***Chapter 22***Darkness Falls***

Spike awoke with a start, sitting up in bed, frantically searching the unfamiliar surroundings for the source of the noise. The doorbell rang again and he fell back on the cot with a sigh. Reluctantly he pulled himself from the bed, running his fingers through his sleep tousled hair. He grabbed the bag he had retrieved from his crypt and pulled out his comb and gel, making quick work of his hair.

He walked into the front hall and couldn’t help but laugh as Joyce was all but hidden behind a large bouquet of flowers. He saw her reach blindly for the table beside the door, missing the object by quite a few feet. Spike plucked the vase from her hands and deposited his fragrant load onto the table.

“Thank you dear.” Joyce smiled at Spike. Spike in turn ducked his head and smiled back shyly. “Spike we need to talk.” Joyce motioned for him to take a seat in the living room.

“Your new beau send you those flowers, Joyce?” Spike asked nervously, cursing his cowardliness.

‘’M suppose to be the Big Bad and I can’t even talk with the Slayer’s mum.’ Spike chided himself.

“Yes, Brian sent then, aren’t they beautiful.” Spike nodded and smiled with relief at his respite. The relief was short lived.

“We need to talk about you and my daughter.” Joyce said grimly causing Spike to shift uncomfortably in his seat. “How old are you?” Spike looked up in shock. , startled at the unexpected question.

“’M not as old as the poof.” Spike croaked out, his throat constricting with pain. Joyce stared for a moment in confusion before the reference dawned on her. She couldn’t help but smile. “I was in my mid twenties when I was turned. Dru sired me in 1880.” Spike said quietly, his throat sore from disuse and his injury. Joyce shook her head incredulously.

“You were a vampire for over a hundred years before Buffy was even born.” Joyce stared at the vampire. “I'm worried about you two. I don't have to tell you that you and Buffy are from different worlds.” Spike sighed and shook his head.

“Our worlds aren’t so different. Not anymore at least.” Joyce gave Spike an imploring look, waiting for him to continue. “We both slay and look after both you and the Nibblet.”

“There is more to her life than slaying and her family. She has school, and friends an-”

“She has friends who help with the whole slaying deal. Witches, ex-demon, watcher, and the whelp. What does he do anyway?” Joyce couldn’t help but laugh. “School is yes, something she has that is different but-” Spike gave Joyce a helpless look.

“I know you care for her.” It was Spike’s turn to stare at Joyce in shock. “It obvious you care for her. You are different then other vampires. But you are still a vampire and Buffy’s had to deal with a lot already. Grew up fast. Sometimes even I forget that she's still just a girl.”

“What happens if the chip stops working? That is what you really want to know.” Spike said quietly, looking at Joyce intently.

“Well, yes. I’m concerned for my daughter. You are a vampire Spike. You tried to kill her before.” Spike smiled and rubbed his head ruefully.

“You’re kinda mean with an axe, Joyce. I’d be more worried about what you would do.” Joyce couldn’t help but smile.

“What happened with Drusilla? We talked about this before, but. . .” Joyce let her voice trail off as Spike sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

“Bloody hell, Dru.” Spike rose to his feet and started passing. “She left me. Said the Slayer was all around me. In my bloody head she was. She said I tasted like ashes. Didn’t bloody want me.” Spike ranted, the old feelings rising to the surface. Joyce watched as emotions warred for dominance on the enraged vampire’s face. “She even came back a couple of days ago.” Joyce sat back with an alarmed look. Spike noticed Joyce recoil and tried to smile reassuringly. “I told her she had bloody well leave and never come back. She new about the chip. She wanted to help get it out and go after-” Spike’s voice choked in his throat at the thought. He went back to his place at Joyce’s side and gave her a helpless look.

“What the bloody hell is wrong with me?” Spike croaked, his voice growing hoarse with the strain of talking. “I turned my back on my sire, the love of my bleeding’ life. You have the slightest idea what she meant to me? She was the face of my salvation!” A small smile crossed Spike’s face at the memory. “She delivered me from mediocrity. For over a century we ... cut a swath through continents. A hundred years, she never stopped surprising me.” Joyce looked at Spike in a mixture of horror and tenderness, her heart going out to the blonde vampire.

“Never stopped taking me to new depths. I was a lucky bloke. Just to touch such a black beauty.” Spike shook his head to clear it of the images. “Then she had to go and ruin it all.”

“By leaving you.” Joyce said, nodding in understanding.

“Not Dru, Buffy. She cluttered up my brain, filling my head with thoughts and ideas.” Spike said, his face a mask of pain. Joyce stared at the silent vampire, her eyes lighting with comprehension.

“You fell in love with her.” Spike stared at his clasped hands, unable to look at his love’s mother.

“It doesn’t matter now anyway. I buggered it up good, I did.” Spike said quietly, his voice filled with pain.

“What did you do?” Joyce asked, a hint of apprehension in her voice. Spike looked up in surprise.

“I didn’t hurt her or nothing, couldn’t even if I didn’t have this bloody chip.” Joyce sighed in relief. “I thought things were going good, after last nig-” Spike broke off and gave Joyce a sheepish look. “Which I’m sorry about by the way.” Joyce smiled reassuredly and waited for him to continue. “She says she wants time and I got impatient and pushed and she left.”

“Give her time. She has wanted a normal life for so long, but it doesn’t make her happy.” Joyce smiled at Spike. “And as much as I hate the idea of my daughter getting involved with another vampire, there is no one else I would have wanted for her.” Spike stared at Joyce with a mixture of shock and pleasure. “We both know she isn’t a normal girl, no matter how hard she tries. Her life won’t be a long o-” Joyce broke off, her voice laced with pain, her eyes filling with pain. Spike put his hands over hers, squeezing reassuredly.

“She will if I have anything to bloody well say about it.” Joyce smiled and squeezed back, before patting his hands and rising to her feet.

“Well that’s enough serious talk for one afternoon. The girls will be home soon and you know how hungry growing girls can be.” Spike laughed and rose to his feet as well.

“Worse then bloody fledglings they are.” Joyce laughed and took a step forward.

Her hand raised to her forehead, her eyes closing as a bout of dizziness came over her. She let out a small moan and wobbled unsteadily on her feet.

“Joyce, what’s wrong.” Spike demanded, a worried expression on his face.

“Just a little light headed is all.” Spike took her arm and guided her back down to the couch. She smiled softly at the vampire before her eyes rolled back into her head and she slumped back on the couch. The last sound she heard before the darkness overwhelmed her was the sound of Spike’s voice calling her name.

***Chapter 23***Panic***

“Stupid, obstinate, evil, bloodsucking, impatient. . .” The list went on and on as Buffy stormed down the sidewalk, oblivious to everything around her. A dog darted out from one of the yards, almost knocking the preoccupied slayer to the ground. The dog yelped and Buffy glared as they stood and stared at each other. Buffy’s expression softened at the ‘poor me’ expression in the bright blue eyes of the hound as it cowered at her feet.

‘Such pretty blue ey-’ Buffy said to herself before looking to the sky and screaming in frustration. She didn’t even notice the dog go scrambling out of her way as she resumed her brisk pace down the road.

“Stupid, annoying, always right where you don’t wa-” She broke off her furious tirade as the sound of a siren pierced the afternoon air. She realized that the sound had come from her street, her heart rate rose as she began to panic. The ambulance sped down the road past her, lights flashing their warning, siren blaring. Buffy’s eyes widened in panic fear as she raced down the side walk, desperate to reach her home, the words ‘not mom’ repeating over and over in her head.

The door swung open with a bang, almost knocking it off its hinges. The Slayer rushed in screaming her mom’s name frantically. Spike jumped to his feet and hurried to intercept the distraught female, careful to keep from the sun that shone through the open doorway.

“Where is she?” Buffy demanded, clutching his shirt in her hands, her body taut with tension.

“They took her to the hospital, she fainted and I couldn’t wake her.” Spike told her gently, trying to loosen her death grip in his shirt.

“Why didn’t you go with her?” Buffy cried, tears welling up in her eyes. “Damn you. She’s all alone.” She beat her fist against his chest, Spike let her vent her frustration, barely feeling the tempered blows, as he tried to comfort the slayer. She stopped suddenly, her eyes wide and glistening with the yet unshed tears.

“I have to go to her!” Buffy grabbed Spike’s arm and pulled him after her. He hissed in pain and pulled from her grasp as the sun hit his bare skin, scorching the pale flesh. Buffy glared at him for pulling away before the smell of burnt skin assaulted her.

“Just let me grab my duster and we can take the sewers.” Spike said, already heading for the basement/

“Don’t bother.” Buffy said scornfully. “I don’t need you.” Spike’s eyes flashed gold as he pulled Buffy from the doorway, ignoring the searing pain of his burning flesh.

“Bloody hell woman! Stop being a stubborn little bint and wait two God damn seconds.”

Buffy blinked at his sudden rage, standing, shocking in place until he came from the basement, coat in hand. He covered his head with the leather and took off out the door, tempting fate yet again as he tried to out run the sun. The man hole cover was deftly removed, the result of much practice, and he jumped into the dark abyss, leaving a trail of smoke behind him. He stepped back from where the sun penetrated the dark and waited impatiently for Buffy to follow.

A long moment passed, and Spike was sure he would have to drag her down, when she appeared at the entrance, her golden hair glowing about her like a halo in the afternoon light.

“Hurry up!” Spike called out impatiently. With a loud sigh, she looked around to make sure no one was about to witness her descent, and lowered herself into the hole, making her ways quickly down the ladder. Spike didn’t give her a moment to adjust to the low light before he gripped her hand and pulled her forcefully through the tunnel, making his way unerringly towards the hospital.

“You don’t have to yank me around.” Buffy said shortly as she pulled her hand from his grasp. “It’s my mom we need to get to.” They walked in silence, the only sounds were that of their footfalls echoing in the dark cavernous tunnel.

“Are we there yet?” Buffy asked after a long moment, her voice laced with uncharacteristic fear.

“Does it look like we’re there yet?” Spike spat out before he could stop the scalding words. Buffy glared at him before increasing her pace, almost running down the tunnel.

“Buffy wait.” Spike called out hoarsely, increasing his pace to catch up. “Slayer!” Buffy ignored him and broke into a jog. Spike caught her easily and caught her arm, swinging her around to face him.

“Let me go!” She cried, pulling her arm from his grasp. “I don’t have time for you. She just had a tumor removed and now . . . she could di-” Her voice caught in her throat painfully. “I have to get to her.”

“Well you won’t get to the hospital going that way. You missed the bloody turn.” Spike pointed back the way they came to a dimly lit tunnel. Buffy glared and followed after him silently.

The walk from the basement to the emergency room was done in silence, both concentrating on the hall ahead of them. The journey though the halls were dangerous as the afternoon sun shone through the windows making the vampire rush from shaded area to shaded area. Buffy couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, despite the situation.

Spike hared Buffy giggle behind him and turned to give her a curious glance. The scowl on his face softened to his classic smirk as she continued to laugh.

“Come on.” He growled playfully, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the emergency desk. She sobered quickly as her concern for her mom took over. Spike stood off to the side as Buffy talked to the nurse at the sunlit desk. The sun played in her hair, causing the silken strands to glow as the air conditioning ruffled the locks, brushing against her golden skin. A furrow crossed her brow as the nurse said something to her, her lips moving into a frown. Spike saw Buffy sigh then head his way.

“So?” He asked as she returned to his side, having been too caught up in his appreciation of her to listen in on the conversation.

“The doctor is with her now.” She replied, her face drawn and closed. Weariness passed over her and he sat down hard on the bench against the wall. Spike took the sea beside her and waited for her to continue.

“The stupid nurse wouldn’t even tell me how she is.” Buffy said after a moment, running her hands through her hair in frustration. “She said the doctor would be with me shortly. That she paged him and he would tell me what was going on.” Buffy buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with her repressed tears.

Spike patted her back awkwardly, unable to think of a proper way to comfort her. Buffy sat up and leaned into his touch, resting her meager weight against him. Spike relaxed and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her more securely against him, resting his shin on her head. Buffy closed her eyes and allowed his support to sooth her frazzled nerves.

It was Spike who noticed the stoic doctor walking down the hall a good while later, heading for the emergency desk. Spike noticed the tension across his shoulders and hoped that he want there for them. He closed his eyes and sighed as the nurse pointed in their direction. Buffy felt him tense beneath her and turned to give him a curious glance. She followed his gaze and sat up straight in her seat, warily watching the doctor make his way towards them.

“Miss Summers?” The doctor asked as he came to stand before them. Buffy nodded and rose to her feet. Spike rose as well and gripped Buffy’s hand. She gave him a grateful look and squeezed his hand before returning her gaze to the doctor.

“Your mother had a complication due to her surgery. There was a clot. Thankfully she was brought in in time and we were able to get to it before it became dangerous. She was lucky to have someone with her.” Buffy sagged in relief against the Vampire standing beside her.

“Can we see her?” Buffy asked anxiously. The doctor smiled.

“She is being moved to recovery right now. A nurse will fetch you when she is situated. Buffy smiled her thanks and shook the doctor’s hand. Spike grinned down at the Slayer and pulled her into his grasp, breathing in her warm scent.

“Joyce is a tough old bird, I knew she’s pull through.” Buffy laughed as she snuggled into his embrace.

“Just don’t let her hear you called her old.” Spike chuckled and looked down at Buffy’s upturned face, her eyes bright with relief. Spike pressed his lips to hers softly, raising his head to look at her again. Buffy sighed and brought her lips up to his, eager for contact. Spike quickly lower his head and captured her lips in a sweet caress, his arm tightening his hold on her. Buffy sighed again, opening her mouth to allow him in.

Their tongues moved languidly against each other, savoring the taste unique to their partner. Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck, slanting her mouth to open herself further to his questing tongue. Spike groaned and pulled his lips from hers, his unneeded breath coming in pants.

“Right idea, wrong place, pet.” He replied to her questioning look. Buffy nodded and buried her head in his chest. Spike groaned as her warm breath tickled his cool flesh through the thin material of his t-shirt. He felt her smile against him as she purposefully blew a hard breath against his chest, eliciting a shudder from him. He gave her butt a playful swat and glared down at her. Buffy giggled, and pulled away in mock horror.

“Did you just spank me?” She asked in mock reproach.

“Not yet luv. When I spank you, pet, you won’t have to ask if I have.” His voice deep and thick with promise. Buffy swallowed hard, her head filling with images. She opened her mouth to reply when a nurse called out her name, indicating for them to follow her down the hall. Spike smirked and pulled Buffy to his side, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Buffy wrapped her arm around his waist and gave his side a sharp pinch. Spike laughed and pulled her down the hall after the nurse.

Thank you for all the reviews. We are getting to the good stuff you all have been waiting for but not for about 3 more chapters and my beta is still working on it. It’s my first smut and I am apprehensive about the wording and imagery. But look. Joyce is alive. How could you doubt me? Killing Joyce was so wrong but it did set the scene for season six. Send out your ideas cause remember Glory is still kicking around and I do have a plot in this one. What should happen? Who should die? Will Spuffy prevail? Tune in next time with

***Chapter 24***Tease***

“Well go in, pet.” Spike said softly. Buffy stared at the closed hospital room door and didn’t respond. She leaned against him and sighed. Spike tightened his arm across her shoulders and gave her head a quick kiss.

“Go on, I’ll wait here.” Buffy gave him a scared look and tightened her arm around his waist.

“No, you have to come in. I-” Buffy broke off when Spike gave her a small smile.

“Then I’ll come in.” He moved and opened the door, holding it wide for Buffy to enter. She took a deep breath and walked into the room, moving to the window to close the blinds. Spike grinned foolishly, touched that she remembered his little problem despite her mother.

“Buffy!” Joyce said quietly, her voice weak. Buffy rushed to her mom’s side and sat on the bed.

‘Mom, how are you.” Joyce took Buffy’s hand in hers and brushed her hair back with the other.

“I’m fine, honey.” Joyce said soothingly. “The doctor said it wasn’t serious and I’ll be fine in a couple days.” Buffy wrapped her arms around her mother’s neck, her shoulders heaving with repressed sobs. Spike caught Joyce’s gaze over her daughters shoulder, warning him not to speak. No one knew better than Spike how serious the situation really had been. He had never felt more helpless when she had stopped breathing and there was nothing he could do to help. It was the longest minute of his unlife, as he waited anxiously for the paramedics to arrive.

Buffy pulled back from her mother and wiped at her eyes. Spike shifted uncomfortably in the doorway. Joyce saw his movement and gestured for him to come closer.

“Spike, stop hovering in the doorway and come in.” He gave the pair a sheepish grin and ambled over to the bed, hands dug deep in his duster pockets. Buffy smiled at the vampire before turning back to her mom.

“I wanted to thank you for what you did.” Joyce said, taking the vampire’s hand in hers and giving it a light squeeze.

“No thanks are needed.” Spike replied softly, squeezing back. Joyce smiled at him, her eyes conveying more than her simple words. She let out a soft sigh.

“You look tired, we should let you rest.” Buffy said quickly, noticing that her mom could barely keep her eyes open. “Dawn should be home from school soon and we should be there to tell her what happened.” Spike smiled at her use of ‘we.’

“Oh honey.” Joyce called out as Buffy moved away from the bed. “Dawn is staying over at a friend’s house tonight. Maybe we shouldn’t spring this on her right now. Let her have a good night.” Buffy nodded at her mom and gave her a peck on her cheek.

“Sure mom. You get some rest.” Joyce smiled at her daughter and closed her eyes, settling back against the bed. She was asleep before they left the room.

***~~~***

The sun was still shining as Buffy and Spike walked through the hospital corridors towards the basement. Spike ached to take Buffy in his arms again but she walked beside him, her back rigid, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. He successfully dodged yet another bout of sun and Buffy walked on, oblivious. They reached the basement before long and Spike held up the grate to the sewers for Buffy to precede him.

He jumped through the tunnel into the passage beneath, the sound of his combat boots striking the earth echoing off the cavernous walls. Buffy flinched at the sound and wrapped her arms tighter around herself.

Spike watched silently as she trudged through the sewers, her petite form seeming impossibly smaller in the darkness. A shiver ran down her spine as her jumbled thoughts threatened to undo her fragile control.

The solid weight of soft leather settled over her shoulders, jarring her from her depressing thoughts. She stopped in her tracks and studied the ground for a long moment. She looked up from the sewer floor to stare at her companion.

“Thanks.” She whispered, snuggling into the warmth of the coat, threading her arms through the sleeves. Spike smiled and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him. Buffy sighed and rested her meager weight against him, letting his solid for absorb some of her burden.

“Thank you.” She said again, her soft voice unnaturally loud in the stillness of the tunnels.

“You said that already, luv.” Spike murmured into her hair, his arms tightening around her waist.

“No,” Buffy said louder, pulling back to look at Spike. “Thank you for saving my mom. For getting me to the hospital in one piece.” Spike stared down into her hazel eyes.

“I’d do anything for you.” He said softly, his voice hoarse and deep.

Buffy smiled and rose on her toes to touch her lips to his. Spike gathered her against him tighter, pulling her higher against him to capture her lips more forcefully. He slid his arms under his duster in an effort to get closer to her. Buffy moaned softly as his cool hands brushed her warm flesh and wrapped her arms around his neck. Spike took full advantage of the moan and thrust his tongue into her mouth to do battle with hers.

Buffy pulled back reluctantly, her breath coming in pants. She rested her forehead against his chin, breathing deep, trying to calm her racing pulse. Spike kissed her forehead once and pulled back.

“You have an impeccable sense of timing, pet.” He smirked as he took a couple steps back, running his fingers through his hair. Buffy wobbled for a moment at the loss of his support and laughed.

“No timing and can’t even stick to my own rules.” Spike gave her a questioning look. “I tell you I need time and look, I jump you not once but twice.” Spike chuckled and took a step closer to her.

“Really not complaining here, pet.” Buffy laughed.

“I really make things hard for you don’t I.” Buffy said, more of a statement than a question. Spike took another step closer, the barest breath between them now.

“You have no idea.” He said in a low, deep voice, his smirk firmly in place.

“I think I might.” Buffy replied, pressing her body against his, delighting in his hard lines. Spike took in a hissing breath and grabbed her arms.

“But not really what I was talking about.” Buffy pulled from his grasp and continued down the tunnel. “I am a real bitch sometimes.”

“Sometimes.” Spike scoffed as her jogged to catch up. “You can be a right bitch, luv.” Buffy glared at him.

“Talk like that won’t get you anywhere but a dust end there, Spikey.”

“Didn’t know I was getting anywhere there, Goldilocks.” He tugged at an errant lock, smirk still on his lips. A chill went through her at his words.

“Just think Spike.” Buffy said, a small smile playing on her lips. “Just you and me in a house, alone, no distractions.” Spike grabbed Buffy’s arm and turned her towards him.

“’S’not nice to tease the vamp, luv.” His eyes bore into hers, searching their depths.

“Maybe I’m not teasing.” Buffy pulled from his grasp again and resumed her fast pace down the sewer tunnel. Spike stared after her in shock. His whispered words brought a smile to her lips, and several naughty images to mind, as they echoed softly against the dirty walls.

“Well I’ll be buggered!”

***Chapter 25***Chase***

Buffy and Spike tumbled through the door in a flurry of smoke and leather. Buffy laughed as Spike threw off his duster and stomped on the smoking material.

“That’s it, laugh it up, Slayer.” Spike growled, casting a menacing gaze her way that just made Buffy laugh harder.

“What ya gonna do chip boy? Migraine me to death?” Buffy giggled. Spike picked up his duster and laid it gently over the banister before turning and setting his piecing blue eyes on the still giggling Slayer.

“Not nice to tease the Big Bad there, luv.”

“Oh please.” Buffy snorted. “You’re not the Big Bad anymore Spike. You’re not even the Medium Bad.”

“I’ll show you just how Big and Bad I am.” Spike took a menacing step towards Buffy, who stepped back in turn.

“Spike.” Buffy said warningly, backing away from the advancing vampire. Spike grinned in response and leapt at the blonde. Buffy squealed and took off to the kitchen, Spike hot on her heels. She ran around the island, keeping it between her and her pursuer.

“Spike.” Buffy said warningly, as she circled the counter away from him.

“Buffy.” Spike replied mockingly. The pair slowly made their way around the counter, keeping an equal distance between them.

Spike’s grin grew as he dashed at Buffy. With a shriek she took off through the swinging door and through the dining room. She was almost to the living room when a pair of strong arms wrapped around her.

Their momentum carried them through the rest of the distance so that the pair tumbled onto the living room couch in a mass of tangled limbs. Not letting Buffy catch her breath, Spike’s fingers dug into her side, tickling the exposed skin mercilessly.

“Ss-TT-OOOPP!!” Buffy screamed as she struggled to pull herself from Spike’s grip. “SP-II-KE.”

“Say it, Slayer.” Spike growled, shifting himself so that he was straddling her legs, fingers still attacking her sensitive flesh.

“AHHH,” Buffy squealed, tears running down her face. “You’re the Big Bad, ok? You’re the Big Bad.” Spike sat up and chuckled, releasing the helpless Slayer.

“Uncle would’ve sufficed, pet. But I think that is better.” Buffy tried unsuccessfully to scowl at the vampire, but her laughter won out .

“Bastard.” Buffy sniggered, the word holding no malice.

“Now Slayer, such language.” Spike replied, holding his hand to his chest in mock shock. “Besides you’re the one that ran.”

"I ran ‘cause you chased me.” Buffy pointed out, shifting her legs into a more comfortable position. Spike took the hint and slid off of her, picking up her legs to sit on the couch, before placing her feet on his lap. He slipped off her shoes, tossing them behind him leaving her feet bare. Buffy moaned as his cool fingers rubbed the knots from her feet.

“Mmm, my own private ‘House Vamp’. Very nice.” Spike chuckled and moved his hand up to her ankles, rubbing the warm flesh.

“So, Slayer.” Spike said softly. “It’s just you and me.” An errant hand moved up her bare leg, caressing the golden skin. “In a house.” The hand slid further, pulling a gasp from between her lips. “Alone. No distraction.”

“Seems kinda distracting to me.” Buffy gasped as his cool fingers moved sensuously over the firm muscles of her thigh. Spike chuckled, sending a wave of heat through her body. Buffy arched into his kneading hand, a tortured moan parting her lips.

“What do you think we could do with all this free time, pet.” Spike watched Buffy’s flushed face as he slid his hand up further on her leg, pushing the soft material of her skirt higher on her thighs.

“I don’t know,” Buffy gasped, the muscles in her legs twitching in time with the small, leisurely circles he was drawing on the inside of her thigh. “Charades, or maybe Monopoly. I think we have the Game of Life around here somewhere. Unless you have a better idea.” Buffy’s heart gave a leap at the heated look Spike leveled on her.

“I’m sure I could come *up* with something.” Spike pulled the unresisting Slayer into his lap, one hand behind her back, the other grasping her thigh, pulling her tightly against his chest. Buffy leaned her slight weight against his chest with a sigh, one resting over his on her leg, the other snaked around his neck to play with the soft hairs at the nape of his neck.

Buffy’s gaze was snared by his piercing blue eyes. Spike stared at her incredulously, his hand coming from its spot on her thigh to caress the soft skin of her cheek.

“You are so beautiful.” He whispered, his gaze never leaving hers. A flush moved over her already heated skin at his words, and she ducked her head in embarrassment. Spike took her chin in his hand and tilted her face up to his. His eyes were dark, burning in to hers, as his hand moved into her hair, running his fingers through the silky strands. Buffy’s eyes half closed as she leaned into his caress. Her lips parted with a sigh, her hand moving up to play with the buttons on his shirt.

Spike ducked his head to hers and captured her lips. Buffy met his vigorous assault with one of her own. His hand fisted in her hair, pulling her closer, shifting her slightly so that he could deepen his assault. A slow ache spread through her body causing her to shift restlessly in his lap. Spike groaned and arched up against her.

Buffy pulled from his lips, gasping for much needed breath, a small of feminine satisfaction on her lips. Spike watched her through hooded eyes as she shifted in his lap until she was straddling his body, her warm heat pressed intimately against him.

Spike set his hands on her hips and shifted her impossibly closer to his cool body, arching unconsciously at the sensation. Buffy lowered her lips, brushing them lightly against his. Spike tried to deepen the kiss but she kept pulling back, content, or now at the light, teasing contact. He growled in frustration and shifted uncomfortably on the couch. Buffy laughed and curled her fingers in his hair, her eyes alight with mischief.

“There you go teasing the vamp again, luv.” Spike grinned evilly, and before she knew it, Buffy found herself on her back, pinned to the couch by the smirking blonde, her hands held over her head by one of his.

“I warned you, pet.” Buffy swallowed hard as his free hand moved over her body, leaving a scorching trail of heat in its wake. She moaned and arched into his hand as it engulfed her breast, kneading the satin covered flesh.

“No.” Buffy gasped. “Stop.” Spike looked up at the Slayer in shock and stopped all movement.

“Pet?” Spike asked, a hint of apprehension in his voice. Buffy smiled reassuringly.

“No, not here, upstairs.” Spike grinned foolishly in relief and scooped Buffy up on his arms, dashing up the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***Chapter 26***Wonder***

Buffy luxuriated in his strength, as Spike swept her up into his arms and raced up the stairs to her bedroom. She was shocked that when they reached the room Spike set her on her feet beside the bed instead of tossing her on the unmade surface. She looked up at him uncertainly, his cerulean gaze staring intently down at her.

“Are you sure, Buffy?” She smiled sweetly as a wave of warmth flashed through her at his use of her name. Her answer was to slide her hands over his chest unbuttoning the buttons on his shirt. She ran her hands up the bare skin of his torso, pushing the soft material over his shoulders so that it fell to the floor at their feet, leaving his chest bare to her gaze.

Spike drew in a shaky breath as Buffy’s warm hands stoked the lean width of his shoulders, moving over the rock-solid muscles of his cool chest. He could feel the heat of her body radiating off her in waves, surrounding him with her scent, her warmth.

He wanted to stay like that forever, Buffy’s warm hands exploring his skin, but his need for her won out. His strong hands slid down her hips to pull the hem of her dress upwards, breaking her contact with him as she lifted her arms to allow the dress to be drawn over her head and tossed unceremoniously in the corner.

Buffy felt herself flush as his gaze ran over her practically nude form and she tried to cover herself self consciously. Spike captured her hands in his and raised them to his lips to lightly kiss her knuckles, his gaze burning onto hers.

“You’re beautiful, Buffy.” Spike drew her closer to him and lowered his lips to hers. “Never doubt that.”

All thoughts of modesty left her head as his lips brushed hers, softly, tantalizingly. She heard herself whimper as he deepened the kiss, her lips opening to the deep, evocative plundering of his tongue.

Spike laid her on her bed, easing her panties down her legs as he continued to ravage her lips. Buffy shivered as he wedged a leg between her thighs, the material of his jeans enticingly rough on her bare skin as he stroked her intimately. A fire raged through her veins as his cool kisses leisurely explored the erotic potential of his lips locked with hers.

Buffy wreathed her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Spike moaned as she moved sinuously against him. He pulled back to look down at the flushed woman beneath him, her hair fanning out around her head, glowing in the soft light that crept into the room despite the dark covering on the windows. Her lips were swollen from kisses, her eyes dark with need.

“What?” Buffy asked softly, worry marring her brow.

“Not a thing, luv.” Spike murmured, giving her a soft, sweet kiss on the lips. Without warning, Spike slid one long finger inside of her, and she almost climaxed on the spot.

“You’re so wet.” He breathed against her lips, his eyes burning into hers. Buffy moaned, her breath coming in gasps, as his questing finger was joined by a second. She closed her eyes as the pleasure overwhelmed her only to open them again as his fingers left her body. Buffy watched beneath a hooded gaze as Spike paused only briefly to remove his jeans before sliding down her body, kissing the hollow of her stomach and stroking the soft insides of her thighs. Buffy sighed as his cool tongue traced a path around her navel, before sliding lower. A gasping moan passed her lips as his demanding fingers and tongue brought her to the brink of ecstasy.

Spike watched the Slayer thrash her head on her pillow as he continued his assault on her tender flesh, relishing the heat, the taste of her. Buffy wrapped the silky stands of his hair in her fingers, pulling harshly at the short curls as the sensations Spike unleashed on her became too much to contain. She surged against him, her back arching high off the bed as wave after wave of pleasure pulsed through her entire body. But still he didn’t stop.

Spike laved the moisture from her release, his tongue snaking its way inside of her. Buffy screamed, her hands clutching the blankets, threatening to rip them to shreds. Spike gripped her hips, restricting her movements as he continued to thrust his tongue into her willing body.

The orgasm hit her like a sledgehammer, contracting her muscles, her body trembling from the delicious onslaught of pure mind numbing bliss.

Spike moved up to lie beside her, watching her continue to shudder from the aftereffects of her pleasure. Buffy opened her eyes sleepily to see Spike watching her, his eyes dark with barely restrained desire.

“How you feeling, pet?” Buffy arched her back in satisfaction and smiled the cat got the canary smile.

“Mmm, delicious.” Spike’s lips curved into his classic smirk at her words.

“You are so hot.” Spike growled as he ran his hands possessively over her skin. “So sexy.” Buffy purred under his ministrations. Her eyes drifting shut as she concentrated on the feelings.

Buffy had to force her gaze to lock with his as she ran her hands over his exposed skin. She smiled at the tightening of his muscles beneath her fingertips, reveling in the tortured moan that escaped his lips.

Spike pulled her hands from his flesh and cuffing her wrists with his hands over her head, his jaw tightening as he tried to control his reaction to her touch. Buffy grinned at the knowledge that she had produced the response from him, delighting in her power over the Master Vampire.

Buffy closed her eyes, her hands pulling from his grip to grab the muscles of his upper arms as he eased her legs open again with his knee, her body overloading with the sensations. She felt a moments panic, her eyes opening wide to stare into his, as his body sank into hers. How could something be so wrong, but feel so right. Her thoughts were quickly obliterated by the thrill of having him inside her.

She was like liquid fire, pulsing all over, inside and out, inflaming his cool skin, marking him forever hers. They moved together as if they had always been, their union bringing both the most riveting pleasure that they had ever known. Buffy’s legs wrapped around the leanness of Spike’s hips, holding him in a vise like grip.

But still it wasn’t enough for either of them. She sheathed him tightly as they moved in the primal rhythm faster and faster, moaning each others name into the still air. He buried his face into her neck as she arched upward, again and again.

The frantic pulsing of her oncoming climax pushed him into oblivion. He brought them both to ecstasy with one final thrust. She surged against him again, screaming out his name. Spike pulled her close, kissing her sweetly, languidly, still rocking against her, drawing out the shudders, until they lay spent, trembling and exhausted.

Spike rolled to lie beside her, his unneeded breath coming in heaving gasps. Buffy didn’t fare any better, her pulse racing, her body slick with sweat. She rolled to her side, facing away from him.

Spike pulled the Slayer closer to his body, spooning her naked form to his. Buffy sighed and leaned into his warm embrace, a small smile on her lips as she thought of just how he got so warm, her fingers lacing with his around her waist. It didn’t take long for her breath to even out and her heart rate to slow, as she drifted towards an exhausted sleep. Spike nuzzled his face into her neck, breathing in her sweet scent.

“I love you, Buffy.” Spike murmured into her hair as his eyes shut and he fell asleep. Buffy opened her eyes, the words shocking her from her light doze, her hazel gaze filled with wonder.

Sorry for the long wait and the short chapter but we needed a transition between the smut. Now I don’t have smut for the next chapter planned but if you really want it, the next chapter is still in the works and I could be persuaded to add a little spike, I mean spice to your lives. What’d ya say? Review.

Plus I have started my own live journal. Figured I might as well place my insane ramblings online for other people to judge and find amusement with. Check it out at LiveJournal.com under user name Bugg1322!!

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‘He loves me?’

Buffy lay on her bed, the still form of the bleached vampire wrapped around her, warming his cool skin to match hers. She stared into the darkness of the room, unable to fall asleep.

‘He loves me.’

Not that it was really a normal time for her to be sleeping, being all of nine o’clock. The thick blankets still covered the window, as she had never gotten around to taking them down when Spike moved into the basement.

‘Spike, William the Great and Bloody, loves me?’

The air was still and silent. The soft brush of her breath the only sounds. Buffy shifted in the confines of his arms, shifting his body away from hers. Spike mumbled and pulled her closer to him, his hand coming up to cup her bare breast. The familiar tingle began low in her stomach, radiating heat to the other parts of her body.

‘Spike loves me.’

Buffy moved his hand from her heated flesh, easing his arm off of her, to slide off the bed. She turned to look at the sleeping vampire sprawled across the mattress, the thin material of the sheet wrapped around his waist, baring his back to her gaze.

He looked so innocent in sleep, his hair tousled from her fingers, freeing the silky strands into the natural curls. Thin red marks marred the perfection of his marble skin, causing Buffy to blush as she remembered running her fingernails over the cool perfection of his muscled back, her fingers digging into his flesh as he moved against her.

Spike shifted on the bed restlessly, pulling the pillow into a tight embrace, breathing deep, before a soft sigh escaped his lips and he once again fell into slumber.

‘He loves me!’

Her mental voice took on a sense of awe as his words penetrated her stubborn mind. A look of fear crossed her face and she backed from the room, grabbing her robe from the back of the door and closing it softly behind her. She slid the soft terrycloth over her chilled skin and made her way downstairs. She wrapped her arms around herself, her body starting to shake.

The phone rang just as she entered the kitchen. She grabbed it from its cradle before the first ring had finished. She kept her voice soft, afraid to awaken the vampire in her bed.

“Buffy? Why are you whispering?” Dawn’s voice was unnaturally loud in the silent kitchen. “Don’t tell me. I bet you have an incredibly hot, naked vampire sleeping in your bed.” Buffy felt herself flush at the thought.

“N-no, of course not, what makes you think that?”

“Jeez, Buff, take it easy.” Dawn laughed. “Like you would anyway. Unless Angel was back in town, not that he‘s all that hot, not like Spike. I mean, like you would ever go for a guy like Spike.”

“What’s wrong with Spike?” Buffy asked indignantly.

“Nothing. He’s great. You just don’t seem to notice that’s all.” Dawn said pointedly. “I mean, he’s a total hottie and so totally in love with you. But you-”

“Ok, that’s enough Dawn.” Buffy rolled her eyes at her sister.

“Is mom there, I need to ask her if she can bring over my new CD. I forgot it a-” Buffy grew pale, her heart skipped a beat at her sisters words, blocking off the rest of her sentence.

“Buffy? Is something wrong? Did something happen?” Dawn’s concerned voice brought Buffy back from her shock.

“Everything is fine, Dawnie, there was just some complications. The doctor wanted to keep her overnight for observation.”

“Buffy. What happened?” Buffy cringed at the frantic note in her sister’s voice.

“Calm down. She felt a little dizzy and passed out. Spike called the ambulance and they took her in for tests. There was just some clotting from the surgery but-” Buffy broke off, her face growing paler as understanding dawned on her dismayed features.

“But she is ok right. She will be ok right, Buffy.”

“Yes.” Buffy said forcefully. “Mom will be home tomorrow or the next day. She will be fine. We can go see her tomorrow afternoon if you like.” “Of course I want to visit. That’s two now you know.”

“What? Two what?” Buffy asked perplexed.

“That’s two members of this family that Spike has saved now. For an evil, soulless vampire he sure isn’t doing his job very well.”

“No he’s not is he.” Buffy didn’t hear her sisters answer, nor did she register when she had hung up. Buffy stood holding the phone, the steady drone of the dial tone, unvarying in her ear. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t hear the jean clad vampire enter the room and remove the phone from her hand.

“Luv, are you alright.” Spike pulled Buffy towards him, his hands on her shoulders. “Has something happened with your mum?” Spike’s concerned words broke her from her stupor.

“No.” Buffy replied, pulling from his grasp and turning away from him. “It was just Dawn.” She moved to the fridge and pulled out the juice, grabbing a glass from the cupboard as she went. “I told her what happened. We are going to go visit mom tomorrow.”

“Well that’s good then. The Nibblet staying with her mate tonight still?” Spike watched as Buffy moved around the kitchen nervously, pouring herself juice then setting it on the counter, forgotten as she moved onto another task to keep herself busy. “So what’s wrong then?”

“Wrong? What makes you think something is wrong?” Her voice sounded unnaturally shrill even to her own ears.

“Buffy.” Spike moved towards her and watched as she skittered the other way, avoiding his touch. “Buffy!” His tone held a note of exasperation but his touch was light as he grasped her arm and pulled her close enough to him to slide his arms around her waist.

“I know you, luv. You’re avoiding. Now tell me what’s wrong.” Spike smiled down softly at her upraised face.

“It wasn’t not serious was it?” Buffy’s voice was low as she tried to hide her face in his chest.

“Luv, as cute as those double negatives are, I really have no idea what you’re talking about.” Spike’s chuckle sent chills down Buffy’s spine.

“Mom. It wasn’t not-, I mean, it was serious wasn’t it.” Buffy felt herself grow cold as Spike’s face gave her the answer. “And they told you and not me.” Buffy pulled herself forcefully from his grasp. “You bastard.”

“Now Buffy, luv. They didn’t tell me anything.”

“Then how do you know? Why didn’t you tell me?!” Buffy spat out as she wrapped her arms around her shaking form, pulling herself farther away from the vampire.

“Buffy.” Spike pleaded, moving closer to her, only to have her back away. “Damn it, Slayer!” Spike grabbed her arm and pulled her forcefully towards him, gripping her struggling form in his strong arms. Buffy tried in vain to escape, only to find herself trapped even more.

“Let go, you’re hurting me.” Buffy pleaded, tears running down her face.

“No I’m not.” And he wasn’t, Buffy realized, as his chip never fired. “Listen to me. Just listen to me, luv. Your mum will be fine. She is a strong lady. She just didn’t want to worry you with pointless facts when she will be fine.” He continued to whisper reassurances into her hair.

Buffy’s struggles lessened, her sobs quieting, before she sagged into his arms. Spike slid his hand under her knees and swung her into his arms. Buffy barely noticed as he strode quickly through the house to her bedroom. He tried to lay her on her bed, but her grip around his neck was too tight for him to break.

“Don’t leave me.” He heard her whisper against his neck.

“Never.” Spike replied as he helped her out of her robe, tossing it and his jeans into the corner, before sliding into bed beside her. “I will never leave you, Buffy.”

Buffy sighed contently, snuggling into his side, pulling his cool flesh into closer contact with her burning skin.

“Good.” Her whispered words were barely heard, but filled his unbeating heart with hope.

She wasn’t asleep. Her breath was even, her body relaxed, but he knew she wasn’t asleep. Spike tightened his arms around her, shifting her higher on his chest so that he may brush his lips across the silky strands of her hair. He felt her sigh and snuggle against him.

“Wanna go kill something, pet?” Spike asked quietly.

“How did you know I wasn’t sleeping?” Buffy asked, her tone slightly miffed.

“You’re thinking too loud.” Buffy’s lips curved into a smile.

“Well, maybe I’m comfy right where I am.” She sighed happily and wiggled against him, seeking more contact with his cool body.

“Oh, come on.” Spike scoffed. “You can’t wait to set out there and kick some demon ass.” He slid up on the bed to lean against the head board, affording him a better look at Buffy’s face. “Come on. Let’s kill something! For justice - and for - the safety of puppies - and Christmas, right?”

“Is this the same speech you gave Willow and Xander?” Buffy asked amused.

“Hey now!” Buffy laughed out right at his expression. Spike grinned at her and ran his hands up her sides warningly, causing her to wiggle half heartedly away. “Come on, luv. You are the Chosen One after all.”

Buffy froze, all laughter falling from her face. A worried expression crossed Spike’s face as Buffy pulled away from him and walked to where he threw her robe, sliding it over her slight form and wrapping it snuggly around her.

“Luv, what’s wrong.” He watched concerned as she rummaged around in her closet.

“Nothing.” She replied stiffly. “I thought you wanted to go patrol.” Spike slid from the bed and walked towards her with complete disregard for his unclothed form. He slid his arms around her resisting form, pulling against him.

“It didn’t work before, what makes you think you can get away from me this time.” Buffy sighed and looked up at Spike’s face, smirk firmly in place. “What’s wrong, luv?” Spike asked quietly.

“I'm just . . . Starting to feel” She paused, searching for the right words. “Uneasy about stuff.” Spike’s smirk fell, his unneeded breath caught in his chest.

“Bout what exactly.”

“Training. Slaying. All of it. It's just ... I mean ... I can beat up the demons until the cows come home. And then I can beat up the cows,” Spike smiled at the little giggle Buffy made, his eyes softening. “But I'm not sure I like what it's doing to me.”

“You are the powerful Slayer I have ever faced, luv. Your strength, your moves, your flexibility,” Spike leered at her, causing Buffy to blush. “You’re cunning, resourceful-”

“I'm starting to feel like . . . being the Slayer is turning me into stone.” Buffy beat her fists lightly against his chest to punctuate her words. “You have seen me break down three times now. That is three in the last year! I never break down. To slay, to kill ... i-it means being hard on the inside. Maybe being the perfect Slayer means being too hard to love at all. I already feel like I can hardly say the words.” Realization dawned on Spike’s face.

“Buffy-”

“No!” Her voice was panicked as she pulled away and began to pace back and forth. “I was never there for Riley, not like I was for Angel, and he still left. Riley left because I was shut down. He's gone. And you. You-” Buffy stopped before him and waved her arm in his direction, at a loss for words.

“Don’t put me in the same category as those wankers.” Spike stepped closer to Buffy, close enough to feel the heat of her body. “I have left how many times and have still come back. That was before you let me in. Before I could touch you.” Spike ran his fingers up her arm in a soft caress.

“Before I could taste you.” His lips brushed hers, sending shivers down her spine. “What makes you think I could just leave you now?” His lips moved on hers urgently, demanding her surrender. Buffy’s lips parted willingly, opening to his questing tongue. She leaned into his body, his arms going around her to hold her hard against his bare form.

Buffy pulled away gasping, resting her forehead on his chest, her breath coming in pants. Spike’s hands moved over her back and up to her shoulders, sliding down the material of her robe to pool at her hips, allowing him to place feather light kisses to her skin.

“I thought you wanted to patrol.” Buffy gasped as his fingers fumbled with the knot at her waist.

“The beasties can wait. This can’t.” He gave up on the knot and slid his hands around her waist, cupping her ass in his hands and pulling her up against his cool body. Buffy gasped at the contact, leaning into his embrace. He ran his lips down her neck, sucking her jugular, nipping at it lightly with blunt teeth.

Buffy arched her neck with a loud moan. Spike’s hands grasped her robe, pulling the hem up to allow his hands to venture underneath.

“Stop.” She gasped, pushing halfheartedly at his chest. “We’ll never get out of here if you don’t stop.”

“Would that be so terrible?” He mumbled against her skin, his hands making a delicious path over her skin.

“Patrol.” Buffy gasped as his fingers brushed against her tender flesh, moving in ever-shrinking circles over the center of her desire. “I have to patrol.”

“Later.” His fingers continued their teasing assault till Buffy was whimpering against him, her breath coming in gasps. Spike caught her as she sagged into him, pulling her impossibly closer to his body with one arm, the other never ceasing with its movements. Buffy arched against him as two long fingers slid into her moist heat, her head falling back as a low moan escaped her lips.

Spike trailed his lips over her neck, biting lightly at her collarbone as he sped up the movements of his fingers, pushing more firmly against her. He dipped his head to her breast, nipping at the tips, increasing her torment. Buffy tightened her grip on his arms, every muscle taunt with pleasure.

Spike curled his fingers inside her and gently tickled against the slightly roughed pad. A scream broke from Buffy’s lips as the darkness threatened to consume her in its searing heat, pulsing through every nerve of her body, leaving her gasping for much needed breath.

Spike raised his lips to hers, his tongue moving teasingly against hers, his fingers sliding out of her slick passage to softly massage her engorged nub. Her second explosion came quicker, in seconds he had her rocking and arching shamelessly into his hand. Buffy sagged in his arms, a moan of complete pleasure passing her lips, just before all went dark.

Oh dear. Such a short chapter, I am sorry and that cliff hanger ending . . . Guess that means you‘ll have to review and I‘ll see what I can do about a new chapter. Besides, we did have to get back to a plot.

Visit my live journal for all the latest news, updates notices and mad insane rants about every topic under the sun.

“Wow.” Buffy whispered as she came back into herself. Spike chuckled and pulled her close for a short searing kiss. Buffy sighed as they pulled apart, running her fingers through his hair, a contented smile on her lips.

“Mmm, I could curl up and go to sleep right now.” Buffy sighed, her words slightly slurred.

“Uh, luv, we still have a small problem to deal with.” Buffy looked at his questioningly, noting the strained expression on his face.

“Ugh, so do not wanna slay tonight.” Buffy said with a groan.

“Not the small problem I was referring to, pet.” Spike’s lips curved into a smirk as he pressed his hips against her. “Or not so little as the case may be.” Buffy blushed and tucked her face into his chest, her head snapping up at his chuckle.

“And just what is so funny?” Buffy asked, insulted.

“The fact that even after what we have just done, you can still blush so prettily.” He replied, his eyes softening.

“You think I’m pretty?” Buffy asked, unable to stifle the hopeful note in her voice.

“Hell, pet, you’re bloody beautiful, you know that.” Her face lit up in pleasure and she raised her lips to his to bestow a lingering kiss, her tongue darting out teasingly to trace the fullness of this bottom lip. Spike groaned and pinched her playfully.

“Minx.” He said with mock severity.

“I don’t have to stand for this.” Buffy said playfully, trying to pull from his arms.

“Nope, your knees would work just fine.” Buffy’s eyes went wide, her hand slapping his chest with tempered Slayer strength, still pulling a wince from the vampire.

“Hey now, watch it, luv. Don’t want to damage the goods.”

“I’ll be damaging a lot more than that.” Buffy’s eyes flashed with annoyance.

“Hey, don’t get your knickers in a twist, not like I was asking for you to take it up-”

“Spike.” She said warningly. “It’s just that-” Buffy broke off with a sigh.

“Just what, luv?” He asked quietly

“I’ve never . . . I mean, I haven’t-” She broke off, her face blushing fiercely.

“Never?” Buffy shook her head, refusing to meet his eyes. “Not even with-”

“NO!” The room filled with an uncomfortable silence.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to, luv.” Spike said quietly, pulling her into his arms.

“You want me to?” Buffy asked, her head burrowing into his chest.

“I must admit the thought of your sweet lips wrapped around my-”

“SPIKE!” Buffy screeched, scandalized, before growing serious, her voice almost a whisper. “But what if I do it wrong?”

“Luv, I can guarantee that nothing you could do would ever be wrong.” Spike replied gently, a small smile playing on his lips.

“But what if I suck at it?” Buffy asked, worrying her lip with her teeth.

“That’s kinda the point here luv.” Spike replied with a smirk.

“No, you know what I mean.” She replied exasperatedly.

“Buffy, you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” He replied, pushing the hair off her face with a gentle caress. “There are plenty of other things we can do. But you havta know that nothing you could do would be bad, luv. You are amazing.”

“Oh sure, try and butter me up.” She couldn’t help the smile as a warm glow filled her body, filling her veins with a pulsing heat.

“Maybe later pet, when we have more time.” Buffy felt a sharp wave of arousal hit her as the mental image refused to leave her mind. “You don’t have to. We can do something else, just go slaying?”

Buffy nodded and took a deep breath.

“Ok.”

“Right.” Spike barely kept the disappointment off his face as he released her from his arms and began to look around the room. “Now where did my pants get to?”

“No Spike,” Buffy said, pulling him back towards her. “I meant yes I will do it.” His face lit up at her words.

“Are you sure?” The question tasted bitter in his mouth but he knew he had to ask her, she meant too much to him. Buffy gave him a coy smile before brushing her lips against his.

“Yes, I’m sure.” Spike watched in fascination as Buffy moved to the bed and grabbed her pillow at his feet before sinking to her knees before him.

He felt himself grow harder as her warm breath brushed against his bare skin, causing a shiver to race through his body. He stared, rapt, as her small, pink tongue moved out to moisten her suddenly dry lips. He was unable to suppress a moan as she sighed, the air causing gooseflesh to cover his pale skin.

Buffy looked up only to meet his blue gaze staring intently at her. A smile crossed her lips as she raised her hands to run lovingly against the solid muscle of his thighs, pulling another moan from his lips.

“Please.” Spike whispered his voice deep and hoarse. “Buffy.” A bolt of courage went through her, as she determinedly moved her lips closer to his straining flesh.

Buffy jumped and Spike groaned as the piercing sound of the telephone broke the silence.

“The machine will get it.” Buffy said quietly, watching a pleased smile cross his lips. He reached out an arm to tangle in her hair, stoking the strands lovingly. Buffy turned back to the task at hand when a distraught voice filled the room.

“Oh, God Buffy! Please pick up. It’s Dawn! Glory has her!”

*****Chapter 30*****Revelations*****

“Dawnie, your sister took something of mine. I know you know where it is.” Dawn stared at the woman pacing in front of her. “It doesn’t belong here. By not telling me where it is, is just keeping from its rightful place.” Dawn continued to sit silently in her chair, watching Glory pace. The woman stopped in front of Dawn and leaned in close.

“You have two choices, Dawnie.” Glory said in a sickeningly sweet voice. “You tell me where my key is, or-” Glory’s eyes grew wide and she stumbled back a step.

“NO!” She screamed, grabbing her hair in frustration. “Not now, I’m so-” Dawn watched in horror as Glory’s features melted, her hair growing darker, and shortening, the green orderly uniform grew tighter as the body beneath it shifted.

“-close.” Ben said as he blinked to clear his vision. “Dawn.”

“Ben.” Dawn cried, jumping to her feet and wrapping her arms around the familiar man. “She was going to kill me. She is-” Dawn pulled back and looked around the room in confusion. “Where’s Glory.”

“Ah-” Ben stalled, searching for an answer. “A creepy looking guy came in and said something about finding a key, she took off after him.”

“Where was I?” Dawn asked, very confused. “Never mind, I’m just so glad you’re here.”

“What are you doing here anyway?” Ben asked, leading the girl to the door.

“Mom had some complications and she is here over night for observation. I came to visit with-Oh God!” Her eyes grew big. “Willow and Tara, we have to find them.”

“We will.” Ben said soothingly as he and Dawn hurried down the hall.

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

“Buffy!” Willow called, seeing the slayer run into the hospital, the blonde vampire a step behind.

“Willow, where is she?” Buffy asked frantically. “What happened?”

“We brought Dawnie up to see your mom,” Willow said, gesturing to herself and Tara, who had just returned from the nurse’s station.

“Where is the last place you saw her?” Buffy asked as she ran her fingers through her hair impatiently, waiting expectantly for Willow’s answer.

“We were just coming out of your mom’s room when Dawn saw Ben and she went to say hi when out of nowhere Glory grabs her,” Willow replied, her eyes filling with tears. “She just pushed us aside and grabbed Dawnie and dragged her down the hall.”

“W-we should go t-to the M-Magic Bo-” Tara said quietly.

“No!” Buffy said fiercely. “I’m not leaving this building until I find my sister!” Tara nodded and backed away from the enraged Slayer.

“Buffy,” Will said in reproach, her gaze falling on her stunned lover. “There is no reason to yell at Tara. We’re here to help. If you just calm-”

“Calm?!” Buffy asked incredulously. “You expect me to be calm when my sister, who just happens to be able to open all hell dimensions, is in the hands of a creature who knows how to use her to bring all hell on earth?! Not to mention she wants to kill Dawn!” Willow looked at her friend, stricken.

“I understa-”

“No Willow you can’t begin to understand.” Buffy shook her head sadly. “She is my sister, my responsibility. We have to find her!”

“Buffy,” Spike said softly, taking a step forward.

“We have to find her.” Buffy said urgently turning her back to her friends to face Spike, her eyes bright with determination.

“We will!” Spike replied with a smile, closing the distance between them so that there was a scant inch separating his cool frame from hers. Buffy looked up into his face, her eyes beseeching him to help.

“No one hurts my girls.” He whispered, his eyes burning into hers with barely restrained possessiveness.

Buffy smiled sweetly, her body swaying to brush lightly against his, a flash of warmth going through them both at the brief contact.

Willow watched in shock as Spike whispered to Buffy, moving in close to her body. She couldn’t help but gape as Buffy leaned into Spike instead of the traditional roll of her eyes or punch to the nose.

“Uh, Buffy?” Willow’s voice penetrated the fog that surrounded Buffy as Spike continued to stare into her eyes. With a blink, Buffy broke contact and turned to face her best friend. Buffy caught the shock on her friends face and took a quick step away from her vampire. She didn’t have to look at him to feel the displeasure that radiated off him in waves at her movement.

“I’m sorry Tara.” Buffy said to the blonde witch. “You and Wills should go back to the Magic Box and whip up a locator spell. Spike and I will search the hospital. You can have us paged if you find her.” Willow nodded slowly, still shocked at the intimacy the mortal enemies obviously shared.

“Spike,” Buffy turned back to see him brooding against the wall, a dark expression on his face.

“I need you to be my bloodhound.” Spike straightened his stature as he caught the slightly emphasized words. “See if you can sniff out Dawn in amongst all this-” Buffy waived her hand around.

With a nod, Spike moved down the hall, brushing against Buffy lightly as he passed. The women watched for a moment as he stood in the middle of the hall, head cocked to the side before Willow picked up her bag and gestured for Tara to follow. Buffy gave her friend a grateful smile and moved after Spike. The witches were about to enter the elevator when a voice called out, echoing through the hall.

“Buffy!” The blonde slayer turned to see Dawn running down the hall towards her.

“Dawn!” Buffy yelled, meeting her sister half way to capture her in a tight embrace.

“Are you alright? Did she hurt you?” Buffy cried, pulling back to check over her sister for injuries.

“I’m fine. She didn’t do anything.” Dawn replied, her eyes looking over Buffy’s shoulder. “Spike!” Dawn reached to the vampire with one arm, the other still wrapped around her sister. Spike gave Buffy an apprehensive glance before moving to wrap one arm around Dawn, the other sliding around Buffy’s waist, pulling his girls into a tight embrace.

The witches moved towards the trio, Tara with a smile on her face, Willow staring in shock. Willow blinked her eyes in disbelief as Buffy’s arm snaked around Spike’s waist beneath the leather duster.

“You ok Nibblet?” Dawn nodded without releasing either of her family. “How’d you get away?”

“Glory was trying to get me to tell her where the key was then all of a sudden she was gone and Ben was there. He brought me back to look for Willow and-” Dawn’s eyes went wide as she pulled from their embrace and looked around the hall until her gaze rested on the two witches. With a relieved squeal she ran and grabbed them in a tight hug.

“Dawnie are you alright?” Tara asked softly.

“I’m fine. Ben showed up and showed me how to get back.” Dawn replied. Buffy slowly slid her arm from around Spike’s waist, her hand catching his for a quick squeeze before pulling herself completely from his embrace.

“Dawnie, great to see you’re alright but breathing becoming an issue.” The girls laughed as they pulled apart.

“Ben?” Spike asked as he and Buffy came up to the three women. Buffy gave him a sheepish smile.

“He is the orderly who helped out when mom ended up here the first time.” She replied, not quite meeting his eyes.

“Buffy went out with him a few times.” Dawn piped up with a mischievous grin.

“We didn’t go out.” Buffy said, casting a furtive glance at Spike. “We met up at the Bronze once.”

“He was at the party too,” Willow said happily before looking thoughtful. “But you stayed home with Spike and Dawn that night.”

Spike shot Buffy a pleased grin before sliding it into his classic smirk. Buffy blushed beneath his gaze and ducked her head to conceal a shy smile.

“So where is this Bengi?” Spike asked, rolling his tongue behind his teeth as he buried his hands into his duster pockets, and rolling back and forth on the balls of his feet.

“Ben.” Buffy said slowly, as if to a small child, giving Spike a not so gentle backhand to his hard stomach. Spike let out an oomph, sending a playful glare at Buffy who in turn smiled back innocently.

“Someone mention my name?” A voice said from behind the group. As one they turned to see the tall dark haired man standing off to the side, clad in his blue scrubs.

The pleasant smile on Ben’s lips grew strained as his gaze fell in the blonde vampire. Spike’s eyes grew wide in recognition before they narrowed, flashing yellow in rage.

“You!” Spike growled, just before he attacked.

***To Be Continued***

“SPIKE!” Buffy screamed as the enraged vampire grabbed Ben by the neck and pushed him forcefully against the wall.

“What are you doing?” Spike brushed her hands off his arm as he pressed harder in the choking man’s neck.

“Bengi here isn’t who he says he is. I caught him doing a whole body switching thingy with Glory, pet.” Spike said conversationally. Buffy’s eyes widened for a second before filling with disbelief.

“He can’t be Glory.” Buffy protested, pulling ineffectually against the hand Spike had Ben pinned with. “He’s human and hello, he’s a guy.”

“If he’s so human why aren’t I in agony over hurting this pillock?” Spike smirked. “And believe me he is hurting.” A feeling of uncertainty came over Buffy.

“Let him go. Security is on its way.” A nurse down the hall called out in fright. Spike simply tightened his grip. Ben struggled ineffectually against the angry master vampire, clawing uselessly at the hand against his throat, his face turning a sickly purple color.

“Spike, let him go so I can talk to him.” Buffy demanded, grabbing Spike’s arm harder and pulling at him.

“Spike.” Buffy said sharply, her patience quickly running out as Spike refused to loosen his grip. With a sigh of resignation, Spike released his grip, letting the man fall to the floor at his feet.

“Willow, Tara, take Dawn home.” The witches nodded at turned to go. “Dawn, no arguing, we will see you later.” Buffy said as Dawn opened her mouth to protest. With a resigned nod, Dawn followed the Wiccas and they were soon in the elevator.

“Spike,” The blonde vamp turned from his station, hovering over the gasping man. “Grab Ben and follow me. With a grin, Spike grabbed Ben by the arm, lifted him to his feet and dragged him after the retreating Slayer.

Buffy tried to ignore the sounds that came from behind her as Spike drug Ben down the stairs behind them. Ben’s protest fell upon deaf ears as they came to the stairs to the basement and pushed into the empty room with a loud bang. Buffy moved over to the far wall and watched with feigned disinterest as Spike threw Ben into the room, causing the man to stumble to his knees.

“Buffy, what’s going on?” Ben asked, rising painfully to his feet.

“The lady will be the one to ask questions, mate.” Spike growled as he put a restraining hand on Ben’s shoulder, pushing him again to his knees. Buffy crossed her arms over her chest, her face washed of all emotion.

“What do you know about Glory?” Buffy asked coolly, her eyes never leaving Ben’s.

“G-Glory? Who’s Glor-aahh!” Ben yelped as the vampire grabbed him by the hair, pulling his head back at a painful angle.

“Now’s really no the time to be lying to the lady. I remember what I saw.” Spike growled, his eyes flashing gold. Ben’s eyes widened in fear as her remembered where he saw the vampire. Spike smirked at the realization that flashed across Ben’s face and released his hold. Ben’s gaze flew to the woman watching from the side of the room.

“When the hell bitch tortured me at the shop, seems that Benji here took over the body long enough to escape.” Spike said when Ben refused to speak. “Not the prettiest sight, a grown man in a tight dress.” Buffy’s lips quirked at the expression of disgust that crossed Spike’s features.

“So Ben and Glory share a body? Why hasn’t anyone else seen it?” Buffy asked, confusion covering her mirth. Spike looked down at Ben and gave him a not-so-soft nudge to start speaking. Ben glared at Spike

“There’s a spell.” Ben says reluctantly

“So what’s the spell do?” Buffy asked looking back and forth between Spike and Ben.

“Oh, I get it.” Spike says with a sarcastic laugh when Ben refuses to say anything more. “Glory's worked the kind of mojo where anyone who sees her little presto-change-o instantly forgets. And yours truly, being somewhat other than human ... stands immune.”

“Oh.” Buffy says with a nod. “Why are we interrogating Ben?” She asked Spike in a low voice.

“Ben and Glory share a body.” He replied. At Buffy’s shocked look, Spike shook his head and sighed. “Just trust me.” Buffy nodded and stepped up close to Ben. She stared into his eyes for a long moment, her face sad. Ben stared back, an uneasy chill running down his back. Buffy turned away only to whip around and land a slayer forced punch across Ben’s face, causing him to fly across the room. Spike grinned and bounced on the balls of his feet in delight. Buffy walked over to Ben and turned his face to hers, gaining a grim satisfaction from the blood that dribbled down his cheek.

“Tell her it's over. She missed her shot.” Buffy said quietly, Ben watched her, not moving. “She goes. She ever, *ever* comes near me and mine again...”

“We won't. I swear.” Ben choked out, turning his face to spit out a mouthful of blood. Buffy nodded once and turned away from the broken body, a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“Spike?” Buffy said quietly taking a step towards the vampire.

“Just a sec, luv.” Spike strode over to the man crumpled on the floor, hunching down to look at the body with malice. “You heard what she said, but listen to me. I have been around for over a century. I have learned from the best the proper way to torture and kill and believe me when I say that if you ever come near my girls, you will be begging me to kill you before I even start.” With a quick flash of fang, Spike rose to his feet and stared down at the cowering man. A sadistic smile crossed his lips as he applied a well placed kick to the downed man’s temple, knocking him unconscious.

“Let’s go home, luv.” Spike said walking to Buffy’s side.

As one Buffy and Spike turned and headed towards the sewer entrance that they used to avoid the security guards they heard thundering down the stairs, leaving Ben on the ground behind them.

They were a few minutes into the sewer tunnel when Spike felt Buffy’s hand on his arm. He stopped and looked down at the petite slayer.

“So why did we beat up Ben?” Spike shook his head in exasperation, a small smile on his lips.

“I’ll explain it later.”

Buffy watched in amusement as her vampire tried in vain to explain, yet again, about the body switch.

‘My Vampire?’ Buffy’s eyes widened in shock as her internal thoughts registered. ‘How did I get myself into this? He’s a vampire without a soul. If he didn’t have that chip-’Buffy blinked, her train of thought derailing. ‘What would he do without that chip? Can I trust him not to turn evil?’ Buffy shook her head. ‘He’s still evil, just on a leash. But why doesn’t he try to kill us. The chip doesn’t stop him from planting a bomb, or setting a fire, or having his minions kill us or-’Buffy’s thoughts continued to run in circles over the many ways that Spike could overcome the chip and kill them all. She gazed at the blonde vampire, her eyes picking up on the exasperation in his entire body as he continued the explanation about the hell Goddess.

“Slayer!” Buffy blinked and caught Spike staring back at her, a familiar smirk on his lips.

“What?” Spike shook his head and gestured to the assembled group.

“Maybe you’d like to explain to your mates about the hell bitch.” Spike hopped up on the counter.

“What about her?” Buffy asked, her features schooled in an image of innocence.

“Wha-” Spike sputtered, his expression incredulous.

“You know! Ben is Glory.”

“You mean. . . Ben’s with Glory?” Willow asked with a frown.

“With in what sense?” Xander asked, sending a curious glance at the blonde vampire.

“They’re working together?” Anya asked as she swatted Spike from his perch so close to the money.

“No. No. Ben is Glory. Glory’s Ben. They’re one and the same.” Spike said slowly, as if to small children. He watched as Buffy got up from her chair and disappeared into the training room, his body already aching from the loss of her presence.

“When did all this happen?” Anya asked, moving around the counter to take a seat at Xander’s side.

“Not one hour ago. At the hospital. Bit here was talking to Dr. Dogood, he turned into Glory from what I can sus out and pfft!” Spike waived his arms about for emphasis. “Off she went with Dawn. Before you know it, Dawn’s back with Benji in tow. How else would she’ve escaped the Hell Bitch other that the body switch.”

“But why don’t I remember?” Dawn asked, her face clouded with confusion.

“The spell.” Spike explained, his normal mocking tone softening for the teen.

“So,” Willow said slowly, trying to wrap her mind around the thought. “Ben and glory. . .”She paused and shared a look with the blonde witch on her right.” Are the same person?”

“Glory can turn into Ben?” Xander asked, understands dawning across his features. “And Ben turns back into Glory.”

“And anyone who sees it instantly forgets.” Anya stated, an accomplished grin on her lips.

“Yes!” Spike yelled in triumph. “Finally!”

“Excellent!” Giles exclaimed, jumping to his feet to retrieve a book fro the shelves on his left.

Buffy reentered the room, a large poster board in her hands. Giles watched her make her way towards the ecstatic vampire, an indulgent smile on her lips.

“Now. Do we suspect there may be some kind of connection between Ben and Glory?” Giles asked as he flipped through the book in his hands, pointedly ignoring the sparks between the two former mortal enemies.

Spike threw up his hands in disgust with a frustrated growl. A giggle stopped his rage before it could fully start. Slowly, Spike turned to see Buffy leaning against the counter, an amused grin on her lips she tried in vain to hide.

“What are you giggling about, Slayer?” Buffy tried unsuccessfully to hide the grin. A wave of heat flashed through her body as Spike’s eyes flashed gold. He stalked towards her, his intense gaze never leaving hers.

“Slayer.” Spike growled warningly, coming to stop a hairs breadth from her body.

“Vampire.” Buffy retorted, standing up straight, her gaze unwavering. The pair stood nose to nose neither able to look away. Buffy saw Spike’s eyes darken as a wave of heat pulsed under her skin. Spike licked his lips as the scent of Buffy’s arousal flooded his senses, narrowing his focus to the blonde woman standing so close to him. Buffy sighed, her warm breath caressing Spike’s skin causing him to shudder with increased arousal.

“Ahem.” Buffy broke her stare, an embarrassed flush crossing her features as she noticed her friends witnessing the heated exchange.

“Here.” She said, thrusting the poster board into Spike’s hands. “Let’s get back to the matter at hand.”

Spike’s amused gaze followed Buffy as she took a seat at the table, before dropping to the paper in his hands. In dark red letters it read:

Ben = Glory Glory = Ben Ben + Glory = Sharing a Body + Forget Spell Trust Me Buffy

Spike shook his head in amusement and propped the sign up against the cash register, snagging a chair from the table to straddle.

“So when did this all happen?” Xander questioned as he waved a hand in the direction of the sign.

“Forget about it, Xander.” Buffy said absently. “The real problem is this forgetting spell. How are we supposed to beat Glory if we can’t remember something this important.”

“Ohh! I know a spell that can uncloud our minds.” Willow exclaimed excitedly, before a flash of doubt covered her pretty features. “Or it could explode our minds, but I’m getting good at this and with Tara’s help we can do this.” Tara placed a hand over Willow’s, giving her a reassuring gaze.

“I have complete faith in you.” Buffy said, smiling at the witches. “You two get cracking on the spell, the rest of us will figure out how to kill Glory.”

“Maybe you should test out that there spell first.” Spike offered. “Don’t fancy you all exploding.”

“You volunteering?” Xander asked, his tone just a little too eager.

“I’m not the one with the memory problems.” Spike snorted. “Figured they could do it on you first, no great loss if you exploded.”

“Hey!” Xander protest before being cut off by an amused Slayer.

“Cut it out you two. There will be exploding of any heads.” Buffy blushed at the smirk Spike flashed her. “We have to figure out how to kill Glory.”

“Suffice it to say, if Glory and Ben share a body, it only goes to say that if we kill Ben, Glory dies as well.” Giles pointed out.

“We don’t kill humans Giles.” Buffy said furiously. “Or have you forgotten.”

“We can’t be sure that Ben is human. I was able to hurt him.” Spike joined in. “Besides, who says killing Glory won’t kill Ben.”

“Can’t we separate them or something?” Buffy asked, turning to the witches.

“No.” Tara exclaimed before lowering her head in embarrassment at her outburst.

“She’s right.” Willow said simply. “If Spike can hit him that means the essence of the hell goddess has merged with his. Separating would kill him for sure and let Glory free of her human body.”

“No guessing how powerful she could become without the restrictions of a human body.” Giles marveled.

Buffy sighed and ran a weary hand through her hair.

“Then what can w-” Buffy broke off as she saw Spike cock his head and half rise from his chair.

“What’s wron-” Spike lifted a hand for silence turning his attention to the front door. Buffy heard a muffled curse and watched with bated breath as the locked handle of the door jiggled. The group sat silent and waited as the sounds outside ceased. Buffy turned back to her friends just as the door to the Magic Box flew off its hinges with an earsplitting crash.

Next Chapter *****You Lose*****

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