Building Bridges

by Passionfish

*Bloodshedverse note* I couldn't get the formatting switched, so sorry about the narrow margins!

A/N: Prologue: http://www.sabershadowkat.com/buffy/truce.html  Do read – not only is it an excellent piece, but it’ll explain how they fell into bed with each other!

Summary: What might have happened after their truce was declared...

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"Buffy?  You in there?" 

Willow's tired voice entered into Buffy and Spike's lust-fuzzy brains' just moments before he was about to take her again.

Buffy broke away from Spike's lips, "Yeah, Willow.  Just a minute."

Spike rolled off her, quickly dressing.  Buffy's eye's darted to the window and she sent up silent thanks that she'd had enough mind to open it when they'd moved to the bed.  She had just managed to get up and wrap her discarded robe around her, when she was spun around.  The vampire brutally attacked her mouth, the promise of future passion woven into the kiss.  As soon as it was started it ended.  Spike climbed quickly out of the window and nimberly jumped to the ground below, rolling expertly on impact in order not to injure himself. 

The slayer rushed to cupboard and hastily put on a pair of knickers in an attempt to stop their combined fluids slipping out of her.

She crossed the room and opened the door for the sleepy looking witch.

"Sorry, Wills - I was half asleep."

"Its okay - how come it was double locked?"  The red head moved to her desk, dumping her heavy bag down upon it.

"I thought you'd stay at Oz's tonight - what happened?"

"Full moon."  Willow replied, frowning at the slayer.  "Buffy are you alright, you look...different."

"I'm fine."  Buffy responded with a smile then frowned.  "Different?"

"Not bad-different, just a little flushed."  Willow hastily corrected.

"I was kinda hot."  Buffy replied indicating the open window.  *So, fucking hot! *

The witch's eyes travelled to the window then back at the slayer, nodding in understanding.  Willow regarded her friend as she crossed to her mirror.  The robe she was wearing was worn rather haphazardly.  She didn't look like a girl who was half-asleep.

Buffy looked at the person staring back at her and held back a giggle at the satisfied expression that formed her features.  Her face was flushed and her eyes appeared to sparkle.  She retrieved the brush and turned to face Willow, who was dressing for bed.

The slayer sat down on her bed and began to brush out the tangles Spike's fingers had left.

The finally ready witch climbed into her bed and looked over at the slayer who was gazing at nothing, a slight smile on her lips as she combed her nearly dry hair.

"So, what happened with Oz?"

"Full Moon."  Willow repeated, sitting up in bed.  "Buffy, are you sure you're okay - you just asked me that."

Buffy gave Willow a sheepish grin, placing the brush on her nightstand.  She turned down the badly made bed, and slipped under the covers.

"Sorry, Wills - I'm really tired.  Long slay-night."

Willow nodded, finally understanding.  Sometimes Buffy got like this; like after a really vigorous fight.  Her over-active brain at peace she turned off her light, turning over to face the other wall.

"Night, Buffy."  She said through a yawn, falling into a deep sleep before she could even hear the slayer's reply.

"Night."  Buffy responded in kind, switching off her own light and snuggling under the covers.  She inhaled deeply, the distinctive scent of the peroxide vampire she'd spent the better part of the night fucking hitting her senses.  She smiled.  Attempting not to long for a pair of cold, strong arms to hold her, she slipped asleep.

***

Spike's blacked out Desoto pulled up outside a pretty decent looking hotel in the 'good' part of town.  He looked around for the expected sign stating that he'd need to park his own car when a twenty-something tapped on the window. 

Spike rolled it down. "Yeah?"

"I can park your car if you like, sir."  The valet said with a polite smile, moving back as the vampire got out of the car and handed him the keys.

"The bags in the back."

_-_-_

"Room 48."  The thin redheaded receptionist said through a smile of deep crimson lipstick, handing Spike the keys to his room as she batted her eyes at him. "Forth floor."

Spike gave her his patented sexy smile and took the pro-offered keys.  Moments later the valet returned and handed Spike his car keys and the black duffle bag.

"Its in space 15."  The valet said, waiting for his tip.

"Thanks mate."  The vampire said, reluctantly tipping the small man five dollars.

***

Buffy spun her stake carelessly as she walked through one of Sunnyhell's many cemeteries.  It had been one dream filled night since her carnal tête-à-tête with her mortal enemy and much as she hated to admit it she rather liked the idea of their newfound 'truce'.

Her spider senses tingled, informing her of a nearby vamp and she readied herself for confrontation.  She rounded the corner of trees and stopped stock-still at the vampire she was presented with.  She felt that telltale flood of wetness already begin to seep out of her, soaking her panties, at the fire she saw burning in his eyes.  Her entire being sang for him and she could hear his call in return.

A split second elapsed before the blonde vampire grabbed the slayer roughly to his body, grasping her ass to lift her up as she wrapped her legs around his waist as her mouth found his. 

He turned and staggered ten feet, slamming her into a mausoleum.  Buffy's hands held his mouth to hers as his hand moved to her top.  She was wearing a pink cardigan over a thin-strapped top.  Impatiently, Spike ripped open the over-shirt; his hands roughly caressing her breasts as buttons flew to the damp grass below them.  He slipped his mouth from hers.  His lips travelled down over her jugular and down to her chest. 

He kissed and licked the swell of her breasts that was enhanced by his demanding hands.  Buffy moaned loudly, the sound bouncing off the tombstones and out into the night.  She lowered her hands, unsnapping her lover's jeans.  Spike growled against her chest as her warm hand began lightly stroking him. 

As he lowered his head to her nipple, he reached down to push down her pants.  Ripping away her panties he thrust into her, eliciting a shriek of pleasure as he hit her clit.  Slamming into her repeatedly, the two soon neared release.  Spike bit down into her breast and growled loudly as he felt her climax begin.  Her inner muscles fluttering around him and her warm, powerful blood in his mouth was more than enough to push him over the edge. 

With a feral roar he came in hard spurts as Buffy's heart pounded against his chest.  He retracted his fangs from her breast and collapsed against her, his own breathing unnecessarily erratic.

Eventually Spike raised his sated to gaze to meet Buffy's satisfied one and he smiled, kissing her tenderly.  He broke away, reluctantly pulling out of her, placing her gently on the ground. 

Spike pulled her top back down over her breasts and pulled up her pants.  As she buttoned herself up he hastily redid his own fastenings.  He looked down at her then pulled her lips back to his for a hard kiss that shocked the slayer in its possessiveness.

Pulling away for breath Buffy murmured as his lips began sliding down her neck and his hands back under her top.  "I have to go patrol."

"Oh, well."  Spike said in a mock-conciliatory concern as he continued to tease her.

Buffy half moaned, half sighed and brought up a hand to stroke the back of his head as his teeth and tongue stroked her neck.  She spared a glance at her watch and her eyes bugged when she realised she was meant to meet Xander here in five minutes, and then off to the Bronze.

She spun them quickly; this time it was her pinning him against the side of the mausoleum as she attacked his mouth with her own.  She thought she heard him purr but the sound was controlled so quickly she believed she must have imagined it.

Stepping back she lifted her bag from the ground, "I have to go meet Xander."  She said in way of explanation before offering him a small smile and walking in the direction of Xander's house.

Spike frowned.  He didn't like the sound of that.  With a short growl he grabbed her wrist in an almost painful grip and spun her back around his mouth crashing down on hers, her arm pressed against her own back.  Pulling away he watched for a moment as she tried to regain her breathing.  "You're mine."  He whispered against her lips before disappearing into the night.

Buffy staggered a little from the sudden loss of contact.  She looked up as she heard Xander just around the corner and attempted to regain her equilibrium and not look like she'd just been fucked senseless by a vampire before meeting her friend.

***

Buffy was rudely awoken from a very pleasant dream the next morning by the witch's alarm clock.  She listened, her eyes still closed, as the red head groaned and switched off the annoying sound.  When she heard the door shut she sighed, slowly opening her eyes to the rays of the morning's sunshine that entered through the half open blinds. 

She stretched her body, smiling at the twinges of her inner thigh muscles.  Or rather at the memories that had caused them.

She got out of bed and walked to her cupboard to choose and outfit for the day before heading out for her own shower, her thoughts milling around what he'd said to her just before he left.  *You're mine? *

_-_-_

Shower's having been taken the witch left the slayer to finish dressing while she went to get them some breakfast.

Buffy slipped on the low cut brown top over head, straightening the hem over her black cut-off trousers.  She crossed to the mirror to survey her choice and gasped at her reflection.

Twin puncture holes stared back at her from their position on her upper left breast.

She'd forgotten that he'd bitten her.

"Shit."  Buffy murmured, hastily rummaging through her wardrobe for a different top that would cover her chest - so that there would be no chance of anyone seeing.

At the back of her cupboard she found what she was looking for.  Nearly sobbing in relief she replaced the brown top for the red one that covered up to the base of her neck and clung around her chest ensuring that it wouldn't slip down.

Fixing her hair and make-up the slayer left the room in a whoosh of vanilla perfume.

"Now, you NEVER patrol here."  Buffy whispered to herself as she entered the woods near the edge of town. 

For some reason her feet had carried her to all secluded areas that Sunnydale had to offer.  So far she'd been able to give herself a reason for the beach, the hills looking over the motorway to LA and the woods at the other end of town.

*Having said that I have staked five vampires so not too much guilt, hey? *  She almost convinced herself until she recalled her reason to be away from the town.

She stopped as she heard struggling about a hundred meters to her left.  She took off at a quick jog, thankful for the distraction from the direction by which her thoughts were headed.

_-_-_

"Where the fuck are you Slayer?"  Spike growled quietly into the night as he moved through the woodland.

He'd been looking for her for nearly two hours.  The bronze.  The university campus.  The watcher's house.  Most of the graveyards.

He had considered leaving it for a few days until he saw her but when the very thought of being buried inside her gave him a raging hard on that nothing would subdue he decided that for his own sanity he had to have her as soon as the sun set.

He was about to try the beach when his vampire senses twitched in time for his to deliver a sharp back kick to the commando behind him. 

The soldier's gun fell to the ground meters behind him and he scrambled for it but the vampire kicked him in the stomach.  Spike hauled him to his feet, about to sink his fangs into the man's neck when he shouted.  He cried out a name and three other commandos’ came out of the trees, each one firing a blast of electricity at the vampire.

The unconscious vampire fell to the ground, his body still shaking, and dropped the commando, his head cracking on a tree root knocking him out.  The three remaining men closed in on them.  One moved to lift up the fallen soldier the other moving to collect their bounty.

Buffy delivered a sharp sidekick to the back of one head, rendering the man unconscious.  Her other leg shot out kicking the gun out the second's hands as she threw her full strength into her right hand.  The punch sent the man flying into a tree meters away, knocking him out as well.

The slayer turned to the final threat who had just dropped his friend, and was currently attempting to load his gun.  Buffy kicked him in the balls and he bent down to cup himself she grabbed his head; slammed her knee into his face rendering him unconscious.

Buffy looked around at the strewn commando-dressed guys before finally on the blond vampire.  She hastily moved to his side, kneeing by his head as fear encompassed her.

"Spike?"  She said, running her hand across his cheek.

When one of the commando's stirred slightly she realised the danger of their position.  Using her slayer strength she hooked her arms under his knees and behind his back and lifted him up.

She looked worriedly up at the sky and then around the wood.  All she could see was trees.  *The sun'll be up soon. *

The same commando groaned just as Buffy spotted a cave on the horizon.  She hurried off toward the cave that she hoped was big enough for the both of them and would hide Spike from the sunlight.

***

Spike awoke slowly, gingerly opening his eyes.  He closed them quickly as the pain in his head increased. 

Allowing his true face to take over he surveyed his surroundings.  He was lying on a cold, hard floor - a cave, he supposed.  His head was on something soft and warm.  Spike inhaled and frowned as the scent of the slayer hit his senses.  There was a steady beat rolling around the room.

*Her heartbeat. *  He thought, placing the gentle sound.

He sat up with a little difficulty and slowly opened his eyes.  He slowly turned over his wrist.  It was midday.  He glanced at the entrance and noted that the sun barely brushed the entrance meaning that he should be safe.

Buffy sighed in her sleep and the vampire turned his attention to her.  Why was she here?  *Why the fuck am I here?!*

All he remembered was looking for the slayer with the intention of shagging her brains out.  And then being about to eat some bloke.  Then a lot of fucking pain.

*And waking up in her lap. *  He thought, his eyes moving to the slayer.  She was sat against the stone wall, her legs straight out in front of her.  There was a stake next to her - ironic since a vampire's head had been right next to it.

"That can't be comfortable."  He murmured to himself.

He removed his leather jacket and spread it out on the floor away from the sun.  He gently lifted the slayer in his arms, placing her carefully on the make shift bed.  The replete Slayer didn't even wake at the movement.

When his headache came back in full force and all he felt was drowsy he eyed the opening to the cave one last time before deciding it was definitely safe.  He lay next to the slayer.  Buffy's leg brushed against his and he could feel her warmth through his jeans.  He groaned slightly, pulling the slayer into his arms; adoring her small heated body next to his.

Buffy's arm flopped over his chest with the movement and in her sleep she slipped one of her legs in between his.  She sighed, snuggling into the crook of his arm.

*It's only so she doesn't get cold. * The vampire told himself just before sleep claimed him.

***

Buffy woke up around five hours later.  Since she'd only gone to sleep a few hours before the vampire had woken up she'd slept longer then she normally did - her body attempting to recuperate for the very late night.

She blinked a few times before becoming aware of her surroundings.  She was kinda cold - well, there was a draft coming from the direction her feet were pointing.  She was half on top of someone who had no heartbeat.

Before her 'slayer' could stress her out she remembered the previous night and snuggled closer into the embrace.

*Wait a minute, why am I on him? *  She asked herself, a frown forming between her eyebrows.

As Spike's arms tightened around her, pulling her further into his surprisingly gentle embrace the slayer decided she didn't care and closed her eyes again.

_-_-_

Moments later they shot back open.  *How the hell am I going to explain this to...well, ANYONE?!?*  The reality of her situation sunk in as she realised that she'd been gone, from her dorm room, from her home.  Hadn't called anyone, hadn't attended any classes.

"Oh shit!"  She murmured, collecting her thoughts.  "I gotta go..." She whispered to the air and began to get up.

As soon as she was about to get off the coat-like-bed a strong, cold hand gripped her wrist and tugged her back down.  She landed on top of Spike and before she could say anything the vampire pulled her lips to his.

His tongue invaded her mouth, exploring its contours.  The kiss was softer then any they'd shared - tender, as though their lips were meeting for the first time.

Buffy moved her legs either side of his waist, leaning her weight on her knees as she moved her hands to hold his face as they kissed.  Spike trailed his hands down her shoulders, her back, and her waist.  They skimmed her buttocks, moving down the backs of her thighs.  As they passed the hem of her skirt they slid up it, grasping her ass as she rocked against him.

Buffy moaned and ground herself down into his erection.  Spike growled deep within his chest and began removing the slayer of her clothing as she divested him of his.  Once all their clothing lay in a pile beneath them Spike gently lay Buffy down on the makeshift bed. 

He smiled gently at her and ducked his head to kiss her, moving so he lay half over her.   He heard Buffy moan and smiled into the kiss, trailing his hand from her hair to her naked body, running down to play with her breasts before finding her warmth.  She mewled into his kiss as he brought to orgasm and she broke away from his lips to breath his name as she tumbled over. 

He kissed and licked his way down her neck, swirling his tongue in the hollow of her throat, smiling at the low moan of pleasure that fell from her lips at his actions.  Moving lower, he caught first one nipple then the other in between his teeth, sucking on each one, before moving his mouth away, nibbling on the ends. 

He was about to move lower when she flipped them so that she was on top.  He groaned as her wet, hot body rubbed erotically against his rock hard shaft.  She blazed her way down his body, using her tongue and teeth to tease him.  Spike hissed as she slid her hot mouth over his cock, sucking slightly before moving out, grazing him with her teeth.  She repeated her actions, each time tightening the pressure of her lips, until he exploded in her mouth. 

Flashing colours shot passed Spike's tightly closed lids as he thrust up, trying not to hurt her.  Swallowing quickly, she moved him out of her completely, moving up his body to capture his lips again, forcing him to taste himself.  He lowered his hand, positioning himself at her opening before thrusting up into her, both gasping in pleasure as Buffy's muscles tightened around him.  Continuing to kiss him, Buffy moved up and down, loving the position and the feeling she got out of it - feeling him fill her completely each time she lowered her self on him. 

It didn't take long for them to both give in and go over the edge, each with their lover's name upon their lips.  Collapsing fatigued on Spike's chest, Buffy closed her eyes enjoying the feeling of his cool fingertips trailing patterns on her back. 

***

It had grown dark by the time the lover's had left the safety of the cave and they slowly made their way out of the forest.  At the edge of the collection of trees, Spike tugged on the hand that was in his and pulled the slayer to him.  His mouth came down on hers and she moaned pushing her body up against his.

They reluctantly parted, Spike to hunt and Buffy to think of a cover story. 

Both for her absence and the mark on her neck.

***

Buffy had arrived 'home' to a cacophony of concern.  After having solved her second problem by buying a rather beautiful red scarf on the way home, she decided to stick to as close to the truth as possible.

She'd met the commando guys.  They tried to zap her.  She got away.  She fell.  (Little fallacy)  She hit her head, felt dizzy and spent the night in a out of reach cave.  Sorry.

Buffy sighed in relief as Willow finally pulled Xander away, giving the slayer some time to re-group.  She was this close to knocking Xander out.  Honestly, he was getting like a parent what with all his accusatory questioning.  "Wanker."  Buffy growled under her breath, then jumped, startled by the knocking on the front door. 

She crossed the room and accepted the thin-stemmed red rose and folded slip of paper with a frown and thanked the delivery boy and shut the door.  Moving back to her bed she lifted the rose petals to her nose, inhaling the delicate fragrance as she unfolded the note, examining the unfamiliar hand.

She frowned then smiled and moved to retrieve her shower things, intent on washing before she left.  The note was replaced on the bed, the flower just next to it.

Sunnydale Hotel.

I know you don't have classes tomorrow.

Room 48.  Forth floor.

Midnight.

***

Buffy sighed and straightened down the thin satin dress that hung around her body.  She'd left a note for Willow saying she'd be at her mother's and not to worry before leaving the dorms. 

The surprisingly impressive hotel loomed before her.  She took a step, then paused before cursing her anxiety and walking into the foyer.  She gratefully noted that there was no hotel staff about, ready to deny her access, and headed for the elevator.

The doors pinged open on the forth floor and Buffy stepped out into the carpeted hallway.  The glanced at the door in front of her and then to her left before determining that 48 must be down the hallway to the right.

The slayer raised her hand to knock on the door and then jumped slightly as a soft kiss was placed on her neck just above the scarf by cool, firm lips.  One leather-covered arm wrapped itself around her waist while the other hand moved to unlock the door as he continued to kiss her neck.

Spike pushed open the door, silently urging the slayer to walk in before closing it behind them.  He dropped the keys and his jacket on the table by the door before pulling the slayer into his arms.  As his mouth met hers', he lifted one hand to unwind the silk from Buffy's neck.  It fell soundlessly to the floor, forgotten as the vampire lifted the slayer in his arms and carried her to the bed.

***

Buffy smiled peacefully and snuggled back in her sleep.  Spike kissed the top of her head, pulling her further into his embrace, possessively enclosing her body with his own.

It was three am.  Nearly two hours until sun-up.  If Spike thought about it, Sunnydale probably wasn't the best place for a vampire to live.  What with the late sun downs and early sun-ups.  Why would one want to come here, never mind return?

The slayer moaned his name in her sleep, holding his arms tighter around her body, and he smiled.

"This is a pretty good reason."  He murmured, and ducked his head pressing a kiss to the fresh bite mark on her neck.  He couldn't believe that she actually let him bite her, never mind actually bare her neck for him.

His eyes roamed her neck, wondering why he felt no desire to drain her.  Surely, having tasted her blood (which was sweeter than any other slayer) the demon inside him would have wanted to at least. 

But no.  The demon just seemed sated with the knowledge his mark was on her neck.  No part of that made sense.  Or at least not the sense he was ready to admit.

***

Buffy sighed contentedly as the hard spray massaged down her back, warming her fatigued body.  She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the cool tiled shower unit.

Spike smiled as he watched her.  He swallowed convulsively as she bent down to retrieve the complimentary bottle.  His eyes roamed over her naked form as she raised her arms to lather her hair in shampoo.  She turned to wash the suds out of her hair and he inhaled sharply.  Her eyes still closed she leant back against the tiles and sighed. 

The vampire slipped inside the shower cubical, pressing his body against hers as he began to kiss her.

Spike pulled her up to his eye level and her legs wrapped around his waist as he slid in and out of her hot, wet core.  Spike slipped his mouth from the watery golden skin of her breasts up to claim her mouth again in an attempt to quieten her cries of pleasure.  Buffy moaned loudly against his mouth as he rocked his hips forward on to her clit. 

She could feel her impending orgasm and as his mouth moved to her neck she bit down on his shoulder, hard.  With a strangled shout of her name Spike came, sinking his fangs into her neck.  At the touch of his fangs Buffy came, screaming his name. 

Spike moaned as her powerful blood flowed over his tongue and he lowered a hand between them, fingering her slippery clit.  Within seconds she came again calling his name out once more.  Spike slid them down to the floor of the tub; her legs still wrapped tightly around his waist, his cock still deep within her quivering core.  As he lay back against the bath Buffy collapsed against him.  He retracted his fangs, and as he carefully soothed the bite with his tongue

He eventually removed his head from her neck and Buffy pressed her body further onto his as he kissed her again.  Using the arm that wasn't around Buffy, Spike steadied himself, pushing them into a standing position.

He wrapped a towel around the slayer's shivering form and quickly dried himself off.  Both reasonably dry they adopted the two plush beige robes hanging on the back of the door and crossed back to the bed.

Buffy picked up the remote as she slid back under the covers, sliding the now damp robe off her now dry body.  She giggled, looking down at her belly and making a shushing sound as her stomach rumbled and flicked on the television. 

"Hungry, pet?"  Spike picked up the menu from the bedside table and passed it to her.

"Mmmm, thanks."  Buffy accepted the menu and threw her legs over the other side of the bed and crossed to the phone on the little glass table.  She was shocked by the offer but tried to act as normal as possible as well as control her fast-beating heart.  Picking up she dialled the kitchens taking a shaky breath, asking for some breakfast and leaving the room number at the desk.

She crawled back onto the bed and sat, looking at Spike who was towel drying his short hair.  *This is insane.*  She watched a water droplet slide down his naked chest, her eyes moving lower.  She swallowed heavily and dragged her eyes up to his just as he looked at her.  "So, this is a step-up from a crypt."  She commented.

"Figured I could do with a change."

"How about a different hair colour?  You've had that...for what?  Thirty years.  You gotta be bored of it.  How about I re-dye it?  There’s some great..."

"Not a fucking chance, love!"  Spike growled at her, flopping back onto the bed.

"Someone’s touchy about their bleached locks!"  Buffy giggled as he growled at her then let out a little squeal when she saw a film she recognised on the movie channels. 

"What?"  Spike asked, unconsciously drawing her into his chest before he began nuzzling at the base of her throat.

Buffy sighed at the attention and leaned into his touch, "I like the movie."

"Which one?"  Spike looked up then scowled at the TV. screen.  "No bloody way!  Give me the remote, pet.  I'm not watching that." 

He made a grab for the remote but she eluded him.  Spike attempted to wrestle the remote away from the slayer but she held it tightly, wriggling out of his grasp.  Spike tackled her, sending them both flying against the pillows as he began to tickle her.

The knock on the door broke into the slayer's hysterical giggles and the vampire pressed a hard kiss to her lips, removing the remote from her grasp as she lay breathless.  Buffy sat up as he crossed the room and wrapped the discarded robe around her body, cringing at the dampness of the material.

Spike opened the door and withheld a frown when he found the redheaded receptionist carrying the breakfast tray.

"Hi, you ordered some, uh...breakfast?"  She breathed, staring hotly into his eyes as she trailed one hand up and down the doorframe.

He could smell her arousal and inwardly Spike wondered how he was going to explain some horny receptionist to the slayer but Buffy's voice saved him.

"Spike?  Who is it?"  

"You're breakfast, love."  Spike responded, attempting not to laugh at the woman’s' face as he beckoned her in.

The red head walked in, glared at the slayer before placing the tray on the chest at the bottom of the bed and walked out without another word, shutting the door behind her.

"What was that about?"  Buffy frowned at the woman’s' hostility.

"Beats me."

"Most does."  Buffy commented and Spike snorted as he tried to hold back unwarranted laughter at her quick answer.

Buffy reached forward and plucked a grape from the fruit bowl before snagging a piece of toast and lying back.  Spike walked back to the bed and flopped down next to the slayer.  Buffy threw the half eaten toast back onto the tray then attempted to lean forward to retrieve the glass of orange juice.  She growled when she found she was trapped under the wet robe that was twisted around her body.  After attempting several times to remove she finally impatiently tore it from her body.

"Better, love?"  Spike asked sarcastically as the slayer lay back, juice in hand.                                                                                                                       

"Much, now give me the remote."

"No."

"No?"  Buffy raised her eyebrows.

"No."  Spike shook his head as though in need of something to strengthen the argument.

"Fine I'm off, see ya around."  Buffy placed down her glass and made to move off the bed.  She'd barely stood before Spike had her pinned under him.

"You're mine and you're not leaving over a fucking remote!"  Spike growled, leaning down to give her a biting kiss.

When she broke for air, Buffy forced out the words as he slid inside her.  "Possessive baby?"

"Very."  Spike growled, claiming her lips again.  Buffy whimpered and mewled against the force of his lips as he slammed into her over and over again.  Spike could feel himself nearing release, but wanting her to come first he lowered his hand to her clit, flicking over the swollen nubbin.

Buffy ripped her lips from his to scream his name as she tightened like a vice around him and he clamped down on her neck as he too found his release.

***

"I don't like the whole, 'silver can kill you' but 'crosses don't do a thing' bit."  Buffy stated half way through the film, <Blade>, from her position on the bed; wrapped in Spike's arms.  "Or the whole, 'sunblock'll make the whole thing vamoose'."

"I don't like it period."  Spike grumbled, pissed off that he was watching this crap.

"Why ever not?"  Buffy feigned ignorance and he growled at her causing her to laugh as she turned her head back to the television screen.  Buffy watched as the black woman on the screen removed the two round plasters from the puncture holes on her neck and she frowned.  "If you get turned you should die then rise then I stake you, not screw around with the whole did she 'catch' it thing."  Buffy commented.

Spike leant down and gently kissed the mark on the slayers neck, smiling as Buffy arched back into him, tilting her neck in a way that showed complete trust in him.  Trust that, by rights, she shouldn't have given and he shouldn't feel the need to prove he warranted.

"You know..."  Buffy began, shivering as Spike's hand cupped her breast, his thumb rubbing over the nipple.

"Hmmm?"  The vampire asked, swirling his tongue across her shoulder and up her neck in intricate patterns.

"I'm not gonna be able to wear a scarf forever.  They'll know something’s up."

"I'll be good."  Spike purred against her throat as he nudged her legs apart, sliding slowly into her from behind.

"Fat chance."  She hissed as he began to slowly move in and out of her and began to meet his thrust with her own, pushing herself back onto him.  The gentleness of his lovemaking in complete contradiction to that just an hour or so before.

***

The annoying bleeping sound woke the slumbering Slayer at five pm.  Buffy quickly switched off the noise, thankful that it hadn't woken Spike, and carefully retracted herself from his embrace.

She was just refastening her last earring when Spike woke up.  He sleepily reached out beside him, frowning when his arm hit thin air.  He sat up and looked across at Buffy who was combing her hair by the mirror.

"Where are you going?"  He asked sleepily when he noticed her state of dress.

Buffy turned around, "Hi, you're awake."  She crossed over and sat by him, leaning down to kiss him while she slipped on her sandals.

The slayer broke away and stood up, moving to get her bag, "Willow'll come looking for me in an hour after some Wicca thing and I'm meant to be at my moms."

She turned around, to find him right behind her.  He gently cupped the back of her head with one hand, pressing a tender kiss to her lips.  Buffy sighed and sagged against him as her tongue played with his.  Forcing herself away she re-did the zip of her dress that had managed to come undone during the kiss and kissing him one last time left the room, "I'll see you later?"

Spike nodded.  "Bye, love."

***

"No, I had a really great day.  Back in my house but sans parent was very therapeutic!"  Buffy half lied.  She felt bad but she doubted Willow would understand what was going on with her and Spike...not that she had any idea herself.

Fortunately the wound on her neck had healed but she still had bite marks on her breast and inner thigh.  *As long as I don't have trouble covering them I don't care!*

"So, you gonna come to the Bronze tonight?  Dingo's are playing!"  Willow asked, breaking into her thoughts.

"Sounds fun."

Willow got up, "Well, I have to go meet Oz.  How about I meet you there - an hour?"

"Sure - I'll do a quick sweep first then come on down."  Buffy got up, showing Willow to the door.  She watched as the witch walked out into the night and closed the door.

Seconds later there was a tap at the back door and with a frown she crossed to the door.  Her frown turned to a fake-smile when she saw who was there and opened the door, "Come in."

***

Spike growled, viciously throwing the cigarette stub to the ground before he lit yet another cigarette and continued his pacing back and forth in front of the tree near the Summer's kitchen window.

_-_-_

"So, how long are you here for?"  Buffy asked attempting to smile, attempting to react how her visitor would expect her too.  Attempting to ignore the fact that he had a super sense of smell and could probably smell her new lover all over her.

"Just tonight.  I came to warn you actually."  The slayer need not have worried since Angel was making sure he inhaled through his mouth to speak, not wanting to smell another man on the woman he loved.

"Warn me?  About what?"  Buffy's 'slayer' mode switched on and she prepared herself for the possibility of big bads heading her way.

"Spike."

"Spike?"  She squeaked.  *Stay cool, Summers.  Let him finish.*  She coughed to clear her throat, mind and buy her some time.  "What about him?"

"He's here, in Sunnydale."

"I, uh know."  Buffy said, not meeting his eyes raising Angel's already suspicious mind at the thought of his childe being back.

"You know?"  Angel growled, standing up.

"Yes, I've seen him."

"Is he dead."

"Of the 'un' sense."

"Buffy..."

"What, Angel?  He's your childe wouldn't you have felt it if he'd died.  Why couldn't you have called, why the trip?  You were fine to get that Irish guy to call last time.  What’s so different now."  Buffy asked, taking the defensive at the old vampire's aggressive mannerisms.

"Because Spike is dangerous and he's..."

"I have fought him before, I don't see what the..."

"Yeah, fought him.  Never killed him."  Angel interrupted her, a hint of jealousy in his voice.

"There weren't any opportunities!  The first time my mom was there, the second there were all those children and the third I needed him to get Willow and Xander back.  The only other time I needed his help was in saving the world from being sucked into Hell."  Angel look down shamefully at her words and Buffy sighed.  She glanced at the clock on the wall.  "Look Angel, I'm going out.  Thanks for the heads up but..."

"You're fine."

"Yeah."  She watched as Angel made his way to the back door.

"Next time I'll call."

"I think that would be best." Buffy replied, a hint of regret in her voice.  Angel nodded sharply before leaving the house.

With a heavy sigh Buffy moved up the stairs and crossed to her bedroom.  She lit the candle on her dressing table and shed the dress she was wearing, moving to her cupboard to choose a different out fit.

She discounted the cool air as a change of breeze through her open window and continued rummaging through, unable to decide.  She finally selected a thin-strapped cotton dress that was as deep as the night’s sky in colour.  She crossed to her dressing table, holding the dress in front of her half nude figure as she examined her choice.

Her spider senses tingled as she turned, the dress clutched against as she knew she wasn't alone.  Standing less than a meter away was a leather clad figure whose eyes were burning in their intensity.

Buffy dropped the dress to the floor as he pulled her into his arms and his mouth came down upon hers.  Spike slid his hands down her body, grabbing her ass and lifting her up.  He placed her softly on the bed, lying over her as her legs wrapped around his waist.

As he slid his lips to her neck he growled in her ear, "What was he doing here?"

"He...aah...wanted to let me kno-oh y-y-you were back."  Buffy replied as he slid a hand inside her panties, thrusting a finger in and out of her as he stimulated her clit.

"Is that all?"  Spike growled, shoving her underwear down her legs and positioned his suddenly free cock at her entrance.  He thrust inside of her, capturing her shriek of pleasure in his mouth as he involved her in another heavy kiss.

When Buffy broke away to breathe he repeated his question, jealousy evident in his voice, "Is.  That.  All?"

"Yes...ye-ye-ye....SPIKE!"  The slayer exploded into orgasm, screaming out her lover's name. 

***

Elsewhere her scream was heard and a dark figure ran back the way he'd come, fearing the worst.  And being about to find it.

***

With a feral snarl Spike forced out the words by her ear, moments before he came.  "You're Mine, slayer."  He clamped down on her jugular, claiming her once again as his.  Buffy arched against him before collapsing on the bed, her body wracking with shudders.

Spike eventually raised his head from her neck and stared down at her flushed face and sated, dazed eyes.  He brought up a hand and brushed away some of the hair from her face.  "Mine."  He whispered, pressing his lips back to hers.

Buffy broke for air minutes later and he buried his face in her hair as she stroked the back of his head.  "Yours."  She whispered quietly.  She smiled as she heard him purr once and closed her eyes.

***

At the window brooding yellow eyes closed themselves to the blood tears that now filled them.  He forced his human face back to the forefront and jumped down from the roof and back to where he'd parked his motorcycle.  It was time for the angel to return to his city.

***

Buffy finally found the energy to push at Spike's' shoulders and he moved off her.  He frowned when she crossed to the dressing table and looked at the mirror reflection of herself.  She sighed when she saw the twin punctures at the base of her throat.

Crossing to the cupboard once again she was about to discard the original dress when she took another look.  They were low enough for her hair to cover them, a little make up and bingo no more vamp lover who insists on biting her on the neck.

Retrieving some new underwear she dressed, curling her hair so that it covered the mark.  Standing up she looked over at the vampire who had readjusted his clothing and lay with one hand propping him up, watching her.

"Where are you going?"  Spike asked, pulling her back on to the bed. 

Buffy leant down to kiss him briefly before pulling away, "The Bronze.  Oz's bands playing there."

"Oz?  The wolf?"

"Yep.  I'm gonna be all supportive.."

"Of the wolf?"  Spike interrupted, his eyes narrowing.

"Of Willow."  She clarified, giving him a look.  "I was meant to be there twenty minutes ago so I better go."

"Want me to drive you pet?  The cars around the corner."  Spike offered as she got up.

Buffy considered it for a moment, "Okay, thanks."

***

"Wow, ever clean your car?"  Buffy asked, rolling down a window.

"Every decade."  Spike answered, so seriously said causing the slayer to burst out into giggles.

***

"Thanks."  Buffy said as Spike pulled up around the corner from the nightclub.  Spike pulled the slayer across the seat, pulling her on to his lap, pulling her lips on to his and pulling her tongue into his mouth.

Buffy moaned, sliding her hands up his chest, gently scratching at his chest with her short nails.  As the kiss intensified Buffy pushed him away before they just had sex in the car.

"I have to go."  She grabbed her purse and got out of the car, giving him a cheeky wave she sashayed into the club.

Spike sighed, watching her hips sway until she was out of sight before slamming his head into the steering wheel.  What the fuck was wrong with him?  *I'm a master vampire.  Not some pussy-whipped puppy.  Or Angel.  Bloody Fucking Hell!*  He'd come back to kill her...and hadn't....again. 

Having said that, this was better than the last time his cock quickly reminded.  But he was a demon.  Why wasn't his demon fighting this?  Stupid fucker was actually all for it - what was he doing?  Marking her?  *Does she even know what it means?*  Probably not.  Spike wasn't sure if he was happy about that or not.  At least it covered his feelings for now.

Slamming his fist into the steering wheel with a growl he slammed the car door and stormed into the Bronze.

***

She was sat in the corner, smiling at the witch and whelp as they went off to dance to the fast <Dingo's> music, on one of the two comfy sofa's that surrounded the coffee table.

Spike stood in the shadows, only a few meters away, his blue eyes the colour of a stormy sea at night as he watched her.  He frowned as some muscular kid walked up to her.  The vampire growled low in his throat, his face changing as the slayer eventually got up and walked to the dance floor.

***

Buffy inwardly sighed, "Okay, Riley."  She put on her best 'I'm really happy about this' smile and let him take her hand to lead her to the dance floor.

The commando moved them into the classic dancing position, attempting to pull the slayer closer but found he couldn't so he left it.

"So, where were you the other day?"

"Oh, I...uh, wasn't very well so I just rested."  Buffy lied as quickly as possible, keeping his body at arms length now having a completely different vampire's senses to worry about.  She very much doubted Spike would be as calm as Angel would.

"Oh, I'm sorry.  You're feeling better?"  Riley asked with a gentle smile.

"Yeah, than..."  Buffy's voice trailed off when she noticed an angry set of yellow eyes on her.

"Are you okay?"

"What?  Oh, yeah just thought I saw some one I knew from LA."

"LA?"

"I used to live there before we moved to Sunnydale."  Buffy explained.

"Oh.  Well, let me tell you, you missed a real riot in psychology.  Professor. Walsh set a practical experiment.  If you don't have a partner..."

Buffy sent him a commiserating look, "Sorry, Willow got the notes and stuff for me.  But thanks."

"Sure thing."  Riley moved them a little further into the dance floor, attempting once again to wrap his arms around her as a slow song came on.

"Um, do you mind if I sit this one out?"  Buffy said hastily as the love song rolled around the room and couples everywhere pressed closer to each other.  She quickly moved out of his arms, attempting to smile up at him.

"No, of course.  Would you like something to drink?"  Riley asked, trying to catch her eyes but found they were focused behind him.  He turned and saw a furious looking white blonde man stalking over to them.

"Do you know him?"  Riley asked as Buffy paled.

"Um, yeah.  Riley, I don't know how to say this but maybe it would be better if you could...."  Buffy sent him a helpless look and he caught on.

"No, sure.  You don't need any help with this guy?"  He asked, big brotherly.

"No, he's just...a little possessive."

"I'll be at the bar if you need me."  Riley said just as the pre-mentioned blonde arrived in front of them.

Spike grabbed Buffy sharply by the arm causing her to hiss from the pain caused by the sudden movement. 

Riley turned around at the sound.  "Is there a problem here?"

"Not yet."  Spike growled, scowling at the boy, and he pulled the slayer closer. 

Buffy met Riley's eyes and nodded that she was okay, "I'll see you tomorrow, Riley."  The commando nodded slowly then tilted his head towards the bar before heading back there.

Buffy spoke before Spike had a chance to, her eyes scanning the dark room to insure that none of her friends had witnessed the exchange.  "What are you doing here?"  She hissed.

"Who the fuck was that?"  He growled at her.

"Spike!  Now isn't the time!  You know Willow and Xander are here; are you crazy?"  Buffy hissed back at him, her eyes still scanning the darkness.

"Certi-fucking-fiable!"  Spike growled, tugging her lips to his. Buffy moaned and her eyes fell shut as the room tilted and the world melted away, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he pulled her closer still, lifting her off her feet.

Buffy broke away a few breathless minutes later and Spike hugged her to him, placing soft kisses along her jaw line as he inhaled her scent.  He growled happily when the slayer sighed and tilted her neck for him.

Buffy's eyes slowly opened, immediately and unwittingly watching as Riley spoke in rather concerned terms with Willow and Xander.  She watched as Xander stood, trying to see where she was.

Quickly, Buffy pushed Spike away dragging him from the club.  She could hear her friends worried voices a few meters behind them though she knew they couldn't see them as Willow asked where they were.

Buffy turned down an alleyway and Spike pushed her up against the wall, his mouth down on hers.  "Spike...they're...coming!"  Buffy hissed against his mouth between kisses.

Extending his senses Spike sighed, knowing that they'd come around the corner within thirty seconds.  He pushed away from Buffy, "Hit me."

"What?"  Buffy frowned her brain still a little lust-fuzzy.

"Hit me."  Spike said, his face morphing just as they rounded the corner.  Buffy got the idea and punched him in the face, not bothering to use her full strength.  He blocked her next swing and aimed a kick for her head.  Buffy ducked, knocking his feet out from under him.  She caught the stake that Willow threw her from their position, several meters away - giving her fighting room.

Buffy grinned evilly at him and straddled his waist, holding the stake over his chest although nowhere near his heart.  She ground herself down into his erection, her knees pinning his arms.  He thrust his hips up and growled at her.

"Spike, so...I thought I told you to leave....you know I'm sure there was a 'never come back' clause in our deal somewhere."

"Really?"  Spike feigned confusion.  "I'll be sure to check my paperwork, pet."

"What are doing back?"  Buffy asked, trying to ignore the hand that slid up her thigh on the side away from her friends.  "Here to cause more trouble?  Killed Trick by the way."

"I heard.  And I do love trouble."  He grinned up at her, his demon slid away and he threw her off of him.  She landed gracefully, rolling to her feet by her friends.  She watched as he jumped twenty feet up on to the top of the building and gave her a cocky salute before disappearing from sight.

"Great."  Buffy muttered as she turned back to her friends.

"Buffy are you okay, why didn't you stake him?"  Willow asked her suddenly.

"I don't know...I don't know what’s happening, I'm so tired I just thought..."  Tears filled her eyes as the truth of the whole situation hit her.

"Its okay Buff, you'll get him next time."  Xander put a comforting arm around her.  After his last bollocking from Willow he'd realised that maybe the whole stress of slaying and managing a 'normal twenty year old' life with college and guys was a little much for the slayer.  Buffy sighed when her perceptive hearing picked up a quiet growl and her senses informed her of the blonde vampire's presence. 

She smiled up at him, moving out of his arm.  "I'm gonna go home.  Will, do you think you could collect work for me tomorrow?  I only have one class.  Mom's still away - I was gonna pop in, check the house but I think I just wanna sleep for a day."

"Sure Buffy!"  Willow smiled, sympathetically at her friend.  "Do you want me to drop off anything - clothes or something?"

"Nah, I still have stuff there.  Do guys need me to walk the rest of the way with you?"

"Nope, I'll take our resident witch home after the bands all done don't you go a-worrying!"  Xander smiled at her.

"Thanks Xander.  I'll call you later."  Buffy said to Willow, reclaiming her bag from the Wicca.

"Sure."

***

Buffy trudged up the stair and pushed open her bedroom door, collapsing on the bed then wriggling out of her clothes from her position.  With a sigh she closed her eyes and allowed all the tension to drain from her body as she waited for Giles' inevitable phone call of concern.

Her hand moved out, hitting the play button on her CD player, allowing soft music to flow through her bedroom and her mind as she turned on her side sighing again.  She felt the bed shift as a new weight lay behind her and her lips turned up into a tired smile.

"Why were you crying, love?"  Spike murmured, wrapping his arms around her as he moulded his body to hers.

"What?  Oh, nothing...I'm just tired."

"Tired?"

"Of lying."

"About what, ducks."  Spike asked, kissing her neck.

Buffy rolled on to her back, glaring at him incredulously, "I got a bad mark in my math test!  What do you think I've lied about?"

"What’s the big deal, pet?  You've never lied before?"  Spike frowned at her.

Buffy tried to glare at him but when he simply raised his eyebrows she sighed.  "Spike.  Not telling them I'm having sex with a soul-less vampire is one thing - understandable even.  But when said soul-less vampire turns up when he knew the people who I'm not telling him about are all there..."  She trailed off giving him a pointed look.

"Did they suspect anything?"

"No, but if Giles was..."  The phone ringing cut off Buffy.  She reached over to pick it up saying, "Now this is Giles, shut up!"

"Mums the word."  Spike nodded and gave her a devilish smile that made her trust him as far as Xander could have thrown him.

"Hi Giles.  No patrol was pretty slow.  She did...well, yeah.  No I was gonna tell you...I don't know what he wants, doubt he's looking for another t-oooh-ruce."  Buffy slapped Spike's hands as they skimmed her sex, having already slid up her thigh. "Hot cup.  I'm just way tired Giles.  No, I didn't see them.  Alright I'll come round tonight - I'll even bring popcorn!  Of course not.  Very serious matter.  Totally agree.  No, sir!  Night, Giles."

She replaced the phone and was immediately involved in a heavy kiss.  She pushed him away as she regained her breath, "I'm tired.  Go away!"

"Slayer!"  Spike wined, trying to kiss her again.  She stopped him and he pouted.

Buffy giggled at him, "I wanna sleep now.  If you'd let me sleep properly yesterday..."

"You slept for hours!"  Spike exclaimed.

"I need more!"

"Pet."  Spike said slowly, trailing a finger down her body. "I can't fuck you in the day...unless you come to the hotel and..."

"Come back later then."  Buffy interrupted through a yawn.

"No."  Spike murmured, he pulled Buffy into his arms and pulled the cover over her.  He smiled when as she turned in his arms, laying her head against his t-shirt clothed chest.  Her hand moved to untuck the shirt, and slid her warm hand up his cool chest as she sighed.

When her breathing turned to that of a deep sleep - unlikely to be woken - Spike gently moved her off him.  He crossed to the open window, shutting it and blocking out the sunrays that the morning would bring.  Pulling off his clothes he dumped them in a pile in the corner of the room.  Crossing to the bed he lifted the side of the cover and slid in next to Buffy.  The slayer moaned in her sleep and curled up next to him, looping her leg in between his she lay half on top of him, her arm flopped over his chest.

Spike sighed, the sound coming out as a little purr when the slayer moaned his name.  Closing his eyes he let himself slip asleep, pulling the slayer's naked body into his even more.

***

"Spike?"  Buffy spoke softly as she awoke, expecting to find him next to her.  She frowned and extended her senses.  No vamps, no running water, no TV., no nothing.  *I thought he stayed.*  With a sigh she turned around, smiling at the cracks of daylight that streamed in the window, her blinds not being adequate enough to keep the daylight out.

She frowned as her gaze turned to the rest of the room.  A leather duster, jeans and a red shirt lay in the corner next to some combats.  "Spike?"

Ashes falling to the ground flashed through Buffy's mind as she gasped, hesitantly lifting up the side of the sheet next to her.

Tears filled her eyes as she pulled back the cover.  A small shriek erupted from her parched throat as she regarded the ash particles that lay down the bed.

Her hand shot out and hit the bed, her brain denying what her eyes could see. 

She heard a familiar evil sound behind her and turned to see Angel laughing at her. 

"Not Angel."  He said, darting forward and making a grab for her.

_-_-_

"Spike..."  Buffy whimpered, tears streaming down her face.  The blonde vampire frowned down at her, pulling her closer to him as he gently stroked her hair.

"Shh, love.  Its okay...."  He whispered soothingly.  He jumped as her body jerked suddenly and her eyes opened as she let out a small yelp.

"Slayer?"  The British voice forced her unseeing eyes into focus and Buffy finally stared back into the concerned eyes of her mortal enemy.  She wrapped her arms and legs around him, burying her face in his neck as she tried to force the tears to stop flowing.

Spike continued to stroke her hair, whispering more words of comfort as she continued to silently sob.

Eventually the tears stopped and she curled back down on him, not bothering to move from her position of straddling his waist she fell back asleep.

***

"Hello, cutie."  Buffy's bad English accent assaulted Spike's ears as he awoke and looked up at the slayer who still sat atop of him, staring down at him with a gentle smile on her face.

"Cute, slayer, real cute."  Spike smiled at her and she returned his grin, leaning down to kiss him.

Spike ran his hands down her back, unhooking her bra with centuries of ease.  Buffy let go of his face long enough to slip it from her arms, before her hands tangled back in his hair.

***

"Okay, so explain to me why we're here again."  Buffy pouted as she was led away from all the nice clothes shops and dragged towards the bedding section.

"Because you complained to your mother about not having soft enough sheets and she gave you money."  Willow explained again."

"Exactly...MONEY...such a beautiful word.  Money that could go to a much better home with me buying those boots."  Buffy tilted her head back, trying to steer them back towards the desired shoes.

The witch wasn't to be so easily deterred, "No, I promised your mom.  Anyhow, it’s worth it not to hear you complain for one night.  Well, the nights that you actually stay at the dorm."  She added quietly.

Buffy turned to her, "I stay at the dorm all nights."

Willow gave her a look and Buffy pouted again, "I do!  Its just, my beds sooo much more...comfortable, than the dorm one."  *And sooo much more full of Spike...*

"Which is why we're here for bedding."  Willow suddenly looked around, "I'll be back in a minute, go look at that big pile of pillows."  She said.

"But nice shoes, pretty shoes..."

"Go!"  Willow ordered with a smile, she watched as the slayer moved reluctantly towards the pillow mountain before dashing to the loo.

---

Buffy moved over to the various mounds of pillows.  She stopped in front of the first one, reached out and squidged one.  *Nah too soft.*  She crossed to another pile and was extending her arm when she was pushed up against the pile, a hard body pressed up against her.

Her senses went haywire as they acknowledged whom, what it was.  Hands slid around her waist as hips rubbed into her behind.  "What are you..."

Her question was cut short as she was spun around, to meet her partner’s devilish grin, "Hello cutie."  She wasn't given time to respond as Spike's lips descended on hers as he pushed her down into the pillows. 

Of their own apparent accord her legs rose, her inner thighs rubbing against his hips in a moment of fevered passion.

All too soon reality intruded.

"Uh, Miss, Sir, if you could please continue your shopping otherwise I will have to ask you to leave the shop."

Spike rose angrily, ready to rip out the teenagers throat for the interruption, but Buffy hastily intervened.

"Sorry, we'll go now."  She grabbed Spike's hand and practically dragged the vampire away before he could cause any trouble.  Once out of the shop assistants sight Spike pulled Buffy back to him with a small growl, backing her against another pile of pillows.

Buffy broke away, moving out of his reach with a giggle when he tried to grab her, "Slayer!"

She darted around a smaller metallic container full of throw pillows, "Now Spike, you know Willow's here.  What are you doing here?"

"I came to buy some pillows!"  He picked up a handful and threw them at her.  While she was temporarily blinded, the vampire dashed around the container.  Grabbing her around the waist he allowed them both to topple on to the made-up bed near by.

They landed with Buffy on top and she giggled as his cool hands lightly tickled her sides as they slid up her top.  She leant down and kissed him, oblivious to the fact that Willow had just left the bathroom. 

Spike moved his hands higher, caressing her breast as their tongues entwined.  Buffy answered his groan with a moan of her own, rocking against him.

"Buffy?!"  Willow's voice had Buffy scrambling off Spike's body, the vampire only just catching her before she fell on the floor.

Buffy's eyes scanned the area, relieved to find that the witch hadn't spotted her.  She felt Spike's arms slip out from around her and she turned to see him leaving.  Her shock wasn't easily quieted and she spared a glance at Willow's far away back before reaching out and grabbing Spike's arm.

"Hey, what are you doing?"  She asked quietly.

"Leaving."  The short, sharpness of his answer made her gasp.  Although they weren't a conventional couple, a cruel word hadn't passed between them.  And he'd never just left without saying anything. 

Spike sighed when he saw the hurt in her eyes and quickly pulled her behind a pile of bedding to hide them from the witch's view.  He brushed his mouth against hers, his desire for her apparent in his blue eyes and Buffy sighed happily, her arms moving around him.

"I'll see you later?"  She murmured when his lips moved to her neck to allow her to breathe.

"Yeah."  In the close background they heard the witch muttering about the slayer probably having disappeared to find those shoes.  Spike chuckled low in his throat, the sound making Buffy shiver against him.  He raised his eyes to hers and pressed a kiss to her lips, before melting into the background as some shoppers passed them by.

"Damn vampires."  Buffy muttered before moving out in the open to see Willow.

---

Buffy straightened the bed linen and stood back to survey her work.  It was beautiful, even if she did say so herself.  She'd even indulged and bought a new mattress. 

The sheets were a soft cream with slivers of gold thread sewn around the peripherals.  It was a bit too glamorous for a college room; she could admit that.  But it was so beautiful she couldn't resist.

Buffy frowned at the knock at her door.  It couldn't be Willow, who had scampered off to play with a new group of Wicca’s she had acquainted herself with.  There had been some whole weekend deal and she had left an hour ago.

Leaving her beautiful bedside, Buffy crossed the room and opened the door, her shock evident on her face, "Oh!"

"Hello, Buffy.  Mind if I come in?"

"No, by all means."  Buffy moved back to allow her new guest to pass.  She left the door open, not anticipating a long conversation.  "So, what can I do for you, Riley?"

"I wanted to talk to you."  The soldier looked a little uncomfortable, looking around for a distraction.  He found it in the form of a chair, which he sat upon.  Buffy sighed silently, seeing maybe this would take longer.  She had kinda hoped to grab her vampire honey and spend the night with him once she'd heard of Willow's departure.

"Sure, what about?"  Buffy ventured when he seemed to simply pause.

"About that guy, uh..."

"Spike?"

"Yeah, him.  I wanted to know where you stand with him.  I really like you and I think we could have something special."

"Um, Riley...Spike and I are sort of together and..."

"Willow didn't seem to think so."

"You asked Willow about me?"

"I wanted to know where you stood with him and she assured me there was nothing there."  Riley insisted.

"Well, I'm sorry for the confusion.  But we're..."

She was cut off again, "If you're that serious with this guy, how can your best friend not know?" 

"I don't see how I should have to answer to you about my life."  Buffy stood from Willow's bed.  "I think you should leave."

"Tell me there’s nothing between us."  He demanded, his hands clenching into fists.

"Hello, love."

The sexy British accent had never been so welcome to Buffy's ears.  Spike barely walked a step into the room and Riley got up, menacingly glaring towards the vampire.  Spike raised an eyebrow, his arm reaching out to easily draw Buffy to him.  The possessive gesture only seemed to inflame his anger.

"Riley was just leaving."  Buffy stated, moving them out of the way for Riley to pass.  She attempted to shut the door but still the commando stood in the doorway.  "I'm sorry but I can't help you."  Spike was the one who shut the door, leaning against as they both heard the commando muttering beneath his breath as he left.

Spike rolled his eyes, "Wanker."  Then he looked over at the bed, "Nice sheets."

"Thanks.  They're new."  She said dead pan and Spike chuckled again.

"Where’s the witch?"  He flicked the lock on the door, and moved to Buffy.

"On some Wicca retreat thing."  Buffy paused as he kissed her, "Gone all weekend."

"Really?"  He drawled, a mischievous gleam in his eye.

"Uh huh.  Wanna christen my new mattress?"   She asked coyly, rubbing her hips into his.  He didn't respond, instead lowering his lips to hers as he picked her up placing her on the bed.

***

Buffy sighed contentedly as Spike continued to nuzzle the mark he'd left on her neck.  She was on her back, the peroxide vampire as close as he could get on his side.  His free arm trailed up and down her side, brushing over her breasts, caressing her hip before travelling back up her body once more.

"Spike?"

"Hmmm?"

"Remember that thing we talked about?"

"What thing?"

"The thing where you don't bite my neck 'cause I don't heal quick enough.  Remember how you said yeah, okay?"

"Uh huh."

"Well that means you don't bite my neck anymore.  Someone’s going to notice."

"Okay, yeah."  He sighed, drawing his tongue over the mark.

His fangs grazed her neck and while she shivered she spoke indignantly, "Spike!"

"What!  I can't help it where my demon bites you!"

*Your demon?*  "Yes you can.  It just wants blood so make it bite somewhere else."

He didn't respond.

"Spike!"

"Its different on the neck."  He said reluctantly.

"Different how?"  Buffy sat up, frowning down at him.

"Its nothing bad."  He clarified, yanking her down into his arms.  "Its just a vampire thing.  Let it go."

"Let it go?"

"Yeah.  I'm not hurting you, am I?"

"No, but..."

"Then just wear a scarf."  He then added quietly, "Anyway, its an occupational hazard.  Getting bitten."

"Not for a slayer who’s alive!"  She replied hotly, grabbing her dressing gown as she got out of the bed.

"Apparently for this slayer it's a fucking lifestyle!"  At the anger flashing in her eyes at the implication of his words and he tried to back peddle.  "Okay, I'm sor..."

"Get out."  She hissed, cutting him off.

"What?!"

"Get out!"  She picked up his jeans from off the back of her chair where she'd flung them to earlier and threw them at him.  "Now!"  She screamed when he didn't move.

"FINE!"   He exploded, within seconds he was dressed and slamming the door behind him.  "Bitch!"

"Fuck you!"  She screamed out at him through the closed wood.  As she heard the doors further down the hall get slammed shut and the sound of cracking glass she collapsed in a heap on the floor.

Tears poured down her face as she sobbed quietly.  How dare he say that to her.  As though he was a paragon of virtue!  Lifestyle, her ass!  Well, this 'lifestyle' was about to change.  She wasn't going to let him near her again. 

Never again.

Beneath her something dug into her soft skin and she paused, sniffing as she lifted herself up.  It was his shirt, a button from it having been the culprit.  A louder sob broke from her lips and she raised her other hand to cover her mouth.

Flicking off the bedside lamp she gathered the shirt to her as she dropped the dressing gown.  Sliding under the covers she held the blood-red cloth near her face, inhaling his familiar scent as she dropped off.

***

Spike sighed as he more gently pushed open the double doors to the corridor that welcomed Buffy's dorm room.  The fight was silly, pointless, he'd decided.  Definitely not worth ending whatever they had between them.

He stood out side her room and listened intently.  He could hear her deep breathing, his memory recognising to that of when she slept.

With a sigh he carefully opened the door and walked in the room closing it behind him.  His eyes immediately focused on the small body in the bed, any residual anger he'd felt towards her by what he felt for her melted away as he regarded what she held so preciously to her face.

Kicking off his shoes he hung the duster over the back of her desk chair.  He stood for a moment, admiring her.  The single sheet she was under had moulded deliciously to her curves due to the dampness of her skin after their last bout of lovemaking.  The cotton wrapping around her breasts and shaping against her thighs as they moved in her slumber.

When his eyes finally settled on her face he frowned at the red puffiness of her eyes that proclaimed her previous tears.  He carefully eased himself on to the bed behind her, over the covers.  In her sleep the slayer turned as he drew her into his arms, pressing herself further into his embrace. 

She unconsciously nuzzled her face, heated from crying, into his neck, murmuring, "Sooo cold..."  She pressed a kiss to the cool skin, "Spike..."

"Shh baby, go back to sleep."  He whispered and watched affectionately as she nodded, almost imperceptibly, before falling further asleep.

---

Buffy awoke slowly, just before sunrise.  Her senses went into immediate over load as they noticed the vampire in the room.  More specifically, in her bed. She looked up into Spike's sleeping face and silently sighed in exasperation as relief flooded her. 

He'd come back.

A quick check of the room showed itself to be sun proof.  Since he showed no sigh of being awake she snuggled back down into his cool embrace and went back to sleep.

---

He watched her as he always did.  Yellow eyes blazing from the shadows, focused solely on one being.  The sway of her hips, the flick of her golden hair, the formation of her rouged mouth as she laughed.

His entire senses were focused on her and her alone.  Never before had they been so finely tuned.  Sure, he'd been able to recognise the other two slayers he'd fought, but never been able to single out their scent as he did now.

The thudding beat finally faded away and he watched as the slayer moved from the dance floor when the band began playing a slow song, leaving the witch and the werewolf to sway to the gentle music.

As she reached their table she accidentally knocked her purse to the floor and bent to retrieve it.  The vampire growled low, possessively within his throat at the human boys that noticed, their dumb-jock mouths grinning as their eyes travelled up and down her back. 

The beer bottle smashed under the pressure his hand was exerting on it in an attempt to control the bloodlust bubbling within him.  Although they hadn't talked about his feeding, he wasn't stupid.

Buffy would never be the same around him if she saw him feeding.

Not that he had feed much recently.  Not from remorse or such a debilitating emotion but from satiation.  Slayer's blood was the most potent around and truth be told he'd had more than his share of late.

That thought put him in a better mood and his anger faded; content once more to simply watch her.  His senses extended, singling out her scent, her heart beat.

He frowned at the latter. 

It was jumbled, parts fast, parts slow.  His fizzled brain slowly caught on and his demon face flashed to the forefront, before he quickly controlled it.  He wasn't hearing one heart beat.

He was hearing two.

---

Buffy smiled as Willow and Oz rejoined her at the table, "Hey,"

"Hi, that was relaxing.  Where's Xander?"  Willow smiled, buzzed from the closeness of her and Oz's dance.

"Getting drinks, he's just ov-"

"Slayer." 

The table turned as one, the slayer blushing, the werewolf and witch slightly fearful, towards the vampire who stood where Xander would have sat.

"I need to talk to you.  Now."  The words were barely human, their syllables being massacred through a harsh growl.

"What the hell do you want?!"  Buffy was trying to remain calm, not wanting to give anything away.  But what was he doing here?  There had to be something majorly wrong for him to come to her like this.  Worry set in fast.

"Outside.  Now."  He growled the commands, his eyes flashing yellow.  He turned sharply, storming out of the club, pushing various people out of the way.

"Well..."

"That was weird!"  Willow pointed out.

"I'll say."  Oz concurred.

Buffy, however, looked worried.  He'd actually seemed angry.  She stood, "I better go see what he wants."  She turned but Willow's voice stopped her.

"Do you have a stake?"

"Six on my person."  Buffy smiled as her friend laughed away her fear.  "Stay here, I'll be back soon.  He probably wants my help to go 'rescue' Dru!"

---

"Spike?"  Her voice was tentative as she entered the back alley behind the Bronze.

Spike pushed away from the wall, out of the shadows. Buffy smiled slowly, but he didn't return it; his eyes were an icy blue colour.  "Who's is it?"

"Who's is what?"  She frowned.

"Was it that wankers?"  He took another step forward and instinctively she took one backwards, wary of his obvious anger, oblivious to its cause.

"What?"

"Or did that soldier boy have a go too?"

"WHAT?"  She looked genuinely bewildered, "What are you talking about?"

He growled, darting forward to slam her against the brick wall.  His mouth smashed against hers, almost reminisent of their first kiss, his teeth violently bit at her.  She felt her mouth fill up with blood and heard him growl again as the scent and taste of her blood spurred him on.  Tears burned in her throat at his treatment of her, her fists banging at him, but he held her at angle that disallowed her to get a good shot.

At last he raised his head, "Mine!"

"Get off me!"

His grip tightened, "No!  Why didn't you tell me, slayer?  Huh, you think I wouldn't find out?"

The tears finally fell from her eyes and she raised one of her hands to angrily brush them away, "What the fuck are you talking about?!"  She shouted at him.

His body pushed harder against hers and she despised herself for the rush of desire as it flooded through her system.  "I can hear it, pet!"

With his movement her arms twisted around and with superhuman strength she pushed him away from her.  Her hand rose to her mouth, wiping the blood from her lip.  "Hear what?"

"The fucking thing growing in you!"  He snarled.

All emotion fled from her face and her hand dropped instinctively to her stomach.  No.  It wasn't true.  "Impossible."

"Bull shit!"

"No, Spike!  It’s impossible!  The only human..."  She paused to give a humourless laugh, "...the only human I've slept with was Parker.  And that was just before my period.  I remember because the beer fucked up my system worse than usual!"

"What?"  His throat was suddenly dry.  Surely that was impossible, vampires didn't get dry throats.  "But I can hear it."  His eyes dropped to her stomach.  "There’s not just your heartbeat in there."  His voice was very quiet, almost subdued.

Suddenly her anger flared up, "Well fucking done, Spike!  You've knocked up a slayer!"  She slammed a fist into his jaw and glared at him as he stumbled.  Equally as quick tears streamed down her face and she slid on to the crates on the floor, her head in her hands.

Spike immediately moved beside her, "I'm sorry baby.  I over-reacted..."

"You think?!"  She flinched from him as he went to touch her hair, knocking his hand away violently.  He cringed in response.

"I didn't know what to think."  He sighed, putting his arms around her and forcibly lifting her onto his lap.  She resisted initially but as he murmured more apologies she calmed, resting her over heated head in the crook of his neck.

Buffy sighed, turning in his lap so that she was straddling his seated body.  Spike reached out and tipped her head up so that their eyes met.   A few seconds of silence passed before he leaned forward, kissing her slowly and thoroughly.

---

Willow smiled blankly at Oz and Xander who had somehow managed to start an amicable conversation about football, then looked down at her watch with worry.

So as not to worry her companions she stood, "I'm just going to pop to the ladies.  Be right back."

The two nodded before re-engaging themselves back in conversation.  Willow hastily left the Bronze, her hand firmly wrapped around the wooden stake in her coat pocket.

As she turned the corner to around the back of the Bronze she froze, her eyes denying what they could see.

On one of the crates behind the nightclub sat Spike, his jean clad legs stretched out to the floor.  On his lap, with her legs wrapped firmly around him waist sat Buffy. 

The witch gaped at the entwined couple, thoroughly shocked as she heard Buffy moan and tighten her arms around the vampire's neck.

The pair didn't appear to see her and she silently stumbled back into the Bronze  to retake her place next to Oz.  The werewolf immediately sensed her worry and suggested they go home early.  Willow happily agreed.  She need time to think...

---

Buffy sighed happily, one hand instinctively resting on her lower abdomen as Spike nuzzled her neck in his sleep.  She wanted to drop off but she knew she had to get back to the dorm room soon or Willow would worry.

Willow.

She missed that they never talked anymore; not the way they used to.  She longed to tell her best friend what was happening to her.  But what exactly would she say?  * Hey Wills, guess what?  I'm pregnant with the demon spawn of the vamp that tried to kill us so many times and I'm fal-*

Her thoughts stopped suddenly.  No.  She wasn't gonna go there again.  Nah-ah.  No way was she falling in love with Spike.

She unconsciously shivered as Spike's hand slid over her stomach, his larger one  covering hers protectively. 

Oh dear, this is gonna be tough...

---

"Morning, pet."  Spike's sleepy voice assaulted her frazzled nerves an hour later.

"Hmmm, hey..."

"You can't sleep?"  He pressed a kiss to her neck, pulling her closer to him as a wave of possessiveness engulfed him.

"I, uh, no.  I can't help..."

"What?"  He sat up a little, brushing a random strand of hair from her face.

"Oh, nothing..."

"No, tell me."  His voice was gentle, coaxing her into the security of his tones.  She'd never heard him like this.

"Its just Willow."  She answered truthfully, her eyes circling the intricate swirls of the ceiling.  "If...if you're right and I'm...I'm pregnant...I just..."

"She's your best friend and you want to tell her."  Spike suggested.

Her eyes finally met his, sadness etched in her own green/blue orbs. "Yeah.  I just don't see how I can."  Suddenly her eyes filled with tears, several slipping down her face.

"Sshhh..."  He murmured, gently kissing away her tears.

She suddenly giggled, "You know for a demon your kinda comforting."

Spike chuckled, "Yeah, well, not one for conventions me."

"Me neither."  Her breath caught in her throat as he slowly lowered his lips to hers, brushing them over softly before probing her warm mouth with his cool tongue.

A sharp beeping sound broke into their euphoria.

Spike growled loudly as Buffy broke away to turn it off.  But as she made to get off the bed he tugged her back, grabbing the cordless phone off the bedside, "Ring the witch, tell her you're at your mums."

"She won't believe me."  Buffy nevertheless took the phone.  "She thinks I've got a secret boyfriend."

"Witch is smart."  He murmured, kissing her neck.

"Too smart.  I keep thinking they're just going to barge in here-hey, Willow, it’s me.  I'm staying at my mom's tonight.  See you tomorrow."  Buffy rung off, handing the phone to Spike.  "She wasn't there, guess she's at Oz's again."

Spike barely nodded in acknowledgement, capturing her lips with his own.

Six weeks had passed and Willow still hadn't confronted Buffy.  Not for want of trying.  But somehow one demon or another got in the way.  Currently the hacker was at a Wicca retreat, and once it was over she swore she would make the time.

---

Buffy let the robe drop and stood, naked, in front of the full body mirror hanging on the inside of her bedroom door.  She stared at her seemingly unchanged body from the front then turned to the side with a gasp.

Whilst the three inches may not have been noticeable to anyone else, to the slayer she may have well have put on six stone.  Her hands slid over the swollen bump with a sigh.

"He's made me fat."

"You look beautiful."

Buffy jumped and turned, "Jeez, Spike, you scared me!"  She returned her critical eyes to the mirror once more as Spike walked up behind her.

"I'm going to have to tell them soon, you know, I couldn't fit into my favourite pants yesterday."  She indicated the leathers on the desk chair.

"Yeah, well, you look better without."  He replied, rubbing his arousal into her behind.

Buffy leant back against him, "So you're suggesting that next time I go out au natural?"  She asked, provocatively.

"Don't even think about it."  He growled, turning her around so he could kiss her.

"Mmmm..."  Buffy broke away, "Seriously though, I'm going to have to tell them.  You're meant to go to a doctor after three months, and that’s about a week away."

"So?"

"So, what if they do an ultrasound thingy and junior has fangs.  That’s another thing, what if it wants blood, that means I'm going to crave blood.  Eeww!"  She exclaimed suddenly as she followed her thought process.

"Have you had any weird cravings yet?"  Spike asked, manoeuvring her to the bed.

"McDonalds."

"That’s not so bad."

"No, but explaining to Willow why I was suddenly cramming fries, the gherkins from my burger and strawberry milkshake down my throat wasn't easy.  I passed it off as Xander rubbing off on me."

"He better not be rubbing anything on you." 

"Eww, Spike!  He's like my brother."

"Thank Satan we don't live in Alabama then!"  Buffy laughed and Spike's mouth closed on her open one.

---

"Tonight, yeah?"  Spike asked.

"Yep, seven-forty."  Buffy moved the phone to her other ear, so she could paint the other hand.  "You're still coming right?"

"Of course."

"I wanna tell them after."  Moments of silence passed.  "Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"You gonna say something here?"

"What?  Yeah, um, so you'll say that you’re pregnant?"

"You know what?  I don't want to talk about this over the phone."

The vampire silently sighed.

"Okay come here then.  I can't exactly come to you can I?  The whole sun-allergy thing I've got going."

--

Buffy opened the hotel door with the key Spike had given her a few weeks earlier, shedding her jacket on to the chair close by.  Spike was lying on the bed, flicking through the channels absently. 

She crawled up the bed to kiss him, before settling down next to him.

He spoke first.

"So you wanna tell them we're together?"

"Yeah.  And the whole pregnancy thing.  I was thinking, maybe one first then we leave some time before the other, but I'm starting to show bad enough to need to go shopping and much as I love spending your money I wanted to take mom and Wills."

"So we'll tell them tonight.  With a little sonogram to go with?"

"Yeah, that’s okay right?"

"What ever you want, pet."  Spike smiled, and kissed her again.

---

"Buffy Summers?"  Buffy and Spike stood, the latter taking the formers hand as they walked to the desk.

"Yeah?"

"Room, 224.  Dr.  Brunwick."

Buffy swallowed and tried to smile, "Thanks."

--

"Come in."

Spike pushed open the door, giving the reluctant slayer a little push before shutting the door behind them.

"Buffy Summers?"

"That’s me."  Buffy smiled a little, her hand still in Spike's as the sat down on the two chairs in front of the doctors desk.

The older woman smiled, "And you must be papa."

"That’s me."  Spike answered, shooting a smile at Buffy.

"Ah, an English daddy.  Well, Buffy lets go take a look.  If you'll just push your pants below your waist and tug up your shirt we can begin."

As the doctor milled about, setting up equipment, Spike lifted the slayer onto the table, helping her tug the sweatpants down a little.  Buffy unbuttoned the bottom few buttons of one of Spike's shirt that she had commandeered a few days ago and lay back as Spike pushed up the tight top, in which her stomach looked huge.

The doctor moved to the other end of the bed and smiled, gently rubbing lubricant over Buffy's swollen stomach.  She then retrieved a baton like instrument, swirling the paddle over the slayer's womb.

"Okay, here it comes."  Buffy and Spike both looked up at the computer screen, both gasping at what they saw.

"Bloody hell."  Spike murmured.

"Yes, everything looks perfectly normal."  The doctor said soothingly.  "Yep, ten little fingers and ten little toes.  Okay, and from the looks of it your going to have a June baby.  From the calculations and the time you think you conceived I would say,  28th."

"Can we keep a picture?"  Buffy asked, tears in her eyes.

"Of course, would you like to hear the heartbeat?"

"Can we?"  Buffy asked timidly.

"Sure."  Dr. Brunwick leant forward and flicked a switch.   A fast beat filled the air.

"Oh."  Buffy said, all chocked up.  Spike looked down at her and she smiled at him, "Wow!".

"Definitely."  Spike agreed, leaning down to kiss her.

The world-wise doctor took that as her queue to make herself scarce.

Spike finally raised his head, "I love you, Buffy."  He murmured against her lips.

"Y-you do?"  She croaked.

"Uh, huh."  He smiled at her, and she flung her arms around his neck pulling him back to kiss him again.

"Mmm, I love you too, Spike."

"After you turned me into a bloody nancy boy, you bloody well better do!"  Buffy giggled, kissing him again.

The door opened and the doctor walked back in, carrying a prescription and a picture.  The couple reluctantly broke apart and the doctor smiled, leaning forward to wipe the goop off the slayer's stomach.

"Okay, I'm giving you a prescription for some supplements you'll need, and if you can make another appointment for a months time before you leave."

"Thanks."  Spike took the prescription, before lifting the slayer off the table.

"Oh, and here's your picture."  Buffy took the sonogram and a pamphlet on pregnancy before leaving.

---

Spike stopped the car outside her house, and Buffy slid over to him kissing him slowly. His fingers thread in her hair, holding her face to his.

"I love you."  They spoke simultaneously and Buffy smiled, kissing him gently before taking a deep breath.

"Okay, lets do this."

---

Mrs. Summers hadn't spoken in five minutes.  The two lovers were kinda concerned as Joyce continued to stare silently at the sonogram in her hand.

"Umm...mom?"

Silence.

"Joyce?"

"Say something."  Buffy finally re-found her voice in light of Spike's; comforted with the knowledge of a comrade.

"Did you ask the sex?"

"What?"  Buffy asked, confused; evidently not expecting that to be the first thing to be asked.

"No."  Spike answered simultaneously.

"Spike, I'd like to speak to my daughter alone for a minute."  Joyce said quietly, not removing her eyes from the picture.

Spike looked down at Buffy, who nodded reassuringly.  He smiled and leant down to kiss her, before retreating to the living room where he was still able to hear everything being said.

"How long have you two been together?"

"About three and half months."

"And you're about three months along."  Joyce winced with the calculations; this meant her little baby had had sex only two weeks into a relationship.  If not earlier, considering the father is her mortal enemy.

"Yeah..."

"Buffy, how many times have I told you about having unprotected sex..."

"Mom..."  Buffy flushed as she interrupted.

"This is what the outcome is.  You are going to have to face the harsh repercussions of your actions."  She said sharply.  "You could have come to me..."

"I didn't think it was possible..."

"That’s what every girl thinks."

"Not every girl is dating a vampire!"  Buffy shot out, then fell immediately silent.

"Ah..."  Suddenly she softened, "Why didn't you tell me you were dating?  Serious dating?"

"There hasn't really been much time..."

"Three months." Joyce put in.

"Two apocalypses, several scores of vamps and demons, school work.  Not much time."

There was silence again.

"Do you love him?"

"Yes."  That made Buffy smile, unknowingly imitating Spike's actions in the next room.

"Does he love you?"

"I do."  Spike said as he walked back into the kitchen, "Sorry, got bored."

Joyce laughed, the tension in the room relieved.  Suddenly she looked at her daughter, taking in her sweat pants and over sized shirt.

"I take it a mall trip is in order?"

"You read my mind!"  Buffy smiled, seeing from experience that her mother was okay and stepped into her arms.

***

"Suddenly Giles' place looks evil."  Buffy said abruptly as they stood in the court way outside the front door.  Inside they could hear the Scooby Gang discussing what the slayer's new boyfriend would be like and what important thing they had to tell them all.  Willow was being noticeably defensive of Buffy.

"Now or never."  She murmured as she raised a hand to knock on the door.

"How does never suit you?  I could fit that in next century."

"Sorry babe, but I doubt I'll see it."

"You will."  The conversation ended suddenly as Giles opened the door.

A few moments of stunning silence passed before he spoke.

"You know, I would say this scene proves I've a little too much to drink except I haven't.  Yet."

The rest of the gang were now behind Giles, mouths agape except Willow.

"I would invite you both in but I feel that would be a trifle stupid.  So this is your surprise?"  Giles asked, pain and sadness etched into his voice and suddenly aged features.  "You're a vampire."

"What?  No, of course not.  I'm not a vampire...I'm p-pregnant."

Thud.

"Now that went well."  Came Spike's sardonic voice into the silence.

***

Spike sat silently on the leather chair in Giles' living room, the slayer securely on his lap as she and her friends talked.  The vampire could feel the waves of anger coming from both the whelp and the watcher; the latter still holding an ice pack to his head.

The nature of the 'conversation' had ranged from anger to anger to a bit more anger and now had finally settled with the girls talking about the baby.

"Mom wants to take me maternity clothes shopping."

"Well, obviously she'll have to do it soon.  In a few weeks you're going to be fat and bloated and all yucky."  Anya put in dispassionately.

"Thanks."  Buffy said dryly, turning to Willow.  "Do you want to come with?"

"Hey, why not ask me too?"  Anya said, but they ignored her.

"Yeah."  Then quietly muttered to the slayer.  "I wish you'd told me."

"Me too.  I'm sorry, I just didn't know how to say it."

"Coz how you said it today was perfect."  Xander said.

Spike growled and Xander looked kinda alarmed.  Buffy simply threaded her fingers with one of the hands around her waist, tugging on them lightly.  Spike shut up.

"Sorry, Xand.  Maybe I should have waited even longer so I could have prepared a speech."  She said laconically.

"I think it all waited quite long enough."  Giles said and Buffy looked up at him.

"I know, I'm sorry."

Giles smiled gently at his ward before settling his cold eyes on the vampire, who simply raised a scarred brow.  "Spike.  I'm not happy about this and I don't in any way condone it.  However, it is done.  If Buffy is happy so are we."

Giles stood, "If you hurt her, I will kill you."

Spike sighed, "I'm not going to."

"You bloody well better not."  Giles cleared his throat, addressing the rest of the room.  "Now, if you don't all mind clearing out.  It’s late and I'm tired."

Muttered complaints were met with icy glares as the group attempted to leave without going near the recent vampire addition.

Giles finally shut the door several minutes later with a resigned sigh.  His slayer impregnated by William the Bloody.  Time to dispatch the future watchers of this world another episode of the comedy that was their establishment.

***

Buffy snuggled down into Spike's arms, content in the hotel bed so long as they were together.  He was asleep and making a strange noise; a kinda combination of purring and growling.  His face was tucked against her neck, his hands covering her stomach.

She felt the ridges of his brow rub against her jaw, and his mouth locked over the nearly healed bite mark on her throat; sucking gently; preserving the claim.

The slayer sighed and closed her eyes in contentment as she drifted to sleep.

Everything inside her was at peace.  All was good.

***

"How about this?"  Willow held up a garment.

"No." Willow put down the garment.

"How about this?"  Anya held up the garment.

"No."  Anya put down the garment.

"How about this?"  Joyce held up a garment.

"No."  Buffy sighed, "I may as well just buy a tent."  Over the last eight weeks her stomach had ballooned, leaving the slayer feeling like an over-weight beached whale.

"Come on, Buff, some of this is actually nice.  How about this?"

Buffy looked up.  "No."

***

"Ugh!  I..."  Block punch. "Hate..."  Duck kick.  "My..."  Punch face.  "Life!" Stake.  Poof.

Buffy looked around at the four neat dust piles that surrounded her, then down at the stake in her hand, then down at her stomach and burst out crying.  She collapsed in the middle, lying flat on her back as she cried.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?  A lost little girl with no where to run."  Buffy raised her head and looked at the purple and brown demon thing standing a meter from her outstretched legs.

"Oh, fuck off!"  Buffy shouted, letting her head flop back down as her hormones got the better of her and she continued crying.

"I don't thin-"  The creature gurgled, its head lolling down to look at the hand that had just punched through its torso.  It shook as the hand was removed and collapsed to the ground.

"I told you not to patrol on your own." Spike growled, dropping to his knees next to the crying slayer.  "Buffy, love, what's wrong?  What hurts, pet?"  Spike soothed hurriedly, checking her for obvious injuries.

Buffy sniffed, curling her body as best she could into his arms, "Everything’s wrong!  My back hurts and my feet hurt and we couldn't find anything in the stupid maternity shop because I'm fat and I'm ugly and I just want you to kill me now."  Buffy finished in a little girls voice before bursting into tears once more.

Spike sighed silently, rubbing his hand up and down her back as he spoke.  This was the third outburst this week.  According to everybody and every book her hormones were going into overload making everything in the world seem ten times worse.

"You're not fat and you're not ugly.  You're beautiful, love, absolutely perfect."

"Liar."  But she sniffed, evidently calming down.

"I'm a demon pet, I don't need to lie.  Why don't you come home with me and tomorrow we'll go up to LA and look for some more clothes there, hmmm?"

Buffy looked up at him and he smiled gently down at her.  She offered him a smile, kissing him softly as he wiped away her tears.

**

Spike sighed  silently and unlocked the door of the house he'd recently acquired; close enough to just about everything should a real emergency come up Buffy could be there.

All his 'stuff' had been moved in, including a shit-load of stuff he'd recently bought to make it more habitable for a human, such as a fridge, food etc...

Although Buffy hadn't officially moved in her stuff kept appearing in drips and drabs.  Her on-campus room had been completely vacated, and a new girl...Tara...had moved in with the red-haired witch.

She still spent a few nights at her mother's house, though never alone...a certain cocky, blonde vampire ensuring her company.

Spike looked over at the slayer as he walked them to the couch before changing his mind, quickly altering course.  Instead, scooping a very tired Buffy up in his arms and carrying her upstairs to their bedroom, to get some must needed rest.

With a rarely shown tenderness Spike lay the small girl down on the bed before slowly removing her clothing.  Finally, he gently lifted her, placing her under the covers. 

He turned to leave her to sleep but she stopped him, "Stay here with me." She murmured in a little girls’ voice.

Pulling off his clothes the vampire moved to join his mate in the large bed, carefully drawing her into his arms.  He closed his eyes in pleasure as she sighed in a mixture of relaxation and an odd sort of relief.

Together they fell asleep.

***

"Its so bare."  Buffy said looking around the decorated nursery.  Decorated but no more.

Spike looked around the nursery then to the watch on his hand - 5 am.

"We can get some stuff tomorrow, ducks.  Come on now, its late."  Spike took Buffy by the hand and led her from the smaller room to their own.

Buffy sighed happily, tucking herself into her lover's embrace and slept, safe once more.

***

"Come on, pet."

"No."  Buffy folded her arms, and stared straight ahead, ignoring the vampire outside her door.

Spike sighed patiently.  "Why not?"

"I don't want to go."  She pouted. 

"Come on, love, I'll buy you a cookie."  Spike tried to wheedle, giving the slayer a puppy-dog look that made her burst out laughing.  Spike smiled, taking her outstretched hand and pulling her gently from the car.

"Make it two and throw in a milkshake and we have a deal."

"Done."

---

"Okay, where to first, pet?"  Spike asked as they left the cafe.  Twenty dollars in debt!  Boy, could pregnant slayers eat!

"That one I guess."  Buffy said, tugging on his hand in the direction of the store.  Buffy stopped outside the window and looked in on the display.  It was a month to Christmas and the dolls in the window were depicting an expecting mother playing with a young child around a Christmas tree.

"In we go."  Spike said, this time he was the one pulling Buffy into the shop.

---

"This is just plain mean."  Buffy said, holding out a large pair of jeans in front of her.

"What is, pet?"  Spike asked, moving towards her, carrying the devilishly indecent nightdress he'd found. 

"I have to carry junior for nine months, my hormones are all fucked up and I have to wear a bunch of tents masquerading as clothing."

"Big word."

She scowled at him then noticed the nightdress in his hand.  "What’s that?"

He was about to say a cut up tent but decided against it.  "A night thing.  Isn't that what you said you wanted last night."

Buffy took it and turned around and held it up to the lighted mirror.  "I may as well be naked."

"That’s always a good plan."  Spike murmured, wrapping his arms around her as he kissed her neck.

Buffy sighed, "That feels good..."  Her eyes opened and closed languidly as she leant back against him.  She spotted something and moved forward, "Ooh!  What about this!"

Spike looked down at the long black dress she held up and smiled, "Perfect.  You like it?"

"Yeah.  You know what else?  If I could get some grey cotton trousers I could get this too."  She held up the long cream long sleeved top.

Spike smiled, relieved, as he followed her about the shop, her dark mood obviously lifted as the slayer was finally content to shop for herself.

---

An hour later Buffy smiled innocently up at Spike as the cashier presented him with the bill.

"You better be happy with this when we get home."  He mock-threatened as he picked up the bags and they headed back to the car.

"I am."  Buffy tugged on Spike's arm, steering him back into the shopping mall after they'd stowed the bags.  "I was thinking we could get some stuff for junior."

"Like what?  I'm not having my son in dresses just because they were on sale in Neiman Marcus!"

"No.  I meant all the stuff like toys and a cot and the little baby suits...oooh, like that!"  Buffy squealed, holding up a white all-in-one baby suit with a gold giraffe on the front.

"Okay but don't get carried away...and don't pout at me, its not going to work!"  At her disbelieving look he repeated.  "Its not!"

---

"Pet?"

"Yeah?"

"What about this?"  Spike asked, not turning around.

"What is it?"  Buffy asked, not looking up from the baby books.

"Its one of those things you hang above the baby, you know so it ca-"

"Buffy!?!" 

Spike and Buffy both turned around instinctively moving closer at the intrusion on their peace.

"Cordelia!  What are you doing here?"

"I was just gonna ask you!  I had a vision about a demon here, tearing up all the pregnant women."  Cordelia looked down at the slayer's stomach.  "Which I guess means you."

Spike had dropped the clothes in his hands on to the table, his arms moving possessively around the slayer as he looked about the store. "What demon?"

"What is he doing here?  And with you?  Oh, my God, Buffy!  You and..."

"Spike!  What the hell are you doing here!"  Angel growled.

"What’s going on...oh, hello Buffy, ah, Spike!"  Wesley arrived on the scene.

"Hey, guys, whose is the hottie?"  Gunn made his entrance, grinning at the slayer.

"Mine!"  Spike growled.

"I don’t think so!"  Angel blurted.

"Okay, STOP!"  Everyone looked at Buffy, save Spike who was still glancing around for the demon.  "What about the demon?"

"Never mind the demon, Buffy what are you doing here...pregnant?!"  Angel stared, mouth agape, down at the slayers stomach.

"Buffy, I say...."

"Right, that is ENOUGH!"  Spike growled, his anger over seeing his sire and his worry over the slayer's safety getting to him.  "Yes, Buffy is here. Yes, Buffy is pregnant.  Now we've established that can we chat about the fucking demon that’s going to want to eat her?"

"Why do you care?"  Wesley asked, frowning.

"Why the fuck do you think I care?!"  Spike exploded, gesturing towards the Buffy's stomach.

"You got knocked up by Spike?  Aren't you still a vampire?"  Cordy asked Spike.

"He's a vampire?"

"Astute, that one."  Spike gestured to Gunn, who raised his stake, to which the vampire in question raised a scarred eyebrow.

"Buffy, how could you...?"  Angel asked.

"After two and half centuries you still don't know?"  Buffy snapped.  "My private life is nothing to any of you."

"How can you say that?"

"Very easily, Angel.  Now, if you want mine and Spike's help tell us what’s going on or we'll just leave."

"Spike helps now?"  Cordelia asked.

"Well, he won't let the thing eat me now will he?"  Buffy snapped, her good mood completely dissolved with the gang’s arrival.

"I guess he's saving you for himself."  Gunn put in, indicating the bite marks on the slayer's neck.

"You marked what was mine?"  Angel growled, barely held back by both Cordelia and Wesley.

"No, I marked what is mine.  She belongs to me Angelus."  Spike growled back, his face morphing.

Angel looked from Buffy to Spike back to Buffy.  "You're not going to say anything here?"

"What would I say Angel, its true."  Buffy's eyes moved to the creature behind the gang.  "And, maybe one of you wants to turn around, move out of the way and let me kill the thing?"

The gang turned, all falling into fighting stances. 

Spike turned Buffy in his arms, placing her behind him and farthest away from the demon.  "You stay here.  Let them deal with it."

"Spike I have to help."  Buffy said, indicating the demon who'd just thrown Gunn and Wesley back towards Cordelia. 

She moved to get around him and he growled, "No!  You stay, I'll go."

Spike moved up behind the demon who was punching the hell out of Angel.  He just stood for a moment, enjoying the view.

"Spike!"

"Yeah, okay, I'm going!"  With an over-exaggerated sigh reached forward and snapped the demons neck.  It crumpled to the ground, leaving an unnecessarily gasping Angel on his knees.

"Okay, pet, happy now?"

"Yes."  Buffy smiled, reaching up to kiss him as he pulled her to him.

"Good, lets go."  Spike picked up the stuff they'd already chosen in the other hand and walked out to pay for it all.

---

"Ooh!  Buffy its sooo cute!"

"I know."  The slayer agreed, looking at the all-in-one white jump suit and the matching baby-booties the witch was holding up.  "White's the only thing Spike'll let me buy, or red or black.  But you don't really get black baby suits."

Willow smiled, then looked around, "I love your house."

"So you've said!" Buffy said smiling over at Oz who ruffled the witch's hair fondly.

"I know but, wow, I mean who would’ve though there would even BE a house this nice in Sunnydale?!"

"Or that Spike was that rich?!"  Buffy added.

"Talking ill of the dead, pet?"  Spike asked as he walked in the front door, with two shopping bags.

"Always."  She leaned up for his kiss then looked down.   "What you get?"

"Chinese.  And a coupla films."  He responded, pulling out the little cardboard containers out of the bag.

"But I wanted it with-"

"Peanut butter and jelly."  Spike finished for her, handing her the two jars.  He then looked at Willow who had pulled a face.  "The best thing to do, Red, is not watch her while she eats it, that way you can pretend she's a normal person instead of some kind of human disposal unit."

Willow laughed, accepting her food and chopsticks. 

"Here, ya go mate." Spike handed the werewolf his food as he popped the video in the VCR.

"Thanks."  Oz returned as Spike sat back down next to Buffy.

Buffy pouted, then leaned back against Spike as the movie started to roll.  <<Monty Python and the Flying Circus.>>

----

"Tell me what it means."  Buffy demanded in a sleepy voice, her half open eyes focused on the soft light given out by the lamp on the bedside table.

"Tell you what, what means?"  Spike asked in an equally tired voice.  It was nearly five in the morning and while both were equip with super stamina this was pushing it a bit.

"The whole biting me on the neck thing."  She clarified, turning very ungracefully in his cool embrace to rest her head on his chest.

"Do I have to?"  Spike whined, fidgeting a bit; showing his reluctance for the topic.

"Yes."  Buffy was unswayed.

"Fine."  He growled, moving and settling them both a little more comfortably.

"I'm waiting."

"Okay, bloody hell, woman, give me a minute!"

More time elapsed.

"Spike!"

"Fine.  It's like...Vampires do it to show the rest of the world that whoever they bit is their property."

"I'm PROPERTY?!"  Buffy screeched, shooting up as best she could.

"Yes!  No, I mean it’s not like that!  It’s more of a protection thing.  If you reciprocated then we'd be bound for eternity.  I'd be able to feel if you were in danger or hurt and vice versa.  It’s more a protection thing, love, honest." Spike ended earnestly.

"Oh.  So that’s why Angel was so pissed?"

"Yeah, stupid prick could sense I'd claimed you and since he never had...I mean he never said the words when he bit you did he?"  Buffy shook her head a negative.  "It was pretty much his demon getting pissy at him 'coz he was too much of a pansy to do it!"

Buffy giggled, "But nothing to do with the fact that you'd done it, or I'd let you?"

"Okay, smart arse, maybe a bit to do with that."  A pause.  "You're not mad are you?  I mean you don't mind?"

Buffy sighed and lay back down, pressing a kiss to his lips and looking into his eyes, "No, I'm not mad, I'm just happy you finally told me.  I was nearly ready to go ask Giles."

"You mean your watcher never explained what it meant?"  Spike sounded shocked, his eyebrows raised.

"Well, not....exactly...."

"Pet?"

"Okay, fine.  He told me but I wasn't listening.  I was looking at baby clothes."  She explained reluctantly.  Then pouted as he laughed.

Suddenly she turned serious, "Do you want me to return it?"

"What?"

"The claim."

There was silence.  "Yes.  But I think you should talk to watcher, pet, read up on it or some bollocks like that.  I want you to accept but I want you to know what it is you're accepting."

"Okay."

Spike leant down to give her a peak on the head, "Sleep now."  He whispered.

Buffy yawned, "'Kay..."  And within minutes both were asleep.

---

"Riley...uh, hi!"  Willow stuttered nervously.  After having been informed by the slayer of the commando's little visit a couple of months ago and then seeing his obvious freaking over seeing the slayer quite a bit pregnant the other week had made the red-haired witch review her analysis of his character some-what.

"Hello.  Willow."  His voice was stunted, terse.  He forced a smile to his lips, the baring of his teeth only putting the witch more on edge.

"Well..."  She began after several long seconds of silence, "...I betta be-"

"I need to talk to you, about Buffy."  He put in sharply.

"Really?"  Willow attempted a chipper voice but it came out squeaky.

"Is she really pregnant?  Who's the father?  Is it that piece of scum?  What was his name?  Spike?"  He said it all quickly.  Slamming each question out of his mouth, one after the other.

"Look, Riley, I'm sorry.  I know you liked her but her and Spike are pretty serious.  They're having a baby-"

She was cut off again, "YOU SAID THERE WAS NOTHING BETWEEN THEM!"

The commando's arms had shot out and he was shaking the witch as he spat the words at her.  The look in his eyes was one of ill-repressed violence.

"HEY!  Buddy, easy up there!"  A guy from Will's English Lit. class grabbed Riley's arms pulling them away from the pale, shaken witch.

"Get OFF me!"  Riley growled, throwing off the other guy and storming out of the compound.

The friendly giant turned to Willow, "Are you alright?  Boyfriend get a little rough?"

"No...uh, no, he liked my friend but she didn't like him that was and she likes this other guy, okay so he's not the nicest guy in the world but wow, I thought Riley was-"  Willow rambled on and on until he stopped her.

"Slow down!  Do you need me to take you somewhere?"  He smiled softly at her, concern darkening his grey eyes.

Willow spotted Oz around the corner and shook her head, "No, thank you, my boyfriends just there..."  She pointed.

"That one?  Hey, Oz!"  He called the werewolf over.

"Yeah Phil...Willow you okay?"  Oz gently detached his witch from the larger guy.

"Yeah..."  Willow was still shaken so the guy, Phil, took over the explanations for her.

"That guy, uh, the one doing those tutor help things.  They were talking then he like freaked out, man!"  He took a closer look at the still pale Willow, "You better take her home for a bit of R and R."

"I will, thanks, man."  The wolf smiled at him, his arm still around Willow.

"Don't mention it."  Phil wondered off leaving the witch and werewolf alone.

"Willow?"

"We need to talk to Buffy, now."

---

Riley followed the vampire and slayer, silent even to their greater perception, as they wandered blissfully, hand in hand, through the delightful graveyards that Sunnydale had to offer.

*Who the fuck does she think she is?  Huh?  Fucking slut.  I wonder how many others she had on the go.  Bet, that shit-head Parker had her pegged right.  Two-bit whore all dressed up to make her seem something different.  Something pure.  Angelic.  Virginal.  Fucking whore.*

He continued to follow them, jumping when suddenly a vampire jumped out in front of them.  His commando training nearly kicked in when he saw Spike turn around, pushing Buffy gently back, before speedily staking the vampire.  Spike then picked up the slayer's hand and they continued on their stroll.

Riley didn't follow. 

He didn't need to.

Christmas, Birthday and Easter had all come at once.

Spike, good ol' friend of Xander's, 'Spike'....was a vampire.

---

"....Vampire Lore, Vampire Rites and Rituals and Vampire Relationships."  Giles read off the titles and dumped the last of the books on to the coffee table at his house and then picked up his jacket with a smile.  "That’s all the books that I have on vampire claims.  Not many I know, but they should provided a reasonable account."

"Not many?"  Buffy quietly echoed, surveying the mountain of books with trepidation.

"...You could always ask Spike, I-I-I'm sure he would be able to provide you with a much more accurate account-"

"I'm sure he would too, Giles, but Spike tend to get all sheepish when it comes to the whole claiming thingy and oh my god don't tell him I said that!"  Buffy ended with wide, deer-caught-in-the-headlights expression.

Giles smiled, "Your secrets safe with me...enjoy!  I'll be back in a couple of hours."  With that he departed to see <<Trois Colors Bleu>>. which was showing for one height at the local cinema.

Buffy said her goodbyes then looked back at the mound of literature, "Yeay, books."  She said without enthusiasm then picked up the closest book, flipped it open and began reading.

-_-

"Wow!"  Buffy murmured to herself, closing the fifth book of the night.   No, before you die of shock she hadn't read them all the way through, just the relevant parts.  It was way interesting!

The claim, if accepted appeared to serve as a protective bond like Spike had said.  They would feel each other's pain, both physical and emotional.  In time, some had been known to communicate telepathically.  A slayer had never been claimed before, but there was an account, five hundred years ago of a French Master claiming an aristocrat.  She was 16 when claimed, 25 when turned.

The only disturbing thing (oddly enough) was that it had been found in the girls diary that to complete the claiming she had to return the bite and to do so  grew fangs to claim her lover completely.  Buffy's only relief was that the diary entries continued that she didn't crave blood, simply the ritual of claiming her lover.

Buffy knew Spike wanted to turn her.  But she also knew that he wouldn't if she didn't want him to.  It wasn't that she didn't want to be with him, she was just scared of turning into what she had hunted her whole life.  Nosferatu.  The undead.

Maybe if she could be, like, immortal....

Wow, Buff, back on track!  The claim would literally, like Spike had said, bind them for all eternity.  That was what really caught Buffy.  In the past she'd always been left.  Her father.  Angel.  Even Parker - not that she had cared about him but the principal was there.  And here was her mortal enemy offering to her the security she craved. 

None of the others had.

Okay, so two of them couldn't have, but Angel could have and he hadn't.  Maybe he hadn't loved her enough for eternity.  She wasn’t bitter about it though.  Over the last six-ish months with Spike she had come to terms with a big part of her relationship with Angel.  He would always be her first love.  But it was a young girls love.

She was a woman now.  And silly though it sounded coming from the brain of a girl destined to last no more than two years past her calling, eternity with her bleached blonde vampire sounded just peachy, perfect in fact.

Perfect.

---

"Claim me."  Buffy writhed in front of her lover even as she forced the words through her mouth, not wanting to speak because even breathing appeared to hold off her impending orgasm.

"Wha'?"  Spike stared down at her, not ceasing him movements.

"Claim me.  I want...to...be...yours....eternally..." 

With a lusty growl Spike's fangs sank in to her neck.  "Mine!"

"SPIKE!"  Buffy flew into release, her vampire swiftly followed her.

Slowly she brought her hand up, petting the back of his hair softly.  "Yours.  Forever."

She turned as carefully as she could after he had extracted his fangs.  She nuzzled her face into his neck, before biting down.

Spike's eyes bugged at the familiar sensation of having fangs in his neck, purring erupting deep from his chest.  Buffy extracted the fangs, kissing the wound as she felt her canines reduce once more. "Mine,"  She whispered.

"What was that, pet?"  Spike asked, incredulous.

"You didn't know?"  Buffy raised surprised eyes to his.   He shook his head.  "I researched it all like you said and I read that that’s what happens to humans who want to mate with a vampire, that’s how they mark them."

"Oh, and you're not...wigged out by this?"

"No, I love you and I want to belong to you and you to me."

Spike smiled, feeling the last piece of contentment slot into place as he and his pregnant mate fell slowly to sleep.

---

"I am her saviour. HE doesn't fucking deserve her, he's ruined her.  It's my mission to make things right, forever.  He'll die and she will thank me for ridding the earth of such evil.  His thrall will die with him.  The child will have to go.  My Buffy cannot be tainted by such a thing."  As he spoke, Riley had busted open the door to the medical supplies at the initiative.

His mind switched on, searching for only those that enhanced fighting ability and strength.  He stopped in front of the black cabinet, looking in at the rows of bottles of green-pilled wonders.

"I must be strong to face the ordeals that God is placing before me."  He mutter, shovelling down twenty of the pills in one go.  Grabbing six more bottles he shoved them in his bag, slamming out of there.

---

"Come on you bugger, where are you?"  Spike muttered to himself as he searched his car which was parked his house.  Their house.

"Stupid fucking-ah, there you are!"  With a relieved sigh he plucked up the Billy Idol cassette from where it had been jammed in between the seat and the door.

Suddenly he was dragged out of the car, and a meaty fist slammed into his jaw, stunning him.

"You were not worthy to touch her."

Commando-boy?

"What the fu-"  The fist slammed into him again at greater speed, rattling his teeth.  Shit, was the boy a demon or something?  His jaw ached and he tried to speak before he was hit again and them everything went black.

Riley looked down at the leather-clad figure in disgust, delivering a sharp kick to his ribs.  He then took out the note he had painstakingly written and staked it to the front door of the house he knew the demon had forced her into moving to.

I see now that you didn't have the strength to stop him yourself.  I saw you together and I know you were surrounded by magicks.  Don't worry, my love, we shall be together soon and I will purge the demon from your soul after I remove him from this earth. 

Yours faithfully,

Riley.

With a smile at how well things were going, the soldier picked up the vampire and threw into to the truck before driving off.

---

Buffy had returned just twenty minutes later, arm-in-arm with Willow after conducting a much needed chill out session.

"Willow!  FIND HIM NOW!"  Buffy paced up and down the hallway, pure rage on her face.

"I'm trying Buffy.  Really I am.  It's harder to find a vampire.  If we had something the we knew he definitely had with him and then if we could get a piece of it if would take seconds."  Willow wrung her hands helplessly.

Oz sat next to her, ever her pillar of strength.  Xander was pacing much like Buffy, muttering about how wrong he'd been about Riley.  Anya was quiet, until..

"Blood."

"What?"  The slayer spun to face her.

"Has he ever bitten you?  I  mean bloods the strongest thing there is that binds two beings.  Willow could use that to track him."  Anya suggested hopefully, turning approval-seeking eyes to Xander who smiled down at her, nodding.

"Oh my God, I'm sorry, why didn't I think of that before?"  The witch stretched beseeching eyes to the slayer.

"It doesn't matter, Will, as long as it works."  Buffy ran to the kitchen, grabbing a knife.  "Where?"

"Here."  Willow indicated a stone which she had been hanging over a map of Sunnydale for ten minutes.

The slayer made a quick slashing motion, allowing her blood to drip on to the stone.  As if by magic, the stone sprung up, gliding across the map to hang over the old High School.

The second the destination registered the slayer bolted out of the door.

"Wait, Buffy, let me take you in the car it'll be quicker."  Xander ran after Buffy.  He gently grabbed her arm pulling her to a stop.  "Besides, peroxide-guy will never forgive me if I let anything happen to his spawn - he's quite attached to you two ya know!"

Buffy looked up at him, knowing that this was his way of finally giving them his blessing, "Thanks."  She said tearfully then pulled herself together.

She had a commando to catch.

_---

"You've desecrated her.  She was an Angel, sent by God to rid this earth of the scum that walk it.  She is the light.  And you are the darkness."  Riley ranted, on and on and on as he poked yet another hot poker into the vampire's skin.

Spike let out another howl, trying to back further into the wall where the commando had chained him, three hours ago.

"And...w-what are you, eh, mate?  Her fucking saviour?"  Spike spat out a mouthful of crimson blood at Riley.

Riley looked down thoughtfully at the think liquid ran down his white robes.

"Yes.  Yes, I am her saviour.  I am chosen, by God.  To lead her from the darkness to keep her in the light, pure and virginal..."  Riley glared across at the vampire as he let out a chuckle at the last one.  "...WHAT?!"

"Sorry, mate, pray continue..."  His voice rose to it's natural upper-class tones, before dropping to his usual sardonic voice, "...you were at virginal.  Is that what hurts, mate, that I had her first?  Or is it that she chose me over you?  She's a slayer, soldier, chit needs a bit o'monster in her man.  Can't have it all pure.  My slayer needs a bit of the ro-"  Riley slammed Spike's face into the wall, his strength increased due to the initiative's pills he'd OD'd on.

"YOU WILL NOT SPEAK OF HER!"  His voice dropped back to it's insane, rambling tones and he moved back to where the hot pokers had reheated.  "She is pure.  She is the light.  She belongs to me.  It’s my duty to protect her.  Mama always said that God would show me my path and today he has..."  He picked them up and dipped them in holy water, watching as the liquid spit at him. 

"Great!  A fucking insane momma’s boy!  If you start talking about the pits of hell, I'm gonna hurl."  Spike rolled his eyes, once again trying to pull his restraints loose with little success.

But Riley ignored him, to caught up in himself. "I must save my Buffy from the pits of hell..."

"Oh fucking hell!"

"...so that she will be clean and pure and as it was written so shall it be."  Riley nodded, prodding the poker into Spike's alabaster skin once again, his screams resounding around the crypt.

"The child will have to be destroyed, spawn of Satan that it is."

"Hey!  Leave my fucking kid out of this."  Spike growled, but it came out gurgled as more blood rose up.  Fuck!  His nose was broken, as were several of his ribs.  And his left fucking leg.  And commando-wanker had been playing doctor on him for three and a half hours only taking time-outs to down more green pills.  If the slayer didn't get there soon, he was gonna be dust.

---

"Aaahh!"  Buffy screamed, doubling over in pain.  She could feel Spike's pain as if it were her own.

"Don't worry, Buff, we're nearly there."  Xander tried to comfort his friend, whilst dragging her along at the same time.

The group wove their way through the run-down hallways of their old school, dodging bits of plaster and fibreglass that hung in their way.

They were headed to the one place they knew best.

The library.

---

"You will burn forever, vampire.  Your soul eternally cast to torture.  To all that Hell's fire has to offer."

"Yeah, okay, I get I'm in for a good ride!"  Spike rolled his eyes as best he could through the blurring his swollen left eye caused.  "You know something mate, the real reason why she chose me over you?  Nothing to do with that thrall crap.  Hell, I don't even HAVE a thrall.  But that’s not the point, you want the real reason?  She's strong.  And you're weak."  Spike could feel her close.  All he had to do was keep the wanker talking for a bit longer before the cavalry arrived.

"No!  You don't deserve to talk of her!"  Riley shook his head, trying to banish the vampire's words as other taunts joined in inside his head.

"Get out of my sight, boy!  You're sisters' got more guts than you!"  His father rejecting him just because he hadn't been willing to kill the snake like the other boys.

"You're weak.  That’s why your father thought you were a pansy ass piece of shit and packed you off to soldier school.  You're pathetic too.  I mean, come on Finn.  Time to move on.  Be a big boy.  Slayer doesn't want you.  I think she made that bloody clear."

"No...no....no, I won't listen...."

Spike grinned through the pain, knowing he'd hit a nerve.

"Stand up, Finn, if you wanna learn to piss with the big boys you gotta to learn to take it like a man."  His commander at the training camp shouting at him , as he kicked him whilst he was down.

Riley's hands rose to his head in an attempt to stop the taunts, but the pokers were still in his hands and the burnt the sides of his face.

"Aaahhhh!"  He screamed, dropping the pokers then looked up at the vampire.  At seeing the taunting sneer on his face he rushed him, stake in hand.

"Nooooo!  Buffy rushed forward, kicking the commando away from her vampire, placing herself protectively in front of him.

Xander, Willow, Anya, Giles and Oz rushed in a little after her, all unable to keep up with her slayer pace.  The girls rushed to help Buffy, who was tugging at the restraints that held Spike captive.

The guys quickly moved to restrain the commando who was getting up and moving towards the group.  Giles swung the butt of a club down on his head, stunning him back, the pills ensuring that he stayed conscious.

"Oh, my god, baby, I was so scared.  I came home and you were gone and all there was that bloody note and I was so scared."  Tears were pouring down the slayer's face as she yanked the second wrist cufflink out as Willow and Anya removed the two around his ankles by means of a spell.

Spike fell forward, the slayer catching him, taking him slowly to the ground.  He lifted hi s hand to touch her hair, "Don't worry pet, everything’s fine."  He murmured, before he passed out through the blood loss.

"Buffy?  Can't you see I'm your only chance for redemption?  I will lead you from the darkness." Riley reached for her, trying in vain to keep her from Spike, whose head was in her lap.

"You think you are the light?  Wacko-much?"  Buffy hit him forcing him back down to the ground as he stumbled up.  "Look at what you've done to him, to yourself.  God, you're not even human!  Ugh, I could kil-"

"Everybody freeze, no body move!" 

Suddenly, 15 bottle-green clad men stormed into the wreck of a room, each toting some serious artillery.  Buffy immediately dragged Spike behind her, Willow and Anya also moving with her to cover the soldiers view of the vamped out but unconscious Spike.

"We'll take him from here, sir."  The same deep voice that had boomed the original command spoke to Giles who had been left holding Riley when the other two had moved to their respective other halves.

"Where are you taking him?"  Willow asked.

"I'm sorry for the inconvience, he has taken some rather strong tablets and has not been himself I suggest-" 

However, we were not to know what he suggested as Buffy launched in on the attack.  "You're SORRY for the INCONVIENIECE?!!  My friend has been tortured and that’s all you pricks can say?"

"I'm sorry ma'am, we can take your friend to a hospital, covering any costs naturally.  We don't expect to hear this in the press.  It could have some...nasty repercussions for yourself and your family."  The previously kind voice had turned rather cruel and sinister.

Unable to stop herself Buffy stomped forward and slammed her fist into the pretentious dick's face, sending him flying backwards into two of his friends, "You ever come near me and my friends again and I will kill you."

The commando was picked up with some help, eyeing the blonde girl in some speculation. "EVERYBODY OUT!" 

They dispersed.

Leaving the Scoobies in silence.

---

A week later...

"Slayer!"  Spike whined for like the fiftieth time that day.

"What Spike?"  Buffy said in her sweetest tone possible, smiling through gritted teeth.  She had fetched him blood (which fair enough, he needed), she had fetched him the remote, put on videos, switched off videos, brought him hot chocolate and marshmallows, fed him Chinese food - okay so that had been naked and fun and... "No, Buffy, stay focused."  She muttered to herself as she continued to furiously wash up the innumerate cups and glasses that had been littered around the kitchen the day before when the gang had come round for an impromptu 'wish the vamp well' party.

"Come 'ere, love..."  His voice had changed.  Suddenly....huskier, more seductive.

She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel and walked in to the sitting room, "What?" She whispered, her own voice suddenly hoarse at the heated look in his eyes.

"Give us a kiss, pet...."  He grinned at her cheekily and the spell was broken.

She giggled at him and went willingly, carefully (due to her bulkier size) lying next to him on the enormous couch they had purchased a few weeks ago.  Before the horrible ordeal.  The image of him chained up and bloodied made her tighten her arms around him in relief that he was safe.

"Mmm...."  Buffy moaned as his lips travelled over her neck, dancing over the sensitive skin where his bite mark lay.  "I love you-oh!"  Buffy jumped a little then laughed again at the fear she saw in his eyes.

"What, pet?  Is it the baby, is something-"

"Sshhh; feel!"  She took his hand and placed it over her five and a half month bulge.

"Bloody amazing."  Spike murmured as he felt their child move against his hand.

Together, they lay there.  Mortal Enemies.  Slayer and Vampire.  Mated for all eternity.  Basking in their love and the life, which, against all odds, they had created.

The End

and the sequel..

Burning Bridges

by PassionFish

Sequel to Building Bridges

A/N:  Thanks, as always, to Lady Brandywyne for beta-ing this fiction!

A/N2:  This fiction is the sequel to Building Bridges.  I do believe you will be able to read this fiction without reading Building Bridges, but it seems kinda silly not to!  The fic is set in the BB-verse...therefore assume nothing except for that which you were told to assume for BB.  The only knowledge you have of this Buffy-verse is what was written in Building Bridges!  Nothing is canon, as it's all mine!

With a weary heart, he slid it down the secure postage shute that he knew the warden of which was away sick. He listened as the tube slid down the hole and prayed to God for the first time in ten years.

To Be Continued....in Part One:  Life

A/N:  Just a little start, I know...hopefully they'll be more soon.  Want more?  You know what to do... Review!

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