Buffy walked through the large doorway and down the stone steps into the museum. Looking around she spotted the woman she'd talked to before and made a beeline for her.

"Hi, Vera is it?" Buffy smiled warmly at her.

"Yes, do you need help miss?" The middle-aged woman smiled back at her.

"I'm looking for William." Buffy smoothed the hair from her face.

"Say no more. He's in the store room." She gave Buffy a knowing smile that set her on edge. "Follow me… miss?"

"Summers." Buffy straightened herself out as she followed her.

Standing outside a heavy looking wooden door Buffy took a deep breath and watched Vera push it open, descend a few steps then stop.

"Mr Thornton?" Vera called out and Buffys eyes widened at the sound of his last name.

"What is it Vera, I strictly said no one was to disturb me." Spike sounded angry, Buffy squinted in the half-light of the lamp and spotted him bent over a desk with a magnifying glass.

"There's a miss Summers here to see you." Vera sighed and raised her eyes to heaven as she looked to Buffy, who suppressed a giggle in return.

"Miss Summers?" Spike paused then stood up and turned. "Buffy. Thank you Vera."

Buffy smiled at her as Vera took the hint and left them alone, closing the door behind her. Feeling more than awkward Buffy walked down the remainder of the steps and across the room to him.

He looked a lot better but she couldn't tell if it was in part due to the poor lighting. He was wearing a dark blue t-shirt and she spotted a thick jumper resting over the back of his chair. She stared at the tiny bit of plaster that was visible below the bottom of his sleeve.

"Changed it just like you said." Spike took a step towards her and tilted his head.

He smiled as he caught the same expression of concern on her features that she had worn last night. She looked tired but still damn beautiful, her hair was down and she was wearing black jeans, heeled boots and a dark red jumper. Placing her long leather jacket down on a chair with her bag Buffy felt her sense of awkwardness dissipate.

Stepping closer to him she lifted his sleeve slightly and ran her fingers over the plaster. He wasn't lying, it was a new one and it made her smile that he'd actually been paying attention to her idle threats.

"Any pain?" She moved her eyes to rest on his.

"Only when I rolled over onto it in the middle of the night, constantly." He smiled at her and felt his stomach warm as she smiled back at him. "Hell of a night."

"Willow had one herself, Oz kissed her goodnight now she's all perplexed." Buffy found herself fidgeting with the corner of Spikes plaster.

"That so?" Spike couldn't stop staring into her eyes.

"Yeah, all wonky and confused." Buffy voice softened as she found herself trapped in his clear blue orbs.

"Terrible." He edged nearer her and moved his hand to rest on hers where she played with the plaster.

"Isn't it?" Buffy bit her lip and started slightly at the feel of his hand on hers, Willow was right things were getting wonkier.

"Tell me, why are you here?" Spike looked down at her, his voice was a deadly whisper.

"Just making sure you're okay." She felt herself trembling inside as his eyes narrowed on hers, she could practically feel his mood shifting.

"People usually wait a couple of days before checking up on patients, not been twenty fours hours yet kitten."

"I was concerned." Buffy swallowed hard, she felt panic rising up in her stomach and she backed away from him, he was trying to draw her out.

"Are you sure that's all it is?" Spike grinned cockily down at her and she frowned.

Her voice was quiet as she struggled to keep her face impassive under his scrutiny. "I have a boyfriend remember, Angel? My steady back in LA?"

"Think the operative words there were 'back in LA'." Spike narrowed his eyes further as he frowned, he wanted a sign, something, anything that said she liked him more than platonically.

"What do you mean by that?" Buffy managed to keep her voice steady as her temper flared around the edges and she turned to face him, as her eyes met his Spike knew he'd struck the right nerve.

"Just saying, if you were mine I wouldn't be in LA. I'd be wherever you were, protecting my interests." He turned to his side and shifted the papers on his desk around.

"You really do have a full blown crush on me." Buffy smiled as she saw him falter.

"Please. I wouldn't touch you if you were unconscious. Daddy's little girl isn't my type." Spike growled and turned on his heel to square up to her, she looked a little crestfallen for a second and then recovered.

"Good, because you're not my type either." Buffy stomped her foot, he was backing her into a corner and it was either defend herself or give up the fight.

"Fine. That's settled then." Spike started walking away from her, something wrenched inside him.

"I don't like you." Buffy stood defiant even though her insides were aching for him.

"Feelings mutual, you're spoilt." Spike turned on her with brows knit.

"You're a pig." She stepped towards him.

"Brat." Spike took a step nearer her and his tone dropped to a whisper.

"Brute." Buffy whispered as she mimicked his move.

"Damn you." Spike clenched his fists and set his jaw.

"Kiss me." Buffy fell into his arms as he pulled her to him and smashed his mouth on hers, it lasted a fraction of a minute before she pulled away and pressed her hand to her mouth, eyes wide with fear. "I'm sorry."

"Buffy…" He reached a hand out to her but she had already grabbed her stuff and was out the door.

Spike closed his eyes and sighed, recognising that it had been a stupid move on his part. She'd go back to LA for Christmas hating him and come back to Oxford indifferent. His heart burnt against his chest and he slumped into a chair, letting his head come to rest on his hands he stared at the chair where her stuff had been. Shaking his head he longed for a second chance.

Pulling her coat tighter around her Buffy stepped out of the college and into the dark street. It had been over a week since she'd foolishly kissed Spike and things had gotten wonkier, to the point that she hadn't seen him at all and worse, she missed him.

Now the temperature had dropped to subzero and a patchy layer of ice coated the pavement, she walked along with every muscle in her legs tensed for fear of slipping over.

Adjusting her hat so it protected her ears from the chill night air she headed towards Borders in search of a cappuccino. As she weaved a path up the street towards the bookshop she noticed how empty the place was, it was only six in the evening but most shops were closed, Buffy figured it probably had something to do with tomorrow being Christmas Eve.

Trying to ignore how miserable the thought of Christmas made her feel right now she crossed the road and continued towards the store. On nearing it Buffy felt her mood fail her, the windows were dark and she peered in through the doors to see everything still and quiet.

"Damn." Buffy adjusted the heavy bag on her shoulder and sighed, in a moment of utter frustration she kicked the door hard.

"My, my aren't we moody today?"

Spinning on her heel Buffy turned to see Spike standing near the edge of the pavement, he exhaled smoke at her and smiled.

"Leave me alone." She started heading back in the direction she had come from, her stomach twisted upon itself and she felt like it was desperately trying to pull her back towards him.

"You really are in a foul mood tonight kitten, something I said?" Spike walked along side her with his hands jammed into his jeans pockets, cigarette bobbing about as he spoke.

"Nothing you say would ever have an impact on me Spike." Buffy quickened her pace and fought to keep her bag from slipping off her shoulder.

"You alright love?" Spike kept up with her and gave a quick glace to the path up ahead, there was a road she would have to stop at to cross.

"I'm not your love." She kept her eyes firmly set on the path and Spike decided he wasn't going to wait for the road to stop her.

"Buffy?" Spike skidded in front of her stopping her in her tracks, he'd spent the last week thinking about her and he wasn't about to let her storm off.

"What?" Buffy ground out from between her teeth and then relented. The whole of her body sagged into a relaxed position as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Sorry, I'm being queen bitch tonight aren't I?"

"What happened to bouncy Buffy? Even perplexed Buffy was better than this." Spike frowned at her and flicked his cigarette to the floor, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on her face.

"Just having a bad time." Buffy slumped even further and looked up at him.

He looked different tonight, he was wearing a chunky knit navy sweater along with his trademark jeans and boots, but instead of his leather duster he was wearing a black denim jacket. When she breathed in the scent of his aftershave something in her wanted to either hug him or cry, Buffy realised she really had missed him.

"Wait a minute." He narrowed his eyes as he watched her. "Christmas holidays started three days ago, shouldn't you be back in LA snuggled up to tall dull and brain dead?"

Buffy ignored his reference to Angel and looked up at him with a saddened expression. "Buffy doesn't get a Christmas this year."

"Why the bloody hell not?" He noticed she had started to shiver and his anger failed him. "Never mind, you're freezing out here."

"I wanted a coffee, little pick me up." A reason to get out of my empty room.

Spike read her thoughts clearly. "I know a nice little place not too far from here, we can grab a cab, it'll only be a couple of quid - my shout." Not waiting for her to answer he waved down a passing taxi.

Opening the door he ushered Buffy into the back of the cab and slid in beside her.

"North parade, mate." Spike leant forward to the taxi driver and then slouched back into the seat next to Buffy, who was rubbing her bare hands together to warm them.

He took a pair of leather gloves from his jeans pocket and handed them to her, surprised that she took them without protest.

"Thanks." She smiled as she slipped them on, they were warm and Buffy didn't want to think about the fact that had been in his jeans. She wiggled her fingers at him. "Toasty."

As the cab pulled to a halt Spike slipped the driver some money then with a 'merry Christmas' let Buffy out of the car.

"Just a little walk." Spike smiled as Buffy took in her new surroundings.

It was a tiny side street barely wide enough for one car to drive down, twinkling lights stretched in a zigzag from side to side. Little café's and shops lined the pavements and she peered into them with interest as they passed.

Spike watched her as she absorbed everything around her. She still had the same sad edge to her but it seemed to be lifting a little. Heaving a sigh he watched his breath turn white in the cold night air.

"Here's us." Spike pointed to a little café and pushed the door open, it was empty except for a handful of people.

As Buffy walked through the door that Spike held open for her she was hit by the warmth emanating from the little room stretched out in front of her. The orange glow of the lights made the walls look like fire and the furniture was an eclectic mix of armchairs, couches and low wooden tables.

Pointing to a couch Spike went to the little wooden bar at the end of the room, Buffy let her bag fall from her shoulder with relief and stretched her arms. She watched Spike nod at a few people and then start chatting animatedly to the guy serving coffee and she realised that this was his secret world, the place he came to when he wanted to be alone and she felt a sense of privilege that he had invited her in.

Sinking into the couch she removed his gloves and smiled at the scene across the room, a woman was sipping a drink as she watched the man sitting next to her playing an acoustic guitar. The music filled the room and it had a Hispanic feel to it. Buffy smiled at them as they looked over at her and the woman waved a little hello.

When Spike returned and placed two large round mugs of cappuccino on the wooden table she already felt relaxed. She giggled as he emptied his pockets of a variety of sugar sachets.

"Get enough?" She laughed at the sight of the tiny packs scattered across the table.

"Didn't know how you liked it." Spike sprawled himself out on the couch limply and Buffy noted that there was something devil may care and sexy about the way he could just sink so well into any seat.

"How'd you know I like cappuccino?" She raised her eyebrow at him as she took her coat off and placed it over a chair, slipping the gloves into the pocket.

"Didn't you mention it?" He watched her intently, soaking in the sight of her as she stretched her arms above her head.

Buffy was wearing a pair of black combats and a dark red shirt that was unbuttoned far enough that Spike could see her bra when she leant forward to stir her drink.

"No, I said I wanted a coffee." She pulled her hat off her head and then started undoing her plaits, letting her hair fall in waves down her back.

"You must look like the cappuccino type of girl then." He smirked at her and then swallowed hard as Buffy ran her hands around the back of her head and tousled her hair, tilting her head as she looked at him.

"How's the shoulder?" She narrowed her eyes at him and smiled warmly.

"Fine." Spike choked out.

He felt his temperature rise and struggled against the urge to pull at the collar of his jumper. Turning his attention to his drink he plucked a sachet from the pile and shook it in his fingers, tearing the corner he spilled its contents into his mug.

"So?" Spike turned to her with a steadied voice and emptied two more sachets into his coffee, she was still looking at him with her head tilted to one side and he would have given anything to know what she was thinking.

"Sweet tooth much?" Buffy picked up a single sachet and emptied it into her mug then stirred it.

"Sugar is good, makes me racy." He looked up with narrowed eyes that burnt into her.

"Junkie." Buffy grinned as he stirred his drink then sucked his spoon clean, she felt a little jealous of it for a second and then checked herself.

"So?" He repeated his earlier question, still not quite believing she was here, it felt like eternity since he'd seen her and now she was so comfortable around him like nothing had happened.

"What?" Buffy turned on the couch to face him, bringing one leg up onto it and leaning her side into the back of it.

"You like the place?" He turned his head and looked at their surroundings, Buffy knew he wanted her approval just like he had done in his flat.

"Very bohemian, didn't really picture a guy like you in a place like this." She sipped her cappuccino and smiled over the rim of her mug at him.

"Why not?" He chucked his coat on the table and turned to face her, leaning his arm on the back of the couch so his hand was adjacent to her shoulder.

"It's just so homely and warm, very comforting." Buffy felt overly aware of the proximity of his hand.

"Like a womb." He grinned at her and she slapped his knee playfully.

"See, you're everything dark and mysterious, so black and this place is so…" She felt a jolt run through her as he fixed his eyes on hers, she struggled to look away but hers were firmly locked with his.

"Reassuring, safe, soft? Somewhere you can hide away in and feel like the world does love you, there's a place and purpose for you somewhere but until you find it here is sanctuary?" Spike had averted his eyes and was staring at his hand as he picked at the back of the couch with it.

"Yeah." Buffy knew exactly how he felt. "Thanks for letting me come here. I just didn't want to be alone in my room all night."

"Why aren't you in LA?" Spike took a sip from his mug then watched her intently; she was silent for a while as though struggling with her emotions.

"I wasn't allowed to go home." Buffy sighed out and closed her eyes as she steadied herself for the onslaught.

"Why the hell not?" Spike put his mug back onto the table and frowned at her as through trying to understand what she was saying.

"My father believes I'm not doing as well as I should be, so he revoked my right to go home."

"Fucking bastard." Spike spat out and his mood visibly swung.

"Spike!" Buffy looked scared and bought both legs up onto the couch then hugged her knees, leaning her head against the back of the couch. She registered that Spikes hand was there and that it didn't bother her like it should have.

"Sorry love but its bollocks. Just because you aren't living up to his expectations doesn't mean you deserve to be punished. Sounds like my bloody father, the old bastard."

"Well it's done now." Buffys voice was quiet and she nursed her drink.

"What are you failing?" Spike stroked the locks of her hair that strayed onto the top of the couch near his hand; they were soft and cold under his fingers.

"Nothing, just not getting top marks. For some reason I can't concentrate." Buffy gave him a furtive look.

"Buffy, why didn't you fly home anyway and stay with lover boy?" He looked at her closely to gauge her reaction, she just sighed and closed her eyes.

"He works for my father, Angels a lawyer at his company." Her voice was a whisper and it pained Spike to see her so miserable.

"What? So he couldn't fly you home? That's fucking incredible of your sweetheart pet."

"Spike! It's complicated." Her voice was quiet but firm.

He threw his arms in the air and exhaled sharply, steadying himself. "It's none of my business I know."

Buffy bought her eyes to his and smiled. "You really should cut back on the sugar."

Spike looked over at the guitar couple that were staring at them, he smiled sheepishly and then turned his attention back to Buffy.

"I just think it's harsh and brutal. Didn't mean to lose my temper but it's a heartless thing to do to someone. Maybe it's my own personal issues I'm talking about now." He sat silent, letting his hand come to rest back on the stray waves of golden hair that spread across the back of the couch.

Buffy had her eyes closed and was thinking about what Spike had said. Why hadn't Angel offered to give her a place to stay? Was it because he felt her dad would be furious or maybe he didn't want her there? She opened her eyes and watched Spike; he was absorbed with watching his hand stroking her hair a little smile dancing on his lips.

Right now he looked so calm and sedated but a moment ago he had scared Buffy with a reminder of how quick his temper could change, Angel was never like that he was always calm and collected. She smiled as she compared them in her head, Spike was the type of man who acted on impulse and would jump into a fight if he were needed. Angel avoided rash behaviour and would probably prefer to discuss the issue rather than hit someone. They were total opposites.

Buffy realised Spike was staring at her, his eyes narrowed as he caught hers. He inhaled deeply and exhaled out of his nose, flaring his nostrils. She felt hot and flushed under his gaze, his eyes looked darker in the dim light, like deep cold pools of water and she could almost feel herself falling in and being swept along by a strong undercurrent.

Spikes breathing became laboured as he struggled with his emotions, he watched Buffy bite her lip hard under his scrutiny and saw a hint of passion flare up in her green orbs. He shot up off the couch and drummed his fingers on his leg.

"Stay." He pointed both his hands at her like pistols and shook them jumpily. Pressing his hand to his forehead he ran it firmly over his hair and around the back of his neck, he bit his lip as he looked at her. "Stay. I need a smoke."

Buffy watched him walk to the door and out into the night air, confused over what had just happened. He was pacing outside and then disappeared from view totally. She tried to figure out what was going on as she drank the remains of her coffee and took the mugs back to the counter. Spike was always edgy when Buffy mentioned Angel, maybe that in conjunction with their previous kiss and the look she had just given him had been enough to send him in need of clarity.

"Can I get two decaffeinated coffees? Thanks." She looked around and noted that she still couldn't see him.

"You the girl with Spike? You his girlfriend or something?" The guy Spike had been talking to earlier was smiling at her as she looked back from the door.

"No, just a friend, I think." Buffy watched the guy fill the cups up.

"Only he's never bought anyone here with him. He's a great guy, real passionate and writes the most amazingly deep poetry." He placed the two cups in front of her but Buffy was watching Spike who had appeared back in view, he flicked his cigarette away from him, exhaled the smoke and then sneered as he punched the wall.

"Passionate certainly is the word, thanks again." Buffy took the coffees and turned to head back to the couch.

"Hey missy." The guy caught her attention and she turned back to face him. "Be gentle, passionate men can be easily hurt, but whether or not they choose to show it is a different matter."

Buffy thought it over as she headed back to the couch, Spike certainly was passionate and she found it overwhelming even when he only directed a fraction of it at her.

She placed the coffees on the table next to his feet. He had slouched into the sofa with his legs on the table and was staring blankly at the opposite wall.

Sitting back in her spot she let her eyes come to rest on his hand, his knuckles were bloodied and she wondered what he'd been thinking about out there - settling on the likely answer being her and how he fitted into her world.

Buffy slipped her hand under his and lifted it up for her to inspect, his skin was freezing on hers. Spike didn't move and his eyes stayed firmly fixed on the wall. She tentatively ran her finger across the back of his hand near his knuckles and saw they were grazed deeply.

Spikes hand tensed up in hers and he grasped her hand tight. She looked up at him, he'd closed his eyes and was clenching his jaw.

"What did you do?" She touched his knuckles and saw his nostrils flare as his inhaled sharply.

"Leave it alone pet." Spike took his hand from hers and looked at it as though he had only just noticed what he had done.

"Why Spike?" Buffy caught his hand again and pulled it to her.

"Because it's better to hurt me than to upset you." He looked from his hand to her face, she looked saddened as she tried to make light of the situation.

"And that's why I got you decaf coffee and I'm banning you from sugar. Stay." Buffy stared at his hand then stood up, walking in the direction of the bathrooms.

Spike watched her go and then stared at the door until she came out again, his eyes followed her every move as she came to sit close by him. Picking up his hand she dabbed at the grazes with the wet tissue she had got in the bathroom. Spike watched his hand intently, the sight of her small fingers resting near his was enough to make him smile even if his knuckles were killing him.

Buffy looked at his face, he looked so vacant, like a child that had fallen over and was in shock. His eyes watched every movement of her hand and he frowned as her hand left his. She rummaged through her bag by her feet and found the hair scarf she kept in there. Folding it up she wrapped it around his hand, tying it tight on the palm side.

Leaning back into the couch she smiled at him, he was staring at his hand and smiling.

"Spike." She touched his hand to get his attention and he looked at her.

"Kitten?" He cocked his head to one side.

"This isn't positive reinforcement. You do that again and you will upset me." Buffy tried not to sound harsh.

"Sorry." Spike took up his coffee and sipped it, Buffy was amazed he'd actually stuck to her no sugar rule. "Just I'm…"

"Passionate?" She smiled at him and leant her side into the back of the couch, resting her feet near his thigh.

"Yeah. Willy tell you that?" Spike nodded to the guy behind the counter and placed the cup back on the table.

Buffy nodded and took a mouthful of her drink. She had to admit he was the most passionate man she had ever known, other than in movies she'd never seen a man punch the wall before.

"Buffy?" His voice was a whisper as he stared at her little feet near him, she had slipped her shoes off.

"Yes William." She didn't know what made her suddenly call him by his real name, she figured it must be something to do with his tone.

"About Christmas…" He trailed off as her phone rang and she pulled it out of her bag.

"Hello?" Buffy looked at Spike nervously and he picked his coffee cup up off the table and ran his finger around the rim.

"Buffy?" A soft voice on the end of the line told her it was Angel.

"Angel, hi." Buffy grimaced as Spike looked up at her and arched a brow.

"How are you? Must be getting late over there but I tried your land line, you didn't pick up." The voice sounded concerned and Buffy remembered what Spike had said earlier about Angel not sending for Buffy.

"I'm out with a friend having coffee, it's a beautiful café but I haven't a clue where we are, he grabbed a cab and bought me to this place." Buffy bit her lip at the word 'he' and Spike chuckled low at her.

"A man Buffy? That him in the background?" Angel sounded upset.

"He's just a friend Angel, I bumped into him when I went out for a coffee, I was sick of being alone in my room." She knew the words hit home hard as the voice at the other end of the line went quiet.

"So you're out for coffee with a man because you're lonely?"

"No Angel, it's just coffee and…" Buffy trailed off as Spike started playing with the scarf around his hand, he leant in close.

"And a little comfort kitten." Spike purred at her and she hit him hard on the arm causing him to grin like a Cheshire cat.

"Comfort kitten? Is he referring to you?" Angel actually sounded pissed off and Buffy was amazed, she bit her lip and widened her eyes at Spike in a gesture that told him to keep quiet.

"Angel, be serious now. You know these university types they're all tall dull and brain dead. He's just a friend and he's trying to wind you up."

Spike snorted at her repetition of how he had described Angel earlier and her using it to describe himself.

"Buffy, I'm sorry you couldn't come back to LA." Buffy closed her eyes as she listened to Angel and she tried hard to believe him.

"Angel." She opened her eyes and met Spikes. "Why didn't you ask me to come stay with you?"

A wide smile spread across Spikes face as he looked deep into her eyes and raised his eyebrows expectantly.

"Your father told me not to." He sounded convincing but Buffy was still hurt.

"You do everything daddy tells you?" Buffy turned away from Spike to try and hide the tears that were welling up in her eyes but she couldn't fool him.

"Buffy?" Angels voice was a distant noise in her ear as Spikes fingers brushed her cheek and he looked at her with a deep concern.

"I have to go Angel." She flicked the phone shut and stood up. "Take me home Spike."

Slipping her shoes and jacket on she didn't wait for an answer, but headed straight for the door. Spike grabbed her bag and his jacket then ran after her.

"Kitten wait." He caught her arm to stop her while he slipped his jacket on and slung her bag over his shoulder. "Sorry."

"I just want to go home." She started off in the direction they had come in.

Spike walked alongside her in silence thinking over their time at the café, he still wasn't a hundred percent sure if she liked him. Angels call had given him the opportunity to test the water by comforting her and she hadn't rejected it. Hailing a cab as they reached the main road he held the door open for Buffy to get in. Sliding in next to her he gave directions to the driver and then looked back at Buffy.

"You okay?" He tilted his head to one side and gave her a gentle look.

"My dad told him not to invite me over and he obeyed Spike, like a dog. He tries hard to make my dad happy but ignores how I feel. That isn't real love is it?" She turned her head and looked at him questioningly.

"Not my definition of it, pet." He leant into the seat and watched her as she stared out of the window, she looked less upset now but still a little too melancholy for comfort in his eyes.

Passing the rest of the journey in silence Spike paid the driver when they pulled up outside the dorms. Buffy walked quietly to the door and turned to Spike who followed her. She took her bag off him and looked to the dorm entrance then back to him.

"I think I need to sleep and think about this tomorrow, you were trying to say something about Christmas earlier?" Buffy tried to smile at him but knew he could see straight through it.

"Come over for Christmas, my place. Oz will be there, along with a bunch of guys you don't know. If you say yes you get to have the spare room, it has a lock." Spike grinned and Buffy managed a small smile. "Think about it. You know where I live if you decide you want to, take a cab though - no walking. It starts tomorrow at around 8pm and finishes sometime on Boxing Day, so I'd bring a bag."

He paused and tilted his head as he looked at her, she was trying hard to smile with feeling but he wasn't fooled. Inside her burned a thousand questions about Angel and how she felt. He hoped she'd come over to his place, no one should be alone at Christmas especially with thoughts like that.

Spike ran his hand softly down her hair and smiled. "Night, try and get some rest kitten." He whispered and turned to walk down the steps.

"William." Buffy called out after him and he looked back at her. "Thanks for an interesting night, sweet dreams."

He smiled broadly and jumped from the last few steps up onto the pavement then turned and walked up the street. Buffy headed in and went to her room, closing the door behind her she curled up on her bed and lay awake thinking over what she was going to do.


Next morning Buffy awoke late and realised she had fallen asleep still dressed. Lying on her back she stared vacantly at the ceiling, she had been dreaming about something nice but couldn't remember enough of it to piece it together.

She stretched as she stood and looked out of the window, the whole of her world was covered in a thick white frost and it looked almost like snow. Turning away from the window and looking around the room Buffy made her decision, she didn't want to be alone over Christmas.

Showered and dressed Buffy pulled her thick red coat on, looking for her keys in the jacket she wore last night she found Spikes gloves and smiled.

Slipping them on she grabbed her keys and bag then headed out into the street below. Walking along the main street she was thankful that there were shops open and she weaved her way through the crowds in some of them. She was in HMV when her phone rang.

"Hello?" Buffy shouted over the noise but the signal was bad. "Hang on."

Pushing through the crowd she made it outside into the street and felt strangely liberated.

"Hello?" Buffy tried again.

"Hey Buffy!" It was Willow. "What you doing?"

"Trying to get some presents, what would you buy Oz?" Buffy pouted at her phone.

"Oz? Well, music is always good. Why?" The voice at the other end sounded confused.

"I'll get him a voucher. Here's the tricky one. I've walked around ten shops already and can't think what to get Spike."

"Buffy?!" Willows voice gained an octave.

"What? If I'm going to spend Christmas with them I have to get them presents."

"You're spending Christmas with them?" Her friend sounded shocked but a little jealous.

"It's better than being alone Willow and Spike invited me over. How's home?"

"Not good, me and Xander broke up and my parents are their usual selves. I'm kinda wishing I was there with you."

"I'm sorry Will. I can't wait for you to come back, want me to say hey to Oz and Spike for you?"

"Yeah. Buffy? I want to come back before New Years." Willow sounded tearful.

"Get a flight and let me know, I'll convince Spike to drive me to pick you up. I want you back here and happy Willow, I'm sure the boys will be doing something on New Years."

"I'll text you when I've got the flight. I love you Buffy, merry Christmas."

"I love you too Willow. I need you here; everything is so confusing without you, I need a Willow hug to make it all better." Buffy smiled at the phone and felt a little sad.

"Bye Buffy." Buffy swore she could almost hear Willow smiling.

"Bye." She clicked the phone shut and looked around her. "Present for Spike."

Buffy wandered up the street and at the cross roads looked down the road to her left, there was a Body Shop and she smiled to herself. "Pamper me time."

With a full basket Buffy pulled out her wallet and looked at her cards, smiling as she spotted the family credit card. The girl behind the counter rang up her purchases and Buffy grinned as she handed the card to her.

Feeling overwhelmingly liberated Buffy felt she needed to exact a little more revenge when she turned to see a music store next to her. Pushing the door open a little bell rang overhead and she looked around. The wooden floor creaked underfoot and there were row upon row of guitars stretched out in front of her.

"You look like you need some help." A guy behind the counter smiled at her.

"You know, I think I need help choosing but moneys no object." Buffy grinned wickedly.

Spike opened two bottles of beer and looked at the clock on the wall. It was gone nine and she wasn't here. Feeling a little disappointed he walked back into the living room and held a bottle of beer out to Oz who nodded as he took it. There was a knock at the door and Spike raised his eyebrows.

"It's probably Mike." He sipped his beer as he headed to the door, on opening it he caught the bag that had been launched at his stomach and grinned. "Kitten."

"I bought presents." Buffy smiled broadly at him then bent over to pick up her stuff.

Spike clutched the bag he held tightly as he watched her, she was wearing a little black skirt that stopped mid way down her thigh and as she bent over he could practically see her knickers. He registered that he'd never seen her in a skirt before and let his eyes roam up her legs to her backside. Making a little growling noise in his throat he caused Buffy turned to look at him quizzically, quickly realising she was practically showing her ass.

Straightening up Buffy smoothed her skirt down and tried not to look nervous as she smiled at him.

"Drink?" Spike choked out and looked her over with eyes full of fire.

"Don't mind if I do." Buffy took the bottle from his hand and swigged it as she walked past him into the room, Spike followed her like a puppy.

"Hey Oz." Buffy smiled at him as she deposited her armful of presents by the tree, which made her smile turn into a childish grin.

As Spike came out of the spare room and stood next to her she slipped her arm through his and smiled up at him.

"You make a lovely tree, I didn't have you pinned as the festive type." Buffy looked over the tree, it was just like her mother used to decorate theirs and Buffy felt like she was eight again.

"Hey Spike, think Santa is leaving presents in your hall and by the looks of it you must have been a good boy this year." A tall dark haired guy walked in.

"Hey Mike, presents?" Spike started striding towards the door but Buffy raced around and beat him to the hall.

"Just something little for you." She picked up his present and bought it in, it was hard to carry in all the wrapping she'd put on it.

Buffy grinned triumphantly as Spikes eyes widened when she walked past with it.

"Bloody hell Buffy." Spike followed her to the spare room where she deposited it on the bed.

"It could just be a carry case." She tried to look innocent.

"Carry case's aren't heavy kitten." Spike arched a brow and tried to look past her to the present on the bed but she blocked him.

"Maybe I was faking, but you don't get to find out until tomorrow do you?" Buffy put her hands on his chest and started pushing him backwards out of the door, when they were back in the other room she shut the door.

Spike huffed and went to the kitchen for more beers, Buffy settled on the couch next to Oz who was watching the TV. The two new guys she didn't know smiled at her and she looked a little nervous.

"Willow says hi." She turned to Oz who perked up at the sound of her friend's name.

Spike walked back in and handed a beer to the guy that had arrived after her and then sat next to Buffy.

"Spoke to Willow?" Spike kept his eyes fixed on the TV as he spoke to her.

"She's having a rough time and I kinda said if she came back before New Years you'd drive me to the airport to meet her? Please?" Buffy looked at him with pleading eyes he couldn't refuse, he just nodded in the affirmative.

"Aren't you going to introduce us to your girlfriend Spike?" The dark haired guy nudged the other guy next to him and winked.

"What girlfriend?" Spike looked annoyed at them and then looked at Buffy. "Oh you mean kitten?"

"Kitten?" They both echoed his words.

Buffy stood up and straightened her skirt, all too aware of its lack of length. "I'm Buffy, Buffy Summers and I'm pretty sure he's mentioned me already."

"Gary." A quiet looking guy in the corner of the other couch waved a hand at her.

"Mike." He nodded at her.

"Mike the weapons guy?" Buffy arched a brow at him.

"My reputation precedes me. Tell me how did you meet our illustrious man here?" Mike swept a hand out theatrically and pointed at Spike.

"Well, first he knocked me flying onto my ass into a muddy puddle, ruining my nice new jeans and then he tipped beer down me and ritually insulted me in front of an entire room of strangers." Buffy kept her face impassive as she sat back down between Oz and Spike.

"Sounds like our man." Mike laughed at Spike and he frowned in response. "Always knew the way into girls heart."

"Simmer down now kiddies." Spike stood and flicked the light switch off then returned to his seat next to Buffy.

"What we watching?" Buffy grinned at Spike as the titles rolled and he sighed.

"Monty Python pet, shhh!" Spike looked at her and she pretended to zip her mouth shut.

Bringing her legs up onto the couch next to her she let her knees rest against his thigh and watched the TV intently. Xander and Willow always joked about Python and Buffy had always been left out, as she'd never really seen any.

Sipping her beer Buffy rested her arm on the back of the couch behind Spike and cradled her head in her hand, letting her hair brush his neck. She giggled as she watched the titles of the film roll, it was the 'life of Brian'.

Spike took a deep breath as he watched Buffys knees pressing against his leg, her hair tickled his neck as she laughed and he could smell her perfume. Mike looked at him and winked but Spike frowned in response.

Mike already knew that Spike thought Buffy was kind of off limits due to the presence of a boyfriend in LA. But from the way the girl was acting and reacting to his friend he figured that she didn't see the boyfriend as an issue.

Mike stood up halfway through the film and smirked at Spike who gave him a black look.

"Buffy, would you like another beer?" Mike looked down at her.

"I'll help." She smiled and stood up, smoothing her skirt out right in front of Spikes face she heard him swallow hard. "Beer Spikey?"

"Think I need something harder." Spike looked up at her with narrowed eyes.

"Harder than you already have?" Buffy grinned mischievously; amused by the way he reacted to her proximity.

"Harder." Spike caught her look and saw her blush.

"Get a room." Gary grinned at them. "But if you're only offering a beer then I'll have one."

Buffy looked a little embarrassed and followed Mike to the kitchen.

"Hey." She smiled at him as she took three beers from the fridge.

"I think our host needs something to sedate him before he explodes." Mike took two glasses from a cupboard and uncorked some bourbon.

Buffy shifted nervously and leant against the counter, looking at him.

"You have a boyfriend right?" Mike looked at her blankly.

"Yes?" Buffy didn't like where this was headed.

"But you obviously like my friend in there."

"Yes." Her voice went quiet.

"Friendly word of advice, decide whose heart you're going to break and get on with it." Mike left her in the kitchen with Spikes drink.

Buffy stood there thinking about what she was meant to do, the thought of hurting either of them made her sick. She picked up the glass of whisky and toyed with it, staring at the amber liquid that swirled around in the bottom of it.

"You okay kitten?" Spike was leant in the doorway.

"No. Yes. No." Buffy sighed and closed her eyes.

"Confused? Did Mike say something weird because he does that sometimes…" He leant next to her and took the glass from her fingers.

"I'm good just a little too thinky." Buffy smiled up at him and he looked relieved.

"I hear it's bad for your brain, thinking." He sipped his drink and offered it to her. "I also know alcohol is good at killing those pesky brain cells."

"I think I'll stick with beer." She pushed off from the counter and headed to the door.

"Cheer up kitten. If it'll make you smile you can let me open my present." He raised both his eyebrows at her and smiled.

"In your dreams Spike. You have to wait until Christmas day." Buffy turned at him and managed a half smile, she couldn't wait to see Spikes face when he opened it.

"What would cheer you up?" Spike was caught off guard as Buffy grinned wickedly before faltering slightly.

"It's stupid… last year Willow and I did it because we stayed over here, it was funny but… you'll… it's stupid…" Nervously toying with her beer now she raised her eyes slowly to meet his.

"Try me…"


Everyone sat around her on the couch and she looked at the clock as it turned midnight.

"Ready kitten?" Spike smiled at her, what she wanted to do was a little weird but her choice their first two targets were pure genius.

"Ready." Buffy opened her phone and pressed in the number, holding it to her ear she heard it ring. "This is going to sound weird, it's only mid afternoon there."

Everyone shrugged and Buffy listened to the phone ring at the other end.

"Hello?" Angel answered the phone and Buffy held it out to the middle of the circle of people around her.

"Happy Christmas Angel!!!" Everyone shouted at the top of their lungs and Buffy pressed her hand to her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

Bringing the phone back to her ear she heard Angel speaking. "Buffy?" She quickly clicked the phone shut and fell into Spike laughing hard.

"Whose next kitten?" Spike smiled down at her and she grinned.

"Dearest daddy." Buffy punched the number in and pressed the phone to her ear again.

"Hello?" It was her dad and she held the phone up.

"Merry Christmas Mr Summers!!" They all bellowed at the phone and laughed, Spike caught Buffys wrist and pulled the phone to his ear.

"And can I just say you have a pretty kitten." Spike chuckled as Buffy looked horrified and pulled the phone to her ear.

"Who are you?" As she listened to her dad Buffy widened her eyes at Spike.

"Daddy?" She put a coy voice on.

"Buffy, who was that?" He sounded concerned.

"The reason why I can't concentrate on my studies." Buffy clicked the phone shut and slapped Spike on the shoulder as he smiled at being the reason she was lacking concentration. "Pig."

"Anymore?" Oz smiled at her and looked hopeful.

"My mom. Then you have to call Willow." Buffy gave him high beam smile and started punching numbers in.

Leaning against Spike she shooed everyone else away and listened to the phone ringing at the other end.

"Hello?" Her mother answered.

"Mommy? Happy Christmas." Buffy felt miserable and she looked at the tree, taking small comfort from Spike idly playing with her hair.

"Honey, merry Christmas to you too. You're not alone are you?" The voice sounded concerned and it made Buffy warm inside.

"No, I'm with Oz and a really good friend, you'd like him." Buffy smiled at Spike who frowned at her.

"A boy friend Buffy?"

"His names Spike, here speak." Buffy pushed the phone to Spikes ear and he grimaced.

"Hello Mrs Summers, you have a very lovely daughter." He tried to sound as calm as possible, his insides were like a hurricane.

"Hello Spike is it? She can be a little too much to handle sometimes." The voice at the other end sounded nice and it made him relax.

"Tell me about it, Buffy does have a way of getting what she wants."

"She gets that from me I'm afraid, we Summers women are very stubborn."

Spike laughed and Buffy pouted as she snatched the phone back.

"Mommy, I have to go. Call me soon, I love you."

"I love you too, he sounds nice Buffy, that accent." Buffy ended the call then dialled in Willows number and handed the phone to Oz who disappeared into the kitchen.

"What'd my mom say?" Buffy slumped into the couch and put her feet up on the table.

"She says Summers women are stubborn. I'd have to agree." He pressed play on the remote and grinned at her.

Buffy ignored him and curled up on the couch, stifling a yawn she closed her eyes.

When she came around she was laying on something warm and could hear a slow heartbeat in her ear. Buffy froze as she felt a hand holding her head against whatever she was sleeping on.

"Morning Buffy." Mike's voice echoed in her ears and she opened her eyes in panic, only partly thankful when she saw he was nowhere near her.

"Morning." She whispered and tried to look up.

"Try not to wake our sleeping beauty." Mike assisted her by moving her pillows hand off her head.

To which the pillow made a snorting noise then scratched its chest. Sitting up gently Buffy saw Spike asleep next to her, head tilted back, lips parted and snoring softly. She smiled at Mike who laughed and Buffy felt relieved that it wasn't Gary or Oz she had been asleep on.

She walked around the couch and into the kitchen where Mike followed her. Buffy stretched and then flicked the kettle on, turning she looked out the door to Spike.

"He makes a good pillow." Buffy smiled to herself. "You must have all thought I was such a weakling falling asleep so early."

"Nah, when you dozed off you sent Gary to sleep, at which point our host in there passed to the land of dreaming and I followed suit pretty quickly after him. I have to warn you, when he sleeps he really sleeps, we'll be lucky to have him awake before midday."

Buffy laughed and took two mugs from the cupboard and busied herself with making coffee. When she was done she handed one to Mike and smiled.

"He'll be awake before midday." She looked at the clock it was 8am. "I guarantee he's awake by the time I've showered."

"How do you know? He's a deep sleeper. We've had Christmas's where he hasn't got up before dinner." Mike looked at her and stirred his drink.

"Because I'm here." She smiled confidently and walked off to her room.

Mike stood in the doorway and watched her hips switch as she walked, he could see what his friend saw in her. As she shut the door Spike shot up and rubbed his hair.

"Kitten?" He looked around the room and frowned inquisitively at Mike.

Damn she's good. Mike thought to himself and sat on the couch next to his friend. "Kittens in the shower."

Spike arched a brow and leapt up off the couch grinning.

"Down boy." Mike laughed as Spike growled and headed for his bedroom.


Buffy heard an impatient knock at the bathroom door, she shut the shower off and wrapped her hair up in a towel. Slipping her bathrobe on she padded across the floor to stand next to the door. They knocked again and Buffy listened hard to the sound of Spike muttering a string of swear words.

She pulled open the door and smiled at him, slightly taken aback by his clothing consisting of just his jeans and the predatory look in his eyes. "Come to blow my house down, you big… bad… wolf?"

Spike growled and clenched his jaw as he watched her move back to the mirror. He stretched his hands up above his head and leant them on the top of the doorframe. Buffy turned and looked at him, the position he was standing in had caused every to tense up underneath his smooth creamy skin and it was a fine sight, like Michelangelo's David come to life.

"Done." She walked up to him but he didn't move out of the way.

Narrowing his eyes Buffy felt like he was looking right through her, she shifted her eyes slightly so they came to rest on the scar on his left eyebrow. Raising her fingers she ran them over it softly and saw him close his eyes dreamily as he leant into her touch, she felt like she had some kind of power over him.

"Did it hurt?" She sounded distant in thought.

"Like hell." He caught her wrist and smiled mischievously into her eyes then down at her robe, she was getting used to the constant switching of his moods now. "Got any scars under there?"

"Maybe." Feeling a thrill run up her spine at the sight of his eyes hungry for her she slipped past him and back into her room.


Buffy was applying her lip-gloss and listening to the guys open their presents, she looked around at the present on her bed. Checking herself over in the mirror she had gone with jeans and a little black baby doll that had silver script wings on the back and angel written across her chest.

Walking back into the living room carrying the present she giggled at the sight of them, torn wrapping paper was everywhere and Spike was sticking a shiny ribbon onto Mike's head.

"You're presents here." Mike nodded towards Buffy and Spike snapped his head around to look at her.

"Kittens gone all angelic on me." Spike hopped over the back of the couch and stood in front of her, effectively halting her in mid step. "For me?"

"Nothing big so don't get your hopes up." Buffy smiled as he took the present from her and slid back onto the couch.

"That's what he says to all the girls." Mike grinned and Spike was the only one who didn't laugh.

Everyone crowded around him as he tore the layers of paper off his present, stopping when he reached a hard black case he flicked the buckles open and took a deep breath. Buffy had moved to sit on the table opposite him and watched for a reaction.

He eased the case open a fraction then shut it again and looked at her, then back at the case. Spike frowned in disbelief as he opened it up fully. Laid out in front of him was a shiny black fender.

"Bloody hell Buffy. I can't accept this." He looked at her and she just grinned.

"Sure you can mate, don't be an idiot." Mike patted his shoulder.

"Fender." Oz smiled and nodded in appreciation at Buffys choice.

"Guy in the store said it was good." She smiled into Spikes eyes as he took it out of the case.

"I can't." He searched her eyes for the reason he was holding several hundreds pounds worth of guitar, her face was warm and her eyes smiled into his caressing them with her feelings for him.

"My dad would want you to have it. I want you to have it." Her smile turned wicked and Spike caught the bug and grinned back at her.

"Naughty kitten." He arched a brow and ran his fingers along the fret board and purred at the guitar, as he said the last word his eyes flicked to Buffy. "Think I'm in love."

"Do I get a present?" Buffy sat and smiled at him coyly, her mind and heart wondering what exactly he was in love with, the guitar or her?

Spike pulled a box out from his pocket and threw it to her. Watching her intently as she opened with trembling fingers, he smiled as Buffys face lit up in a laugh.

"You're silly." She pulled the necklace from the box and looked at it.

Held in front of her was a thin black leather strip with silver letters that spelt out 'kitten' and either side was a little red heart. Spike stood and took it off her, coming to stand behind her he wrapped it around her neck and tied it with a knot. Softly brushing his fingers across the nape of her neck as he did so, she shuddered slightly as another thrill coursed up her spine and her insides heated through.

When Buffy bounced to the mirror in her room Spike followed her, stopping in the doorway he could feel everyone in the living room listening in.

She stood staring at it as she ran her fingers along the letters and smiled at Spikes reflection in the mirror. "Where'd you get it?"

Spike ran his hand around the back of his neck and looked up at her with some embarrassment. "I made it."

"But it's so beautiful." Walking over to him she wrapped him up in a hug. "Thanks."

Spike stood still and let his arms fall around her, holding her gently. When she moved away from him he only turned his head to watch her as she sat back on the couch, his arms aching for her to return to them.

By mid afternoon Spike had left Gary in charge of cooking and was laying with his feet over the back of the couch while watching the TV upside down and tuning his new guitar.

Buffy frowned at him and pulled at a string, which caused Spike to smack her hand playfully. A scratching sound made him look away from the TV to the front door and then to Oz who got up and went to open it.

She heard a meow and Buffy looked over the back of the couch to see a little black cat slinking towards her, it jumped onto the back of the couch and down onto Spike.

"Zero get off." Spike pushed the cat off him and onto the couch near Buffy.

"You named the band after your cat?" Buffy looked incredulous.

"Said it was profound." Oz smiled and sat back down.

"Here puss." She lured it over and Spike watched with interest as the cat curled up next to her and started purring contentedly.

"Kitten likes my kitten." He grinned and went back to watching TV upside down.

Buffy frowned and tried to figure out if he was saying 'Buffy likes my cat' or 'cat likes my Buffy'.

She ended up watching Spike more than the TV, he was very adept at doing stuff while not even having to look at it. Humming a little tune as he watched the TV, Buffy watched his fingers working out the chords on the fret board and his other hand strumming along.

"Spike." She looked at him and he strained to lift his head up to look at her.

"Yes kitten?"

"You're left handed so why do you play right handed?" Buffy plucked idly at the strings of his guitar pleased that he liked it.

"I'm just skilled with both my hands." He arched a brow and wiggled it.

"Please, hands are so passé." Buffy rolled her eyes at him and reeled him in hook line and sinker.

"You have something better than hands?" He was staring at her with an intense look of interest.

Buffy smiled and poked her tongue out, wriggling it like a worm at him and then rolling it and pulling it back into her mouth. Spike looked fascinated at the little display and she realised he wasn't the only one. Even the cat was looking at her.

"Do that again." Spike was mesmerised and Buffy was spared further embarrassment when Gary walked in and announced dinner was ready.


After dinner Buffy was sitting cross-legged on the couch with Oz.

"And she does this every year?" She nodded to the TV.

"Celebrated tradition." Oz smiled at her and saw Spike walk in.

"Bloody hell, nobody watches the Queens speech you know. It's propaganda." He flicked the channel over to some cartoons and sat down on the other couch.

"Hey!" Buffy pouted at him but he just looked at her blankly.

"Buffy, it's tradition to avoid the speech. We only put it in the TV guide so people can know what time to start drinking." He raised his bottle of beer as an example. "See."

"Speaking of beer we're all out, who wants to walk to my house to get some more?" Mike smiled at the ensemble but no one looked like moving. "Gary and Oz come on."

Buffy watched them both grumble and pick their coats up, she waved at them as they walked out the door and then noticed Spike was fidgeting with his guitar. Listening for a while she didn't recognise what he was strumming and she wrinkled her nose.

"Whatcha playing?" Buffy moved to sit on the couch next to him.

"Just a tune." He kept his eyes fixed on his hands.

"What's it about?" She smiled encouragingly.

"Reminds me of you." Spike raised his eyes to hers and sighed into them.

"And it makes you miserable?"

"No kitten. Just don't know how you'd react to it."

"Let me hear it then and you'll know."

"Can't. Gonna play it on your birthday, we're playing a gig that night."

"How'd you know I'll be there?"

"Just do." He put his guitar down on the couch and walked towards the kitchen.

"Wait." Buffy halted him as she walked over the couch and balanced on its edge. "Come here."

Spike stood in front of her, smiling at how the couch made her the same height as him. Buffy pulled a little bit of fake mistletoe out from behind her back and smiled at him as she waved it above his head. Her heart was pounding so fast it was making her dizzy, her palms were moist and her mouth dry.

"What about Angel?" He sought an answer in her eyes, they looked even greener when they were level with his and they were overflowing with passion and fear.

"It's mistletoe Spike. It transcends all boundaries." She ran her fingers through his hair and around the back of his head, building up her courage she gave him a gentle look.

"It's wrong. You love Angel." Spike sighed at her and looked disheartened.

"I loved Angel… once. Now I don't know how I feel about him, but I know how I feel about you." She let her eyes languidly fall shut and cursed herself for ever initiating this, he wasn't going to kiss her again, not after last time.

Buffy bit her lip as she felt his cold hands slip around her waist and grasp her tightly. He lowered his eyes to look at his hands then raised them to her face, she was wondering what she'd let herself in for. Narrowing his eyes and clenching his jaw Spike set his sights firmly on Buffys shiny red lips. Target acquired he clasped her to him and crushed his mouth against hers.

She tasted sweet under his lips and he kissed her hungrily, biting her lip as he pushed harder against her. Buffy let out a small moan on being bitten and dropped the mistletoe, wrapping both her arms around his neck she leant into his embrace. She felt like her mouth was on fire as he probed it with his tongue, tackling it with hers she wriggled it against his and he pulled back.

A momentary frown at her mouth was his reaction before he pulled her back against him and pushed his tongue back into her mouth, running it along hers as she wrapped her legs about him. Spike grasped her warm body tight against his and kissed her deeply, carrying her to his bedroom he kicked the door shut behind them and fell onto the bed with her.

She looked up as he rained kisses down her neck and wondered how they had gotten to his room, then didn't care as she felt his hand roam under her t-shirt and over her bra.

"Spike." She breathed out and arched her back.

"God Buffy I want you." He whispered in her ear and sucked on her lobe.

Losing herself in the moment Buffy slid her hands up under Spikes top and tugged at it, slipping it off over his head. She let her hands trace the contours of his muscles then pulled his head back down to kiss her. Spike pushed her into the bed hard and kissed her deeply, sucking on her lip he felt her hands slide down to his backside and pull him on top of her.

Driving him on Buffy kissed his neck as he licked hers, then momentarily broke contact to pull her top off and unhook her bra.

Spike pushed her further up on the bed and looked at her, laying there in nothing but her jeans she didn't look like backing down. Buffy caught his belt and pulled her to him again, unbuckling him she started unbuttoning his jeans and Spike grinned at her. She had a sense of urgency about her that he liked, sliding off the bed he walked over to the door and locked it then stripped himself as he came back towards her.

Buffy squeezed her thighs together as she watched him, it was all very wrong but it made her feel so hot seeing him stood there naked.

He crawled up the bed and unbuttoned her jeans, slipping them off her ankles he kissed up her thighs then her stomach. Buffy grasped at the sheets as he took a nipple into his mouth and sucked hard on it. Her eyes rolled shut and she arched her back, feeling Spikes warm hand slip down her stomach and into her pants she bit her lip harder.

He ran his finger down her pussy to her opening, slipping it in softly and then bringing lubricant to her nub he circled his finger there gently then tapped it. Buffy moaned and Spike caught it in his mouth, pressing his lips firmly against hers before he smiled at her.

"Quiet kitten. Kiddies will be back anytime." Spike looked in her eyes and saw how much the thought of getting caught by his friends thrilled her, he rummaged through his drawer and produced a small shiny foil packet.

Buffy pushed him onto his back and slipped her panties off, straddling him she rained kisses down on his chest and then flicked the tip of his cock with her tongue before she slipped the condom on him. Spike moaned and she looked at him, crawling up the length of his body she straddled his chest and looked into his eyes. "Quiet Spikey."

She pressed her finger to his lips and took hold of his cock with her other hand. Manoeuvring him to her slick opening Buffy closed her eyes and inched down slowly, feeling herself expanding to take him in. She wriggled her hips against him and Spike bit his lip hard, it felt so hot and tight he fought against the desire to flip her onto her back and fuck her brains out.

The feeling of him rock hard inside her made Buffy lick her lips as she inched slowly up and down on his cock, taking him almost all of the way out and then in again. She leant forward and caught Spike around the back of his neck, pulling him up into a sitting position she clasped him to her breast.

He sucked her nipple in greedily and wrapped his hands around her ass, moving her up and down on his length. Buffy held him tighter to her as she felt his cock moving inside her, she flung her head back and squeezed her thighs so she was milking his shaft harder.

"Fucking hell." Spike spluttered obscenities into her breasts and growled, losing all control he heard Buffy giggle as he threw her to the bed and pounced on top of her.

He inched his cock towards her opening again and Buffy sighed as he teased her with it, circling the tip of his length around her entrance.

"Spike." She bit her lip and mewled at him, he grinned as her eyes widened when he pushed into her. She rolled them closed and grasped his buttocks tightly.

Pushing her hard into the bed Spike pounded her senseless and then slowed to an aching rhythm that drove Buffy up the wall, she bucked under him and tried to move him quicker but he wouldn't budge. Opening her eyes she saw him smiling wickedly at her, obviously finding her desire amusing.

She wanted release for the growing ball of energy that wound itself up in her stomach; Buffy pushed Spike off her and giggled. He looked thoroughly pissed off.

Crawling to the edge of the bed in view of the mirror Buffy wriggled her backside at Spike and he seized the opportunity. Slipping his cock into her pussy from behind Spike looked in the mirror and smiled at Buffy who was watching him.

"Hey." She grinned and bucked against his cock making his face screw up.

"Hey." He choked out and slid his hand down her stomach and slowly circled her swollen clit with his fingers. He grinned as he saw mirror Buffy close her eyes and bite her lip. Bending over her he slid his cock gently in and out of her, building momentum in time with his fingers on her clit. Buffy moaned quietly and pushed hard against him, Spike took the hint and picked up speed.

Buffy clenched her teeth as she tightened the muscles around his cock, she grasped the edge of the bed and bucked slightly moaning his name. She noticed it drove him nuts and she felt his fingers rub her harder. Buffy moaned again and watched Spike grit his teeth and push into her harder, closing her eyes she felt the tidal wave building up inside her and pushed against Spikes cock, begging for release.

Spike grasped her hips in both of his hands and pulled her tight to him, pumping her hard and fast he watched himself fucking her in the mirror, suddenly wishing that he had a side view. Pulling himself out of her he moved her round the bed and she looked at him, seeing what he was up to Buffy moaned and raised her ass to him.

He slipped himself back inside her and smiled at her in the mirror. Buffy was fascinated as she watched his length delving into her and then out again, the slick motion of his hips meeting hers then falling back again. She wondered how something that long was fitting inside her as he pulled it almost all the way out and teased her with it.

"You want this?" He grinned at Buffy in the mirror as he held his cock so his head was just inside her and rubbed her nub with the tips of his fingers.

"God yes. Spike yes." She tensed her muscles as she pushed back onto his length, feeling it push hard into her and her wetness envelope him again.

Spike pounded her hard from behind, she moaned his name and as he watched her watching him in the mirror he couldn't take anymore. Biting his lip Spike grasped her tightly and growled, pounding her harder and harder Buffy closed her eyes and moaned hoarsely.

"Spike, fucking fuck me Spike." She bucked against him and felt him push up harder inside her, the feeling in her stomach exploded and she came hard moaning his name and panting into the sheets.

"Buffy!" Driven on by the feeling of her walls milking his cock Spike pounded her fiercely for a few moments longer before spilling his seed with a harsh moan and collapsing forward on top of her. He could feel her heartbeat reverberating through his body and he pressed his cheek to her back.

"That's some mistletoe." Buffy giggled underneath him and he rolled off her and laughed.

Buffy fell silent and listened for a sound in the flat other than Spikes fast breathing. "I don't think anyone's home."

Regaining control of his legs Spike walked off to the bathroom. Buffy sprawled herself out on the bed and gave in to the delicious feeling in her abdomen.

As he walked back in Spike looked at her, she was cupping her breasts and had her eyes closed. She looked incredible.

"What you thinking in there kitten?" Spike slipped his jeans back on and handed her panties to her.

"You're kinky." She sat up smiling lazily and ran her fingers down his chest.

"That was sedate Buffy, kinky hasn't even reared its ugly head." Spike looked at her and grinned. "Don't tell me Angels Mr Missionary."

Buffy blushed under his gaze and slipped her jeans on, reaffixed her bra and slipped her top on over her head, fearing that at any second his friends would return. Coming to stand near him she smiled and pushed her panties into his pocket.

Spike grinned and peered out into the living room. "All clear."

Sitting back on the couch together Spike slipped his t-shirt back on and looked at Buffy with an arched brow. "So, know you were comparing in there so why not share the comparison?"

She bit her lip and smiled. "Honestly? I don't have much to compare with, unlike you I imagine."

"There's only been Angel before me?" He smiled as she nodded. "You should know then there's only been Dru and she was a kinky bitch but didn't hold a candle to the fire in you." Spike grabbed her waist and pulled her across the couch to him, raining kisses on her face.

Buffy giggled and pushed him off her. "You truly excel in the art of being a pervert Spike."

He frowned for a moment then looked playful again. "That means I'm better than him right?"

When she nodded he rained kisses down on her again. They both held their breath as they heard voices coming up the stairs. Buffy shot to the other side of the couch and grinned mischievously at him. Spike took up his guitar and started strumming the same chords as before.

"Hey, ho." Spike said as they all came through the door.

"Lets go." Mike replied and Buffy looked a little lost.

"Ramones kitten." Spike smiled reassuringly and Mike picked up on the look.

"Anything interesting happen?" He sat next to Spike and handed him a beer, looking at Buffy he noticed she was flushed.

"Nothing mate, watched telly and played a few tunes." Spike smiled at him. Shagged kittens brains out.

"Oz!" Buffy beamed as he sat down next to her.

"Hey Buffy, you alright?" Oz looked from the TV to her.

"Just a little stuffy in here. I need some air." Buffy stood up and grabbed her trainers.

"Yeah, Spike will do that to you." Mike grinned and Spike hit him hard on the leg. "Ow, dead leg!"

Buffy looked back when she reached the door and Spike looked concerned.

"Pillock." Spike grabbed his coat and messed Mike's hair up. "Don't upset my kitten."

"She's not your kitten Spike." Mike kept his eyes fixed on the TV.

"That's what you think." Spike arched a brow and headed out the door after Buffy, Mike looked to Oz and he shrugged his shoulders.


Buffy leant against the wall and looked up at the stars, listening as Spike came down the stairs spitting obscenities that made her smile. He stopped in front of her and put his coat around her shoulders, all too aware of the audience in his window upstairs.

"You okay Buffy?" Spike looked at her and smiled.

"Do I look hot?" She let her eyes fall to his.

"Always." He ran his hand down her arm.

"I got a little edgy, sorry. I just feel all sweaty." She pouted up at him and he grinned back at her.

"You're sexy when you're sweaty. Come here." Spike slipped his arms around her and held her tight, Buffy rested her cheek against his chest and sighed.

Holding her out in the cold Spike smiled and kissed Buffys hair then breathed in her scent. He sighed as he let her go, when it mattered most he silently prayed she'd choose him. Closing his eyes again he felt her warm fingers intertwine with his, on opening his eyes he stared at the writing on her top.

"You alright?" Buffy was concerned that she wasn't the only one needing comfort right now, she looked down at her top and realised what he was thinking. "Don't think about him."

"Hard not to pet." Spike stuck his hands in his pockets and stood facing away from her at the edge of the pavement looking up at the stars, he smiled when he felt her panties in his fingers.

Buffy slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his back. "I don't want him."

"What do you want kitten?" He realised that not many people actually asked what she wanted, she was expected to do as she was told, his kitten responded by squeezing him tightly.

"You." She whispered and watched her breath like smoke in the air, it was like her words had taken form and were floating away.

Turning, Spike put his arms around her and held her tight. He knew that what she was about to go through with her family and Angel would be bad. What was worse was knowing he couldn't interfere, this would be her first big show of independence and she would be tempted to give in and go the easy route of leaving him at the way side and returning to Angel. Spike wanted to know that when she was finally his that she had done it alone, that it had been her decision, her choice.


Buffy went straight to the bathroom when they came back inside and Spike sat back down and took up his guitar.

"Sly fox." Mike nudged him.

"Nothing happened, we just talked is all." Spike strummed his guitar then narrowed his eyes at his friend as his voice turned to venom. "Don't upset kitten."

"Okay, backing off now." Mike moved to sit next to Oz and Gary on the other couch.

When Buffy reappeared she handed a whisky to Spike and sipped at the glass she had got for herself, settling into the couch next to him. She ran her fingers over the guitar and smiled as she took it off him, placing it to one side. Spike noted with a smile that she had changed into her 'kitten' top.

Slipping closer to him Buffy let her head come to rest on his chest and hooked her legs over him so her feet rested on the couch between his legs. Spike let his arm slip around her shoulders and stroked her hair soothingly.

Oz looked at them both and then at Mike who was watching them like a hawk. Standing up he flicked the light switch off and leant over to Mike.

"Rude to stare." Oz smiled and put a DVD into the player.

Buffy looked up at Spike and smiled lazily. "What we watching?"

"Lord of the rings." He smiled back at her, the feeling of her snuggled up to him was divine.

"Ooh pretty men." Buffy shot up and stared at the TV, Spike jealously pulled her back to his chest.

"Rude to stare." Oz repeated in her direction and she giggled.

Spike closed his eyes, he loved the sound of her giggle. He watched the titles rolling and listened to Buffy making small choking noises every time she sipped her whisky.

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