan was carried on vessels to avoid storms, kept in houses to guard against lightning, and even planted on graves to keep the deceased from haunting. It was also used to protect one from witches.[

(2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22hvEdaPSMs Tangled up in you Staind. Please listen to it, it’s beautiful