Chapter 12:

Almost as soon as they were behind the closed door of her bedroom, William and Buffy were on each other, kissing desperately as they tore at each other's clothes. They started towards the bed only to tumble to the ground, Buffy clinging to William as he surged inside of her, taking her there on the floor. She'd enjoyed spending the day with him, but she'd missed this so much, her body aching at being near him but not having him inside.

And the desperate way he moved above her now told Buffy he'd been feeling the same thing.

"Oh Buffy, my goddess…" William gasped as he moved in and out of her welcoming heat. "Spent all day wanting this…wanting you."

"William!" Buffy cried as a hard thrust struck just right inside of her, making her tremble. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she lifted her hips to meet his every push down, grinding herself against him. "God, yes, like that. Just like that, William…make me come…"

"Buffy…" William panted, his muscles straining. Buffy thought he looked so beautiful like this, barely restrained, fighting to hold on to his last bit of control. She dipped her head down, latching her teeth on to his nipple, and he made a sound akin to a growl as he pushed her hips down into the floor with his, his cock jerking as he came inside of her. Buffy screamed his name, her orgasm coming seconds behind his.

William trembled against her, his head resting on her chest. Buffy stroked his newly-bleached hair, cooing to him softly, telling him how good he was, how he made her feel. She'd never wanted anyone with the intensity that she wanted William, never had any other man get under her skin quite the way he did. From that first moment, he'd had her entranced, had become the center of her world, what consumed her every thought. She couldn't get through the day without him, sometimes feeling as if she could die just from not having him there in her arms.

Buffy sucked in a breath as it hit her. She loved him. In only a week's time she'd managed to fall for this man who was so unlike anyone she'd ever met before. She'd let her guard down, and he'd made his way into her heart remarkably fast. Cold fear gripped her, and she held on to William tighter. What would he say if he knew the truth? Would he tell her they were too young, that he wasn't ready to be tied down and all her feelings could do was trap him? The thought of him leaving her made her ache deep in her heart, and she couldn't stand the idea of going through that pain again.

She hadn't wanted to fall in love, hadn't wanted to put herself in a position to get hurt again. But it had happened all the same, and she knew there was no going back. All she could do was hope that she did better this time, that she was able to keep William the way she hadn't been able to with the last man who had held her heart. She held on to William tightly, as if she could physically make him stay in her arms forever.

William felt Buffy trembling and pulled up, looking down at her to see tears in her eyes. "Are you okay, luv?" he asked softly.

Buffy nodded. "I'm…I'm sorry. That was just…intense," she said.

William kissed her forehead before pulling up, getting to his feet only to sweep her up into his arms and carry her over to the bed. He put her down on top of the blankets, climbing on the bed beside her, gathering her into his arms and holding her against him.

*** *** ***

Buffy watched William from the bed as he got dressed. "I wish you didn't have to go."

"Me, too, kitten, but I don't think my mother would take to it too well if I stayed out all night."

"Parents do tend to wig about that sort of thing." Buffy stretched. "Well, if they're the sort of parents who care, anyway, which I've gathered your mom is." She rolled over, propping herself up on her elbow. "So, do I get to meet her anytime soon?"

William paused, his boots in hand. "Maybe. She's…sick a lot. Not really up for company."

"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that…"

"She has good days and bad days," William said, sitting on the edge of the bed to put on his shoes.

"Well, if she has a good one, I'd like to meet her. If that's okay, anyway."

"I'll talk to her about it," William said, leaning over to give Buffy a kiss. "I'll see you tomorrow, pet."

"All right, William." She smiled softly. "I'll be dreaming about you."

William smiled back. "I'll be dreaming about you, too."

*** *** ***

William was surprised to see his mother sitting in the parlor when he got home. "I thought you'd be asleep by now," he told her.

"Got caught up in what I was reading," she said, patting the cover of her book. She regarded William for a moment. "You've changed your hair. And are those different clothes than you were wearing earlier?"

William looked down. "Buffy took me shopping and to get a haircut."

William missed the small smile that crept to his mother's lips. "Buffy must really like you then. Fixing a man up the way a woman likes is usually a sign she plans to keep him around."

"I…I don't know," William said, shifting uncomfortably. "We haven't really spoken about it."

"Trust a mother's intuition, William," she replied. "And Buffy did a lovely job. You look very nice."

"You aren't upset?"

"About what?" his mother asked with a frown.

"The hair…the clothes…" William replied. "I thought you might not like them."

"You look fine, dear. Nothing so radical as to cause your poor mother a heart attack." She smiled and patted the spot beside her on the sofa. "Come here. I have something I need to tell you."

William did as his mother asked, sitting down beside her. "Is everything all right? You aren't feeling ill again, are you?"

"Oh heaven's no. I've been feeling quite well recently. It's about your cousin Wesley. His wife Winifred gave birth to their first child this evening."

"That's wonderful," William said. "I'm sure they're quite happy."

"They are. But Winifred is nervous. You know how she is, always wanting to have everything perfect. She's afraid that she's going to do something wrong, and I agreed to come and stay with them for a few days, help her learn how to care for an infant."

"Are you sure you're up to it?" William asked. "Taking care of a baby can wear you down, and…"

"William, I just told you I'm feeling fine. And I'd love to spend some time helping Winifred and Wesley with the baby. It will only be for a few days—a week at the most. Will you be all right here while I'm gone? I'd rather not stop your lessons…"

William nodded. "I'll be fine, mother."

"Good," his mother said with a smile. "I'll be leaving in the morning." She kissed William's cheek before rising to her feet. "When I come home, I'd love to meet his young woman of yours."

William swallowed. "I'll…I'll ask her about it."

"Please do."

"You should get some rest, Mother, if you're going to be heading out in the morning."

"I'm going to bed now." She ruffled his curls. "You should be toddling off yourself. You were with Buffy until quite late—again. I'm sure you're tired."

The smile on her lips was almost teasing, and William blushed a little before shaking it off, deciding he was imagining things. "I'll go soon, Mother."

"Good. Sleep well, my darling, and I'll see you in the morning before I leave."

"All right. Good night, Mum."

"Good night."

*** *** ***

When William went over to Buffy's the next day he found her sitting on her bed, talking on her cell phone. She told whoever it was to hold on for a moment, covering the receiver as she addressed William. "It's my friend Willow from school. We're talking about a project we're doing together. Can you give me a few minutes?"

"Yeah, sure," William said.

"Thanks," Buffy replied, going back to the phone call.

William looked around her room, making his way over to the book shelf, curious to see what sort of things his girlfriend liked to read. He noticed most of it was school books with a few fashion guides and other sorts of things he'd expect to see in a teenaged girl's room. On the top of the shelf was an assortment of trophies, mostly for cheerleading and gymnastics, while a few were—surprisingly to William—for ice skating. There was also a jewelry box sitting beside a pink, stuffed pig. He picked up the pig, frowning as he inspected it. It was obviously old, well worn. He wondered how long she'd had it, and then had his question answered as he noticed a framed picture of a little blonde girl holding a much younger version of the pig. Written beneath the picture in a child's scrawl was "Me and Mr. Gordo." William chuckled at the image of little Buffy, noticing the same mischievous glint in her young eyes as was nearly ever-present now.

He put down the pig, his gaze trailing down to the first shelf. He noticed a book slightly larger than the others with a dark purple binding and the words "Hemery High School" emblazoned down the side in bright yellow letters. He glanced back at Buffy, finding her still engrossed in her phone conversation with Willow, and pulled the book from the shelf. He set it beside Mr. Gordo, flipping it open to the first page—a collage of high school students engaged in school spirited activities. Buffy was right in the center, a bright smile on her face as she stood on the apex of a pyramid of cheerleaders.

William flipped through, noticing that Buffy managed to grace a majority of the pages, seeming to be everywhere in the school at once. She was the Prom Princess…the Fiesta Queen…the organizer of the Spirit Week Parade. And by her side was almost always a tall boy with dark hair whose head was frequently encircled by a bright pink heart. William swallowed, realizing who it had to be. Angel…

He kept flipping through the book, learning that Angel was also the star player on the Hemery High football team as well as the frequent lead in school plays. Handsome, athletic, and apparently not afraid of the limelight. Everything William was not…

He found Angel's picture in the Juniors section, again circled by a pink heart, this one with an arrow poking out from either end. His full name was listed as "Liam Angelus," but the "Angel" in his last name had been highlighted—again in pink. His stomach turned, but he felt compelled to flip to the back, searching for what this other man had written in Buffy's yearbook. The message was simple, but it was enough to drive the point home to William that Buffy's heart belonged to another.

Buffy—my love forever and always. Angel

It stood out like a bright red stain amongst the myriad of wishes that Buffy "have a great summer" and promises of "see you next year." Love forever and always. William shudder, closing the book and putting it back on the shelf.

He didn't move again until he heard Buffy end her conversation and call his name. He turned towards her, hoping his pain wasn't clear in his eyes. Buffy was smiling at him, and he forced himself into the now, to hold on to the moment where Buffy was looking at him like he was her everything. It was just an illusion, something that wouldn't last, but it was something that he could remember when he was alone and she'd gone back to the man she really loved.

"Sorry about that," Buffy said. "The project isn't due for another two and a half weeks, but Willow's a super over-achiever. She has to have everything done way early, like she's afraid the apocalypse is going to hit before she gets it finished or something."

"It's all right," William said, forcing a smile. He ran his hand through his hair. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Okay." Buffy frowned suddenly. "It's not a bad something, is it?"

"No, it's not bad." He walked over to the bed, sitting beside her. "My cousin's wife just had a baby, and my mother agreed to go stay with them for a few days and help her out. I'm going to have the house to myself."

Buffy's first thought was to wonder why his mother was too sick to meet her but apparently not too sick to go visit relatives, but she pushed that away. It wasn't like William was purposely trying to keep her away from his mother. That was just her being paranoid. She moved closer to him, putting her hand on his knee. "And what exactly do you plan to do about that?"

"I was thinking maybe one or two of those mornings I could wake up not alone," he replied with a slow grin.

The look on his face made Buffy's insides turn to jelly. She wasn't quite sure how shy William had turned into the sexually confident man looking at her now, but she certainly wasn't complaining. "You can have me any morning you want me," Buffy said. "Same goes for the nights."

"Good," William replied, pulling her into his arms and kissing her hard. She was here with him now, not Angel. His was the bed she'd be sleeping in.

He just had to keep reminding himself of that…

*** *** ***

Chapter 13:
 

William looked down with a smirk, deciding this was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Buffy smiled around his cock, sliding it lazily in and out of her mouth. He reached down and stroked the side of her face. "So beautiful, Buffy. My gorgeous girl."

Buffy moaned her approval, making him hiss in pleasure at the vibrations it produced. The feel of her mouth and tongue on him was exquisite, but he wanted more—wanted to be inside of her. "Come here, baby," he said, crooking his finger.

Buffy trembled, more than happy to oblige as she slid up his body and onto his cock. "This what you wanted?" she asked, bouncing up and down leisurely.

"Yeah…just like that, sweetheart," William replied. "So good…"

Buffy leaned forward, placing her hands on his shoulders before sliding them down, grazing his chest with her nails. William groaned, thrusting up into her. He didn't think he could ever get enough of this. He could spend eternity buried inside Buffy's tight heat, and it would never be enough.

But he didn't have eternity. He had at best a few months before she graduated from high school and went back home to the States. Then she'd be in someone else's arms and he'd never get to touch her again.

With a growl, William flipped them over, the slow pace of their lovemaking disappearing. He grabbed Buffy under her knees, pushing her legs up towards her head as he drove into her. Buffy cried out in surprise but reached up to hold on to him and he plunged into her with hard deep strokes. "You're mine, Buffy," he said, his voice rough. "Mine."

"Yes!" Buffy cried, her body shaking. "I'm yours, William. I'm yours, I'm yours…" His thrusts were hitting deep inside her, and it didn't take her long to spiral over the edge, screaming his name as she came, the clamping of her inner muscles pulling William along with her.

William rolled off of her, lying on his back and panting heavily. Buffy looked over at him. "What was that all about?"

"Huh? What was what all about?"

"You suddenly went all caveman on me. Not that I'm exactly complaining, but what brought it on?"

Now that he'd calmed down, William felt a little ashamed of his actions. "I'm sorry, kitten. Don't know what came over me."

Buffy nestled against him. "Don't be sorry. I told you before I like you like that. All growly and possessive. I mean, I think I'm not really supposed to, this being the twenty-first century and all, but I do."

"As long as I didn't hurt you," William said.

"No, not at all." She smiled, pressing a kiss against his bare chest. "Did you miss the huge orgasm I had, 'cause damn, that was a good one…"

William chuckled. "I did notice that."

"So no need to worry. I'm all good." Buffy nuzzled against him, a contented smile on her face. "I'm really looking forward to falling asleep in your arms tonight, Will."

"Me, too," he said, kissing the top of her head.

"I liked the way it felt sleeping here with you before. It made me feel…safe, warm." Loved her mind added, though Buffy wouldn't let herself voice it. What they had going now was too good for her to say anything to drive William away.

William ran his fingers through her hair. "Glad I can make you feel that way."

"You make me feel lots of ways," Buffy said. "All of them good."

"You, too, kitten," William replied. Well, all good except the jealousy that made him fuck her like an animal, but he decided to leave that part out.

Buffy looked up at him. "Are you hungry?"

William chuckled at the suddenness of her question. "A little. Are you? Do you want something to eat?" Buffy nodded and William kissed her. "Wait here. I'll go see what I can find in the kitchen."

"Okay," Buffy said with a smile, moving so he could get up. She watched him slip on his jeans and a t-shirt, glad that he was still wearing the clothes she'd picked out for him. And not just because they looked damn good on him…

William leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. "Be back in a few, pet."

"I'll be waiting for you."

"Then I'll be quick."

*** *** ***

When William came back to his room, he found Buffy sitting on his bed wearing nothing but the blue silk shirt she'd picked out for him the day before. Her hair was as rumpled as his sheets, and he didn't think she'd ever looked quite as desirable as she did in that moment. She looked so entirely his. He wanted to say to hell with lunch and throw her back down on the bed, but she'd said she was hungry, and he couldn't go neglecting his girl.

"Is turkey okay?" he asked, handing her a plate with a sandwich and chips. Buffy nodded, taking it from him.

"Yep. Thanks, honey."

"Couldn't let my girl go hungry." He winked at her. "Have to keep your strength up."

Buffy smiled at him, taking a bite of her sandwich. They ate together there on his bed in comfortable silence. William smiled softly at Buffy, feeling lucky just to be sitting there with her. For right then, she was his.

"So is it just you and your mom?"

William blinked, Buffy's question taking him by surprise. "Um, yeah. My father died when I was little."

"Oh. I'm sorry, William. I didn't mean to…"

"It's all right," William said. "It was twelve years ago. I barely remember him. It was a car accident. Killed him and put my mother in a coma. The doctors didn't think she was going to make it. It's why she's still sick a lot now. Did…it did a lot of damage to her. They said the fact that she recovered like she did is nothing short of miraculous."

Buffy looked down. "I'm glad she did," she said softly.

"She told me…she told me she wouldn't let herself give up. Said she couldn't die and leave me alone."

"She sounds like she really loves you."

"Yeah, she does. I love her, too." William cleared his throat. "What about your parents?"

"Ugh, them," Buffy said with a snort. "My father cares more about his precious money than he ever has about me, and my mother barely remembers my name half the time. Probably from the fact that she's drunk more than she's sober."

"Oh. I'm sorry, Buffy."

Buffy waved her hand dismissively. "It's no big. I really don't care one way or another about them. So my parents don't love me? It's not like it's the end of the world."

William could tell by the look on her face and her body language that she meant anything but what she'd just said. "Buffy…kitten, if your parents really don't love you, well, it's their loss. How they could possibly not love you is beyond me. It's so easy to do."

Buffy looked up sharply at that. Had William just said… Suddenly he was up, stepping away from the bed. "I…I forgot to get anything to drink. I'll be back."

Buffy stared at the door as he shut it behind him. She couldn't have interpreted that right. She was just hearing what she wanted to hear. He'd only meant that it should be easy for parents to love their children, not that it was easy to love her specifically. Because William probably didn't love her. And even if he did, what did it matter? It certainly didn't mean he'd stick around for long…

She picked up a chip, scowling at it before she popped it in her mouth.

*** *** ***

William stood beside the refrigerator, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down. How could he be so stupid with all but telling Buffy he loved her like that? He had her here, in his home—in his bed—and he was saying things that could drive her off.

"Wanker," he muttered to himself, letting his head fall against the wall. The last thing he needed was to be his normal poncey git self, pour his heart out, and have Buffy run off. After all, that had worked so well when he'd tried it with Cecily…

With a heavy sigh, William turned back to the fridge, opening it up and searching for something to drink.

*** *** ***

William looked down beneath him, watching as Buffy writhed in pleasure. She was still wearing his shirt, something about the sight of it on her turning him on. Her feet caressed his calves as she wrapped her legs around him, keeping his body as close to hers as she could get it.

She'd been quiet when he'd come back to the room, both of them eating the rest of their lunch in silence. William had been worried that he'd ruined everything and that she was going to leave, but when he'd kissed her, she'd responded, letting him pull her down to the bed.

He didn't know how he'd survive when he didn't have her anymore. He still wasn't sure how he'd made it the past seventeen years… He sped up his pace, reveling in the sounds of pleasure he was pulling from her. She whimpered and moaned, her nails scraping his back. Her eyes were closed, her head thrown back, and William knew she was lost.

She was beautiful—and she was his for now. He wanted to tell her what he had almost admitted earlier, the three words he knew would change everything fighting to let themselves be heard. He brought his lips down to hers, kissing her hard in an attempt to stifle the vocalization of his feelings. Buffy's body was his, but not her heart, and he had to force himself to remember that.

Buffy broke away from his mouth, gasping as she came. William continued to thrust until he followed her over, moaning her name loudly.

Together, they collapsed in a heap, the silence following their heated coupling seeming almost like a moment of perfection. William held her close, running his hands through her soft hair. "Every time," he heard Buffy say softly. "Every time it's like magic with you."

Her breathless words echoed his own sentiments, and he held her tighter. He wanted to freeze the moment, to stay there in it forever. It was so easy to pretend in the time right after, when Buffy stayed so close to him, as if she wanted to hold on to the intimacy of what they shared as much as he did. For a few minutes, he could almost image she loved him, too…

"Can we just stay like this forever?" Buffy asked, her eyes closed and a smile on her face. "This is nice."

William smiled, his heart leaping to hear her thoughts so closely mirroring his own. "It is, pet. I like holding you like this. Feeling you near…"

"Mmm. You've got the best arms in the world," Buffy said, her words followed by a yawn. "I'm sleepy. Think you wore me out. Mind if I nap for a bit?"

"No, go right ahead. Could probably use a bit of kip myself."

Buffy opened one eye. "Does that mean you want to sleep?"

William chuckled, the vibrations going through Buffy's body and making her shiver. "Yeah, kitten, it does."

"Don't know why you can't just say that. You crazy English and you're inability to speak…English."

William shook his head. "We did invent the language, you know."

"And yet, you can't speak it with your silly words," she said, both eyes closed again.

"It's you Americans who butchered it."

"Nope. We…perfected it."

"You're off your bird."

Her eyes opened. "See? Off what bird? When was I on a bird?"

"You, sweetheart? Probably never."

Buffy gave him a dirty look, slapping lightly at his chest. "Jerk."

William kissed her forehead. "You're cute when you're pouty. Makes me want to shag you all over again."

"And there's another silly word. Shag… Sounds like you want to give me a bad haircut from the 70's."

"Do I need to demonstrate the meaning of that word?" William asked with an arched eyebrow. "Because I can assure you, it has nothing to do with hairstyles."

"Down boy. Sex later. Sleepy now."

"I'm going to hold you to that, pet," William said in the tone of voice that he'd only recently developed but always made Buffy tremble.

"Good. 'Cause I can assure you that once I've gotten my 'kip' I'll be up for some more 'shagging.'"

William laughed. "Sleep tight, princess."

"You, too, sexy," Buffy mumbled, nuzzling against him as she drifted off to sleep.

*** *** ***

Chapter 14:

The first thing William noticed when he woke up was that Buffy was no longer beside him.

The next was that he couldn't move his arms and legs.

He struggled a bit, noticing he'd somehow managed to become tied to the bedposts. And Buffy…

Buffy was perched on the end of the bed giving him a grin that would've made him nervous even if he did have use of his arms and legs. He looked up then down, noting that his hands and feet were both bound with some of his neckties. "What…what are you doing?" William asked.

Buffy shrugged. "I got bored waiting for you to wake up. So I decided to find a way to keep myself busy."

"Tying me to the bed?"

"For starters." Buffy crawled over to him, straddling his thighs. "You know, this is really a nice view."

"I…I'm not sure how I feel about this, Buffy," William said, his nervousness clear in his voice. He'd done a lot of things with her already that he'd never thought he'd ever do before he met her, but this was something new, unexplored territory. Could it be pushing his limits too much?

"He does," Buffy said, her gaze traveling to his rapidly hardening cock. "And I think he likes it." She leaned down, blowing over the tip and making William hiss.

"Kitten…touch me. Please."

Buffy ran her finger up his length before pulling back, sitting up again. William looked down at her, already breathing hard. "Buffy…"

Buffy looked at him with wide, innocent eyes. "What? I touched you, just like you asked."

William bucked the best he could with her straddling his legs and all his limbs tied. "More…god, Buffy, please…"

"Begging already, huh?" Her smiled turned wicked. "I sooo love the sound of that. So you want me to touch you, do you?"

"Yes. Buffy, baby…" William was already achingly hard, her teasing making him forget his nervousness and uncertainty almost immediately. All it took was a look from Buffy, and he was desperate for her. And now that he couldn't just reach out and take what he wanted…

Buffy leaned forward again, running her nails down his chest, making sure to press down a little harder at his nipples. William bucked, whimpering softly. "Is that where you wanted me to touch you?" William shook his head frantically. "Where then?" Buffy pulled up before trailing her nails this time down his taut thighs. "Here?"

"No…Buffy…"

Buffy put her hands on her hips. "You know, William, I'm afraid you're not being very clear. How can I know where to touch you if you don't tell me where?"

William shot her a look then that made Buffy tremble. His eyes were dark, barely contained passion clear in their blue depths. "You know where, Buffy."

"Tell me," she said huskily.

"My cock. Touch it."

Buffy grinned. Seemed like he was taking to this as well as he had everything else… She ran a finger lightly around the tip, making William groan. "Something wrong, honey?" she asked with feigned innocence. "You told me to touch your cock, and that's what I'm doing. Is it…not enough?"

Her teasing was driving William crazy, making him desperate to thrust inside of her. "No…fuck, luv, I need more."

"Oh! You want me to make you come."

"Yes…"

"Nope, sorry, can't do that."

The look of horror on William's face almost made Buffy break out into a fit of giggles, but she knew that would be a sure-fire way to kill the mood. "Baby…" William said, his tone pleading.

"Can't. You gotta make me come first."

"Well, I would, but I'm a bit tied up at the moment."

Buffy shrugged. "I can work around that." She slid up William's body, positioning herself over his mouth. "Eat me."

William wasted no time in complying, and Buffy cried out, gripping on to the headboard for support. William lapped at her hungrily with his agile tongue as Buffy grinded against his face, moaning in pleasure. She could swear he was made for this, willing to bet good money that it was indeed his calling. He'd been incredible the first time, and every time after he'd seemed only to improve until it took him but a few minutes to send her off into orgasm with nothing but his mouth. She keened loudly as she came, riding out the aftershocks before sliding off of him, panting as she struggled to catch her breath.

She looked over at William, the sight of him making her needy all over again despite the fact he'd just made her come hard. His body was trembling, his eyes glazed, as he licked his lips to capture the last bit of her taste. "Mmm…that was good, baby," Buffy said, rolling over and resting her hands on his chest. "You definitely deserve a reward. What do you want me to do?"

"Fuck me," William said, his voice rough with need. "I want to be inside your pussy."

Buffy trembled at his request, the words seeming even hotter knowing that they were coming from someone who had once blushed at the mere thought of what he'd just asked from her. She loved the man she'd turned him into, loved how she'd helped him discover this sensual side of himself. Quickly, she moved back down his body, hovering over his cock for only a moment before pushing herself all the way down, made more than ready by his tongue.

William called her name when he felt her heat around him, pulling at his bonds in a primal need to feel her skin beneath his fingertips. "Now now, none of that," Buffy said, leaning down and grabbing his hands to still them. "You just stay put and let me have my fun." Buffy pulled up and moved slowly up and down, ignoring William's pleas for more. He was tugging at his bonds, his body shaking with need, and Buffy couldn't help the grin of feminine power that spread across her lips.

Meeting William's eyes, Buffy sucked two fingers into her mouth, wrapping her tongue around them with a moan. She then brought them down to her clit, rubbing herself fiercely until she came with a yell, clenching around his cock. William pushed his hips up as far as he could, but suddenly found the warm haven of Buffy's body gone as she slid off and got shakily to her feet.

"Wha…" William said, unable to fully articulate his question, though Buffy was more than aware of what he was asking.

"Today is the servants' day off, right?" Buffy asked.

"Yes…why…"

"So we're, y'know, all alone here?"

"Yes…Buffy…"

"Just checking," Buffy said before she turned and darted from William's room.

William's mouth opened in shock. What the hell was she playing? "Evil chit," he muttered under his breath, pulling in earnest at his bonds. He smiled slowly as he realized the tie around one of his arms was coming lose, and he struggled until he was able to slip his hand free. Quickly, he untied the other hand, then his feet, then rose on unsteady legs, taking a deep breath to get his bearings. He walked out of the room, his eyes darting as he searched for Buffy. "Here, kitty, kitty, kitty," he called, stalking through the empty halls like the cat he was addressing her as.

He heard a giggle followed by Buffy's head darting out for a moment before she disappeared behind a corner. "Buffy…" William called, sing-song. "Better come out now, luv."

"Gotta catch me, Will," Buffy called back.

"Oh, you are so in for it," William replied, following her around the corner. He stalked down the hall before stopping for a moment, glancing around. There was a door on his right and on his left, and he looked between them, trying to decide which one he'd find Buffy behind. The door on the left was slightly ajar, and William smiled to himself, going to the right. If he knew Buffy—which he was willing to wager he did by this point—she wouldn't be behind door number obvious.

He opened the door, finding himself in one of the guest rooms. Buffy was perched on the bed, wearing nothing but a smile. "Took you long enough, lover."

"You are in serious trouble, missy," William said, going towards the bed.

Buffy trembled at the look on his face, but decided to taunt him some more. "Am I, like, supposed to be scared and stuff?" she asked, eyes wide.

With a growl, William pounced, grabbing her. Buffy squealed as he turned her over his knee, his hand coming down hard on her ass. "You were a very bad girl, Buffy," William said, his voice dark. "Gettin' me all worked up and runnin' away like that. Very naughty indeed."

"I'm sorry," Buffy said, although her tone suggest otherwise. "I'll be very good from now on."

"I don't think you will," William replied. "I think you'll keep being naughty until I teach you a lesson." He spanked her again, making Buffy buck against him.

"Yes! Teach me, William. Show me what a bad girl I was to tease you."

William started to spank her in earnest then, raining down hard blows until her bottom was bright red. Suddenly, he stopped, pulling Buffy up by her hair. "On your knees," he ordered.

Buffy immediately complied, falling to her knees in front of where he sat on the edge of the bed. "Suck my cock," William said. "Show me you've learned your lesson."

Buffy gave him a small smile before leaning in, taking him into her mouth as her hand wrapped around the base of his cock. She sucked him until she could tell he was almost at the brink before pulling back, starting to rise to her feet once more. However, before she had the chance to escape again, William grabbed her by the arm, throwing her back on the bed.

"Not this time, baby," he said, shaking his head. "This time you're going to finish what you started." He climbed on top of her, holding her hands over her head with one of his hands as he thrust into her hard. Buffy cried out, her legs going around his waist as William pounded into her. It wasn't long until he roared in completion, pushing her down into the mattress with his hips as he shot inside of her.

"William…" Buffy whined as he rolled off her. "You got me all hot…I need to come again."

William glanced at her, arching an eyebrow. "Can't say I have a lot of sympathy for you right now, pet."

Buffy pouted. "But you got to come eventually," she said. "And I know you had fun."

"True. But you've already come twice. Looks to me like you're ahead of me by one."

"So?"

"So, I don't think you're in any position to be complaining. Besides, you tried to run off again after the spanking. Seems to me like you haven't learned your lesson."

Buffy trembled harder. God, he was hot when he was like this… "You're right. That was very, very bad of me. You better punish me right away."

"You're right. I should." William leaned back against the pillows and closed his eyes.

"Willlliam!" Buffy whined. "Come on…Punish me, please?" She sat up on her haunches, pouting.

William opened one eye. "I am."

"What!? That is so unfair!"

"Innit?" William replied before closing his eye again.

"Fine. If you won't get me off then I'll just go and…"

Before Buffy could finish her sentence, William had bolted up, grabbing her by the waist. "You'll do what?"

"Do it myself?" Buffy squeaked in response.

William leaned in, his mouth by her ear as he spoke in a low tone. "You wouldn't get someone else to do it, would you, Buffy?"

"No," Buffy said, gasping as one of his hands trailed down to roughly tweak her clit. "Only you."

William rubbed her clit harder. "That feel good, kitten? Do you like the feel of my fingers on you?"

"Y…yes…" Buffy panted, her body on the edge of release. "Oh god, William…"

Suddenly, William jerked his hand away, and Buffy gasped. "No! Don't stop! Evil!"

"Turn about, fair play—all that rot," William replied. He let go of Buffy for a moment, only to stand up and grab her again, this time throwing her over his shoulder.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Buffy asked, struggling even though she was really quite fine where she was. This position gave her a great view of his ass…

"You were right. You need to be punished," William said matter-of-factly. "And I think you need a bit of your own medicine."

"Huh?"

"I'm tying you up, luv."

"Oh." Buffy grinned as William carried her back down the hall to his bedroom. Tied up and at the mercy of a possessive and growly William. Oh yeah, she was about to have some fun…

*** *** ***

Chapter 15:

Buffy let William position her on the bed, face down with her hands bound together, stretched out above her head and her legs spread and tied individually to the posts. Once he had her restrained, he sat down on the bed beside her, his hands gently stroking her back and legs. "You're beautiful, pet," William said, his husky voice making her shiver. "Such a perfect little body."

Buffy trembled, her mind whirling. He'd carried her in here promising punishment, but now he was touching her gently, reverently. "Gorgeous you are," William murmured, leaning down to press a soft kiss against her shoulder blade. He moved his lips to the nape of her neck, brushing her hair out of the way to kiss her there. "Such a sexy little kitten."

William pulled up suddenly, his hand coming down to smack her ass. "And also very naughty."

Buffy cried out, the blow taking her by surprise. How the heck had he figured out to do that? He'd taken to sex like a duck to water, his natural instincts always spot on. She smiled to herself, deciding to see if she could push him just a little further. Every nudge she'd given him so far had resulted in amazing sex.

"I am naughty," Buffy said, glancing over her shoulder at him. "Very, very naughty. I'm not sure your hand is going to teach me enough of a lesson."

William paused, the unsure expression he always wore when she mentioned something new cropping back up. Buffy smirked to herself knowing she'd manage to make that go away soon enough when he got lost in his sensual side again. "What do you mean?" he asked her.

"Well, obviously it wasn't enough in the guest room since I tried to get away before I finished pleasuring you."

"Good point," William said, deciding to see where Buffy was going to go with this. "Any suggestions, luv?"

Buffy's brow furrowed as she pretended to give it a good deal of thought. "Hmm…I think you're going to have to use your belt. It'll teach me a much better lesson."

William coughed. "Buffy…I…I could hurt you."

"Which, as we've discussed before, is part of the fun," Buffy replied.

"I know, but…" William sighed. "That just seems like too much, pet. It could really hurt you."

"We could try it. If it gets too much, I'll say…caterpillar."

"Caterpillar?" William asked, eyebrow arched.

"Safe word," Buffy explained. "Something I'm not likely to normally just shout out during sex. If I say it, it means it's too much and you need to stop. Okay?"

William thought about it for a moment. It was obvious Buffy had let someone do this to her before, and he didn't doubt that she'd let him know if it was too much. "Yeah, okay."

"You'll like it, Will. Trust me. You obviously get off on the rough stuff."

His old blush was back at that, and Buffy couldn't help but smirk. She liked that he still retained that little bit of innocence even with everything they'd done over the past week. "Yeah…guess I do."

"It's okay," Buffy said, shifting a little in her bonds. "I do, too. Not like it makes you a perv." She frowned. "Okay, so it does, but you're in good pervy company."

William chuckled then. "I can deal with that."

"Good. Now get to the spanking. This ass isn't going to get any redder on its own."

William's eyes darted to the ass in question, and he licked his lips. "Right." He cleared his throat before walking over to his closet, opening it and going towards his belts. His hands trembled as he reached towards them, only to pull back. Which one should he use? Was their a certain kind that Buffy liked more than others? It seemed suddenly like a monumental decision, something he had seriously consider.

"Will! Come on, just grab one and come smack my ass with it, will you? I'm getting impatient over here."

He snatched a belt from the rack then, coming back over to the bed in a hurry. "That's quite a bit of sass coming from a woman in your position," William said, his voice dropping.

Buffy trembled. Uncertain William was gone again, replaced by the assertive, dominant version she was growing so very fond of. She glanced at him. "You're right. That was very bad of me. I'm sorry…" She dropped her eyes before adding, "Sir."

William raised an eyebrow at the last word. Sir? He thought about it for a moment before he decided he liked it. "Not as sorry as you're going to be, girl."

"Oh yeah," Buffy thought. "Now things are getting good." "I'm ready for my punishment, sir," she said aloud.

William held the belt in his hands, pushing down the last bits of his nervousness. Buffy would tell him if he did something wrong. He took a deep breath, then raised the belt, bringing it down with an audible crack against her skin. Buffy bucked, crying out at the blow. "Did I hurt you?" William asked softly.

"I didn't say the word," Buffy reminded him. "And you're breaking character…sir."

William swallowed. "Right then," he said before bringing the belt down again. Her bottom was already growing red, dark marks across it from where he'd hit her. When Buffy still said nothing, he brought the belt down twice more in succession. Buffy was whimpering, but she still said nothing that sounded even remotely like "caterpillar." He reached down and rubbed her ass softly, hearing Buffy whimper again at the touch. "How's that, naughty girl?" he asked. "Are you learning your lesson?"

"Yes, sir," Buffy said.

"I don't know if you are," William replied, his voice dropping back down to that husky purr that turned Buffy on so much. "I thought you'd learned your lesson earlier, but you still misbehaved."

"Then you better punish me a little more, sir. Just…just to make sure."

William rubbed her bottom again, noticing that it was warm to the touch.  "Have to make sure you learn your lesson," he replied, pulling up and bringing the belt down again. Buffy yelped, her body bucking violently, and William gave her a moment before spanking her with the belt three more times. He looked up to see tears on Buffy's cheeks and he reached out, wiping them away with his thumb. "Are you okay, kitten?" he asked softly.

"Uh huh," Buffy said, nodding. "God, I'm so fucking wet right now, William." She cried out when the belt came down again unexpectedly.

"You didn't call me sir," William said with a wicked grin that made Buffy think for a moment that she was going to come right then.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Better," William replied. "I think you've about learned your lesson. Just a couple more should do it."

Buffy nodded. "Yes, sir." She gritted her teeth as William spanked her twice more before dropping the belt down to the ground and sitting beside her on the bed, gently caressing her sore bottom.

"You took your punishment like a good girl, Buffy," William said. "I think you've earned some pleasure now."

"Please, sir," Buffy begged, writhing beneath his hand. "I'll be good if you let me come."

William dipped his fingers down, finding her pussy drenched. Apparently she really did get off on this sort of thing… "All right, baby. Want me to fuck you?"

"Yes, please. I want your cock sooo bad."

William grabbed a couple of pillows, pushing them under Buffy's hips to lift them off the bed and give him better leverage. He left her bound as he slipped in between her spread legs, rubbing the tip of his cock against her wet pussy lips. "Beg me for it, Buffy. Tell me how sorry you are for teasing me earlier."

"I'm sorry!" Buffy replied, pushing back against him only to whimper in frustration when she couldn't get him inside. "I'm so sorry…I was a bad, bad girl. I've learned my lesson, and I want you to fuck me so much. Please, William!" She cried out as his hand came down hard on her ass. "Sir!" she amended quickly. "I want you, sir!"

William plunged inside of her then, and Buffy moaned, finally feeling complete again. Her eyes rolled back in her head as he took her hard, the bed shaking with the force of his thrusts. It wasn't long before she was coming, screaming and thrashing, whipping her head from side to side as she squeezed around William's cock, pulling him over with her.

"Holy fuck," William muttered as he pulled out and collapsed beside her on the bed. Buffy tried to respond, but could only manage a wordless mewl of satisfaction.

With a deep breath, William sat up, untying Buffy's arms and legs before pulling her to him, holding her close. "Are you okay, luv?" he asked softly.

"Yeah," Buffy replied. "My ass stings, but I knew that would happen."

"I…I wasn't too hard on you, was I?" William asked.

"No. You were perfect." She kissed his cheek. "You're always perfect."

He blushed under her compliment. "I…I wouldn't go that far."

"I would." She kissed his shoulder. "Today has been a really, really good day."

"It has," William agreed. "I wish we could spend tomorrow the same way, but it would raise too many questions if I didn't meet with my tutor."

"I know," Buffy replied. "But I'll be back over after school. We can have more naughty fun time then."

"Works for me." William took a deep breath. "But right now…"

"Totally spent?" Buffy finished for him.

"Oh yeah."

"Me, too," Buffy said. "I'm not sure I have anywhere near the energy for more sex. And you know, I think that may be a first for me."

William gave her a teasing grin. "Did I break you?"

"Quite possibly." Buffy sat up, groaning a little as she did. "You also made me work up an appetite again. Let's go downstairs and raid your kitchen."

"All right," William said with a chuckle. "Just let me find where you threw my jeans."

*** *** ***

They'd made a dinner out of whatever they could find in the fridge, William discovering that his girlfriend apparently had quite a fondness for cheese. Her eyes had lit up when he'd pulled it out, and he filed it away as one more thing to keep in mind about Buffy—all it took to make her happy was apparently a block of cheddar.

Afterwards, they'd gone into the den, turning on the television. They'd argued over which channel to watch until Buffy had managed to successfully distract him long enough to snatch the remote.

William still said flashing him the way she had had been foul play, but when she'd snuggled up against him to watch the show, he'd no longer cared. Instead, he'd just wrapped his arm around her and held her there.

At some point, Buffy had drifted off to sleep, and William had all but forgotten the television even existed. She'd put his shirt back on before they'd come downstairs, and William smiled to see her still in it. She seemed more like his girlfriend in that moment than she had any other time, wearing his clothes as she slept curled at his side on the couch. He brushed a kiss against her forehead, giving voice for the first time to the feelings he had for her now that he knew she couldn't hear him.

"I love you, Buffy."

William reached over her and picked up the remote, turning off the television before standing and gathering her in his arms, carrying her back up to his room. Once there, he laid her on the bed, grateful that she got to stay there with him that night. Everything felt right when she was in his arms. He stripped off his jeans before joining her, pulling the covers up around them.

Buffy's eyes opened slowly. "William?" she said groggily.

"I'm here, luv. Go to sleep."

"Did you set the alarm?"

"No. Thanks for the reminder," he said, reaching to the clock beside the bed.

"Better set it for a little bit early, so we can have morning sex," Buffy said with a small yawn.

William finished setting the alarm and turned towards Buffy again, gathering her back in his arms. It seemed so natural to be going to bed with her, as if they'd done it every night for years instead of only once in the past week, and then not under the best of circumstances. He ran his hand down her cheek before leaning in and kissing her tenderly. "Good night, sweetheart."

"Good night, William," Buffy replied, nuzzling against him as her eyes closed. She smiled, content to be right where she was.

*** *** ***

Chapter 16:

William groaned when he heard the buzzing next to his ear, turning to glare at the alarm clock before turning it off with an angry smack. He'd been quite happy to be asleep.

"Ugh. I hate morning. It always comes too early," said a grouchy female voice from his side.

The knowledge that Buffy was nestled in his arms became apparent to his sleep-fogged brain, and suddenly the fact that he was awake didn't seem so bad. "Good morning to you, too, Sleeping Beauty," he teased, kissing the crown of Buffy's head.

Buffy grumbled, even as she snuggled closer to him. "Don't wanna get up. It's nice here."

"We don't have to get out of bed for a little while yet, kitten," William said. "You can get some more sleep if you need it."

Buffy rubbed herself against him. "Or you could wake me up."

William grinned, rolling them over so he was on top of her. He kissed her as his hand slipped down her body, pushing up the bottom of his shirt that she still wore before his fingers found her clit. Buffy moaned against his mouth, her hips thrusting up.

"Waking up now, pet?" William asked as he broke away from the kiss.

"Starting to," Buffy said. "Might need a little more…persuasion."

"Yeah? This help at all?" William asked as he pulled his hand away and slid his cock inside of her.

Buffy groaned, her legs going around his hips. "Yeah…" She moaned, moving with him. "Hell of a lot better than coffee."

"God yes," William agreed, moving faster.

Buffy panted, reveling in the sense of fullness she felt when William was inside of her. It was the best way she'd ever woken up, and she wanted to start every day just like this. She called his name over and over, holding him close to her, needing to feel him against her. She dug her nails into his shoulders when she came, hearing him gasp before he followed her over, spilling himself inside of her.

"Buffy," he murmured against her neck, kissing her there softly. "Baby…kitten…my goddess."

Buffy made a sound of contentment, stretching underneath him. She glanced to the side, frowning at the clock. She wanted to stay there, unaffected by the passing of time. But she couldn't, no matter how much she craved staying with William all day again. She ran her hand through his hair. "We should get up."

He looked down at her face, his lips pouting softly. "Don't wanna…"

"I know. Me either. But we have to. School and all that stuff. And right now we're also both in desperate need of a shower."

William's pout turned into a grin. "Can we do that together?"

Buffy knew that was no way she would get to school on time. But who cared about first period when she could be in a small space with wet, naked William. She grinned back. "Oh yeah."

*** *** ***

William knew what he should do. His tutor would be there soon and Buffy needed to get to class. They'd spent a good bit of time in bed that morning, and William knew that the shag they'd already had should be enough for him until later in the afternoon.

But then Buffy stepped under the spray of the shower and practical, logical thought was a thing of the past. He pulled Buffy out of the water, crushing her lips to his. She moaned, gripping William's shoulders. He tore his mouth from hers, his breathing heavy. "I need you—now."

Buffy's legs trembled as she heard the desperation in William's voice. It hadn't been long at all since he'd last been inside of her and already he was craving her again. "Lift me up against the wall," she instructed him.

William did as she asked, Buffy's legs and arms immediately wrapping around him for support. He reached out to brace himself against the shower wall as Buffy slid down, taking him into her body once more.

Buffy clung to him, moaning his name as water cascaded down his back. She filled all of his senses, surrounded him, and William found himself overwhelmed by how beautiful she was. Every bit of this woman was like art to him and he finally understood what had eluded him for so long in his poetry. This was it, the moment of perfection that poets yearned for. There, in the shower stall, cut off from everyone and everything else, Buffy was his entire world, and she was beauty.

She opened her eyes and they locked with his, her gaze never wavering as William continued to pump in and out of her. It was almost too much, but he couldn't break away, couldn't resist the lure of her eyes. Her body trembled, and William pressed harder against the wall, tilting his body for a deeper angle.

Buffy's body shook, her orgasm close, and her eyes began to shut. "No," William said, his breathing coming in harsh pants. "Don't close your eyes. Keep looking at me."

Buffy did as he asked, her eyes locked with his as she came, and the sheer intensity of what he saw in them pushed William over the edge right behind her. They stayed joined together for long moments afterwards, William unwilling to let her go. He wanted again to be able to tell her what she meant to him, but again fought to keep the words back, simply holding her in silence instead.

She'd let him experience what beauty was, and he could let that be enough.

*** *** ***

"And where were you first and second period?" Willow asked without preamble as she joined Buffy for lunch.

"I was with William," Buffy said with a smile. "His mother's out of town, so we spent the whole day together yesterday. It was so great, Wills. I don't think I've ever been this happy with a guy before. And it's not even only the sex. I mean, last night we just cuddled on the couch and watched television, and that alone was enough to make me so happy."

"You guys were alone all day and you just watched TV?" Willow asked.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Of course not. We had just worn each other out by that point with the all-day sex fest."

"Oh."

"But he's incredible, Willow. Everything about him. When I'm with William, I just feel…lucky."

Willow gave Buffy a small, teasing smile. "It sounds like you're in love."

"That's because I am," Buffy said, unable to keep herself from telling Willow the truth about her feelings. She may not be able to tell William, but she was practically floating after the weekend she'd had with him, and she wanted to gush about it to her best friend. "I know it's soon and all, but the way he makes me feel… I haven't been this happy in, well, ever." She paused, worrying her lip between her teeth for a moment. "But then at the same time, I'm completely terrified."

"Terrified? Of what?" Willow asked.

"Of being in love. Again. Didn't work out so well the last time," Buffy replied. "Although he never made me feel quite like William does, which in a way only makes it scarier. William has the power to completely break me. One word from him could crush me."

"But he's worth the risk, right?" Willow asked.

Buffy's smile returned. "Very. And god, I feel so naïve saying this, because I should know better, but maybe William really is different from the other guys out there. Maybe there's a rare breed that's actually decent, and he's one of them." Buffy looked down, giving an uncharacteristic blush. "Or maybe I'm just talking crazy 'cause I'm still on a high from all the great sex."

"Or maybe he's actually a good guy," Willow said. "I mean, they have to exist somewhere, and William sounds really sweet. Have you told him how you feel about him?"

"That I love him? No way! We've only been together for a week. Decent guy or not, that'll send him running."

"Maybe not. Maybe he loves you, too."

"I don't…" Buffy shook her head. "I don't want to push it. Things are going so well, and when you start brining love into the picture it changes everything. I can't take that risk right now. Even if he is as good as he seems, I can't do anything that might make me lose him. If he's ready to start talking about love then he can be the one to say it."

"I guess that makes sense," Willow said with a shrug. "I've never actually had a relationship, so I don't really know much about them."

"Trust me, you wouldn't know that much even if you had," Buffy replied. "I've been with lots of guys and the whole dating thing is still one big guessing game for me." She sighed. "Someone needs to write another one of those relationship guide thingies only, y'know, make it actually helpful. Like How to Read a Guy's Mind 101."

"Again, not so much with the having of relationship knowledge, but I've found that the best way to figure out what's on someone's mind is to ask them," Willow said.

"That only works if they're telling the truth or if their mind doesn't change later," Buffy grumbled.

"Is that what happened in your other relationship? One of those things?" Willow looked down after she spoke. "Sorry. I'm prying."

"It's okay. I don't really like to talk about it, but yeah, that's what happened."

"Which one—the lying or the mind changing?"

"Either. Both. I don't know," Buffy replied. "It just really didn't work out."

Willow knew she should probably drop the subject since Buffy tended to get touchy where her past was involved, but she'd always found herself really intrigued by the subject. Maybe it was because Buffy kept it such a mystery, or maybe it was because Willow knew that it was completely unlike any sort of life she'd ever lead, she wasn't sure which. But either way, it compelled her. "What was his name?" she asked.

"Angel. Well, Liam, but his nickname was Angel. His last name was Angelus, and everyone said he had a face like an angel," Buffy replied.

Willow leaned forward, resting her face in her hands. "So he was handsome?"

"Yeah. He was the most popular guy in school. He was a junior when we met. I was just a lowly freshman, and I couldn't believe that he would even notice me, never mind want to date me," Buffy said.

"But it didn't work out after all?"

"No. Turns out the whole 'Angel' thing—sorta false advertising. But damn, I was so freaking in love with him. Even after I found out he'd been cheating on me with one of my friends, I still forgave him. And up until recently, I was determined to someday get back with him."

"But now?" Willow asked, wanting to continue her experience of vicarious teen drama.

"No so much," Buffy admitted. "The other day, I pulled out an old notebook of mine because I thought it could have some stuff in there that would help me study for a test, and I saw on the back where I'd doodled our names. Buffy and Angel forever, or something like that. Just a few months ago finding that would've had me breaking into hysterics. But it didn't. If anything, it made me think of what a jackass Angel was—and how much better William treats me."

"So that's good, right—finding someone better than Angel?"

"Yeah, it is," Buffy said, her smile slowly returning. "Yesterday we, well, we did some stuff that I doubt you would want to know the details of, but I felt totally relaxed—like I could trust him completely. I never felt that with Angel. Not once. I could never just let myself go with him the way I can with William. I feel like Will's really there with me, enjoying everything in the same way I am. And the way he looks at me… There's so much emotion in his eyes. And they're so blue—like an ocean I could drown in."

Willow giggled. "You've got it bad."

"I know. I've gone all obsesso-girl," Buffy said. "It's a little pathetic. Like Friday in English, I realized that I'd been doodling his name all over my test—and dotting the I's with little hearts. Luckily it was a test on the Romantic period and I convinced the teacher that I just really enjoyed Wordsworth's poetry. And I'll start thinking about and get this really dumb grin on my face—like the one I probably have right now."

"It's not dumb. It's sweet," Willow insisted.

"I don't know. I feel like I'm setting myself up for a heartbreak."

"Maybe not. Maybe you guys will be one of the rare couples that meet when you're young and stay together until you're all old and gray and toothless."

"You really think that's possible?" Buffy asked, a small flicker of hope in her eyes.

"Sure," Willow replied. "And it's so romantic…"

Buffy thought about what it would be like to really get to spend her life with William. Could she even dare to hope for such a thing? She already had no doubt in her mind that she could be deliriously happy with him for years to come. "It would be, wouldn't it? Falling in love in high school and staying together forever…" Buffy's smile widened again, unable to prevent the romantic fantasies that this bit of girl talk had brought to her mind. Part of her was screaming to stop it, to remember Angel and what loving him like this had done to her. But another louder part was telling her how sweet and wonderful William was. The past weekend had been one of the best of her life, and it was because of him.

Buffy let herself hope.

This time it could be different…

*** *** ***

William paced back and forth in front of the door, waiting for Buffy to get back from school. He thought she would've been there already and he was starting to get antsy. He'd been separated from her too long already.

Finally, there was a knock at the door and William ran to it, throwing it open. He saw Buffy standing there in a pair of black leather pants and a red tube top, her hands behind her back, and he almost choked on his tongue. Shaking himself out of his momentary stupor, he gave her a slow smile. "Hey, kitten. Missed you."

"Missed you, too," Buffy said with a saucy grin as she brought her hands around from behind her back, revealing a bottle of chocolate syrup in one and a can of whipped cream in the other.

"Wanna play?"

*** *** ***

Chapter 17:

Buffy was beginning to doubt the sanity of her decision to introduce William to the sexual uses of foodstuff. He'd taken his time drizzling the chocolate syrup over her body and now he was torturing her by meticulously licking off every bit. The feel of his tongue on her skin was driving her crazy as he was kept it away from any place that would actually grant her release, choosing instead to work her into a frenzy without giving her ultimate satisfaction.

She'd complain if she was capable of doing anything but whimpering…

With a sigh of relief, Buffy realized he'd finished with the chocolate, but then he grabbed the whipped cream, prepared to start the torture anew. "William…" she managed to gasp, thrusting her hips up.

William gave a low chuckle as he covered one of her breasts with the whipped cream. "Patience, kitten. Good things come to those who wait."

"I want good things now," Buffy whined.

"This isn't good?" William asked with a teasing grin, leaning in to wrap his tongue around her nipple, lapping off the cream.

"Gah! Good…" Buffy replied, arching into his mouth. "Just need…need more good…"

William finished with one breast before moving to the other, repeating his previous actions. Buffy fisted the sheets tightly, her head thrashing from side to side. William pulled up, licking his lips as he made a trail of whipped cream leading down her toned stomach. Buffy cried out as his tongue soon followed, William making his way to the apex of her thighs before stopping.

"William, please…" Buffy begged.

William folded his arms over her abdomen, resting his chin on them. "Need something, luv?"

All Buffy could do was whimper again as she tried in vain to thrust her hips upwards. He knew damn good and well what she wanted, and why he was refusing to give it to her was beyond her. Why wouldn't he just… She paused, a memory coming forward in her lust-addled brain. William tied up, her toying with him as he strained for her to take his cock into her mouth.

Oh he was evil…

"William…don't tease me anymore. Need you so much…"

"I don't know, pet. There's something to be said for teasing. Can see why you had so much fun with it yesterday…"

That gained him yet another whimper from Buffy.

"You need me, don't you baby?" he asked, his voice sounding like a purr. "Need what I can give you, how good I can make you feel."

Buffy nodded vigorously, squirming beneath him. She did, more than anything in the world right then. If he would just…

"Beg me. Tell me how you need me."

Buffy shivered, forcing the words to her throat. "Will, please…need you…need you to touch me, to make me come…please…I'm begging you…"

William pulled up, grabbing the can of whipped cream again. He spread it on Buffy's pussy, making her cry out, her hips bucking with the sudden feel of the cool, wet substance. The next thing she felt was William's hot tongue, licking up the white cream from her skin. Her orgasm hit quickly, but he continued until she was clean again, keeping the aftershocks coming until he pulled up and she slumped bonelessly to the mattress.

She had very little time to recuperate before William had grabbed her legs, lifting them up as he slammed his cock inside of her. Buffy cried out, grabbing his shoulders and holding on. Every nerve in her body seemed over-sensitized from the combination of the tongue bath and the massive orgasm she was still coming down from, and the way he was pounding into her now was making her see stars.

When she came again, her scream reverberated off the walls, and the clamping of her pussy walls pulled William over with her, his cries mixing with hers, filling the room with their sounds of pleasure.

He managed to roll off of her body, flopping to the side, his breathing harsh and uneven. "Bloody hell. That was just one time and I already don't think I can move."

"Me either. Maybe it's cumulative exhaustion from the past week," Buffy suggested. She sighed in contentment. "I don't really mind, though. The sex is nice, but I like this part, too. The afters…"

"Yeah, so do I," William replied. "I like sharing this with you, feeling close to you like this."

Buffy rolled over, her head now against his chest, and William swallowed as he looked into her eyes. How easy it would be just to tell her how he felt for her… It was more of a struggle to keep the words from coming from his mouth than he knew it would be to say them, but he kept silent. Instead he wrapped his arms around her and held her tight, wondering if maybe she could feel how much she meant to him.

"William?"

"Yeah, kitten?"

"What do you want to do with your life?"

William frowned, Buffy's question not one he had expected. "What do you mean?"

"If you could have any job in the world some day, what would it be?"

"Poet laureate," William replied with a small shrug.

Buffy arched an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"Yes. I mean, it's never going to happen because I'm a horrible poet, but that's something I've dreamt about."

"That's not the answer most seventeen year old boys would give, you know."

"Yeah, I know." William sighed. "Having new clothes and a different haircut doesn't change the fact that I'm still a complete geek, Buffy."

"I didn't say you were a geek, William," Buffy replied. "Just said it was a different sort of dream to have. But it's kind of cool, actually. Better than say, wanting to get in the fraternity next year in college that gets you the most beer and pussy…"

"No, I suppose that's not really a goal of mine at all," William said with a chuckle.

"So you're not looking forward to all the naked co-ed fun college has to offer?"

"Got all of that I need right here," William replied, giving her a squeeze. Suddenly his expression got sad. "But you won't be around then, will you? School year ends and you're on your way back to the other side of the world."

Buffy hadn't thought about that much since she'd gotten with William. She was so happy here with him, and the last thing she wanted to do was leave this behind to return to her life in the States. She'd never had a single day there that had been anything like the ones William gave her. "I guess," she replied. "I haven't really given it a lot of thought."

"It's your home, though," William said.

Thinking of Los Angeles as home now made Buffy's stomach turn. The only time she'd ever felt home was when she was here with William. "Home is where your heart is," Buffy said softly.

William looked away from her. And he supposed that was where her heart was…

Buffy didn't want to think about not being with William anymore. The stretch of months that had once seemed like a lengthy prison sentence now seemed like no time at all, a blink of her life in which she could be happy. But she didn't want to dwell on it when she was with him, wanting instead to hold on tightly to the little bit of happiness she did have. "I like it here with you," she told him.

William looked back at her. "Really?"

"Well, duh," Buffy replied with a grin. "Have I ever appeared anything but content when we're together? But yeah, I do. I feel…safe with you."

"You are," William said, his hand running down her bare arm. "I wouldn't let anything hurt you."

Buffy wrapped her arms tighter around him. The light mood they'd begun the afternoon with had been effectively squashed, and she wanted it back. She didn't like this heavy feeling that came from dwelling on the uncertain future. She needed a distraction…

Slowly, she slipped down his body, stopping at his limp cock. Her fingers grazed against it, making it immediately begin to show signs of life. "Thought you were shagged out," William said, looking down at her and raising an eyebrow.

"I've rested up." The grin she gave him was one of challenge. "Unless, of course, you aren't…"

William growled, hauling her back up his body by her arms and flipping her beneath him. Buffy's squeal of delighted surprise was muffled by his mouth as it came down hard against hers.

She had her distraction.

*** *** ***

William looked down at Buffy curled against his side and wondered how in the world he was going to be able to sleep when his mother came back home and Buffy couldn't spend her nights in his bed anymore. This was but the third time and he was already addicted to the feel of her against her as he slept.

But then she'd only be next door… His mind trailed to the brief conversation he'd had with her that afternoon about what she'd do after she finished out the school year. Part of him had hoped that she'd say of course she wouldn't go back to California because she couldn't bear the thought of leaving him, but he was smart enough to know that that was a foolish hope. Her life wasn't here. It was there. He was just someone to pass the time with until she got to go back to her home and her real love.

And when that happened, William knew the empty nights that followed would be enough to tear him apart.

William tried to push down the sudden desperate need for her that arose inside of him. They'd made love already before she'd fallen asleep, and he shouldn't disturb her. But he couldn't make it go away. Someday, she'd be gone, and he wouldn't be able to touch her anymore. That thought made something inside him snap, and he rolled her over, plunging inside of her.

Buffy's eyes popped open, her brow wrinkling in confusion. "William?" she asked sleepily.

"Needed you…" William gasped, pushing in hard. "Couldn't wait…"

Buffy groaned, William's deep, powerful thrusts working her into a quick frenzy. He slammed in and out of her, their coupling almost brutal, and Buffy held on to him, her fingernails leaving bloodied crescents in his shoulders.

As soon as he felt her coming around him, William let himself go, roaring with his release. Spent, he slumped against her, his head on her chest. Buffy ran her hand through his curls. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," William replied, rolling over and pulling her with him so their positions were reversed. "Just needed to have you is all."

"Oh. I can live with that." Buffy kissed his chest. "Good night again, baby," she said, already starting to drift back to sleep.

"Good night," William replied, keeping her close.

*** *** ***

"Hey, you managed to make it to first period today—on time and everything!" Willow said with a teasing grin as Buffy plopped down at her desk.

"We set the alarm for an hour earlier," Buffy replied. "I'm so freaking tired. I know we should probably sleep more, but the logical part of my brain that reminds me of that tends to get itself bound and gagged by Lust Bunny Buffy whenever William's around." She sighed heavily. "I'm pathetic."

"A little, but it's sweet—lust bunnies and all," Willow said with a laugh.

Buffy glanced to the side, noticing an empty chair that was usually filled by now. "Is Cecily not here?"

"I haven't seen her," Willow replied. "She could just be running late."

"Or maybe she was eaten by a bear," Buffy suggested perkily.

"I don't think there's a lot of bears running around in the area," Willow said.

"It could've escaped from a traveling circus."

"Not a lot of those either."

"Rabid…um, bunny attack?"

Willow giggled. "I think the traveling circus escapee bear was more plausible."

"Either way, I'd be perfectly happy if she didn't show up today. Or, you know, ever."

Willow crossed her fingers on both hands. "Here's to hoping Cecily's been mauled by rabid bunnies."

"Thanks," Buffy said with a laugh.

The teacher walked into the room then, clearing his throat as he did, and Buffy and Willow both turned their attention to the front of the classroom, any further discussion needing to wait until later.

*** *** ***

William opened the front door, fully expecting to see his tutor on the other side.

Who he didn't expect to see was Cecily Underwood. "What do you want?" he asked, his tone cold.

"William, we need to talk about Buffy."

"No, I'm afraid we really don't," William replied. "You made your feelings for me quite clear last week, Miss Underwood. We have nothing further to discuss."

Cecily thrust a thick brown packet towards him. "No, really, William, I think you're going to want to take a look at this."

William frowned. "What is it?"

"The truth about your darling Buffy," Cecily replied. "I sincerely doubt you know the sort of person she really is, William. If you did, you certainly wouldn't be risking your family's name the way you are. And what would your poor mother think if she knew the sort of woman you were associating with?"

"Buffy's a good person, Cecily. Whatever you think you know about her, it isn't true."

"Look in the packet, William. It's all there. Every sordid detail."

William swallowed. Could it really be as bad as Cecily was claiming? He'd known Buffy had been in some trouble in California, but he couldn't imagine it would be something that bad. He'd assumed she'd merely had some trouble keeping up her grades.

His hands trembled as he worked the clasp on the back of the packet, opening it up and pulling out the stack of papers inside.

*** *** ***

Next