Chapter 23:

************************************************************************************


The rest of the class period was kind of awkward for Spike and Xander. Even though Xander had accidentally let the cat out of the bag, everything was so much more complicated now for Spike. This was something that he was not expecting. How was he going to deal with this? Did he even want to deal with this? Was this that big of a deal?

"Oh man!!" Xander exclaimed as they both walked out of the locker room. "Buffy's gonna kick my ass. I wasn't supposed to say anything."

"It's okay, Whelp." Spike replied but felt anything but. "Who says Liz has to know that you told me anything?"

"Really?" Xander looked over at him hopefully. Spike just nodded in reply with a small smile. "Oh thanks, man." takes a deep breath. "If Buffy found out I told you..." he trailed off. Spike stopped walking and stood in the middle of the hallway with a frown.

"You mean I wasn't ever find out about this bit of information." Spike guessed, starting to get angry about the possibility that Buffy would keep this from him.

"Well, at least not from me." Xander rushed to explain. "I'm sure Buffy would've told you when the two of you got to know one another better. I mean, this isn't exactly something to shout about."

"Yeah." he resumed walking. "Look, I gotta go, mate. Later." Spike wanted out of this conversation. He began heading for his last class of the day at a brisk pace. Spike halted when Xander's voice reached his ears.

"Spike, wait!" Xander called out. When he reluctantly turned around, Xander jogged up to him and said,

"Look, I know this is a lot to take in, especially since I was the one, of all people, to just spring it on you." pause. "but don't let it change how you feel for her. Elizabeth is a great girl. Don't let this minor challenge ruin your chances with her. You'll regret it if you do." he finished with a look in his eyes that said he was anything but joking.

Not knowing what else to say, Spike just nodded and walked off to class.

He had a lot to think about.

*************************************************************************************************

Spike's POV as he sits in the last period of the day.

Well, I'll be damned!!

Buffy's never had a boyfriend before!

She's never been on a date.

She's never been kissed!

Faith was right.

She really is innocent.

Bloody Hell!!

I knew there was something about her that just stood out more than anyone else. Why didn't I figure it out sooner? She just has this air about her that screams 'UNTAINTED'. Could it be that's why I was attracted to 'er in the first place? And now that I now the truth, am I gonna be able to maintain that attraction? It is a lot of responsibility to take on. I mean, Liz has never EVER been with a guy before. For me to be the first guy she experiences anything with is just a lot to take in. What if I disappoint her? What if screw everything up by being my usual poncy self?

What if I break her heart?

I'd hate myself knowing that I caused her any type of pain.

On the other hand, this could be a good thing. Right? Liz is everything that I've ever wanted. She's beautiful, smart and most of all, she hasn't been bruised by the harsh realities of the world. She's bloody perfect and just knowing that no man's ever....bloody hell!! My skin's practically buzzing at the thought of what I could teach her, what I could show her.

But that's the rub, isn't it?

I'm tainted.

I'm stained.

I'm bruised.

Elizabeth isn't like other girls. She doesn't sleep around or betray the ones she loves. She's perfect. I"m not. What if somewhere down the road, I start treating her like another roll in the sack? What if I let my past with Dru scare me out of something great? What if it all gets shot to hell?

A beat.

No.

I can't do this. It's too much. Liz deserves better. She shouldn't hafta experience all of her firsts with a bastard like me. I'm no good for her.

I'm shit.

I'm beneath her.

I'm not bleedin' boyfriend material. I'm no where near it. I wouldn't know the first thing about teaching someone how to love. I don't even know how to love. I only know pain and heartache and I couldn't let Liz get involved with that. She's too good for it. I don't deserve someone like Liz. She's so pure that one touch from me will surely stain her innocent soul forever. I couldn't do that to her. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if she lost everything that she is now, everything that makes her great, everything that makes her glow....

Because of me.

If I continue on with this, I'll only hurt her. and I'd jump in front of a speeding bus before I'd let that happen. No matter how much this hurts me, I have to give her up.

I have to let her go.

Buffy deserves better.

Not someone like me.

No.

I can't go through with this.

The date is off.

***************************************************************************

 

Chapter 24:

*******************************************************************************************

As Buffy pretended to listen to Mr. Benson's lecture on...whatever he was boring everyone with, her thoughts drifted to Spike.

Spike had asked her out on a date.

She was going out with Spike.

No matter how she said it, the concept hadn't really caught up to her yet. It felt so unreal. Buffy was certain that after last night's 'almost kiss', Spike wasn't interested in her anymore but then he went and surprised her by asking her out on a date. If anything, the 'almost kiss' proved that Spike wasn't one to give up on the first try.

*He must really be into me then.* Buffy thought with an excited grin. No one had ever been interested in her before, at least not to her knowledge. It felt weird but great. No one had ever looked at her the way Spike looked at her. It was like she was the most beautiful, precious, and every other amazing description in the world. He made her feel so special.

How could that be possible though?

Spike didn't even know her.

Not well enough, anyway.

Buffy chose to leave that matter alone for know. The important thing was that she had a date.

With Spike.

Now, the next step was telling him about her past with guys or lack thereof. How would he take it? Would he be weirded out? Would he loose interest?

Would telling him be that big of a deal?

*Maybe he'll be cool with it* she thought optimistically. *Will's already proved that he's not like other guys. I'm sure it'll be fine.*

Buffy had decided earlier that day that she was not going try and find the bad in this. She was getting what she had always wanted.

Someone.

And she wasn't going to mess it up by worrying so much. Spike was different.

Telling him was going to be a piece of cake.

She hoped.

*****************************************************************************************

The date was off.

As much as it hurt, Spike was determined to stop this thing with him and Buffy before it got to the point where there was no turning back. The question was:

How was he gonna break the news to her?

Buffy had seemed so excited when he asked her, almost ecstatic. Willow even said that she was really looking forward to their date. Sure, Spike had been looking forward to it as well but he just couldn't go through with it. Things were so much more complicated now and it was best to get out before they got worse.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Spike was the first one out of his seat. He had to find Liz and get this over with as quickly as possible. There was no use prolonging it. If it hadn't been for the fact that he didn't know where her last hour of the day was, Spike would've met her outside of the classroom. Instead, he just settled for meeting her by her locker.

A few minutes later, Spike spotted Buffy waling in his direction. She didn't seem to notice him yet but when she finally did, the huge smile on her face warmed him up all over. It also created a painful knot in his stomach because he was going to be the reason she stopped smiling.

"Hey, you." Buffy greeted, not even bothering to hide the pure excitement of her voice. Spike smiled softly at her and returned the greeting.

"Hey, yourself."

"How was your last class?" she asked casually as she opened her locker. Spike just shrugged and said that it was fine.

Buffy didn't know why but she could tell that something was wrong. For one thing, his eyes didn't have that same glint in them as they did before. He looked too deep in thought, like he wasn't really there with her.

"Are you okay?" she asked softly after she closed her locker, having gotten everything she needed out of it. Spike looked over at her and the knot in the pit of his stomach intensified.

*Better get this over with, mate.* he thought regretfully. *Then you can go home, steal some of Rupes whiskey and get pissed.*

"I'm fine, luv." Spike answered though that was far from the truth. "Uhh..listen, about our date Saturday night..." he trailed off, hoping that she'd be able to fill in the blanks.
At this, Buffy's giddy mood swiftly began to leave the building.

*Oh God! It's happening again. He's breaking it off, isn't he?* Buffy thought but her face showed no notice of what he was trying to say. Unfortunately, her eyes had given her away and Spike caught the hurt and disappointment in them.

At that moment, Xander's words had wormed their way into his memory.

"Buffy's never even had a boyfriend before. She's convinced that no guy could ever be interested in her."

Spike had never really paid attention to the importance of those words until just then but he was glad that he had. Buffy was convinced that no guy could ever be attracted to her, which probably meant that guys here in Sunnyhell didn't seem to notice her too often. Spike didn't understand that though because Elizabeth the embodiment of perfection.

*She probably put herself on the line for some stupid git who didn't realize how good he'd have it if he had only given her a chance.*

As soon as the thought entered his mind, Spike was forced to realized that he was that 'stupid git'. He was letting this minor detail keep him from pursuing something great. He wasn't giving Liz a chance. It wasn't even really that big of a deal. Sure, it was going to take a little getting use to but that didn't mean that Liz was some kind of freak because of it. Honestly, Spike wanted her even more now. He was sure that he was going to make a complete git out of himself when all was said and done but..

*Liz is worth it.* he thought. *She's worth everything.*

"Will?" Buffy's hand waving in front of his face broke him out of his thoughts. "Are you okay?" Spike shook his head to clear it before answering her.

"I'm fine, luv. I'm fine." he assured. "I must've spaced out or something. What was I saying?"

"Ummm...y-you were gonna say something a-about our date on Saturday." Buffy stumbled out. She just wanted to get the rejection over as quickly as possible now. She didn't understand why he had decided to break it off. He hadn't said anything yet but it was obvious. What had she done wrong this time?

*Face it, Summers. You're destined for loneliness.* she thought miserably.

Spike took in the expression on her face and could tell that she was covering. Even though he hadn't officially broken off their date yet, Spike could tell that Buffy knew he was going to considering that she probably had been through it before He realized that he could read her emotions like a book and it pained him to know that he was the cause of her pain and disappointment. . He vowed to himself right then and there that he would never cause those emotions again. He never wanted to be the cause of that frown on her face.

"Oh. Right." Spike cleared his throat a little before continuing. "I just wanted to say how much I'm looking forward to it. It's gonna be the highlight of my week." he finished with a sincere smile. Buffy just blinked in confusion at him for a few moments.

Spike wasn't breaking off the date?

The date was still on?

She was so sure that that what he was going to tell her.

What made him change his mind?

*Does it really matter, Summers?* she asked herself inwardly.

Hell no!!!

What did matter was that she still had her date with Spike.

"The highlight of your week, huh?" Buffy asked shyly as she holstered her book bag on her left shoulder. Spike tucked a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.

"Oh, yeah." he answered. "Seven o'clock good for you?"

"Yeah, it's perfect." she returned with a wide smile.

*There's that smile.* Spike thought, relieved that he hadn't ruined everything.

"Good."

The two of them held one another gaze for a few long moments before Buffy got so heated at the intensity of his stare that she had to break away.

"Can I give you a lift back home?" he offered, hoping she'd say yes. He wasn't ready to be away from her just yet. Having just almost made the biggest mistake of his life, Spike needed to reassure himself that she was really there.

"You don't mind?" Buffy bit her lip nervously. Spike shook his head in the negative.

"No problem, pet." he answered. Buffy nodded in acceptance and the both of them started for the exit of the school building.

Somewhere along the way, Spike reached for her hand and held it tightly within his own, not even bothering to let go or loosen his grip when he drove her home. The feeling of holding one another hands did more to them than was expected. So many delicious shock tingles went through their entire body. It was connect unlike any other for the both of them.

*No problem at all.*

*****************************************************************************************

Chapter 25:

*********************

The rest of the week wasn’t moving fast enough for Buffy. She was so excited about her date with Spike that she nearly drove herself crazy with excitement. It was all she could talk about with Willow, though she could barely contain her glee whenever she was around Spike. To make up for the wait that she had to endure, Buffy spent every available minute with him. If the two of them weren’t having lunch with Willow and Xander, they were enjoying one another’s company after school. To Buffy, it was almost as if they were dating already. It wouldn’t be official, however, until Saturday night. Buffy couldn’t wait.

Spike, on the other hand, was both dreading their date and anticipating it at the same time. On the one side, Spike was just as excited about their date as Buffy was. He couldn’t wait to take her out on the town and make the other blokes jealous with the fact that he was the one able to be in her company; on the flip side, Spike was terrified. He didn’t know how he should act or what to expect from her. Again, this was all new to him. He really didn’t know the proper date etiquette because he never practiced it. His relationship with Dru never started with dating. They just kind of dived into the whole thing head first. The same could be said about all the other girls. His whole attitude with them was “Fuck now and talk later” and he never ever stuck around long enough for the talking part.

This time, though, it was different.

Spike wasn’t expecting to get into Buffy’s pants on the first date and it made him sick to even want to try. Not because he didn’t want her. God, did he want her but this was all new to Buffy. He didn’t want to scare her off but he just couldn’t help feeling like he would anyway. Spike just wanted this night to be perfect. He wanted Buffy to remember this date as the best date ever, even if it turned out to be their last.

********************

5 o’clock, Saturday night……..

Buffy had never been the patient type. It was one thing to have to wait all week for Saturday to get here but now that it finally was, waiting a few more hours was pure agony. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen Spike the day before at school but if felt like days had passed instead of mere hours. Buffy wanted to call him just to hear his voice and make sure that they were still on for later. She was scared that at the last minute, Spike would call the whole thing off and all her waiting would’ve been for nothing. Just when Buffy was about to give in to her crazy urge, a knock at her door stopped her from doing so.

“Come in.” she answered without looking up from the magazine she hadn’t even been reading.

“Hey.” Angel greeted softly as he came in and leaned against the doorframe.

“Hey.” she returned, still not looking up.

“What are you doing cooped up in the house on a Saturday afternoon?” he asked. Buffy just shrugged as she turned the page.

“I could ask you the same thing.” she countered. “Isn’t there a credit card of yours that Cordy has yet to max out?”

“Funny. Very funny.” Angel dryly replied.

“I try.”

Angel stood and regarded her for a few minutes. During the week, he had tried his hardest to get her alone long enough to talk to her about Spike but had failed. It seemed to him like she had been spending all of her time with the bleached wonder, so much that Angel had barely been able to say two words to her. He was starting to worry if his warning was going to make a difference. Was it too late? Had Spike already gotten her tangled in his web of badness?

This was a good a time as any to find out.

Because Angel hadn't said anything, Buffy figured that he had left.When he sat down at the foot of her bed, she looked up to him with a hint of surprise. Surprise turned into curiosity and when he just stared at her in silence, curiosity turned into annoyance.

“Did you want something?” she asked. Angel just looked at her with an innocent expression.

“What? Can’t a brother just spend time with his sister without there being an ulterior motive?” he asked. Buffy just rolled her eyes and closed the magazine.

“If said brother is you, then no. Spill. What do you want?”

“I just wanna talk. With you being so busy lately, we’ve barely had time to do that.” he said with a sigh.

“Worried that you no longer have your little sister to overprotect and feel sorry for?” Buffy’s voice was just reeking with sarcasm. She hadn’t meant for it to come out that way but it had. Angel had been acting weird all week and Buffy couldn’t help but think that it had something to do with Spike. Whenever she mentioned his name, Angel would get this strained look on his face, like he wanted to say something but was constantly biting his tongue on the subject.

“You know that’s not it.” Angel shot back. “I just….miss you.” he explained. “If you’re not hanging out with Willow and Xander, you're too busy drooling over Spike."

A scoff. “I so do not drool.” Much, she added to herself. “Besides, you've never had a problem with me haning out with Will and Xander before." she pointed out. "This is about me haning out with Spike, isn't it?" Buffy asked. She got her answer when Angel just looked down at his shoes with a frown. "He's my friend, Angel. Is it so wrong that I want to be around him?"

*YES!!!!!!* Angel screamed inside his head but yelling wasn't going to accomplish anything. Instead, he chose to go with what he had practiced in his head all week.

“You don’t even know this guy.” He argued. Again, Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Hence, me hanging out with him.” She said slowly, as if she was talking to a child. “I’m trying to get to know him.”

“Well, what if he’s not what he makes himself out to be?” Angel pushed. Buffy threw up her hands and sighed loudly, as she jumped off the bed.

“Okay, that’s it!!” she exclaimed. “The ‘Cryptic Big Brother’ act is getting stale. If you have something to say about Will then say it. What the hell is going on with you two?”

“Why would something going on?” Angel lamely questioned. “Did he say anything to you?”

“He doesn’t to. Neither of you do. The tension between the two of you speaks volumes.”

Angel let out a deep sigh and scratched the back of his head. “I just don’t trust him, Buffy.”

“You don’t know him!” she barked.

“Yeah and up until a few days ago, you didn’t know him either.” he countered, as he got to his feet. “Did you ever think that this guy has a past? A bad one? Where has he been? Who has he been with? Did you ever think to ask any of that while you were so busy ‘getting to know him’?”

“So he has a past! We all do!” Buffy yelled.

“Buffy-" Angel tried.

“No.” sighs. “Angel, you’re my brother and I love you. I understand your twisted way of wanting to protect me but GIVE IT A REST! Spike’s past is HIS past and when HE is ready, HE will share it with me.”

“You can’t be sure of that.” Angel tried to push away the thought that reminded him that Spike had said the same thing the other night at the Bronze.

“You’re right. I can’t be sure of that.” Buffy nodded in agreement. “But I’m not going to stop seeing him just because you’re not sure.”

“Buffy-" Angel tried once more to reason with her but Buffy would not be moved.

“This conversation is over, Angel.” her voice left no room for any more arguments.

Angel tried giving her his ‘kicked puppy’ look, hoping she’d cave but it didn’t work. He sighed and made his way over to the entryway of her room. He just had to say one thing before he left.

“I hope you know what you're doing." Angel commented softly with his back facing her. He turned to look her staight in the eyes to finish with, "I don't want you getting hurt."

As soon as he left, Buffy felt nothing but guilt. She hadn’t meant to blow up at him like that but the way he was coming down on Spike just irked her a bit. She knew that he was just looking out for her but she could only take so much protection. Angel didn’t know Spike and although it was true that she didn’t either, she trusted him.

And until Spike proved otherwise, Buffy was going to keep trusting him.

The time on the clock told her that she couldn’t dwell on this anymore.

Date night had finally arrived.

**********************************
 

Chapter 26:

******************************

As Spike finished getting ready for his date with Liz, he couldn’t help but think that the night was going to turn out to be a complete disaster. He just knew that he was going to say or do something that would send her running as far away from him as she possibly could. Thinking negatively wasn’t helping his case so he tried his hardest to relax.

Spike took one more look in his mirror, making sure that his appearance was okay. Instead of his usual black ensemble, tonight he decided to go with some black dress pants and a dark grey buttoned down collar shirt. The first two buttons of the shirt were left undone. Spike decided to forego the hair gel, knowing that Liz liked it better when it was in its natural curly state. He looked himself over once more and nodded in approval.

He looked pretty damn good.

Hopefully, Liz agreed as well.

Spike grabbed his car keys and jacket and headed for the door.

It was time to get this show on the road.

*******************************

Spike tried his hardest to get out of the house without being bombarded with questions by his nosy uncle.

“Later, Rupes.” he called as he zoomed passed Giles’ study and headed for the front door. Spike was almost home free when he heard footsteps coming towards him.

“Stop. Turn.” Giles ordered in a calm but authoritive voice. He took in his nephew’s dressed appearance and continued. “Explain.”

“I’m going out.” he said with a sigh. “I’ll be back later.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about this?” Giles asked while removing his glasses from his face and whipping out his handkerchief to clean them.

“I didn’t think I had to.”

“Well, you thought wrong." retorted Giles. “You can’t just come and go as you please without letting me know. I know you’re probably not used to those kinds of rules but they’re for your safety as well as my peace of mind. I’d appreciate if you abided by them.” he finished. He held his breath, certain that Spike would just brush him off with some sarcastic and disrespectful remark. Imagine how dumbstruck he was when he got this response instead.

“I’m sorry.”

Giles blinked a couple of times before using a response that he never thought would pass his lips. “Huh?”

“I said….I’m sorry.” Spike repeated. “I should’ve told you that I’d be going out tonight. I’ll remember to keep it in mind next time.” Spike really didn’t want to start the night off by getting into it with his uncle. Besides, as annoying as it was, he knew that Giles just wanted to keep him safe and out of trouble.

“Well…..as long as we understand one another.” Giles was really at a loss for words. Spike so….Spike. He never seemed to want to apologize for anything, even if he was in the wrong. *He really is changing.*

“We do.” Spike risked a glance at his wrist watch and muttered a curse. “Look, I’ve got a date with /Buffy and I’d really like to be on time for it. Can we finish this up later?”

“Ummm…Y-yes! Yes! Of course.” Giles sputtered. “Have a nice time, William.”

“Thanks.” Spike offered a small smile and then he was off.

Giles went back into his study, knowing that he wouldn’t have to spend half of the night wondering of his nephew was behaving himself. The young man that left this house only a moment before seemed to have his head on his shoulders. A few minutes passed by before it really registered to Giles who Spike was going out with.

"Bloody hell." Giles muttered. “I hope you’re know what you’re doing, William.”

The two of them were definitely going to have a talk later.

****************************

Buffy was just applying the last of her make-up when she heard a teasing voice from her doorway.

“Who is he?” Joyce asked with a grin. Buffy put on the most innocent expression she could muster and replied,

“Who?”

“The ‘he’ that you’ve gotten all prettied up for.” Answered Joyce as she stepped fully in the room walked over to sit down on the edge of her daughter’s bed.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, mom.” Buffy remained ignorant about the situation, more for her benefit than her mother’s.

“Really?” she asked with a raised brow.

“Really. I mean, can’t a girl play dress up in her room without getting the third degree?” she asked. Joyce gave her a look that clearly expressed how much she didn’t believe anything she was saying. Finally, Buffy caved with a sigh. “Okay! Okay!” sighs. “His name is William Giles. He’s the new kid that I told you about. We’re going out tonight.”

“Like a date?” Joyce questioned with a knowing grin. Buffy blushed under her mother’s gaze and nodded.

“Yeah.” pause. “Like a date.” she answered.

“Well, were you going to tell me about it?” Joyce asked a little hurt that Buffy didn’t tell her about something so important. Especially since this was her first date, Joyce figured that she would at least mention it.

“I just didn’t want you making a big deal about it, mom.” Buffy practically whined out. Joyce looked offended so Buffy rushed to explain. “It might not go so well. Our date, I mean. I just didn’t want you getting your hopes about him if it didn’t work out.” That thought alone made Buffy’s stomach clench with worry. She didn’t know how she would be able to bear the night not going well and she didn’t want her mother feeling sorry for her if it didn't.

“I’m sure everything will be fine, sweetie.” Joyce assured. She knew that her baby girl was insecure about these things. If Buffy saw the wonderful person that she was through her mother’s eyes, then she wouldn’t have doubts about herself.
“I hope so.” Buffy returned.

“I know so.”

“Okay.” she said as she stood up for inspection. “How do I look?”

Joyce took in her daughter’s appearance from head to toe. Buffy was dressed in a chocolate brown mini-skirt with matching top and strappy sandals. Her long blond hair had been bumped with curls at the ends, giving it that bouncy look and her make-up was done in soft browns.

All and all, Joyce thought her daughter looked amazing.

“Beautiful doesn’t even seem to cover it.” Joyce answered as she stood up from the bed.

“Thanks, mom.”

“You’re welcome, sweetie.” Joyce said with a smile. “Now, you finish getting ready here and I’ll keep a look out for your William.” she offered. Before Buffy could respond, her mother was out the bedroom, heading downstairs. Not that Buffy minded though. Her mind was too preoccupied with other things.

*My William.* Buffy thought with a grin. *I like the sound of that.*

If tonight went as she wanted it to, William would be hers.

*****************


Spike pulled up in front of the Summers’ residence with butterflies in his belly. This was it. This was what he had been looking forward to and dreading at the same time. Before getting out the car, Spike took a few calming breaths to prepare himself. When he was a little more together, he got out the car and walked up the path that would lead him to Liz.

Spike paused a little before knocking on the door. He knew he would have to deal with Angel and he really didn’t feel like defending himself to the poofter tonight. Whether he liked it or not, Spike knew that Angel was a barrier that he’d have to cross if he wanted to get this night started. He was not going to start the night off by letting Peaches rattle his chains.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Spike took a deep breath to ready himself for all of the hateful glares that he was about to receive. Imagine his surprise and relief when Angel wasn’t the one who answered the door.

“You must be William. It’s so nice to meet you.” Joyce greeted with a friendly smile. “Come on in.” she moved off to the side a bit in order to let him in. Spike blinked a few times, not expecting such a greeting. He nodded his thanks and entered the house. Already knowing where the sitting room was, Spike walked there and stood in the entry way with his hands in his pockets.

He took a good look at the middle aged woman standing in front of him and immediately knew who she was.

*Liz’s mum.* he thought. He could see the resemblance between the two of them in her eyes and warm smile. Now he knew where Liz got her timeless good looks from.

“I’m Ms. Summers, Buffy’s mom,” Joyce introduced herself as she walked over to him. “but you can just call me Joyce.”

“William Giles.” Spike decided it was best not to give her his nickname. That wouldn’t exactly be the best way to get into her good graces. He also forwent his rough street accent. His voice had more of a Giles-like quality to it instead.

“Well, again it’s very nice to meet you.” Joyce repeated. She let out a small laugh before continuing. “I feel like I already know you. You’re all Buffy seems to talk about these days.” Joyce knew that she was meddling but she couldn’t help it. She wanted this date to go well just as Buffy did. Besides, she could tell that her comment had made William very happy.

“She…she talks about me?" Spike wasn’t expecting that. Even after all the time they had been spending together this past week, he still couldn’t rap his brain around the fact that Liz was interested in him. His bad nerves seemed to disappear when he learned that she had been chatting it up with her mom about him. It made his heart swell and the need to see her increased that much more.

“Oh yes!” Joyce answered, delighted at his reaction. “She tells me that you just moved here from England.”

“That’s right.” Spike answered. “I live with my uncle, Rupert Giles.”

“Sunnydale must be quit a change for you, I’m guessing.” Joyce continued.

“Well, it’s definitely going to take a little getting use to but I’m sure I’ll manage.” Spike answered with a soft smile. He really liked this woman. Maybe it was because she reminded him so much of his mother. Like his mother Anne, Joyce had such a welcoming spirit about her that made everyone feel at ease in her presence.

Joyce had continued on with the conversation but at that point, Spike wasn’t listening anymore. He was too busy gazing at the goddess at the top of the steps. Joyce noticed this and decided that it was time that she made herself scarce. She turned around and headed for the kitchen but not before giving her daughter a wink.

As soon as Buffy saw him standing at the bottom of the stairs, all of the air seemed to vacate her lungs.

“Wow.” she breathed out.

Buffy took him in from head to toe and was very pleased. William fit into that outfit in ways that should be illegal. His hair was in a mess of curls that just made her hands itch with the need to run her hands through them. It was the look on his face, however, that made Buffy weak in the knees. His expression was one of awe and wonder. Will was looking at her as if she were and angel.

Spike had never seen such a vision. He had always thought she was beautiful from the moment he had laid eyes on her but the way she looked now left him speechless. It was all just too much for him. Liz was flawless from head to toe. Her hair flowed around her shoulders like golden waves and her top fitted her form perfectly. The mini-skirt that was blessed enough to cling to her nicely shaped hips had him resisting the urge to adjust the awakened monster in his pants. It was the angelic expression on her face that made Spike want to drop to his knees and praise the ground she walked on. It was as if she had no clue how drop dead gorgeous she was. The power and potential that she possessed was unknown to her and that touch of innocence that made her glow with beauty made Spike want her all the more.

On shaky legs, Buffy began to descend the stairs, praying to whoever would listen that she not fall down the steps in her nervous state. The last thing Buffy wanted to do was embarrass herself before the date even got started. When she stepped off the last step, Buffy sighed inwardly with relief, thankful that she had managed not to trip over her own feet.

Spike broke out of his hypnotized state long enough to meet her at the bottom of the stairs. With a smile, he took her hand within his own and placed a gentle kiss upon it. The touch of his lips sent delicious chills up and down Buffy’s spine.

“You look amazing, luv.” Spike replied with a smile. As expected, Buffy blushed and ducked her head in a modest gesture.

“Funny.” she answered as she looked back up at him. “I was going to say the same thing about you.” Both of them shared a smile before Buffy continued. “Sorry about making you wait.”

“Oh, you were well worth it.” Spike replied with a gaze so heated that it practically melted Buffy from the inside out. “Besides, you mum was kind enough to keep me company.” A look of horror suddenly crossed Buffy’s features.

“Oh God!” she groaned. “She didn’t….do or say anything that would surely make me die of embarrassment if I ever found out, did she?” she asked. Spike chuckled deeply and shook his head.

“No, luv.” he answered. “We were just getting to know one another, is all. She’s a great lady, your mum.”

“Thanks.” Buffy returned. “I’m gonna go and grab my jacket out of the hallway closet and …then I’m all yours.”

Maybe it was just her imagination but Buffy was almost positive that Will’s eyes had glazed over when she said that last bit. Deciding to ignore it, she excused herself to go fetch that jacket.

If at all possible, Spike’s lower regions hardened even more at that comment. Luckily, Liz hadn’t seemed to notice his discomfort. He took her absence as a chance to calm himself a bit. It wouldn’t really look good for his chances or his sanity if he held his jacket in front of him the entire night.

“Hey, mom, have you seen my letterman’s jacket? I can’t find it anywhere!” Angel’s voice called from upstairs.

“Balls!” Spike cursed inwardly, really hoping that Liz would speed it up a bit. He really didn’t want to deal with Captain Forehead at the moment.

It seemed that luck was not on his side in this situation because not even a minute later, Angel’s heavy elephant-like feet were making their way down the steps. When Angel spotted him, he stopped dead in his tracks on the middle of the stairs. Anger with a mixture of confusion was written all over his face.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he seethed. Spike just smirked bravely and stood his ground.

“That’s no way to treat a guest in your home, Peaches.” he teased. “What would your mother say?” he asked. Angel walked down the rest of the stairs and began to advance slowly towards him.

“I could always throw you out on your punk British ass if my hospitality offends you.” Angel suggested with a gleam in his eye. Spike didn’t flinch or shy away when Angel invaded his personal space.

“I don’t think Elizabeth would like that too much.”

“Says you. I’m thinking Buffy will thank me for it.” Angel emphasized his sister’s nickname. Spike realized that he must have struck a chord in using her birth name.

“Well, seeing as he’s my date for the evening, I think I might have bit of a problem with it.” Buffy’s voice cut in from behind Angel. Both guys turned to her with guilty expression written on their faces, Angel more so than Spike.

“Buffy, I-" Angel began with his excuses but Buffy didn’t want to even look at him right now.

“Save it, Liam.” Buffy only used his first name when she was really upset with him. Not wanting to make a scene in front of Spike, Buffy took a deep breath and turned all of her attentions on her date. “Ready when you are, Will.” she announced.

Spike looked from Buffy to Angel and then back to Buffy. She wanted out of there just as much as he did.

“Right then.” he said. “Let’s get going.”

Buffy breezed passed her brother, not even sparing him a glance. As soon as William was within reach, she placed her hand in his grasp, opened the door and led him out of the house.

Angel was left embarrassed and speechless in the doorway.

************************
 

Chapter 27:

****************

For the first five minutes of the drive, uncomfortable silence was only noise that Buffy and Spike were met with. It didn’t take much to know that Angel’s show of ‘brotherly love’ had put a damper on both of their moods. Not wanting to dwell on it any longer. Buffy decided to break the ice and speak up.

“So…what’s on the agenda for the evening?” she asked with a bright smile. Spike risked a glance in her direction.

“It’s a surprise.” he answered, desperately trying to keep his eyes on the road. Her smile was very distracting. “You like surprises don’t you, pet?”

“I guess we’ll soon find out, huh?” she asked with a grin. Spike chuckled and nodded in agreement.

“That we will, pet.” he said. “That we will.”

The drive continued comfortably for about another ten minutes. When Spike had finally pulled over and parked, Buffy took in her surroundings outside of the car. She had no clue where she was, having never been here before but from the looks of the place, she liked it.

There were restaurant-like tables on a huge patio deck that was built not too far from the ocean. The deck was bordered with white icicle lights, which gave the place a real romantic atmosphere. Besides the place being outside, the best part was the band performing on a stage in the middle of the deck. Couples were scattered on the dance floor swaying along with the music.

“Where are we?” she asked with a bit of wonder. Spike smirked but didn’t answer her. He got out of the car and jogged around to her side to open the door for her. He held out his hand in order to help her from the seat and Buffy immediately took hold of it.

“Oh come on, pet.” Spike started as he dropped her hand to close the car door. “You’ve been here for almost four years and you’ve never heard of this place?”

“I don’t get out much.” Buffy answered with a sheepish grin. “Wait a minute! How’d you hear about it, mister? You just moved here.”

“Willow.” Spike returned. Buffy still looked confused, not even knowing how Willow knew about this place. “Said it was where Xander took her on their first date.”

“Oh.” Buffy had to remember to thank Willow at school next week.

“Shall we?” he held out his hand once more, elated when Buffy took hold of it without hesitation.

“Lead the way, handsome.” Buffy blushed at what she had said but didn’t dare back down from it. Spike grinned and led her over to the entrance.

Once their reservation had been confirmed, a waiter kindly led them over to a table in the middle of the deck, close to the band but far enough so that the music wouldn’t be a problem during their conversation. After they were both seated, the waiter gave them their menus.

“I’ll give you a couple of minutes before I take your order.” The waiter replied. “Would you like anything to drink while you decide?”

“No thanks, mate.” Spike answered. “What about you, pet?”

“An iced tea would be fine. Thank you.” Buffy answered. The waiter nodded and was off to fetch her drink.

“What do you think of the place so far, luv?” he asked as he looked at his menu. Buffy looked up from hers and smiled.

“It’s amazing.” she answered excitedly.

“I’m glad you like it.” Spike returned. He also relieved. Not knowing exactly what would be the best place to take her for a first date, Spike been racked with nerves.

Now, he knew that he had no reason to be.

Liz liked the place.

So far, so good…..

************************

The food had been ordered and delivered. Spike was cutting into a delicious steak dinner, while Buffy enjoyed Lasagna and a small salad. The conversation, so far, had been kept in safe territory.

Until….

“So, William,” Buffy started. “Is this the kind of treatment that all girls get when they go out with you?”

Spike stopped cutting his steak and slowly looked up at her. The treatment that the other girls got was so different from this that it wasn’t even funny but Spike couldn’t tell her that. He couldn’t lie to her either but he wasn’t ready to reveal that part of his life to her yet. Somehow, Spike knew that she wasn’t ready to hear about it as well.

“Not exactly.” he answered slowly. “Before tonight, I wasn’t much for dating, pet.” It wasn’t exactly the truth but it was far from a lie.

“I know what you mean.” Buffy nodded in understanding, as she took a bite of her salad. “Before tonight, me and dating were completely unmixy things.”

“Why’s that, luv?” he asked. Even though he already knew about her lack of experience in the dating department, Spike still wanted to hear her reason for it from her.

Buffy, on the other hand, wasn’t exactly ready to talk about that yet. She knew it was going to come up eventually but she couldn’t do it now. Lying to him wasn’t the best thing to do so she got as close to the truth with her answer as possible.

“I guess I’m not really the dating type.” Buffy went with. It was a lame answer, she knew but it was all she could work with right then. “Seems like guys are more interested in wanting to be my friend than wanting to date me.” she finished with a smile, trying to cover up the hurt she felt whenever she thought about the all the times she was turned down.

Spike understood her reluctance to tell him what he already knew. She was scared that he would freak and then bail and that angered him because not too long ago, he almost did the exact thing. Spike wanted Liz to be able to trust him enough to tell him about her life before him, just like he wanted to be able to trust her enough to tell her about his past life. He had to make her see that he could be trusted even if he thought he didn’t deserve it.

“Well, it’s a good thing that those gits were more interested in being your friend or else I wouldn’t have the chance to be here with you.” he responded. “I like being here with you.”

Buffy smiled shyly and blushed while sipping her iced tea. If he kept saying all these sweet things, she wouldn’t be able to take responsibility for her actions.

“I love it when you do that.” Spike continued, his food momentarily forgotten. Buffy looked at him in confusion.

“When I do what?”

“When you blush.” he answered. “Your cheeks turn this pretty shade of pink and your lips curve into the sweetest smile.” Unconsciously, Buffy did exactly what he said. “See! Right there!” he pointed. “It’s adorable. Sexy, even.” he finished with a gaze so heated that Buffy could practically feel the burn from across their table.

So far, real good…..

******************

After their meals had been eaten and properly digested, Spike asked Buffy for a dance. With a smile, Buffy graciously accepted and they headed over to the dance floor. As soon as they found a good dancing spot, Spike immediately wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. Buffy, in turn, wrapped her arms around his neck and put her head to his chest. The band on stage was covering “Unchained Melody” by the Righteous Brothers.

Oh, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time

And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine

I need you love
I need your love
God speed your love to me

To be honest, neither blond was focusing on the music, or the band or anything else that happened to be going on around them. All that mattered was each other. Spike rocked her gently from side to side, pulling back a little to place a chaste kiss on her forehead. Hold her felt so right. Spike never wanted to let go. Buffy closed her eyes at the feel of his lips on her skin. The innocent kiss alone set a flame parts of her body that would definitely make her blush he if found out. Yet, the feel of him holding her so close made her forget about that and get lost in the feel of him.

Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea

Lonely rivers sigh,
“Wait for me, wait for me!”
I’ll be coming home, wait for me

Oh, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time

And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine

I need you love
I need your love
God speed you love to me

********************

Hand in hand, William and Elizabeth walked along the beach. The waves crashed against one another in a never ending dance that appealed to both blonds. It was peaceful and romantic. Nothing was said because there wasn’t anything that needed to be said. The both of them were content and comfortable with being silent.

Spike really didn’t want to interrupt the peaceful atmosphere that they had created but he had to hear her voice. It was like silk to his hears.

“Enjoying yourself, kitten?” he asked. Buffy looked over at him and smiled.

“Oh yeah.” she replied. “I never had this much fun.” For some reason, telling him about her past seemed to be the best thing. The mood felt so right. It was now or never. “Then again, I don’t have much to compare it to.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked, but somehow he knew what she was getting into. Buffy took a deep breath before continuing.

“Will, before tonight, I had never been on a date.” she started. “I’ve never even had a boyfriend.” Buffy waited for the freaking out that was surely going to occur but nothing happened.

“I know.”

A beat and then…

“You know? How did you know?” Buffy asked confused and embarrassed. She knew that Willow hadn’t said anything because she was the one who encouraged her to tell William herself. Their walking came to a halt but they still held hands. The both of them found comfort in the innocent gesture.

“Xander.” replied Spike. He saw fire suddenly appear in the depths of her eyes.

“Xander told you? Xander told you?” she exclaimed. “Oh, he’s the deadest man in deadonia when I see him on Monday.” she vowed, as she resumed walking again.

“It was an accident, Liz.” Spike rushed to defend him. “In his defense, he thought I already knew.” Buffy looked away from him at this. “Why didn’t I know?” he asked but Buffy didn’t look at or answer him. Spike stopped walking and tugged on her hand to get her to do the same. He pulled her to him and placed his finger under her chin and turned her face upwards. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s not exactly something to proud of, Will.” she answered softly. “I was afraid you’d lose interest if I told you too soon.”

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of, Liz.” Spike replied and was amazed at how truthful he was. Liz had nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, this was something to be proud of. It only meant that she hadn’t had the chance to be sucked into the crazy and out of control world of love, sex and heartbreak. That was a good thing but the look on her face to him that she didn’t seem to see it that way.

“Isn’t it?” she asked. “I’m nearly 18 years old, Will and I’ve never even….” Buffy trailed off with a sigh, afraid to complete that sentence. Spike, however, knew all too well what she was going to say.

“There’s nothing wrong with that.” Spike tried once more. It was tearing him up inside that she was coming down so hard on herself, especially about something like this.

“Yeah? Well, I think it is.” pause. “What is it about me that just screams “All guys beware!! Stay away!!” she broke her gaze with his and looked down at her feet. “What’s wrong with me?”

“There is nothing wrong with you.” Spike’s eyes held a fire that she had never seen before. He wanted to find every bloke that had led her to believe that she was less than she was and beat them bloody. There was nothing wrong with her and Spike refused to let her believe otherwise. Still, it was in Buffy’s nature to argue and he wasn’t surprised when she tried to.

“Will, I-“

“No.” Spike cut in firmly. He took her small hands in his arms and held them tight. “There is NOTHING wrong with you.”

“but-“

“Listen to me, luv. Please.” begged Spike. Buffy hesitantly gave in with a nod of her head. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Liz. I’ve never….sighs….you’re amazing. You’re smart, funny and your smile has the power to light up the gloomiest of days.” Spike knew that he was sounding like a pounce but from the look on Buffy’s face, she didn’t seem to mind. The biggest smile was planted across her face. “Now, I’ll admit that what Xander told me was a bit of a shock and a scare for me.” When Buffy’s smile dropped, he rushed to explain. “Not in the way that you think, luv. It’s just that I already thought that I didn’t deserve you. I figured a girl like you would never lower herself to be with a git like me.”

It pained Buffy to hear him talk about himself that way. He was everything that she had ever wanted. Will was sweet and kind and he treated her with respect. Why would he think that he didn’t deserve her?

“Then I find out that you’re not only too good for me but you’re too good for every bloke that you come in contact with.” continued Spike. Buffy looked a little taken back by this but remained quiet and let him finish. “You’re pure and untainted. You practically glow with innocence and to know that I or some other undeserving bloke would take that innocence away from you just didn’t sit well with me.”

Buffy was surprised that he had thought about it like that. Most guys just focused on the fact they wouldn’t be able to have any fun with her because of her ‘innocence’. In this situation, Spike was thinking about her. He liked her innocence and didn’t want to be the one to take it away from her.

“but I never thought that any less of you because of that innocence.” he promised. “If anything, I think your so much more, luv. You’re more than you give yourself credit for.” short pause. “You’re more than I deserve.”

Buffy had never heard such beautiful words before. Spike sounded so sincere and passionate about what he was saying. No one had ever made her feel as special as he made her feel right at that moment. She didn’t know how to respond. What was she supposed to say? Should she say anything?

“So you don’t think I’m a freak?” she knew that her question was off base and a little silly but the mood a gotten a little too serious and she could tell that Spike felt unease about what he had just confessed. Buffy’s question had ended up getting the desired effect because Spike was suddenly belting out a deep and amused chuckle. The sound made her laugh as well. When Spike was able to compose himself, he decided to answer her question.

“No more of a freak than most people.” he joked. Buffy giggled and little more and Spike could’ve sworn he felt his heart skip a beat. The wind had blown a stray hair into her face and Spike reached out to tuck it back behind her ear. With a voice as soft as velvet he said, “You really are amazing, Elizabeth.”

With a smile, Buffy reached up and cupped his cheek. “Funny.” she started softly. “I was just gonna say the same thing about you.”

Having no clue what she was doing, Buffy threw caution into the wind and lend in for the kiss she had been waiting for her entire life. Spike, himself, looked very eager to be on the receiving end of said kiss, so he leaned in as well. They were only a breath away from the best kiss/first kiss ever…..

….when it began to rain….

******************
 

Chapter 28:

**********************

Rain was such a mood killer…..

It was beginning to pour harder and the last thing Spike wanted was for Buffy to catch cold. With speed he didn’t know he had, Spike grabbed her hand and made a run for the car. The wet beach sand and Buffy’s sandals made it a little hard for her to keep up with Spike but she managed to do so all the same. Once they reached the passanger’s side of the car, Spike quickly opened the car door and got Buffy inside, then rushed around to the driver’s side to get out of the rain himself.

“Bloody hell!” he cursed, still a little out of breath. “Way to kill the mood, huh, luv?” The rain was coming down so hard that Spike could barely make out anything outside his windshield.

Instead of answering him, Buffy attempted to fix her appearance. She was drenched from head to toe and was sure she looked a mess. Not to mention the disappointment that was coursing through her because of their interrupted kiss.

“You okay, pet?” Spike asked softly. Buffy turned to him with a strained smile and shrugged.

“I’m sure I’ll be sick as a dog tomorrow but yeah, I’m fine.” she answered. “No harm done.” Spike chuckled a little and reached over to move some wet hair out of her face.

“You look like a wet puppy.” he teased playfully.

In all honesty, Spike thought she was still the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. The rain had removed what little make-up she was wearing, giving her that natural look and she was completely soaked all over. The rain may have ruined their almost kiss but it definitely had no bad effect on how he saw her. She was truly a vision to behold.

“You’re one to talk. You look like a wet rat.” she returned playfully. *A really sexy wet rat.* was the immediate after thought but she kept that part to herself.

The rain didn’t seem to be having an ill effect on Spike’s appearance at all. In fact, in Buffy’s opinion, the rain made Spike look even sexier. His shirt was clinging to his chest in all sorts of delicious ways and his hair looked absolutely adorable all wet and curly. The ‘wet’ look was definitely good for him.

Spike chuckled once more before replying, “Well, it looks like we’re gonna be here for a bit, pet. It’s raining bloody cats and dogs out there. I can’t see a thing.” He tried peering out of his window but he couldn’t make out anything. “I’m sure it’ll die down in a bit. When it does, I’ll take you home.” Buffy nodded and wrapped her arms around herself. She was starting to get chilly. Spike noticed and muttered a curse. “I’m such a git. You must be freezing, luv.”

“No, I’m fine.” she lied. Spike sighed and rolled his eyes.

This was one stubborn girl.

“You’re shaking like a leaf, Buffy.” he returned, as he turned on the ignition so he could turn the heat on for her. Once that was taken care of, he asked, “That better?”

“Much better.” Buffy answered with a grateful smile.

Spike sat back and drummed his finger on his knees. There was nothing to do but wait until the rain eased up. He could easily spark up a conversation but he they had already talked about so much and he was not going to be the one who brought up the kiss that almost happen. He didn’t want to make her any nervous than she probably already was. Deciding that the radio was the safest way to go he asked,

“Wanna listen to some tunes, pet?”

Buffy turned to him in confusion but soon realized that he meant the radio.

“Sure.”

It was better than sitting there in utter silence. It was obvious that he was trying to recover what had almost taken place minutes before as much as she was. Maybe some music would make things a little more comfortable and a lot less strained.

Spike reached down and turned the tuning dial from station to station trying to find a good one. Finally, he settled on a light FM station that he himself had been listening to lately. The fist verse of a familiar song began to fill in the silence.

Childhood living is easy to do
The things you wanted I bought them for you
Graceless lady, you know who I am
You know I can’t let you slide through my hands

Wild horses couldn’t drag me away
Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.

The deeper meaning behind the beautiful lyrics weren’t lost on the blond duo. It was clear as day in fact. No matter how much the rain had ruined a perfectly good moment between them; absolutely nothing would keep them from having that perfect moment again.

And this was the perfect time to do it.

When Buffy had risked a look in Spike’s direction, she was not surprised to find that he gaze was focused intently on her. She couldn’t break away from his ocean blue orbs even if she wanted to. They were like a whirlpool that sucked her inside of him and she didn’t dare look away. That same look of fire was held deep with in them as they were when they had been about to kiss.

I watched you suffer a dull aching pain
Now you decided to show me the same
No sweeping exits of offstage lines
Could make me feel bitter or treat you unkind

“I love this song.” Buffy said softly, finally breaking eye contact with him. She was slowly beginning to warm up but it wasn’t because of the heater in the car.

“So do I.” returned Spike but unlike hers, his eyes never left her form. If anything, his gaze intensified. He wanted to kiss her so bad and deep down he knew she wanted the same thing. He wasn’t going to push her though. He’d wait forever if he had to in order to feel her lips upon his.

Wild horses couldn’t drag me away
Wild horses couldn’t drag me away

“I’m really having a great time.” Buffy started lamely, turning sideways to face him. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she was certain that Spike could hear every beat. “I mean, I know the night didn’t exactly start off right and now with the rain and all…” she trailed off. “Despite all that, I’m having a great time.”

Spike smiled boyishly and agreed. “I’m having a great time too, pet. I’m glad that you’re-Wait! The night didn’t….start off right?” he asked suddenly, afraid that he had done something wrong earlier and hadn’t noticed. “Did I do something-"

“Oh, no! No no no!” Buffy rushed to assure him. “I didn’t mean you. I meant my brother.” she explained. “He was so rude to you and he had no right to be. I’m sorry.” she said softly, looking down at her hands in her lap. Spike looked over at him in surprise and confusion

“What do you have to be sorry for, luv?” he asked.

“Angel’s behavior was-"

“Not your fault.” Spike interjected.

“but-" Buffy tried but cut off.

“No ‘buts’, pet.” he replied. “Yes, your brother was a bit of an ass but it’s alright.”

I know I dreamed you a sin and a lie
I have my freedom but I don’t have much time
Faith has been broken, tears must be cried
Let’s do some living after die

“That wasn’t the first time it happened was it? You and Angel?” Buffy asked quietly, already knowing the answer. Spike turned back to the steering wheel with a sigh. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked softly. “Why didn’t you-"

“I thought I could handle it.” Spike cut in. He looked over at her once more. “That and I figured he’d let off and realize that I wasn’t gonna let him keep me away from you.” he finished. Buffy wasn’t sure how to take that bit of information so she didn’t comment on it. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to be the cause of a rift between you and your brother. He loves you and he just wants to protect you.”

“He wants to protect me from you.” she pointed out the obvious. Where did people get off trying to protect her when she didn’t think she needed protecting? Spike almost sounded like Angel was in the right to have talked to him like he had earlier.

“Maybe you should let him.” Spike replied softly, looking away from her. He didn’t know why he was saying these things but he had to. Maybe telling her about his past would be better than giving her cryptic warnings but he couldn’t find the courage to do that. Not yet, anyway. Maybe it was best to just let her have an out now before she got too involved.

Buffy regarded his side profile and sighed. What was going on with him? Why was he being like this and now? The night, so far, had been perfect. More than Buffy could have hoped for. Now, it was like Spike was having second thoughts. Did it have something to do with his past? Was it really all that bad? Buffy didn’t have any of the answers to these questions but she was fed up with being kept in the dark.

“Maybe I should be the one to decide if I need protecting.” Buffy returned firmly and Spike knew that if she did know the truth she would definitely think she needed protection.

If she only knew…..

“You don’t know me.” Spike whispered it so that Buffy wouldn’t hear him but she had. She scooted closer to him and took one of his hands in her own.

“but I want to know you.” Buffy replied eagerly pausing long enough to put her hand on his cheek so that he would look into her eyes. “I wanna know everything about you.”

Wild horses couldn’t drag me away
Wild horses couldn’t drag me away

Buffy had no clue where this bold side of her was coming from but if it was going to make Will understand that she was not going to just walk away from him without a good enough reason, then she had no problem with it. As looked in to his eyes, she could tell that he was struggling within himself and she wanted to know why.

Why did he feel that he wasn’t good enough?

Why did she apparently need to be protected from him?

Why did he look so scared?

“You may not like me very much if you knew everything about me, luv.” Spike returned with a humorless smile. Buffy shook her head in the negative and offered a soft smile of her own.

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?”

If Buffy knew about his past, judge would be exactly what she would do. She turn on him and think less of him….at least that’s what he tried to convince himself. The sincere and caring look in her eyes told him that she wouldn’t judge him at all. Maybe she would understand the things he did and the reasons he did them. The look in her eyes told him that she’d be there.

*Elzabeth would listen and she’d be there.* he thought.

Spike hadn’t had anyone actually BE there for him in a long time.

“I really want to kiss you right now.” Spike hadn’t meant to say that but it was the truth. He couldn’t hold it in any longer. She could either turn him away or give in. It was her choice but oh how he wanted to kiss her.

Buffy looked a little startled at his admission but she didn’t back down from it. She wanted to kiss him too but she didn’t know how she would go about it. It would be her first kiss after all and she didn’t want to make a fool of herself.

“I-I might not be any good at it.” she said timidly, removing her hand from his cheek. It didn’t get too far due to Spike taking it within his own and placing a gentle kiss upon the inside of her palm.

“Doubtful, luv.” he denied. “Very doubtful.”

And ever so slowly….

Spike leaned in....

And kissed her….

I know I dreamed you a sin and a lie
I have my freedom but I don’t have much time
Faith has been broken, tears must be cried
Let’s do some living after we die

Wild horses couldn’t drag me away
Wild horses couldn’t drag me away

The kiss started of slow and soft, with just a brush of Spike’s lips against hers. It was enough to drive Buffy absolutely crazy with need. Growing bolder, Buffy followed her instincts and added a little more pressure. Spike didn’t disappoint her at all. He began to add pressure of his own but not so much that he frightened her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her a little closer so that one of her hands rested on his shoulder and the other rested on his cheek. Slowly and gently, Spike started to nibble a bit on her bottom lip, resulting in a small moan from the both of them. He began to sooth his nibbles with small swipes of his tongue, making her gasp and whimper. He was silently begging for entrance into her warm sweet mouth. When his entrance was granted, the feel of her tongue dancing with his was the most out of this world experience he had ever had.

Buffy was practically floating on air. He tasted so sweet, like liquid fire and passion. That tongue was doing things to her mouth that she didn’t believe possible. She hadn’t expected him to french kiss her yet and at first, it felt a little weird but it was quickly growing on her. People had told her that her first kiss would be amazing but she had no idea. Buffy briefly wondered if it was amazing because it was her first kiss or because it was Spike who had given it to her. The thought immediately left her brain when Spike pulled her even closer to deepen the kiss.

Spike had never experienced a kiss like this one before. He could go on kissing her forever and if it wasn’t for the oxygen the both of them were lacking, he would’ve. They broke away from one another out of breath and panting. Spike opened his eyes to find that Buffy’s were still closed. She looked so gorgeous. He cheeks were flushed and her lips were pink and swollen but he wanted to see her eyes. Spike wanted to know that this kiss had meant as much to her as it did him. He softly kissed both of her eye lids and whispered,

“Open your eyes, kitten.”

Buffy slowly did as he had requested and felt her insides melt at the expression his face. He looked so content and satisfied, so different from the guy he’d been before the kiss. The uncertainty and fear she had saw in his eyes was gone but it was the look of pure adoration on his face that made her body tingle.

“Wow.” she breathed out. Spike smiled softly at her and nodded.

“My thoughts exactly, luv.” he said. “You’re a natural.” Buffy blushed at his complement and looked away. Spike placed one more lingering kiss on her forehead. Buffy placed her head on his chest and both of them let out a sigh of centenment.

Wild horses couldn’t drag me away
Wild, wild horses couldn’t drag me away

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Chapter 29:

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Angel was beginning to burn a hole through the carpet with his pacing. It was well after 10 o'clock, raining and Buffy still wasn't back from her date yet. He had half a mind to go out and look for her but had no clue where she was and he doubt his mother would tell him if she knew herself. He thought about calling her on her cell but somehow Angel knew that one look at the caller ID would have Buffy turning off her phone completely.

So....he paced around the living room.

While Angel drove himself crazy, the rain had eased up a bit and a small drizzle was left in it's wake. That didn't stop the thoughts running through Angel's head though. He began to plan out all the violent things he would do to Spike if his sister wasn't back safely.

*I'll kill 'im if he hurts her.* he thought determinedly. The act brought some odd sense of pleasure to Angel. *I'll tear his bleached head from his shoulders and shove it up his ass. I'll snatch his balls-*

Angel's little 'Torture Spike' thoughts were cut short when he heard the motor of a car pull up in front of the house. Quickly, he went over to the window and was relieved and angered when he saw that it was Spike's car. He was relieved because Buffy was back, which meant she wasn't in danger or hurt but he was angered because she was making no attempt to get out of the car and come into the house. It made him wonder just what went on with those two during their 'date'.

Holding in his rage, Angel watched secretly from the living room window.

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Spike parked in front of Buffy's home and turned off the car. In comfortable silence they sat for a while. Neither one of them wanted to end the wonderful night that had taken place.but they both knew that it had to happen. Spike and Buffy had never expected their date to go as it had. If anything, they were sure it would be just all around badness.

It wasn't.

It was perfect.

Sure, there were some rough edges that needed to be smoothed out in the beginning but once everything was out in the open, it was simply...perfect.
Buffy had gotten the kiss (and what an amazing kiss it was) she had always dreamed of and Spike got a chance to have the time of his life, experiencing things that he had never thought possible. Even when he was with Dru, Spike had never felt the way he did when he was with Buffy.

It was all just so...perfect.

And neither one of them wanted it to end just yet...if ever.

"Walk me to the door?" Buffy asked softly, hoping to get more time with him.

"Of course, luv." Spike answered just as softly and before she could say anything else, he was out of the car and off to open her door for her.

"Thank you." replied Buffy as she exited the car. Spike nodded and followed her as she walked up the path to her home.

"So..." Buffy started, not really knowing what to say once she reached the top of the steps. "Thank you so much for a wonderful evening, William. I really enjoyed myself."

Spike walked up the steps until he was standing right below the one she was standing on. "And...the kiss? Did you enjoy that too?" he asked, already knowing that she had but wanting to make her blush in the way he found adorable.

"The kiss was....pretty good too." As expected, Buffy's cheeks reddened like a tomato and her head ducked shyly. Spike put his finger under her chin to make her look at him.

"Why, Miss Summers, I do believe you're blushing." Spike teased in his most proper Giles-like voice. Buffy grinned.

"Does it bother you, Mr. Giles?" she asked, knowing it didn't but loving this playful side of him. He was so cute when he got like this.

"Oh, no!" Spike answered. "In fact, I have to make a note to have you do it more often." Buffy laughed softly in response and he smiled, pleased he could be the cause of that beautiful sound.

"So..what does that mean?" Buffy questioned after her laughter subsided. She didn't want to push things or scare him off with talk of a relationship but she had to know what this was going to lead to or if it was going to lead to anything at all. Spike looked at her with crease in his forehead, obviously confused by her question so she elaborated. "I mean, was tonight just a fun way to pass the time for you and it's okay if it was." she rushed to assure him. "It's not like we've known one another all that long and it would be wrong of me to expect more out of you after only one date." Buffy rambled on and Spike stared at her with the most amused expression on his face. He was shaking with fear on the inside though.

It didn't take an genius to see that Buffy wanted a relationship with him. Spike wanted that too but was he ready for it? Was Buffy even ready for it? How was he to know that what he was feeling was genuine and not some attempt in trying to make himself feel something for some girl he barely knew? He took one look at the rambling beauty in front of him and realized that he wouldn't know anything until he tried. As afraid as he was of getting hurt, he learned early on that this girl was worth the risk.

Silently making his risky decision, Spike tried to figure out a way to get Buffy to hush so he could get a word in.
There was really only one solution.

"You probably think I'm crazy for even bringing this up and I'll completely understand if you don't wanna-" Buffy's nervous yet cute babbling was cut short when her lips were suddenly assaulted by Spike's.

A bit taken back but not at all put off by his boldness, Buffy gave herself fully to the kiss and put her hands over his as they caressed her cheeks. While he held her face between his hands, Spike explored her mouth gently with his own, loving the sweet taste of her. Reluctantly, he pulled back, remembering that the kiss did serve a purpose other than enjoyment. Almost giving in when he heard her small whimper of protest, Spike took a few calming breaths before getting to the matter at hand.

"Does that answer your question, kitten?" he asked, still rubbing circles on her cheeks with his thumbs. Due to another amazing kiss that left her breathless and light-headed, Buffy responded the only way she knew how.

"Huh?"

Spike let out a deep chuckle at her antics. He was glad that he wasn't the only one who was affected by a mere kiss.

"I said, "Does that answer your question?"" he repeated. Buffy shook her head trying to clear it.

"I asked a question?" That kiss really did a number on her, for she was still a bit dazed. All conversation that had taken place before that kiss was now forgotten.

"Yeah, luv." he answered, smiling a bit. "Something along the lines of the possibility of an us?"

Realization dawned on Buffy and not at all surprising to Spike, she blushed. "Oh. Right. That." *He kissed me! Again! Surely, he's not just going to walk away from this...right?*

"Yeah. That." Spike took a deep breath before asking, "You do want there to be an 'us', right luv?" He wanted to be sure that it was what she wanted. There was no going back if it was.

Buffy took one look into his deep vulnerable eyes and her heart nearly broke at how scared he looked. It was like he thought that she would dangle the hope of a relationship in front of him just to take it away. She briefly wondered again what had happened in his past to make him so insecure. One look into his eyes and everything was clear. Buffy knew what she wanted and wasted no more time in letting him know as well.

"More than anything." she answered and smiled brightly at the relief and happiness that was written all over Spike's face. "Isn't that weird though?"

"What do you mean?" Spike asked near a whisper. She did say that she wanted to be with him. What could possibly be weird about that.

"We're barely know each other, Spike," Buffy started as she took his hands from her face and held them tightly in her own. "but I have these feelings for you; feelings that I shouldn't have for a person that I just met. I've never done this before. It's a little scary." she admitted, tucking a strand of damp hair behind her ear.

Oh, how Spike understood where she was coming from...

"It's terrifying for the both of us. I'm aware of that." he agreed. "I just don't have the strength or the will to walk away without giving it, us a try." he finished.

"Me either." she replied.

Buffy couldn't walk away from this or him. She felt this strong pull towards him and she didn't want to break away from it. She had a feeling that she'd regret it if she did. There was one thing that she had to make clear first.

"I'm not Faith." Buffy stated simply. Spike nodded at her slowly as if she had grown two heads or something.

"Uh...come again?" *Where had that come from?*

"I'm not Faith." she repeated. "I'm not this wild and crazy sex kitten who's chalk full of experience and you probably are. Chalk full of experience, I mean. You've done this before and you're use to this sort of thing. I'm not." she explained. "I have no idea what I'm doing or how to deal with all these...feelings that I have for you and I'm sure I'll do or say something that will embarrass myself as well as you and I just.." sighs. "I just want you to know what you're getting into."

"I'm aware." Spike could understand how scared she was. This was all new to her. It's only natural that she would question herself and him but none of what she was talking about mattered to him. Sure, she was inexperienced but it didn't mean that she could never learn. He wanted to be the one she learned with, even if he didn't deserve to be.

"Are you?"

"I don't want Faith or anyone like her." Spike said firmly. "If I did, believe me when I say that I wouldn't be here right now. I want you."

"I just want you to be sure that-" Buffy argued. but failed.

"I want you." Spike cut in while taking her face into his hands once more. Buffy's knees nearly buckled at how certain and passionate he sounded. "I don't want some 'wild and crazy sex kitten' that's probably been had by every bloke in this town. I've been down that road before." pause. "I just want you."

Buffy noted and stored away the 'I've been down that road before' comment for a later conversation. Spike wanted to be with her no matter how inexperienced she was. None of that mattered to him so why should it matter to her?

"So how 'bout it, sweets?" he continued. "You wanna be my girl?"

"Is that what you want?" she asked, giving him an out just in case. Spike pulled her close, so close that they were only a breath apart.

"More than anything." he answered without hesitation while he lightly ran his thumb over her bottom lip.

And for the third time that night, Spike took her breath away with a passionate kiss. Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss and Spike moaned a bit, liking that she was the one taking the upper hand this time. He held her close to his body, loving the way she practically molded herself to him. Knowing that breathing was beginning to be a problem for her, Spike pulled back, tugging a little on her lip with his teeth as he did so.

"You're really good at that." Buffy replied breathlessly. Spike chuckled and kissed her nose affectionately.

"For a beginner, you're really good yourself." he teased. Buffy frowned a little at his words, not having liked to be reminded of her 'beginner' status. Spike noticed this and tightened his hold on her. "Hey, it doesn't matter to me, remember?"

"Okay." she nodded, offering him a smile to let him know that she was okay now. Spike's smile dropped a little when he his gaze shifted to the left of her.

Angel was spying on them and he didn't look to happy about what he saw.

Buffy followed his gaze and sighed when she saw what her nosy brother quickly move away from the window, as if he hadn't been there for God only knows how long. She'd deal with him later.

"I guess you better go." she said reluctantly, looking back at Spike.

"Yeah." he agreed, just as put out about leaving. "It is getting late and I'm guessing that you wanna get out of those wet clothes."

"Like you wouldn't believe." answered Buffy. She was starting to itch all over.

"I'll call you later." Spike replied, giving her a small peck on the lips. He knew that if he deepened it, he wouldn't be leaving for another ten minutes. "Good night, pet." he said, as he back away slowly down the steps.

"Night." Buffy returned softly, missing him already. With one last smile and a small wave, Buffy turned and headed inside.

Spike waited until Buffy was inside before heading to his car. Once she was out of sight, he walked to the driver's side of the car, got in and started the ignition. He couldn't help the smile that appeared on his face.

*Elizabeth's my girl.* The mere thought made Spike smile even bigger as he headed home.

Perfect.

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