Buffy felt that the stress was becoming too much. She was still having a hard time dealing with being back, and now, she had to figure out why she was allowing herself to sleep with Spike. She had always thought that the vampire was attractive. He practically oozed sex appeal, for god's sake. But she would never have guessed that she would actually get involved with him. So, tonight was the night. The night to forget about her misery, Spike, and anything else that was bothering her. She had decided to join the gang at The Bronze. There, she could relax and take her mind off things. At least that was what she had thought. As she watched her friends, she couldn't help but feel that loneliness that consumed her lately. She was in a club full of people, yet she felt desolate.

She found herself walking up the stairs and towards the balcony. Why did she feel this way? She let the haunting music that was playing wash over her.


Idle hands may be the devil's work,
Unbridled minds, you see, are so much worse,
Too much pity spent and wasting time,
Irresponsibility not my only crime no,

As she listened to the melody, Buffy felt him come up behind her, as if her body was a siren's call to him. She figured he would be here. He was everywhere lately. Then, he spoke in a sensual tone.

"You see... you try to be with them..." he said as he came up behind her. "But you always end up in the dark... with me." He breathed in her ear. As he pressed his body against hers, the music in the background gave the whole situation both an eerie and arousing effect.


Obsessive thinking, depressed drinking,
The person I once was, he's dead,
Exhume the past this time or be my last,
This is my final quest to remove my mask, yeah,

"What would they think of you... if they found out all the things you've done?" he purred, looking down in the direction of her friends, all oblivious to what was happening just above them.


Don't be afraid as she pulled down the shade,
Said there's nothing to fear but the monster is here,
So just tell me the time, be it quarter of nine,
Since the sun's gone away, now the creature will play,

Every lyric seemed to mean something to Buffy. Every verse, every note. Yet as the song continued, she felt that the music was calling both to her and Spike.


Ice blue eyes follow me everywhere I go,
Making my heart appear as lead,
I hate to wish it but I'll tell you though,
That I'm quite ready 'cause I'm already dead,

Spike put his hand on her bare shoulder and stroked slowly down her arm. "If they knew... who you really were?" he continued his slow torture.

His hand moved down to her elbow, continuing it's downward motion, making Buffy gasp.

"Don't." She whispered.

"Stop me."

Damn him! He knew the effect he was having on her. He knew that when he was pressed up against her like that, his cool breath on her neck, his chilled hands touching her, she couldn't resist him.

His hand slid down to her thigh, stroking it sensuously, making her close her eyes in pleasure. Slowly, his fingers worked the hem of her skirt up. Buffy thought she would die if he didn't take her. The music that was still playing making her all the more lost in the moment.


Don't be afraid as she pulled down the shade,
Said there's nothing to fear but the monster is here,
So just tell me the time, be it quarter of nine,
Since the sun's gone away, now the creature will play.

Buffy started breathing heavily as she felt Spike's erection pushing against her heated center. As soon as she heard his zipper go down, she moaned in anticipation. Before she knew it, Spike gave a strong thrust and slid into her smoothly. He leaned into her, staring at her face and noticing she had her eyes closed.

"No... don't close your eyes." He said softly but sternly, making her open them at once. "Look at them. That's not your world. You belong in the shadows... with me."

She knew he was right. She knew that she could deny it to herself, but never to him.

"Look at your friends... and tell me... you don't love getting away with this... right under their noses." He whispered into her ear as he continued his thrusts. Keeping up the torturous pace that was driving them both crazy with lust.

His words were too much for her, and she gave in to what he was making her feel, her orgasm hitting her with a punishing intensity. His hand covered her mouth, catching the loud moan that escaped her. Just when he was about to cum, he felt Buffy slip away from him and turn around to meet his gaze.

As he looked at her with confused eyes, she leaned into him, kissing him passionately. Then, she slowly pulled away and looked up into his eyes.

"Spike, I can't do this anymore." She whispered as tears rolled down her face.

Spike stepped back for a moment and tucked himself back into his pants. His eyes traveled up to hers tentatively.

"And what exactly does this mean?" he asked, fear gripping him.

"It means that you're right, I do have feelings for you... maybe not love... yet, but you make me feel more than I ever have. What I'm trying to say is... I need more. I want more... with you."

Spike felt his eyes water at her words. Was it possible? Was his Slayer finally admitting her feelings? He wanted to hug her and kiss her senseless, but he knew that he shouldn't push her.

"Buffy... I--" but he was cut short as a swift punch connected with his jaw.

His demon immediately came out to play, making him growl and look up into the face he least expected.

"Angel?" he inquired surprised.

"No..." Buffy said, a determined look on her face. "Angelus."