When we last left our heroes…
"Well, either we leave and go back to my place now or I drag you over to a cor-ner and shag you senseless in front of an audience."
Willow's eyes went wide and even though he smiled she knew he would do the lat-ter if given the chance. "Lemme just tell Buffy."
"Don't bother Luv, she's a bit busy at the moment." He motioned over to where Buffy and Tom were dancing before leading Willow out of the club.
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Willow looked up at the apartment Spike had led her to. "When did you get this place? I thought you lived in the crypt."
Spike smiled as he opened the door and followed Willow into the spacious living-room. "I got it after the damned commandos broke into the crypt a couple of months ago. Figured this looked a little less conspicuous and all."
Willow traced her fingertips along the back of the soft, black leather couch, one of only three pieces of furniture in the room. "Nice couch. Where'd you get it?"
Spike wandered over to the redhead and laced his arms around her slender waist. "I have my ways." He teased. Cupping her face in his cool hands he tilted her face up to meet his and kissed her deeply, tracing the insides of her mouth playfully with his tongue. He felt Willow's arms go around his neck and he lifted her up, cradling her in his arms, never breaking the kiss.
Willow caressed his face as he carried her into the adjoining room. Spike placed her gently on the bed and climbed above her. The red satin sheets where cool against her hot skin and she quickly helped Spike to shed his black T-shirt. Sitting up, she captured one of his nipples and circled her warm tongue around it eliciting a pleasant groan from the vampire. She straightened, looking him in the eye with a lustful gaze as she peeled her tight V-neck blouse over her head, revealing an emerald green lace bra. She led Spike's eager lips to her willing breasts. He all but tore the lacy barrier aside and enveloped one perfect breast into his cool mouth, teasing the pert nub mercilessly. Willow closed her eyes and let the pleasurable sensations race through her as she tangled her slender fingers into Spike's blonde hair, pulling him closer. She felt his hand travel down to the edge of her black denim shorts and quickly unfasten the button and zipper. She copied his movements, cupping his firm member in her hand when it sprung free of its prison. Spike let out a low growl and nipped Willow's nipple desirously in response. She watched as Spike stood and pulled her off of the bed to stand with him. He kissed her once on the lips before sliding his cool tongue down between her heaving breasts. He continued his travel down to her navel and dipped his tongue inside, sending a pleasurable jolt through Willow, nearly mak-ing her knees go weak. Spike slid her shorts and satin panties down to her an-kles and gently guided her to sit on the bed. He kneeled in front of her, part-ing her thighs to allow himself access. Willow lay back onto the smooth sheets and let out a hiss when she felt his cool tongue find her clit.
Spike discovered her to already be wet with sweet juices and he let the tanta-lizing aroma intoxicate him. He licked her swollen nub teasingly twice before engulfing it into his mouth and sucking on it, summoning a lustful cry from his lover. He felt her thighs tighten around his head and he separated her nether-lips with his tongue before sliding it down to her pleading entrance. His nose continued to rub her clit as his tongue moved in and out of her in a slow, tor-turous rhythm.
Willow felt the heat spread through her and her fingers found her own nipples and teased them continuously as Spike carried out his pleasurable torment. She thrust her hips at his anxious mouth and tightened her legs' grip on his head as she came thunderously, his name on her lips.
Immediately Spike lifted her from her horizontal position on the bed to sit on his lap, plunging his marble cock into her hot depths. They both cried out and Spike allowed his demon to take over, impaling Willow down in a viscous rhythm onto his throbbing dick. He felt his balls tighten and he rubbed her clit roughly. Willow pressed her breasts into Spike's face as she gripped him tightly with all her limbs. Spike felt himself explode and he bit into the top of her breast and drank her essence. He heard Willow cry out loudly as she bucked on top of him when she came. He pushed his demon down and retracted his fangs, holding onto her as he collapsed backwards onto the bed.
The two lovers fell into an instant slumber after
Spike thought to place the satin sheet over them. He heard Willow mumble
something about the goddess and heaven as her breathing slowed to normal.
Chapter 8
Buffy and Tom walked back to Giles' apartment side by side. Buffy wanted to hold his hand but was nervous, what if it wasn't a custom to do that anymore? What if Tom didn't even want to hold her hand? He certainly danced like he was interested. Buffy wondered about how dating was in the 24th century as they walked along the fence of one of the graveyards in silence.
"This town sure has a lot of cemeteries, this is the third one we passed." Tom noticed.
Buffy smiled weakly, "Yeah, well, there's a high mortality rate around here with all the vampires and stuff." Buffy stopped suddenly and straightened.
"What is --"
"Shhh!" She commanded. "Wait here." Buffy jogged passed the iron gates.
Tom stood still for about 1 minute before he heard some screaming and the crashing sounds of fighting. He was about to run into the cemetery when someone collided into his chest. The blonde looked up and cried out. Tom hung onto her tightly. "Hold on! It's okay." The girl stopped struggling and looked up at Tom. He recognized her from the club. "Susie?"
She nodded as she breathed deeply gathering herself. "Tom, right?"
"Yeah, are you okay?"
The pretty blonde ran her hand through her shoulder-length hair, blushing slightly as she removed a few leaves. "Yeah, just got a scare, that's all."
A dark-haired man came walking out behind Buffy and went immediately to Susie's side. Tom took in his unbuttoned shirt and also noticed that Susie's own shirt was on inside out. He tried to hide the smile, remembering one of the times the Captain had walked in on him and B'Elanna in a similar precarious situation. Buffy cleared her throat, "Um, maybe you should carry on that kind of stuff inside a house somewhere. It's too dangerous out here at night."
They nodded and took off at a run toward a white car across the street. Tom chuckled, "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, a fledgling rose right next to them while they were… well, let's just say they weren't ready for that."
"A fledgling?" Tom asked as they turned to continue their walk.
"That's what new vamps are called. They usually don't fight very well and are easy to kill."
"Why don't you kill Spike?" Tom asked, "I mean, he is a vampire; and he even said himself that he was evil."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, well, Spike and I have tried to kill each other a few times but then he got the implant in his head and I couldn't kill him after that, I just didn't feel right about it. And then he started helping us, and now him and Willow are together so there goes any hope of us ever getting rid of him."
"He's not that bad of a guy."
"Nah," she agreed, "he still thinks he's evil but I don't think he would kill us now even if he did get the implant out. Well, I hope anyway." They approached the watcher's door and Buffy tried the knob, surprised to see it was locked. "That's strange, it's never locked."
"Buffy, it's 3am, he's probably sleeping by now."
"Oh yeah. I guess we shouldn't wake him then."
Tom shifted nervously, "Well… I should really be getting back to the ship. Thanks for showing me around… and for the dances... and stuff." He felt stupid feeling like a scared little schoolboy. He wanted to kiss her but part of him was afraid that she would pulverize him.
"I should…" Buffy began, "go back to my place too." Why didn't he kiss her?
Tom took two steps to walk away and then turned to face her again. "You uh… you want to come back with me?" He asked apprehensively. Buffy beamed and nodded. She took his outstretched hand and followed him three steps away from Giles' door. Tom touched his com-badge; "Voyager?"
"Yes Lieutenant?" A voice came back."
"Two to beam up." They disappeared into the night.
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"Good," Giles said softly, "For a minute there I thought they were going to knock."
"Are they gone?"
"Yes, I believe they went back up to your ship… Captain Janeway." He handed her another glass of wine.
"Good." She said taking the glass from him. "So tell me why they called you Ripper."
He smiled mischievously, "I could show you some of the reasons…" He said leaning in to capture her soft lips.
Kathryn's very skin burned from his touch, it had
been so long since she had been with a man. And Rupert had a certain…
dangerous quality that lay beneath his proper, English exterior. Her passion
took over and her thoughts were lost in the sensation of his caresses.
Chapter 9
"I'm really sorry Buffy!" Tom followed her into Giles' apartment, "Are you okay?"
Buffy walked into the kitchen and opened the freezer, retrieving an ice pack before turning to Tom. "Look Tom, I said don't worry about it. I heal quickly, it's no big deal." She walked passed him into the livingroom and plopped down on the couch.
Tom sat beside her, "Let me look at it."
"No!" Buffy said annoyed. "I said it's no big deal."
"Getting pounded on by a Klingon is not no big deal. They are very strong."
"So are slayers." She looked at him warningly and placed the ice pack back on her bruised eye.
Giles came bounding down the stairs in his robe. "What the devil is going on down here?" He asked his visitors. "Buffy, what happened?"
"I got into a fight with Tom's ex-girlfriend. It's just a black eye, it'll be better by tonight."
Giles came down the steps and inspected her wound. "How did you even get in here, I thought I locked the door."
"I let them in."
Giles spun around to face Spike. "How the bloody hell did you get in? And why are you here to begin with?" He yelled.
"I ran out of blood at my place, I know you have a supply so we came over here to get it."
"We?"
"Morning Giles." Willow said sweetly coming from the bathroom and going to examine Buffy's eye.
Giles looked around in disbelief at the crowd that had gathered in his household. "But… how…?"
"Your window was unlocked, mate." Spike joined Willow on the couch.
"You broke into his house?" Tom asked. "Isn't that against the law?"
Spike rolled his eyes at the man. "I'm evil, remember? Vampires don't much care about breaking the bloody law."
"Ripper, is everything okay?" Kathryn emerged at the top of the staircase wearing her uniform. She patted her unkempt hair and straightened when she saw Tom.
Tom immediately stood; "Captain?"
"Lieutenant." She acknowledged. She looked at Buffy; "What happened to you?"
"B'Elanna." Tom answered.
"Ah." Kathryn nodded and smiled slightly before joining the others in the livingroom. "Is it always this busy in the morning around here?" She muttered to Giles.
"Unfortunately, yes." He sighed, leaning back against the couch and folding his arms across his chest.
The door flew open and Xander and Anya entered. "Hey guys."
"Oh good!" Giles yelled, "The gang's all here!" He stomped up the steps and slammed the bedroom door.
"What's his damage?" Xander asked the stunned group.
"Probably didn't have enough orgasms last night." Anya answered. "Willow, are you ready?"
"Anya!" Xander, Willow and Buffy cried.
"What? It's a known fact that men need to have lots of orgasms so they don't get grumpy." She explained. Kathryn hid her red face behind her hand as she walked into the kitchen to make some tea.
Willow turned to Spike, "Is that what your problem is?" she teased.
"Yeah Baby, I'm feeling a bit grumpy right now…" Spike bent down and nibbled at her ear.
"Ew!" Buffy said getting up from the couch. "Let's go Xander, can we all fit in the truck?"
"Yes we can, oh Lady Shiner." He smiled
Buffy punched him in the arm as she passed him with Tom at her heels, "I'm really sorry about B'Elanna Buffy."
Spike put his duster above his head so that it blocked the sun and made a mad dash for the opened door of Xander's dad's Blazer. "Thanks for coming to pick us up so early." Willow kissed him on the cheek and followed the smoky trail of her lover.
Xander closed the door behind him as they left the apartment. Giles stormed down the stairs; "You know, I don't appreciate all of you… Where did everybody go?" He asked the empty room.
"They all left." Kathryn brought him a cup of tea. "Is it true?"
"Is what true?" Giles sipped his tea.
"Are you grumpy because you didn't have enough orgasms?" Her eyes twinkled delightfully.
He put his cup down on the table and reached for
her trim waist, pulling her close. "Well, I think that maybe we could test
that theory." He smiled as he bent down to kiss her.
Chapter 10
Giles gazed out the window of Kathryn's ready room. "It's so vast!" He described the stars. It's more beautiful from up here." He joined Kathryn on her couch. "How long did you say it would take you to get home?"
Kathryn took a deep breath and stared out the window behind her, "About 60 years or so. Do you really think you can help us?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Unfortunately?"
Giles smiled, "I'm not so sure I want to let you go."
Kathryn blushed slightly, "We can't stay Rupert, you knew that from the beginning."
"I know. It doesn't mean I have to like it." He paused, "I may have found the spell that could get you closer to your destination. We can do it when you're ready."
"I'm not quite ready yet." Kathryn leaned into brush her lips against his when they were interrupted.
"Captain to the bridge." A voice called.
She smiled apologetically at her guest. "On my way." She replied as she rose from her position. Giles followed her and stood in the doorway between the bridge and the ready room. "Report." She ordered to her first officer.
Commander Chakotay stood at Ensign Kim's control panel; "We can't seem to locate some of our people Captain."
She joined them at Harry's station, "What do you mean?"
Harry cleared his throat, "Well, Captain, they were supposed to report back at seventeen hundred hours but they didn't; and they are not answering hails."
"Who is it?" She inquired.
"Ensigns Moriches and Hampton, and Neelix." Harry answered.
"Should we take an away team down there Captain?" Chakotay asked.
Giles approached them, "Wait a minute. It's after dark by now, you can't go down there."
"I'm not leaving my crew. We'll find them Rupert, don't worry." She stepped past him.
Giles grabbed her by the arm, "Kathryn, you don't get it do you? There are creatures down there that you simply do not know how to fight."
"Believe me Mr. Giles," Tuvok said, "Our weapons are far superior then any they have."
Giles laughed at the arrogant Vulcan. "Weapons? Weapons! They don't use weapons Mr. Tuvok, they rip their victim's throat out with their very own teeth and feed on their blood. What? You think your little lasers are going to stop a man who is already dead? The only thing that kills vampires are wooden stakes through the heart, beheading and direct sunlight." He walked over to Kathryn and looked into her frightened face. "Kathryn, if you want to find your men then we will get them back, the rest of your crew should stay up here where it is safe."
She looked up at Harry, "Can you get a fix on their location?"
The Ensign shook his head; "They must have lost their com-badges."
"Try searching for their life signs." Chakotay suggested.
"The signal's really fuzzy," Harry said, "I'm not getting anything."
"Kathryn," Giles said softly, "If they are out there we will find them."
Kathryn took a silent deep breath and stood tall. "I'm going with you." She insisted.
Giles nodded, knowing that he wouldn't be able to change her mind. "We must find Buffy and the others as soon as possible."
"Captain," Chakotay said, "Let me go instead."
"Sorry Chakotay, you have the bridge. No one leaves this ship, is that understood? Mr. Kim, have a lock on our coordinates at all times." She strode out of the bridge with Giles close at her heels.
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Willow handed Tom a glass of soda and sat on Spike's lap. "So what are you guys doing tonight?" She asked.
"I don't know," Buffy said, "I have to patrol first."
"Is that when you go and hunt for vampires?" Tom asked eagerly.
"Yes." Buffy laughed.
"Can I come?"
"Sure Tom," Willow answered, "You and I can hang out and talk while Buffy and Spike kick some demon ass."
They all turned suddenly when they saw two figures shimmer into existence only yards away from them. Giles walked over to Buffy. "We have to go."
Buffy jumped up, "What's the emergency?"
"Three of my crewmen are missing and not answering to our hails." Kathryn replied.
"Who is it?" Tom asked also standing.
"Moriches, Hampton… and Neelix." She said carefully, knowing that the Talaxian was a good friend to Tom
Buffy turned to Spike, "Have you heard of any nests anywhere that they might be hidden in?"
"There's one in the basement of the old book store down on Lace Street. From what I hear, the family likes to capture a few bits and feed off them one at a time. If they're alive, that's where they are."
"That's where we'll look first." Giles said. "How many?"
Spike shrugged his shoulders, "Don't know. At least five, maybe more."
"We'll need weapons. Spike, do you still have the DeSoto?"
Spike nodded to the watcher and led them to the
car where they all piled in. The engine screamed to life and the tires
screeched into motion as they raced to Giles' apartment.
Chapter 11
Buffy went through the weapons chest and took out the three crossbows and 5 wooden stakes. Willow grabbed two bottles of holy water and ran into the bathroom. Kathryn looked at the primitive armory and turned to Rupert, "I thought you said weapons couldn't kill them?"
"I said your weapons couldn't kill them." He handed her a crossbow. "This weapon can. It can hold 5 arrows, one in the catch and four stored along the top." He showed her how to load and shoot the firearm. "Do you think you can use this?" He asked seriously.
She nodded and demonstrated her skill by shooting an arrow into the center of a dart board. "We still play darts in the 24th century." She explained.
Giles smiled and nodded, handing her a wooden stake, "If you get close enough, plunge this into the vampire's heart." He held up a cross, "If you lose your bow and stake and they're still after you, hold this up in front of them, place it on their skin if you can."
She looked oddly at the idol, "Why? What will a cross do?"
Giles smiled and called out, "Hey Spike, catch!" He tossed it to the unsuspecting vampire who caught it reflexively before dropping it to the ground and backing away from it. Game face on he turned on the other man, "Bloody hell watcher! That burns you soddin sack of…"
"Be nice Spike." Willow entered from the bathroom and kissed his cheek before moving to where Buffy and Tom were talking.
"Fucking twit." Spike muttered. Kathryn stared at Spike. He strode over to her as Giles retrieved the thrown cross. "What are you looking at?" He demanded.
Kathryn blinked, "I… nothing… your face…"
Spike leaned in closer, smelling her fear, "This is what the demon in me looks like." He whispered.
"Cut it out Spike." Giles eyed the vampire warningly and turned to the Captain, "You see anyone who looks like that, you kill them."
"Except Spike." Willow added.
"Yes, of course, except Spike."
Willow handed Tom a water gun. "Here ya go Tom."
"What's this?" He turned the pistol over in his hands. "A water gun?" He laughed.
Willow smiled, "Filled with very lethal holy water."
Tom pointed the plastic weapon randomly before landing it in front of Spike. "I have you now vampire." He joked.
Spike kicked the toy out of Tom's hands and pinned him against the wall, ignoring the slight pain seeping into his brain. He had become an expert at dispensing just a little bit of pain to his opponent, without being crushed by the white pain of the implant. "You'll have to do better than that to save your friends, mate." He let the human down and turned to the group. "Let's go people, we're wasting good ass-kicking time." He sauntered out the door with the rest of them behind him.
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The old building was dark except for a dim light on in the basement. Buffy pointed out a small window and crept over to it, the Captain right beside her. Peering in they could see Neelix shackled to a stone wall, blood forming around his eye and dripping from his mouth. At his feet was one of the crewmen lying face down in the dirt floor. Neither appeared to be conscious. Buffy couldn't see anyone else in the room. "Uh oh." She whispered.
"What is it?" Kathryn asked.
"Well, usually when we don't see them where we expect them to be, then they pop out suddenly from behind the bushes." She stood at the ready and caught a signal from Spike that he could sense the vampires surrounding them. "It's show time."
The 6 friends formed a circle, all facing outwards as they prepared for the inevitable. Willow and Tom both held a stake in one hand and their water pistols in the other. Giles, Buffy and Kathryn aimed their crossbows toward the bushes and Spike stood smiling, feeling the rush of adrenaline surge through his tensing body. He had a sudden image of his redheaded goddess and knew he would be up for a mighty good shag after this battle.
All at once 7 vampires emerged quickly from behind the store, baring their fangs. Buffy and Giles quickly dusted two with their crossbows and Willow and Tom squirted down two more with the piercing holy water. When they had them pined up against the side of the store Willow staked hers first and then Tom followed suit. He smiled at the pile of dust at his feet. "Cool!"
Spike fought off two others in hand to hand combat, releasing penned up aggression mercilessly, while two more vampires emerged from the building, attacking Buffy and Giles. As they fought, Kathryn backed away from what looked like Ensign Moriches, dropping her crossbow in shock and terror.
"What's wrong Captain?" Moriches mocked, "Don't like my new look?" He took an unneeded breath and sighed, "You know, I used to look up to you… Kathryn." He stepped closer. "But now I realize that you're nothing but a failure. You can't even find your way home you pathetic bitch!" He grabbed her by the back of the head and plunged his fangs into her throat.
Realization dawned on her and she struggled to reach the large cross Rupert had given her. She clutched it and thrust it against Moriches' ridged face. He howled in pain and covered his singed cheek. He turned on her again, this time charging her with a vengeance. He got only a foot from her before suddenly turning to dust. Kathryn looked up hesitantly at the knowing look on Rupert's face. He helped her up and held her as she composed herself. Looking around, Giles noticed that everyone had survived the ambush. He kissed the top of her head and said softly, "Time to go in Darling."
They entered the dark store cautiously and found the open door to the basement quickly. Buffy went down first followed by Giles, holding Kathryn's hand behind him, then Tom. Before Willow could take a step down Spike grabbed her forcefully and spun her around, pressing his hard body against hers. He smirked and crashed his cool lips on top of hers, taking her breath away. Willow was out of breath when he released her. "What was that for?" She smiled.
"That was for me. Let's get the out of here fast Luv," He pressed his hips into hers, "I have other plans for tonight."
Willow blushed and went down the stairs and joined the others on the dirt floor. She saw Tom unlocking Neelix's shackles and trying to wake him up. The Talaxian stirred with a scream and then hugged Tom fiercely. Kathryn was at Hampton's side, also trying to wake him. Spike finally joined the group, happy, despite himself, to see the funny looking man alive and somewhat alert. His demon stirred when he glanced at the man on the floor. He walked over to the woman from the ship, "Get away from him." He said as he drew a stake out of his pocket.
"No!" Tom ran between him and his unconscious crewmate. "Spike! Stop! The Doctor may be able to help him."
Spike looked with sincere pity at the human in front of him. "That's not your friend, mate. He's been turned. Your Doctor can't help him."
"You don't know that!" Tom yelled.
"He's right Tom." Buffy said softly, touching his shoulder, "In a little while he's going to wake up and try to kill us. Just let it end now."
Giles helped Kathryn to her feet and walked her and Neelix to the stairs. She turned to Tom, "Let it go Tom."
"But Captain--"
"That's an order Lieutenant." She guided Neelix up the stairway with Giles' help.
Tom turned to Buffy with glassy eyes. "I knew him… we played cards on Thursday nights… I…"
Buffy hugged him tenderly and led him to the stairs, leaving Spike and Willow to take care of the sleeping vampire. Willow looked up at Spike with tears rolling down her face. He caught one on the tip of his callused finger. "What's this all about Pet?"
Willow closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, "Nothing, I just remembered when Jesse… it's nothing…"
"Go upstairs Willow." Spike said, "I'll take care of this."
Willow nodded and climbed the steps
slowly, composing herself by the time she joined the others outside.
Chapter 12
Giles walked up behind Kathryn and lovingly squeezed her shoulders. She continued to look up at the stars and sighed. "I can't believe I froze up out there."
Giles hugged her from behind; "It happens…"
"Not to a Starfleet Captain it doesn't!"
"Kathryn, you've never seen someone you knew like that before--"
She turned quickly, "Yes I have Rupert. The Borg are a species that assimilates others with these tiny things called nanoprobes that run through your bloodstream and turn people into complete other beings. Beings that go around assimilating more beings."
Giles hugged her again, "It's okay Kathryn. You can't blame yourself for any of this. You must go on; get your crew home."
Kathryn smiled wistfully up at him, already missing his touch. "You know Rupert," she said, "Yesterday I would have entertained the idea of making you come with me."
He smiled, "I'm still entertaining the idea of begging you to stay."
She shook her head, "I don't think I could ever live in this world with your demons. And I know that you need to be here. If we were both born in another place and time…"
Giles bent down as he tilted her face gently, brushing his lips against hers briefly before deepening the kiss.
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Tom allowed his fingers to linger in Buffy's hair as he stared at her pretty face. She blushed and giggled at his gesture. "What's so funny?" He smiled.
"Nothing." She said, "It's just you have this look on your face. I don't know." She watched as he brought his hand down to hers. She cleared her throat nervously and looked down at her feet swinging back and forth over the edge of the picnic table they were sitting on. "I wish you didn't have to go." She admitted.
Tom lifted her chin so their eyes locked. His heart broke when he saw the tears welling in her soft eyes. "Come with me."
"Stay." She pleaded.
"I… I can't."
"Why not? You said yourself you don't have much to go home to. And you love this era of Earth history. Stay with me and experience it first hand. Help us fight evil down here."
Tom looked away from her pleading face. He had thought about it time and time again; could he really stay? Abandon Starfleet? He didn't think he could.
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Willow got out of the shower first, grabbing the large towel. Spike stepped out and watched her dry herself off, rubbing his own towel down his wet body. Wrapping the towel around herself, Willow beheld the beautiful sight before her. "So that's what a shower's supposed to be like she said, more than aware at the slight soreness between her legs.
The vampire wrapped the towel around his hips and tucked it in so that it stayed by itself. "Oh don't worry Baby, Spikey's gonna teach you quite a few yummy things." He sauntered over to her and kissed her passionately.
Willow broke the kiss quickly, "Now, now, we promised we would be right over to Giles'. They want to do the spell tonight." She left the bathroom and entered the bedroom.
Spike followed her slowly and eyed her as she slipped her shorts over her slender form. When she was dressed she tossed his faded black jeans at his chest and smiled, "Get whatever it is out of your head and get dressed."
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Giles opened the door and let Willow and Spike in. "Are you ready Willow?"
"Yep. I brought everything you needed. Oh! And guess what! Spike had that crystal you were talking about, the amor… amorious?"
Giles' face dropped, "You have an Emorios crystal?"
"What's an Emorios crystal?" Kathryn asked.
Willow handed the fist-sized sapphire stone to the watcher. "It's supposed to help out with all sorts of spells. Especially ones that have to do with any kind of travel. You know, time travel, space travel, dimension hopping, stuff like that."
Giles looked dumbstrucked up at the vampire, "Where did you get this Spike?"
He shrugged his shoulders, "It was Dru's to be honest, she said it used to talk to her. I didn't even realize I still had it until Red here found it in the back seat of the DeSoto. We were--"
"Stop!" Giles held up his hand. "Please do not describe to me the details surrounding why Willow was in your back seat."
The door opened and Buffy and Tom entered, both smiling. Buffy walked toward the bathroom and Tom went over to the Captain. Spike wrinkled his nose. "Ugh!" He grumbled.
"What is it?" Willow asked quietly.
"I can smell them. They just shagged and I can still smell their sloppy leftovers."
Giles closed his eyes and held up both hands, "Again with the details." He was thankful that the two crewmates could not hear the vampire.
Tom touched the Captain's elbow. "Captain, we need to talk."
"What is it Tom?" She asked concerned.
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The group assembled in the transporter room. Giles and Willow faced each other and chanted softly. Kathryn walked over to Tuvok, "As soon as they say 'so mote it be', immediately transport them to those coordinates."
"Yes Captain."
Buffy finished lighting the candles that encircled the two sorcerers. The Emorios crystal stood between them, glowing softly. Afterward, she took her place on one of the circles on the tranporter and sat down crossed legged. Tom came over and sat next to her. She tried to ignore her feelings and concentrate on the chant that Willow and Giles were performing. She knew they were getting to the end of the spell and she finally looked up at Tom. "You'd better get off, they're almost finished."
Tom kissed her tenderly in response. Buffy heard them say, "So mote it be" and her eyes went wide at the realization. Then suddenly they were all back at Giles' place. "Tom?"
"I can't leave you." He whispered before capturing her lips in a searing kiss. He tasted the salt of her tears as they ran onto her lips.
Giles stood and walked up his stairs sadly. Willow watched him go and ushered Spike out of the apartment. "Great." Spike said as they left, "Now I'll have to put up with his annoying questions some more."
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THE END