Chapter 15

 

 "Vampire." Buffy announced smugly. She knew she shouldn't be enjoying this, but well, she just couldn't help herself.    

 

    With that startling revelation,  Spike stalked towards them, all lethal grace and black leather. Scott picked himself up from the ground and attempted to make a run for it, but Spike caught him  easily before he'd  even taken five steps, wrenching him back around.  Spike cast a quick questioning glance in Buffy's direction, and she gave him an imperceptible nod. With an acknowledging grin, he wasted no time in turning back to the struggling boy he held in his arms, and sunk his teeth into Scott's neck. The taste of fresh blood washed over him, pouring down his throat, warming him and he found himself with a  fierce inner battle on his hands.  But the reminder that he had  way too much to lose now was all that he needed to make himself pull away, tossing the boy back carelessly to the ground where he lay in a stunned heap. 

 

    "Anyone else want to try to make a run for it?"  Spike asked with a mocking grin, making his elongated canines shine in the moonlight, tinged with a hint of red.  "Cos gotta say, I'm still a mite peckish."

 

    The others stared at Spike's disfigured face in undisguised horror, one of them looking down at the front of  his own pants, then staring at the ground, watching as a small puddle began to form in front of him..

 

    "Now that's just disgustin'" Spike commented, his lip curled up in disgust.  "Pissing in your pants like a right wanker. Should kill you just for that."

 

    "No please, god, no." The boy whimpered, backing up the few steps until his back was flush against the side of a building.

 

    "We weren't going to do anything, really. Just messing around." One of the other jocks attempted to say.

 

     The boy barely had time to register the angry glimmer that leapt into Spike's eyes before he found himself with a pair of sharp fangs embedded in his throat, his body pinned unrelentingly against the brick behind him. This time Spike didn't drink much, just a few deeps pulls, finding no fight with his demon on his hands this time.  His demon was just as outraged as he was.  When Spike was finished, he tossed the boy back hard against the wall,  his eyes sparking with anger.

 

    "Anyone care to try lying to me again?"  Spike's voice was low and dangerous, and the would be attackers shook their heads furiously.  Scott, who had yet to retrieve himself off the ground, looked at Buffy's amused face and dared to ask, "How can you just let him do this?"

 

    Spike took a step toward him, but Buffy stopped him with a shake of her head. She walked back over to her lover's side and grabbed his hand, and looked down at Scott with contempt.  "I'm letting him because even though he's a vampire, he's still a better man than any of you will ever be."

 

    Something that had died a hundred years ago seemed to swell in Spike's chest with Buffy's passionately uttered statement, something that felt like hope. It was immediately followed by a profound deluge of guilt, telling him that he really was not any better than these boys.  He himself had treated Buffy with as little regard as they had, and had managed to inflict a whole lot more damage to her, both physically and mentally.  He tried to untangle his hand from her grasp, and she looked at him in surprise.  Her eyes narrowed when she took note of the guilt ridden look that haunted his features.   She knew exactly what was running through his head, and was so not going to let him do this.  She used her profound strength to tighten her grip,  daring him with her eyes to argue with her.  Buffy gave him a heartfelt smile, letting him know it really was ok, she was ok, and relaxed slightly when the tightly held tension he had been holding onto slowly dissipated. Buffy reached up and pressed a quick kiss to his lips to reassure him, and she saw when the bad ass vampire reemerged, and found herself comforted by that.

 

    Returning his lips to its usual smirk, Spike looked over at the dumbfounded group of teens.  "So, looks like we  need to be having a little chat on how to treat women here, dontcha think?"

 

    When his question was met with no response, Spike took a threatening step forward.  Suddenly, a chorus of shrill fear ridden voices rang out through the alley, all acknowledging Spike's comment.  Spike grunted, and resumed his threatening stance.  " So this is how things are going to be.  How they bloody well should be anyway, without me, an evil vampire, having to tell you wankers what's what . But here it is, all spelled out for ya, all nice like.  You gits won't EVER touch a woman against her will again, any of you, or I'll be sure to show you all the evil and torturous things I've learned over the  last century. And believe me, I've taken the time to become quite inventive.  Do you bleedin wankers understand what I just said? And I'll be keeping track of you gits, don't you worry your empty little heads about that one. Got your disgusting scents locked in, I could find you anywhere. Understand?"

   

      There were frantic nods all the way around, with slight sighs of relief over the realization that they may be leaving the alley alive.  Spike allowed his features to shift out of game face, his forehead smoothing out, his teeth retracting. The reaction to that was almost as startling as when Spike first showed them the face of his demon, horror again etched on every single one of them.

 

    "Oh and another thing.  See, this here is my girl.  And it wouldn't do you a lot of good if I was to hear  that you had been spreading tales about my girl. Things like she was involved with a vampire, for instance. Because really, vampires? There's no such thing, right? Because you wouldn't have believe yourselves before tonight, now would ya?  Nope, you sure wouldn't.  Do we understand each other?" Spike glare was just menacing without the glowing eyes and shimmering fangs, and the boys nodded instantly, eyes wide. Spike took a step forward, causing a flurry of panic before him.  The scent of fear perfuming the air was soothing, and Spike's entire posture spoke of menace and danger. He may have been much shorter in stature then the hulking football players before him, but there was no doubt who had the power to instill fear.  "And if any little rumors come floating my way  that you've been spilling your guts about tonight, or are in the least bit threatening to my girl here, well.. Let's just say that they will probably have a hard time identifying your body after I'm through with you. Got it?" He sent them one more hard threatening look, then with a creak of well worn leather and a clomp of his combat boots, Spike turned his back on the wankers who had threatened his Buffy, leaving them with looks of dumbfounded relief on their faces.

 

    Buffy allowed Spike to grab her hand and pull her out of the alley, calling a "Night boys" over her shoulder at the jocks.  As they walked along,  Buffy couldn't help but stare at Spike with a sappy indulgent smile on her face.

 

    "What are you bleeding staring at?" Spike finally growled, looking at her out of the corner of his eye.

 

    "You." Buffy replied, amused. "You're kinda cute, you know that?"

 

    Spike stopped shock still and turned to look at her.  "Those wankers wanted to do nasty things to you, and now you just stand here and tell me I'm cute?"

 

    "Spike, hello, Slayer here.  It's not like I couldn't have kicked their asses at any time.  But I liked seeing you all damage bound and protective, you were cute."

 

    Spike snorted. "S'not cute what they wanted to do to you."

 

    Buffy took a step forward and raised her hand to gently cup the side of his face, tracing her thumb over the exaggerated curve of his cheekbone, down to his prominent jawbone before allowing the pad of her thumb to gently trace his firm lips.  Unable to help herself, Buffy leaned up slightly and pressed a soft sweet kiss to his tension ridden mouth. "Spike, it's ok. I said YOU were cute, not what they were going to do." Spike opened his mouth to say something, and anticipating the direction of his  thoughts, Buffy silenced him with another drawn out luxurious  kiss, keeping her mouth closed against his, just reveling in the feel of his satiny lips against her own.  "Don't say it" She whispered against his lips. "You don't need to say it. I forgive you."

 

    She felt him nod his head, and she pulled away, smiling at him.  "Thank you, Spike. For being my knight in shining armor tonight."

 

    Another snort erupted. "Yeah, some bloody knight I am."

 

    "You are, you just haven't realized it yet."

 

    Spike gave her an odd look before a genuine smile graced his face.  Grabbing her hand, he began walking again, this time his steps lighter than they had been.  She humbled him, there was no question.  He knew he didn't deserve her, or what they had been given, but damned if he could walk away.

 

    "Anyway, now those idiots don't know about me being all SuperGirl, so I owe you big time." Buffy announced, swinging the hand that held hers lightly.  "Of course, it would have been nice to see their faces when a girl whipped their butts. That would have been so priceless." Buffy shrugged. "Oh well, guess there is always next time."

 

    At the low growl that she heard emanating from Spike, she hastily reassured him, "I was just saying it hypothetical like. Geez Spike, paranoid much?"

 

    Spike allowed some of the anger to drain from his taunt muscles. Adopting a flippant tone, he remarked, "Gotta protect what's mine, you know."

 

    His comment was met with silence, which was better than the flat out denial that Spike had been expecting.  He risked a look at her face and found it to be pensive. Maybe she could accept that was his someday, he thought. Maybe I haven't bollixed things all to hell.

 

    They didn't speak again for some time after that, both lost in their own thoughts. "Wait, home is the other way." Buffy suddenly announced.

 

    Spike smirked at her. "Yeah, well, I was on my way to the Bronze when I caught your scent.  Your mum cut me loose, said I was driving stark raving bonkers with all of my pacing."

 

    "Oh really? Hmm.. imagine that.  So where are we going?"

 

    "The Bronze."

 

    "But... I just left there, wasn't much fun."

 

    Spike stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, and pulled Buffy around so that she stood in front of him. He grabbed her hips and drew her flush against him, allowing her pert breasts to smash against his hard  chest, searing him from the outside.  "Yeah, well, that's because I wasn't there."

 

    Buffy smile lit him up inside.  "True, very true."

 

    They made good time getting to the Bronze, with no further mishaps or deep conversations along the way.  The  band was still playing and it was more packed then it had been.  As Buffy walked in the doors with Spike's arm around her, it hit her in a flashing bolt of clarity that yep, this was what was missing when she had been there earlier.  Being here with Spike now, she felt complete. She didn't want to dwell on how bizarro that was, or wonder if it was because he claimed her or what, now she just wanted to enjoy the rest of the evening.

 

    Looking around, she saw that Xander and Willow were still sitting at the same table, and Buffy headed in that direction with Spike in tow.  Willow looked up with a happy smile on her face to see Buffy, getting up and hugging her again.  Willow surprised Spike by offering him a genuine smile of greeting and he nodding his head in acknowledgement. He looked over at Xander's scowling face and smirked.

 

    "What's the Totally Dead Dude doing here?" Xander complained.

 

    Buffy threw a dirty look in his direction, and Xander immediately felt chagrined. "He's here because we want to be here, ok Xander?"

 

    Not expecting an answer, Buffy pointed at a chair for Spike to sit in and he flung himself into it with all of his cocky grace. Buffy was getting ready to sit next to him when he grabbed her and tumbled her onto his waiting lap.  She gave him an exasperated look but didn't make a move to get up. Instead, she leaned back against him and got comfortable. 

 

tbc...

 

 

Chapter 16

    Conversation was stilted at first, helped along by the loud music being pumped out of the speakers behind them.  Willow and Xander were on one side of the narrow table, leaving Spike and Buffy on the other.  It was hard to tell where Spike ended and Buffy began, they were so entwined  on the thick wooden chair they were sitting on. Spike had his arms wrapped securely around her middle, and Buffy's head was relaxed comfortably against his shoulder.   This was the first time Willow really had been able  observe Buffy and Spike together, and she had to admit that Spike was totally into her friend.  And not in the freakishly monsterish  sort of way she would have totally expected. All with the  deep penetrating looks, low growls and subtle mind control.  But more of the cuddly boyfriend  kind of way. Each light stroke of Buffy's hair, each gentle graze of full lips that would skim her bare shoulders all pointed to the undeniable fact.  That this way evil vampire liked being with Buffy.  This made Willow happy, her friend had enough bad stuff in her life. She knew Buffy had told her that their relationship was going really good, but Willow hadn't really believed it. Now she did.

 

    The walled up dam that had been their conversation burst free when Willow began asking about Blake, and Willow could easily see  the affection that Spike had for his son.  He was kinda weird, for a vampire, but Willow  found herself liking  him.

 

    Even Xander had to admit Spike wasn't as bad  as he had built him up to be. Maybe it had been the cold brutal shock of reality at seeing the two naked together in her bed that had stonewalled Xander's emotions, it was easy to throw the blame in the vampire's court for that one. But now,  he could see plain as day how Buffy reacted to this  dead freak's touch, and it wasn't the trembling with dread kind of reaction.  He had to finally admit it to himself.  Buffy liked Spike.  And shockingly, Spike liked Buffy.  It was right there in front of him, in frank brutal Technicolor.  Still didn't mean he really had to like it though.

 

    "So, how did you two crazy kids run into each other?" Xander asked in a surprise attempt at pleasant conversation.

 

    Buffy stiffened slightly, and Spike's grip on her waist tightened in response.  "She walked down the street, I walked up the street, we met in the middle. The end."

 

    Xander put his hands up as if to ward away the negative energy. "Ok, ok, was just asking. No need to rip my head off."

 

    Spike arched a perfectly formed eyebrow.  "Trust me, you'll know when I'm ripping your bleeding head off." Buffy gave him a sharp warning look, clearing warning him to behave.

 

    "Ooo kee.  Now there's a pleasant visual."

 

    Spike tuned out Buffy's annoying friend and allowed his intense gaze to wander around the dim interior of the Bronze.  This would have been just his scene, lots of pretty  tasty young co-eds just dying for a bit of attention from the Big Bad.  Spike had never had a problem luring potential victims to their deaths. He may not be able to look in a mirror, but he knew he was a right handsome bloke, often using that to his advantage. There weren't many who remained immune to the Big Bad when he set his sights on someone, neither male or female.  Spike sighed heavily, at the realization that those days were now over.   At least for now. All these tasty girls were all safe from him, he wouldn't dare make a move against any of them.  Strangely though, he didn't really feel any tragic  sense of loss, just a` flash of annoyance at being housebroken, something he had never seen coming.

 

    More rough than he intended, he picked Buffy off of his lap and set her on her feet. At her questioning scowl, he told her he was going to the bar. "Want anything?" he added as an afterthought.

 

    "Oh, can you get me a mineral water?"

 

    "I'll go with you." Xander announced, jumping up.  He took Willow's order and pointedly ignored the questioning scowl that was now present on Spike's face.   He was hoping that Spike could buy him a beer at the bar, which was the reason behind the manly beer run.

 

    Spike was pushing though the dense crowd with  Xander scrambling to keep up.  Damn, Spike had that bad ass routine down to a science, Xander thought.  He could see all kinds of tasty chicks checking out the vampire right and left, and felt a burning stab of jealousy.  Hey, maybe he could learn some pointers from Spike, because god knew some major help was needed in the love department of Xander-land.   He took a moment to really assess Spike from an almost clinical perspective, not in the I Hate Your  Guts perspective he had indulged in since he'd met the vamp. Ok, he had to admit,  so maybe Spike was kinda cool, in a 80's reject sort of way.  He tried to figure out just what it was that had the girls and not just a few guys swivel  their attention on him as Spike sauntered by.

 

    Xander decided it was because Spike wore danger like some people wore open friendliness. It just exuded from him, oozing out of every cool pore of his body. The bitchin black leather coat, the spiked hair, the cool scar on his eyebrow, all those things were props that added to the whole picture. Ok fine, so he was totally scary, but he was scary in a cool way, and everyone knew that, well,  coolness was contagious, right?   And suddenly Xander grew a whole new appreciation for the bloodsucker. Maybe he wasn't doomed to a life of being a nerd, of being shoved in lockers for the rest of his life. Maybe if he hung with Spike, that coolness would breed and multiply, with Xander as  the lucky recipient. And then he, Xander, would get the chicks checking him out right and left.  Yep, Xander and Spike, the chick magnets.  Hey, it was worth a shot, what was the worst thing that could happen?  Xander refused to think of fangs sinking deep into his flesh as he called out, "Uh, Spike?"

 

    "What."

   

    "Could you maybe, uh, buy me a beer?"

 

    Spike stopped so suddenly that Xander almost ran into his back. "I'm not bloody buying you anything, you berk. What are you on about?"

 

    "What? Oh, no, so not what I meant.  I mean I give you money, you order me a beer, you give me the beer." Then couldn't help but add, "and my change."

 

    At the bitter look Spike threw out, Xander back pedaled, his great plan already in jeopardy. "Ok, ok, fine,  I'll  be the official sponsor of the alcoholic beverage of your choice. Just don't let it be said that the greatness that is Xander doesn't share the wealth, mister."

 

    Spike gave a curt nod. "Fine.  I'll buy your bloody beer." He held his hand out impatiently, grabbing the money that was proffered  him, fully intending to keep whatever change he got back.

 

    "I'm going to go run to the little boys room. I'll be right back."

 

    A pained look shadowed  Spike's features. "The little boys room?" He scoffed.

 

    "Ok, guess that  didn't really make with the macho ness, did it? Fine. I need to go take a squirt, that better? Need to let the ole hose out for a bit of fresh air."

 

    "Just go to the bloody loo." Spike instructed in a disgusted tone, turning away from the annoying boy and setting off in the direction of the bar. Bloody humans.

 

    After Xander had relieved his bladder, he was half way to the bar to meet up with Spike when the clear path he had was suddenly blocked.  Xander groaned, this was so not his night. He thought he'd already had to deal with these idiots once tonight, but no, here they were. Shouldn't there be a rule against that? Only one taunting per night?  For this group before him was the bane of his entire school career, his whole childhood practically had been  tainted with their stupid antics.  Xander had lost track of how many lockers he had been stuffed in, and how many times his books had been knocked out of his laden arms.  And how could he  forget how many times his lunch tray had been knocked to the ground, to spatter corn and mystery meat all over the floor of the grimy cafeteria.  Why couldn't he have run into them AFTER he had drank his illegally obtained beer?  Maybe then he'd be able to face them without feeling that big ole stab of low self esteem rubbing itself in his face.

 

    "Hey guys."

 

    "Well, well, if it isn't little Xander Harris. Watcha doing, you little faggot?"

 

    Xander raised his index finger in protest. "First off, so not a faggot. Although the very fact that you boys are always together, as in closely  together has always made me more than just a tad suspicious." He eyed  their furious faces with mock suspicion. "Something you need to be sharing with the class, huh boys?"

 

    "You're dead meat, Harris." Scott bit out, his alcohol flushed face reddening even more with his growing anger.

 

    Ok, maybe taunting these meatheads wasn't the smartest thing he'd ever done, Xander conceded, as he literally saw his life flash before his eyes.  Why he'd never let Buffy beat these assholes up, he didn't know. It was obvious by the droopy eyes and goofy looks that they had drank a whole lot more than when he'd seen them last.  Suddenly he saw a pair of punctures marks on Scott's neck, that caused him to take a step back. Speaking of dead meat...Shit,  dead meat didn't flush with anger, did they?

 

    Scott, in a sudden need to bolster his fear ravaged self confidence back up, reached out to grab Xander by the front of the shirt causing Xander to let loose with a shrill yelp.  But before he could find purchase on Xander's obnoxious button down, Scott found his fist engulfed in an unrelenting savage vise. His own yelp rivaled Xander's for shrillness, and Scott found himself looking into furiously cold blue eyes. Ones that no amount of alcohol would make him ever forget.

 

    "My hand!"  Scott yelled, noticing his comrades backing away in unison.  The response to his comment was a tighter hold, and even Xander was forced to wince at the sound of crushing bones that seemed deafening even over the steady thump of the latest pop hit coming through  the speakers. 

 

    Spike's face was cold and barren, lips tightly compressed with anger, eyes flashing with rage. He  forced the boy down to his knees, savoring the sweets sounds of his utter agony, before he allowed his grip to loosen and finally allowed his own hand to drop free. Scott began to wail, clutching his mutilated hand to his chest, as he stared at Spike in abject terror. Spike fought with everything in him to not let himself loose on this wanker, who deserved to die in a thousands different ways. 

 

    "Shut the fuck up." Spike snarled. When Scott refused to listen, Spike made as if to grab his hand again, and the idiot finally remembered his previous lessons and quieted his hysterical sobs.

 

    Xander was dumbfounded. What the HELL?  He watched as Spike clenched his  fists, tipping his head in the air for a brief moment and closed his eyes, his jaw locked with tension. Rage and tightly coiled fury blew off of  the vampire, almost palpable in its intensity and even Xander took a step back  before Spike took a deep calming breath.  Then he  reached  to grab one of the bottles he had cradled against his chest and held it out to Xander. "Here's your beer, mate."

 

    Xander took it from his outstretched hand, the same hand that had just crushed Scott's, probably rendering him useless for football for the rest of his life.  "Thanks, Spike." He surprised himself by saying.

 

    A bouncer came over and pushed his way through.  "What's the problem here?"

 

    Spike looked in his direction, and shook his head. "No problem. A little minor difference in opinion, is all. But we got it all sussed out, right boys?"

 

    By the menacing look in Spike's eyes, Scott knew it was useless  and potentially lethal to say otherwise. "Everything is fine." he managed to bite out, his face pale and diaphoretic from pain.

 

    The beefy bouncer nodded, then turned away but not before issuing a blanket warning of what would happen if he saw any other signs of impending violence.  They all nodded, the other jocks fighting the urge to flee for their lives.  They had let Scott talk them into drinking more, all desperately needing courage in a bottle. They  had all sat around bolstering  their self confidence back up again, greedily guzzling whatever they could get their hands on. By the time they had entered the Bronze for the second time that evening, they had it in their heads that the vampire was lucky they had let him live, rather than the other way around.  Alcohol and stupidity, a lethal combination. In more ways than one. 

 

    "I need to get to a hospital, you broke my fucking hand." Scott muttered from his position on the floor. He attempted to get up, but Spike was right there.

 

    "Did I tell you that you could get up?" He said softly, which sounded more dangerous than if he had roared at full volume. When the others attempted to back away again, one brutal look from Spike stilled them from their actions.

 

    The fear reattached itself with stunning accuracy, the alcohol and their community pep talk deserting them just as quickly as it had taken control, and it didn't escape Xander's notice that these idiots knew exactly what Spike was capable of.  "So, uh, Spike. You know these guys?"

 

    "We've met." was the cryptic reply Xander got, but he did catch a glimpse of pain beneath the cold fury that was firmly stamped on Spike's face.

 

    "Wow, lucky you." Xander commented sarcastically, and Spike looked over him, as he arched an cynical eyebrow in response. Xander gave him a tentative smile. This was met with a curt nod of the head from the blonde vamp. 

 

    "So, how did you get to be so lucky?"

 

    "Caught these gits trying to rape Buffy." Spike allowed the bitter words to roll off of his tongue, blanching slightly as he said them. He looked over at Xander and caught a glimpse of the horrified look on his face.

 

    "And you let them live?" Spike was surprised by the coldness and seriousness of the question.

 

    His lips quirked up in a mockery of a smile. "Yeah. Stupid, eh?"

 

    "I'll say."  Spike watched as Xander walked up to Scott who had not moved himself from the floor, and leaned into him.  "What, you didn't like that Buffy said no, was that it, Scott? You decided to rape her because she wouldn't dance with you?"  He straightened up and shook his head in disgust. "And here all this time I thought it was Spike that was the monster.  Guess I was wrong, wasn't I?"  Xander turned his back on Scott, intentionally kicking his foot back and caught Scott in his injured hand,  as he ignored the howls of pain.  "Whoops, clumsy me."

 

    "Come on, Spike, the girls are waiting for their drinks." And with that, a much cooler Xander headed back in the direction of the bar to get Willow and Buffy their drinks. 

 

    "Remember what I said, all of you. Not a bloody word, or Harris and I will pay you a little visit.  Have you ever seen anyone with their penis cut off? If caught in time, I'm told there is a chance for reattachment." He shook his head in wry admiration. "Those transplant teams, amazing work they do.  Oh, but hey, no worries.  Those  transplantation rules won't apply to you.  Kinda hard to transplant your penis after it's been digested, y'no. Something about human stomach acid. Well, the teeth and all the gnashing first does a number on it to begin with."

 

    Spike looked up and saw his words had the intended affect.  There was a tinge of green haunting each one of them, and the other jock Spike had sunk his fangs in made a dash for the bathroom, hand covering his mouth frantically.

 

    "If you can't bloody handle your liquor, don't' bloody drink it." Spike growled, reaching down to grab Scott by the wrist and hauling him painfully to his feet.  "Get the bloody fuck out of here, I don't want you gits even around my girl. And you can thank her for the reason you're even alive right now. Fact is, I would have torn you to pieces if I didn't know she wouldn't' approve."  Spike looked over his shoulder as Xander came up with Buffy's mineral water and Willow's coke.  "Let's go Harris."

 

    Spike sent one last penetrating glare, making sure each one of them met his eyes and saw his serious intent. He  spun around with a dramatic flurry caused by a whirl of  black leather cascading around his legs, and sauntered back confidently in the direction of his girl,  Xander sent his former tormenters his own version of a penetrating glare, then stalked off after Spike. He was sickened by what he had heard, what they had tried to do to Buffy. He mentally slapped himself upside the head, he should have known after Scott and his trained chimps left the Bronze right after Buffy with identical looks of anticipation on their hormone charged faces that they were up to no good.  But, after tonight, hopefully the tables were turned and Xander would be a victim from these gimps no more. Or anybody else,  Oh no.  A happy feeling butted its way  rudely into his feelings of disgust and anger, realizing that yet one more thing good had come out of Spike. Ok, so that didn't really come out right. 

 

    When Xander reached the table he saw Buffy's face light up at the sight of Spike, and his welcoming look of adoration and happiness. Ok, mental note to one Xander Harris.  Spike plus Buffy just MIGHT equal good. And hey, it couldn't hurt to have another guy around, could it?  It's not like his life was brimming with male bonding opportunities or anything.  There was Giles, and Oz, who was ok, but was a bit too mellow for Xander's taste. So.. then there was Spike. Who was cool and had a car.  And also the undead father of Buffy's love child.  Xander shook his head at the irony. Only on the Hellmouth.

 

TBC..

 

 

chapter 17

The next few weeks passed by in haze of activity. Summer was beckoning its welcome arms, and Buffy and her friends would be graduating in a few weeks. Teachers had slacked off, kids had shifted gears. They were on the brink of teetering off the bridge into adulthood, and would soon be shedding their so called teenage life.
And then there was the senior prom.

Buffy had already decided she wasn't going to go. It's not like she had lived the life of a normal high school girl, and so not getting to go to her senior prom? No biggie. At least that's what she kept telling herself, keeping up a brave and happy front whenever anybody asked her about it. Some of the kids more nastily than others. It wasn't like she could just ask Spike to go with her. And she knew he would probably have murderous intent if she went with another guy, not that anybody else had asked, she thought bitterly. So... no prom for Buffy. How typical.

Scott and his friends had listened to Spike and had not shared the news that Buffy was dating a monster. But it had not gone unnoticed the fear that struck their eyes when they would pass her in the hall or during class. Buffy had already been labeled a freak just by being an unwed teenage mother, but add the abnormal reactions of the school's most popular boys and it was a recipe that exalted her to super freak status. She was not immune to the whispers and giggles that went on around her, mostly by that popular crowd that inhabits every high school across the country. A group that she used to be a full fledged member of in her old life in LA. This one was headed by Cordelia and Harmony, and their band of little wannabe followers. It was so irritating. For the most part, she ignored it, but it would still find a way to crawl inside, causing her pain and upset. She knew that the other kids had picked up on her continuous involvement whenever things went a bit wonky. Since they lived in Sunnydale, home to the Hellmouth, this occurred more often than Buffy and Giles would have liked. In true Sunnydale fashion though, these episodes were ignored, or explained away with some bogus story, usually leaving Buffy as the fall guy. It was just one more thing that she shouldered being the Chosen one. Or the Super Freak as she was now known as. Life sucked, so not fair, she thought. People should be kissing her ass, not labeling her a freak. And the guys should be lining up to take her to prom, dammit. Even though the only guy I want is Spike. So not fair.

Spike could tell something was wrong with Buffy, she had an almost resolute air about her now that had been growing in severity as time went on. He knew it wasn't about him, and it wasn't just his ego telling him that. Every gesture and smile Buffy would give him proved over and over that as far as they were concerned, all was right with the world.

In a bold desperate move that had him questioning his sanity, Spike turned to Xander for help. After that little episode at the Bronze, the whelp wasn't being such a git. Buffy would tease him that Xander had a crush on him, but Spike knew the boy was looking for a role model, of sorts. When Spike saw him in a newly acquired black leather jacket, he knew he had been right, as usual. Usually those who would look up to Spike as a role model were looking for guidance as to the best way to inflict death and destruction. To have someone who looked to him as a person, well, Spike wouldn't put a name to how it made him feel.

So now here he was, the Big Bad, William the Bloody, meeting Xander annoying Harris at the Bronze to discuss Buffy. Without even asking, Spike strode to the bar and brought back two beers, slapping one down in front of Xander, who gave him such a look of wide eyed appreciation, Spike wanted to slap it off his face.

"So.. Spike. What's with the cryptic beer sharing invitation?" Xander asked. "Oh god, you're not trying to get me drunk so you can eat me, are you?"

The black look Spike sent his way had Xander sighing with relief. "Ok, not so much with the eating part. Still, what's up?"

Spike took a moment to answer, deliberately stalling by taking a sip of beer. "It's about Buffy."

"Ah. I see. You want to discuss the ways and wiles of women with Xander here." Xander leaned back in his chair and adopted a cocky pose that he'd seen Spike use. "You've come to the right place, my friend."

The urge to slap Xander's head off was growing stronger. "Right. Well, it's like this, see. Something's bothering her, but she won't tell me what it is."

"Prom."

"What?"

"You asked what was bothering her, and I told you. The prom."

"What the bloody hell is the prom?"

Xander stared at him in shock. "You're kidding right? You're how old?" Xander shook his head in pained exaggeration. "You poor bastard. The senior prom is like the biggest social event that takes place just once in a girl's life. Buffy has resigned herself to the fact that she's not going."

"So it's a... party?"

"No, more like a dance."

"Buffy's been moping around because of a bloody dance?" The outrage on Spike's face was almost comical.

Xander nodded his head in feigned sadness. "Yep. Sad but true."

"Why isn't she going?"

Xander looked at him like he'd suddenly grown a second head. "You're kidding, right?" He withstood the withering glare the vampire sent him as long as he could before he buckled under the pressure. "Ok fine. She doesn't have anyone to go with."

Spike looked confused. "What's wrong with me?"

"Hope you don't mind me saying this, but... you're not exactly the prom type." At the growl he heard coming from Spike, Xander threw up his hands in defense. "Hey! No killing the messenger! I think Buffy just didn't want to ask you."

"When is it?"

"This weekend."

Spike nodded thoughtfully. "Ok, right. Buffy will be going to this bloody prom thing."

"You are going to take her?"

"Bloody well right I'm going to take her. Can't believe she's been moping around about something as ridiculous as this."

"Women."

"I need you to put together the, you know, little details. Don't want her to know until the last minute, otherwise she'll come up with something to get out of it, most likely. Some misplaced sense of guilt or some rot."

Xander couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, you know her pretty good, don't you."

"Yeah, I do. So, tell me what I need here."

Enlisting the help of Joyce and Willow, as well as Xander's assistance, the plans for Buffy's prom experience were set in motion. Joyce almost burst into tears when Spike told her that he was planning on taking her, knowing full well how upset her daughter had been about it. Joyce understood Buffy's reasons for assuming that Spike wouldn't be interested in going, because the notion of a 100 plus year old vampire at a dance with hundreds of teenagers didn't quite fit. But she was glad to see that once again, there was more to Spike than was readily apparent on the harsh surface.

Willow and Joyce had picked out a dress for Buffy, using Willow as a living mannequin, adjusting measurements to take into consideration Buffy's slightly more ample frame. Buffy was so engrossed in her morose feelings that she had no idea these plans were taking place.

The day of the prom, Buffy's mood had become downright despondent. The multiple times Spike would question what had crawled up her ass, she replied an unhappy "nothing", giving him a pained look that told him it was anything but. It was all Spike could do to keep up his irritated scowl at her behavior when in reality he wanted to laugh. She was such a little girl in some ways, he would forget until something like this came up. But the way she loved him was all woman, he thought with satisfaction.

Finally, in the late afternoon, Spike strode into the living room where Buffy was moping on the couch. Blake was taking a nap, and her mom was sitting in the chair next to her. She looked up at him and managed a small pitiful smile, before turning her attention back to the tv in front of her. Spike went and turned it off.

"Hey! I was watching that!" Buffy said indignantly.

"Get your ass up and go take a shower."

"I don't feel like it."

"You're going to go take a shower even if I have to go carry you in there and throw you in." Spike threatened.

Buffy's eyes lit up at that and she opened her mouth to make a lewd remark but then remembered her mom was in the room. Allowing her face to draw back into a pout, she crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I don't wanna."

Spike exchanged an amused glance with Joyce before putting his hands on his hips and glaring at her. "Fine, don't take a shower. Just thought you'd feel better being clean and all for the prom."

Buffy looked at him aghast. "What are you talking about?"

"The prom? You know, your soddin' school dance thing?"

"But I'm not going." Buffy replied confused.

"Oh really? Then why do I have these then?" He threw the prom tickets at her and watched as she looked at them in shock, then looked at him, then over at her mom before looking back at the tickets, disbelief frozen on her face.

"I'm going to the prom?" She asked softly.

"That's what I'm trying to tell you, luv. Course if you don't want to take a bloody shower, don't on my account. I just have this enhanced sense of smell thing going, no need to be bothered by that."

The teasing words had barely left his mouth before he had an armful of slayer wrapped tightly around him. "thank you thank you thank you." She whispered over and over, tears of happiness crowding her eyes.

Joyce just sat there and watched how happy this had made Buffy, and marveled at how strange life was. The very fact that Spike had even noticed something was bothering Buffy, then going out of his way to find out what was causing it... Well, he had turned into quite a surprise. Spike had even insisted on funding the whole thing, which Joyce felt in her bank account. It had come as a shock when Spike had finally admitted he had money, almost as if he was embarrassed by it. Maybe because it had not been obtained in evil nefarious ways, as if it offended his demonic nature. Apparently, once upon a time, the man who used to be known as William came from a wealthy family and since he was the only heir, the money came to him. That may not have occurred through entirely legal means, since William technically was dead and had been for over 100 years, but Spike had never touched it. Joyce knew better than to question the reasons too closely, but appreciated him using it now.

When Spike looked over at Joyce and saw her face full of gratitude, he beat a hasty escape. The tender emotions flowing through the room were making him nauseous. He was evil, for Christ's sake. Yet that didn't seem to stop the glimmer of satisfaction that he'd done something to make Buffy happy.

The hours that followed were almost torturous for Spike, who was well versed in what actual torture entailed. Red had come over and the two girls had embraced a ritual so archaic, it made Spike cringe. There was primping, and giggling and doors slammed in his face. It seemed to be unending.

Willow's other half, Oz, showed up at some point, providing a welcome distraction for the vampire who was attempting to watch TV with his son, who had also been kicked out of the primping party. The three sat and watched Blake's favorite show, Veggie Tales.

"This is just...wrong." Oz commented at one point.

"I ought to find the bastards who put this show on and kill them. Slowly." Spike replied.

"Wait for the next full moon, and I'll help."

Spike took that into consideration and nodded. "The worst part is, these songs sneak your brain, and before you know it, you're singing 'em. You'll be walking down the bloody street, and all of a sudden, you realize you are singing about broccoli and celery. It's bloody terrifying."

"I can see that."

Spike had refused to wear a tuxedo, instead was wearing a pair of black dress pants and a black silk shirt, with a blood red tie to compliment the outfit. His hair was styled a bit different, thanks to Joyce, and Spike found himself asking Oz if it looked ok.

"She didn't do anything real nasty to it, did she?"

Oz tipped his head to study the vampire before. "Nah. Looks good." Silence followed that comment, and Spike reflected how bloody bizarre this was. And yet, it didn't feel wrong. He liked this boy, Oz. He had a bit of the demon in him himself, so they had that little bit in common. And yet, he was finding Xander a bit of all right. Bloody ridiculous.

Finally, the girls came down the stairs and Spike came to the immediate conclusion that the time was well spent. Buffy looked amazing. She glowed, she radiated and any other poncy words he could come up with. She was wearing a strapless red prom dress the color of Spike's tie, the color complimenting her blonde tanned looks to perfection. When Joyce forced them together for pictures, it became very clear that they were quite the attractive couple. For Buffy's sake, Joyce hoped that Buffy would gain back some of the confidence that had been lost and self sacrificed since she became the slayer. Joyce was quite sure there would be more than one envious girl when they got a look at Spike. she almost wished she could be a fly on the wall, but would have to trust Mr. Giles to fill her in, knowing he was acting as a chaperone this evening.

Xander arrived, with his date and the limo. Spike was introduced to Anya who didn't smell entirely human herself. Buffy whispered ex vengeance demon, and Spike nodded, thus clearing up the mystery. Interesting little group of mates the Slayer had.

After a few tears from Joyce that had increased Spike's queasiness factor and more pictures, they finally left the Summers house. Spike snorted in derision as he climbed in the back of the limo. William the Bloody going to a bloody high school dance. He would have said how the mighty had fallen except for the fact he hadn't fallen. Except in love. Bloody hell, where did that thought come from? He was saved from having to follow that thought around the bend by his enhanced sense of hearing picking up a familiar tune.

"Veggie tales, veggiiiieee tallllesss.." He heard Oz singing under his breath. He locked eyes on the werewolf and smirked.

"Told ya it bloody takes your brain over."

Oz have him a horrified look as he realized exactly what he had been singing, causing a chuckle from Spike. The other occupants of the limo looked confused and neither male made a move to enlighten them. Some things were just better left unexplained, and that was one of them. Spike just passed around his flask, snickering as Xander bravely tried to act like the strong alcohol had no affect on him. However it was near impossible to hide the muted choking from someone with supernatural hearing, and Spike just offered him a knowing smirk. It didn't stop Xander from taking the flask when it came back his way though, and Spike gave him a measuring glance. The boy did all right this time.

His date was strange. Willow and Buffy tried to involve Anya in the conversation, but she had a wacky way of saying things that seemed to alienate herself without too much effort.

"I'm not used to being human, dammit. It shouldn't be this hard." Anya finally complained.

"I hear ya, luv." Spike commiserated as he handed her the flask. When he saw her tip it back and give it a healthy whirl without batting an eye, he threw his head back and laughed. "Interesting little bird you picked up, Xander."

Xander felt his own apprehension about his forced date ease at Spike's backhanded compliment. "Yeah, she kind of grows on you, doesn't she?"

"What are you talking about? Why doesn't anybody just say what they mean? I hate this place." Anya grumbled.

"You're doing fine, pet. Give it a chance. Never know, you might come to like it." Spike found himself saying, realizing exactly how true it was.

Soon, the limo pulled up into what looked like virtual grandiose piano keyboard of ebony and ivory as limos competed with each other for space. Their occupants poured out en masse, in all colors and sizes.

It was with a sardonic grin that Spike surveyed this scene in front of him, as he helped Buffy out of the limo. "Well well. So this is a prom."

Buffy looked up at the tone of his voice, and narrowed his eyes. "Be good, do you hear me?"

He allowed his leering eyes to travel the length of her body, letting it linger on certain parts that he knew would get her going. His leer turned into full blown lust as he said, "Or what?"

Buffy felt her body respond to his penetrating gaze, her pulse quickened and her breath came faster as she drew herself up to ward him off. "Or.. or.. gah! I don't know. But trust me, it won't be pleasant, mister."

Spike leaned towards Buffy, and whispered in ear, "Is that a promise, luv?"

The gravely intent of his voice caused her eyes to daze over, and she knew she was treating Spike to just how much he affected her by mere scent alone. They stood there staring at each other, inches apart but Spike could feel her heat touching him, reaching into him as if she were physically touching him. The intensity of their regard was beginning to smolder into full blown desire, and they both began closing the distance between them.

"Hey, come on! Like you can't do that when you get home?" Xander complained loudly right in front of them. "Lucky bastards." He added beneath his breath.

That served to break the spell that had been cast, and Spike and Buffy gave each other an amused smile before turning to the others. "I believe you have forgotten that I'm evil, Harris. Might want to keep that in mind, you git."

"Yeah yeah. You scare me all right." Xander replied as they got in line with the other new comers and headed into the gymnasium for the Senior Prom.

TBC..

 

 

Chapter 18

Spike and Buffy walked in behind Willow and Oz, Anya and Xander having taken an unknown detour before they had hit the double doors. Spike took a look around him, cringing as he took in the obscene amount of crepe paper, cardboard and doilies that littered the joint. What the bloody fuck was this supposed to be? A glittering sign over the far wall gave him a hint. A Night in bloody Paris? There was nothing that resembled Paris whatsoever that Spike could make out, just a truly distastefully decorated room.

He did note all sorts of gits puffed up and pimply in rented tuxedos with giggling dates by their sides. It was absolutely bloody ridiculous. But it also made his girl happy, so for that, he would sit and endure. And try to disregard the sheer volume of potential victims filing into the gaudy room. A strenuous effort was made to ignore the heady call of the mass amounts of fresh youthful blood. Christ, it was deafening, even over the pulsing crap that the borrowed speakers were currently spewing. Pure exquisite torture, this was. Spike had intentionally raided the fridge and gorged himself on pigs blood, in anticipation of feeling a bit of extra bloodlust tonight. Feel it? Yes. Act on it? No.

They found a table to sit at and watched as people paraded through the cardboard Eiffel Tower that loomed menacingly over the door. Willow and Oz went to find Xander and Anya, which left the vampire and slayer alone at the table. Spike must have had a hungry look on his face because Buffy leaned over and whispered, "No eating people tonight. These are my friends." A slightly sad thoughtful look came over her face. "Ok, maybe not friends so much, but they are my classmates."

Spike gave her a pained look. "Luv, have I given you cause to worry since I've been with you?"

Buffy shook her head slowly. He was right, he hadn't. They had never even talked about it, Spike had just taken it upon himself to keep himself stocked up with pigs bloods, never being Mr Complainy Guy. Well, maybe a few snide comments here and there, but that was just Spike. He had just rearranged and gone against his entire nature for the sake of her and their son. That's all. No big. And to be honest, she had just taken it for granted.

But now seeing the way his hungry eyes were sweeping the crowds, she tried looking at it from his point of view. All these young girls with their little up-do's and their bared necks. The slight hint of sex in the air. It must be quite a tempting array of food for a vampire. Suddenly she was stuck with a high degree of guiltage. And also the fact that she willingly brought someone to her prom who had no qualms over killing, doing so as a means to survive.

"Is your, uh, stomach making with the rumblies?"

Spike pulled away and looked down at Buffy curiously. "Don't have to worry about me, luv. Told ya, not going to go eat your chums. Ate before I came."

Buffy let out a sigh of brief sigh of relief. "Ok, good. Because this is me with the guilt here."

"I'm ok."

"Well still. If things get to bad, will you let me know?"

Spike grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle reassuring squeeze. "Buffy, I'll be ok." He took the opportunity to look around again. "So, what exactly does one do at the Prom?"

Buffy gave him a teasing smile, trailing her index finger slowly up his arm. "Well. They drink punch. They eat little appetizer thingies. There's even been known to be a little dancing going on."

"So like a soddin rip roaring time to be had. Ok, let's take care of those first two things, then we'll get to the dancing."

"You want to dance?" Buffy couldn't help the surprise in her voice.

"If it means I can have my hands on you, then yeah." He got to his feet and looked down at Buffy. "I'll go get you something to drink. Be right back." Swooping down, he crushed his lips to hers before heading for the refreshment table.

Standing behind the table he saw Buffy's Watcher, and an amused smirk came over Spike's face. "Well, Rupert. Don't you make quite the dashing picture."

Giles shifted uncomfortably in his tuxedo as he gave Spike a nasty look. "I don't think you are in any position to cast stones, Spike."

Spike shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Doesn't bother me any. I always cut a dashing picture." Spike ignored the look of disgust that was tossed his way as he filled a cup full of some fruity concoction from the huge bowl on the well laden refreshment table. Taking a quick whiff, he turned his nose up. "This rot doesn't have a lick of alcohol in it. Bloody waste, if you ask me."

"This is a high school dance, Spike. We try not to encourage alcoholism in our students."

"Won't hurt 'em to loosen up and have a good time."

"I hope you are not planning on spiking the punch, er..Spike."

The look of outrage that flooded Spike's face was almost comical. "I'm not bloody wasting my stash on a bunch of zit faced morons!" Then he added as an afterthought. "Why? You want some, Rupert?"

The temptation was clearly there, Spike thought with amusement. "Perhaps later, Spike. If this event gets any worse, I fear it may lead in that direction."

"Right." Spike nodded with understanding. He turned his back on the Watcher and surveyed the crowd. He noticed that he was the object of scrutiny from various directions. With a scowl, he turned back to Giles.

"So do you know why this was so bloody important to your Slayer?"

"I can only assume it was in defiance to her calling, and all that she has had to sacrifice over the years." Giles surmised.

From across the room, Cordelia and her little band of wannabe Cordettes were studying the room to get the sitch on the party goers.

"Oh my god, look at Mary Katherine. Is that dress supposed to be flattering?" Harmony observed, her tone loud and disbelieving.

"Uh, hello. I think someone needs to go over there and give her the 411 on appropriate prom attire. Last I knew, muumuu's weren't on the list." Cordelia revealed in a snotty tone. "But when you wear a size 50XXX, I guess your choices might be a bit limited."

There was a tittering that accompanied Cordelia's cruel remark, as the group roved hungry eyes over the crowd for their next target. "OH MY GOD." Cordelia squealed, eyes big with exaggeration. "Check out the major piece of hot meat at the grub table. Who is THAT?"

Six pairs of eyes were immediately drawn across the room where Spike and Giles were engaged in conversation. "I don't know." Harmony admitted wistfully. "But that is one fine side of bacon. Major drool worthy. I just wish he'd turn around though."

"I wonder who he's with." Cindy pondered.

Cordelia gave the other a girl a look of disdain. "Please. It so doesn't matter who he's with. Because he'll be leaving with me." Her face gleamed with decisive mischief.

"What about Scott?" Harmony asked.

Cordelia shrugged. "He just can't compare to that piece of salty goodness over there. Come on baby, turn around. Let's get a look at your face. Come on...."

As if on cue, Spike turned around to gaze over the crowd. He could feel the keen inspection from across the room and snorted with derision when he saw the pack of she-wolves making 'come-hither' eyes in his direction. Stupid bints. Like they could ever even hope to compete with his Buffy.

Harmony almost fell out of her chair when presented with the full frontal onslaught of the guy talking to the freaky librarian. "Ok, now words cannot even describe the fineness that is that guy. Can we just HELLO."

Cordelia and friends nodded enthusiastically in agreement. Cordelia stood with determination, a competitive glitter shining brightly in her eyes. Her friends eyed her with more than a hint of envy. Their friend had spent copious amounts of money to look her best tonight, and it had been money well spent. Cordelia looked amazing.

"Watch me and learn, girls." She called back, and with confidence in excess, Cordelia glided across the room towards her intended prey. The fact that he was obviously here with someone from her school made no difference. She was the hunter, and he was her just reward.

Spike was just turning to return to Buffy when a stunning brunette sidled up to him. "Hi." The girl greeted, her body language informing him exactly what her intentions were.

" 'ello." He replied, finding himself amused.

" I'm Cordelia. I was sitting over there." She gestured across the room where her friends were watching with avid interest. Cordelia took a step closer, invading his personal space. " And you looked a little lonely, and so I thought I'd save you and treat you to a dance."

Spike offered her a polite bored smile. "No thanks. I'm here with someone."

Cordelia looked up at him coyly through her eyelashes, practically melting at the sexy timber of his accented voice. "So am I. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little dancing, does it?"

Spike's eyes hardened a fraction. "Yeah, actually it does, pet." Turning his back on her, he walked away from her, practically feeling the searing heat of her glare. Stupid girl has a lot to learn, he thought bitterly. He wouldn't even let his thoughts wander to the good ole days, because a girl like that would have been his dinner in a heartbeat.

Cordelia could feel the rage pour through her at being dismissed so curtly. How dare he? She was the most popular girl in school, he should be... GRATEFUL for the attention, dammit!! Giving in to the urge, she stomped her foot in a juvenile display of anger. Cordelia watched the bastard make his way through the now crowded room, weaving his way in and out, waiting to see who he zeroed in on.

Cordelia's jaw dropped with shock as she watched him stop at a table and set the punch in front of someone. BUFFY??? That guy was with BUFFY??? In what alternate reality does the hottest guy Cordelia had ever seen choose Buffy Super Freak Summers over HER???? Life was so unfair!!

Cordelia stomped back to her table, brushing aside the outraged comments. She was way beyond pissed here. Scott chose that moment to return to Cordelia's side. He and his buddies had snuck into the locker room to indulge in a little liquid refreshment, and he was feeling no pain. His favorite state to be in these days.

"Where have you been?" Cordelia snapped.

Scott just grinned at her, then grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the dance floor. Cordelia let herself be manhandled, it would do that totally hot guy good to see her dancing with someone, she thought. Maybe if he saw her with another guy, he would ditch Buffy. It was flawed logic, but Cordelia was furious and her brain had stopped sending signals to the rest of her. She was acting on pure emotions and hormones.
+++++++++
Buffy sipped the punch, finding it too sweet for any thirst quenching capabilities, but it tasted good. When she set it down, Spike asked, "You ready for plan two, luv?"

At Buffy's puzzled look, Spike got to his feet in a fluid sinuous move and pulled her up. "Dancing, pet. You did say that is what you do at a prom."

"You two kids going to boogie down on the dance floor?" Xander asked.

"Yep. I'm all for a bit of the boogie right about now." Buffy replied with a smile of anticipation.

Spike didn't reply, just hauled Buffy away in the direction of the dance floor. Xander watched Buffy being dragged by the impatient vamp and sighed in mock exaggeration. "That Spike. Always a go getter."

Sitting down at the table that was just vacated, Anya announced, "Spike is very different. He's a vampire. They are supposed to kill people. Instead he goes to the prom. "

Her volume was of concern, and Xander found himself looking around cautiously to see if anyone had heard his date's blunt remarks. "Ok, Anya. Here's how things work in Sunnydale. We do an X-Files and Deny Everything, and that includes the existence of vampires. Cos just gotta say, people really don't want to know. "

Anya looked confused. "But that's ridiculous. You know he is a vampire. Your friend is sleeping with a vampire. Why would you try to deny that?"

Xander turned a helpless look to Willow and Oz. Willow merely shrugged. "The world is a wacky place, Anya. Nothing is as it should be."

"This place sucks."

"Aw, cheer up, Anya. Look, even Spike likes it now. Maybe you should give it a try." Willow tried being supportive.

Anya looked unconvinced. "I suppose I could try." Xander was looking more and more uncomfortable the longer Anya spoke. He had a choice of prom dates. Anya or........ Anya. Not wanting to go alone, he accepted her invitation, and was now in the throes of regret.

On the dance floor, a slow song was crooning over the borrowed speakers, the sound echoing slightly in the large gym. Spike and Buffy were pressed as close as two people could be, her arms wrapped around his neck to further cement herself against his lean frame. Spike had his hands dangerously close to her ass, and could sense the disproving looks he was getting from various authority figures.

"What's with the bloody hands police?"

Buffy giggled, a sound that sent a shiver of delight through Spike. "Don't think they want the students doing the grope-age thing on the dance floor."

Spike snorted. "Tough shit."

"Teah." Buffy sighed as her eyes slid shut and she pressed her face against his solid chest comfortably, the soft silk of his shirt cool beneath her cheek. Now this was a tiny slice of heaven, she thought, being in Spike's arms, feeling his gentle guidance to the lulling tune being played.

"Wow, Buffy. I'm just curious where you found this guy. Escort service, perhaps?" A snide slightly metallic voice intruded on Buffy's happy moment and her eyes opened against her will. Cordelia. Gee, big surprise there.

It took a moment for her date to identify who Cordelia was talking to, but when Scott managed to put it together, his face immediately contorted with fear. While that should have made Buffy smug, now it just served to piss her off

"What do you want Cordelia?" Buffy asked in a weary tone.

"I just want to know where you found this guy, is all." Cordelia ignored Scott's frantic attempts to draw her away, just pushed herself from his side. "Because he is so obviously way out of your league."

That was it. Buffy was so not putting up with anymore of Cordelia's snide shit on her happy night. "Oh wait, don't tell me, let me guess. Out of my league and in yours?"

Cordelia's smile was wickedness and pure intent. Spike gave the girl a look of disgust. "Buffy outclasses you in every way. Oh and you better attend to you little lap dog there, he's looking a bit queasy." Spike drilled his eyes into Scott's wide ones. "And do be careful leaving tonight. You never know what sort of nasties might await you."

With that last parting remark, Scott grabbed Cordelia's arm and pulled her away, ignoring her shrieking outrage. Spike pulled Buffy back into his arms and murmured, "now where were we?"

tbc.....

 

 

Cold Lovin Chapter 19

The rest of the evening passed without further mishap, a blur of punch that was too sweet, bad music and bad decor. The more time Spike spent in the company of Buffy's schoolmates, the more he wanted to rip the throats out of at least half of them. It had become painfully clear to Spike how much Buffy had endured over the last few years. Her time as the Slayer with a mix of unwed teenage motherhood thrown in had caused Buffy to become a joke among her peers. The whispered comments and snotty looks alone were enough to clue Spike in, without Rupert and the others giving him the full story. As someone who had been on the outskirts of society as a human, the rage he felt on Buffy's behalf was almost crushing. What pained him the most was seeing how Buffy just accepted it. Like it was her lot in life to bear. It maddened him.

After several hours of Spike being at war with his rage, Buffy misinterpreted his increasingly distressed mood. Gruffly, Spike pulled out of the gaudy gym and told her it was time to go. She didn't argue, she had absorbed more than enough prom goodness to last her, and she was wondering what had brought on Spike's increasingly dark mood.

"Are you mad at me?" She asked suddenly.

He jerked his head around to look at her. "Bloody hell, no."

The tension in her body eased and she smiled. "So what's with the bad moodies?"

"Didn't care too much for your school mates, is all. Bloody blind bunch of sods."

Buffy nodded in agreement, and reached over to take Spike's hand. With a sharp tug, she found herself settled in his lap. "Seatbelt law? Look into it." She teased.

He shrugged. "You've got supernatural healing, I'm immortal. Think we'll do just fine."

Buffy didn't even think of the fact that they had left without the others until the limo pulled up into the circular drive of the Sunnydale Hilton, the most plush hotel the town had to offer.

"Why are we stopping here?"

Spike sent her a smirk. "Phase two, luv."

"Huh?"

"Party all night in a hotel, breakfast the next morning?" At Buffy's baffled look, Spike tsk'd mockingly. "Now, now, luv. I'm told it's quite a time honored prom tradition." Their chauffeur opened the door and Spike exited the limo in one graceful effort. He turned around to help Buffy extricate herself from the backseat.

"Ta, mate." Spike said to the driver, slipping a wad of bills into the discreetly waiting palm. "If you could return to the school and take the others where they want to go, it'd be appreciated."

The chauffeur tipped his black hat in their direction. "Of course. Thank you, sir. It's been a pleasure serving you."

Spike nodded and smiled over at Buffy who was looking at him curiously. This suave debonair side of Spike was a bit shocking. He actually had... MANNERS. "Ready, pet?"

They entered the automatic double doors of the hotel to find the lobby a stream of motion, a thick mass of kids in evening wear waiting at the registration desk. An apparent lack of staff on duty was clearly evident by the long lines and irritated looks. Buffy's face suddenly fell. "Guess it'll take us a while to get checked in."

Spike raked his gaze over her, smirking at the adorable petulant look on her face. "Already all check in." He announced, holding up a key card as he ushered her toward the elevator.

"Wow, aren't you Mr. Resourceful Guy." Buffy teased as the doors closed behind them.

His gaze turned heated. "Oh, you'll be seeing resourceful, all right."

Buffy offered him a coy smile. "Promise?"

A low sensual growl was Buffy's only response, sending a flash of desire straight through her. The door opened on their floor, and Spike grabbed her hand and dragged her out. "Hey, Impatient Guy, I'm wearing some serious heels here." Buffy complained.

"Take 'em off, then." He shot back over his shoulder, causing Buffy to roll her eyes. A few doors down the well lit opulent hall, he stopped and shoved a key card in. When the light was green, Spike pushed open the door and hauled her inside after him. Buffy was just about to tease him about being an eager vamp when she caught the look in his eyes. Oh god, it almost brought her to her knees. The burning desire shooting back at her was overwhelming, and she was lost in his gaze.

With an impatient growl, Spike charged her and slammed her again the wall, gripping her wrists up above her head with one hand. His darkened eyes hungrily raked down her body. "Fuck, you're beautiful." He murmured.

He had yet to touch her with his body, his hand holding her wrists in place the only physical contact and every fiber, every cell in her body screamed out for the hard body that was just inches away.

"What's gotten into you?" She mused, licking her lips in anticipation.

Spike watched the pink tongue dart out to moisten the luscious lower lip and groaned, dipping his head down to capture that beckoning lip between his teeth. Sucking gently, he let it escape before plunging his tongue into her waiting mouth, finally closing the distance between their bodies. He ground the lean hardness of his form into her softness, and Buffy yanked her wrists from their steely imprisonment. Spike backed his head away slightly and looked at her with slight displeasure, giving her a barely inaudible warning growl. Buffy smiled sweetly at him and allowed her arms to snake around his neck, bringing his face back to hers.

With a growl now thick with desire, Spike smashed up against her, effectively imprisoning her against his unyielding body and the unforgiving wall behind her. Reaching up to take out the clip, he watched as her honeyed tresses fell and arranged themselves around her shoulders, thus ruining the sophisticated image she had worked so hard to create. His manner had suddenly turned intense, almost pensive, and Buffy decided to wait him out. Rolling a soft golden lock between his thumb and forefinger, he brought it to his nose and inhaled deeply, closing his eyes in what Buffy could only describe as a look of pure bliss. She'd come to find out that vampires had weird ideas of what turned them on, and the whole smell thing was one of them.

"Bloody drove me crazy to see how those little prats at your school treat you." He finally admitted, gazing deep into her eyes.

His admission stunned Buffy. "I'm kinda used to it." She said softly, reaching up and cupping his cheek.

"You're bloody amazing and they have no idea."

Buffy's face erupted with pleasure at his compliment. "Well, I got to see you put Cordelia in her place, so my night was complete."

Spike gave a derisive snort and moved his hands to her hips. He leaned in to blaze a trail of kisses over her jaw, down the side of her neck, giving a small hiss of delight as she leaned her head to the side to provide him with more room to maneuver. She would never have any idea of what that meant to him, that trusting move.

"As much as I love you in this dress, I can't wait to see you bloody out of it." he whispered, his voice caressing like fine silk against her sensitive skin.

"Zipper. In back." Words were beyond her, intense desire taking control. She felt his hands slide around her back, practiced hands locating the zipper and drawing it down before she found it pooled at her ankles. Stepping out of it, she kicked it aside, not giving any thought to the hefty price tag that had been paid for it. "Bed. Now."

Spike nodded his consent, already threatening to burst the zipper on his dress slacks. He picked her up, allowing her to wrap her silk clad legs around his waist and backed them up to the huge king size bed that was situated in the middle of the room. Depositing her on the edge, he took a step back to free his painful cock from its prison. He gave a tortured groan when he saw Buffy wearing a strapless satin red bra with matching panties. But the clincher was the black garter belt that were holding up a pair of red hose stockings. Black and red, his favorite colors. She looked like an innocent school girl playing bad girl in the get up, and he was almost startled by the sudden surge of desire that flooded him.

"Where did you ahold of that get up?" His voice came out strangled as he fumbled at his pants.

Buffy delivered a wicked smile, feeling a sense of power at the strength of his reaction to her new lingerie. She looked down at herself, trailing a finger over one breast, down her stomach then under the waistband of the thong backed panties. "Oh this? Mom." She replied, her delivery innocent.

"Your bloody MOTHER gave you that?"

Buffy nodded. "You like it?"

"Luv, I liked it any better, I'd be squirting all over myself." He didn't think Buffy realized that Joyce actually got the sexy get up for him, probably to reward him for his unselfish behavior tonight. That Joyce. Thoughtful woman, he decided, not for the first time.

"Ok, so not the visual I need." Buffy commented drying. She watched with avid interest as Spike slipped his shirt off of his shoulders, adding it to the growing pile on the floor. She could watch him all night, the way his sleek muscles twisted and contracted under that perfect skin. Skin she couldn't wait to get her hands on.

"Are you about finished yet?" The words had barely left her mouth before she found herself knocked onto her back, completely pinned to the bed by the man on top of her.

"Yep." He drawled, leaning down and licking a trail from her collarbone to her earlobe, causing Buffy to suck in her breath. "Like that do you?" He murmured as he repeated the action.

"You're squashing me." She complained trying to buck him off. That only served to stimulate parts of him that were already well stimulated and he gave a deep groan which caused Buffy to smile.

"You're the slayer, you can take it." He told her, but took some of the weight off of her anyway. Burying his head into the crook of her neck, he worshipped it with his tongue and lips before turning to the other side. Buffy was dizzy with desire, arching up against him as he trailed lower. "Let's get you out of this thing." In mere seconds, her breasts were bared for his onslaught. Wasting no time, he slid the tip of one firm peak into his mouth and pulled lightly, running his tongue along the rosy nipple. His hand found its way down between her legs, pushing aside her panties where his finger slipped through her wet folds. Buffy practically arched off the bed right there when his finger flicked over her clit, Spike held her down, not letting her escape his pleasured torture.

When his mouth moved to her other firm mound, his tongue mimicking the same licking sucking treatment, Buffy felt the orgasm take her over as the world faded away to be replaced by pure pleasure, if only for a few seconds, before she drifted back to find Spike still stroking her with a satisfied smirk on his face. "That didn't take you long." He commented smugly.

Buffy felt too good to lower herself to roll her eyes in his direction, she just held her arms out to him. "Come here."

He slid up her body, trailing his rigid cock against her sensitive skin as he went. Brushing the hair off her face, he leaned down to press a tender kiss to her lips. "You're so amazing." he whispered.

"No, you're the amazing one." Buffy argued, smiling softly at him. "And now it's time for that reward we talked about."

Confusion entered the blue eyes above her. "Thought that's what we were doing here, luv."

Buffy shook her head. "No, we're making love. This is a reward." With that said, Buffy pushed the few stray hairs off of her neck and tipped it to the side, offering the pale elegant column to the vampire above her. A feast for him to consume, given willingly.

"You want me to.. bite you?" He asked gently, afraid of saying the wrong thing or using the wrong tone in case she changed her mind.

"Yes." Came the soft but decisive reply. There was no need for warning or threats, this was the mother of his child. He would do her no harm, and they both knew it.

"Oh... Buffy." He sighed, emotion welling up inside of him, thick and strong. Emotions that shouldn't be there, that didn't belong in the body of a demon, yet lived in him all the same. Leaning down, he noticed she had her eyes closed in anticipation and he licked another wet path down the thin sensitive skin. The pulsing blue river just below the soft surface called to him and he felt his features change. He heard her sharp intake of breath at the feel of the sharp ridges emerging against her delicate skin and let his now razor sharp teeth sink into her neck before she changed her mind.

She tensed at the initial violation, then relaxed under him, allowing her eyes to flutter closed again. It was only then that Spike let the first sip of thick sweet blood pool into his mouth, moaning in ecstasy at this willingly given treat of Slayer's blood. His Slayer. Unbidden, he began to thrust his erection against her hip as he took slow measured pulls, determined to make this treat last as long as he could without endangering Buffy.

When he felt her pelvis grinding against his and the wafting perfume of arousal clouding his already heightened senses, he reached down between them and grabbed his cock, slowly guiding it to her slick entrance, his movements slow and questioning. She'd already given him so much, he didn't want to ruin things now. He pushed aside her panties so there would be no doubt of his intentions.

He nearly came right there when he heard Buffy's moan of pleasure, and he introduced the swollen head of his shaft into her welcoming channel. Slowly, with more restraint than he knew he possessed, he pushed himself into her, inch by agonizing inch, giving her time to protest. Her gift had been her blood. It hadn't been for blood and sex, and Spike had no desire to cause her any further distress.

When he was fully sheathed inside of her, he stopped, and was rewarded by a low panting moan from the girl he was now invading with cock and fang. "Oh my god, Spike. Feels incredible, don't stop."

Those were the words Spike needed to hear as he withdrew from her heat before plunging himself back in. He felt her wrap her strong legs around his waist, allowing him even deeper access inside her, and he removed his fangs from her throat. The thought of tearing her delightful skin and causing her pain made him sick, and a brief memory of their first time together flickered through his mind. Thrusting it aside, he focused his attention on causing a web of pleasure in the writhing girl under him, rather than the web of fear of two years ago.

With the tip of his tongue, he kept the holes open, allowing her blood to flow freely into his waiting mouth. With each swallow, he noticed the shiver of desire that went through Buffy, and he increased the suction.

Buffy was suddenly reminded of a totally lame and cheesy movie she had watched with her mom, Barbarella. In it, Jane Fonda got tortured with an orgasm machine. That's what Buffy felt like now. She was Jane Fonda in Barbarella. Every time Spike would suck on her neck, it sent a little mini orgasm straight through her, all the while building up to something... big. She could feel it spooling up in the pit of her stomach, a dull ache spreading through her lower abdomen until it focused almost painfully at her center. She could feel Spike thrusting in and out of her, his large girth stretching and filling her until she didn't even know where she ended and he began. Meeting his thrusts enthusiastically, she fleetingly thought this was the most intense thing she had ever felt.

Then it happened. Even though she knew she was close, it still managed to sneak up on her. As if a volcano of molten lava suddenly blew from the pressure, Buffy felt her body turn completely numb for just a second only to be replaced with such mind numbing pleasure, all she could do was scream helplessly and clutch Spike desperately, as her body spasmed and keened in a way it had never done before. It was huge, it was epic.

Allowing his demon to hide, Spike followed Buffy into a virtual wonderland of sensation, spurting thick ropes of milky semen deep inside her. His orgasm wasn't the earth shattering release that Buffy's had been, but it had been close. With each jerk of his body, he felt himself connected to her.

Collapsing on top of Buffy, careful not to crush her, Spike made sure the wounds on her neck had closed before closing his eyes in exhaustion and pulling her close.

"You ok?" He asked gruffly.

"That was..... wow." Buffy admitted with a small smile playing on her face.

Spike snickered. "Yeah, it was at that.

"Should we call and check up on Blake?" Guilt began seeping into Buffy's ingrained sense of responsibility, reality intruding rudely behind.

Spike opened his eyes and looked at her like she was daft. "Hell no. It's past midnight. your mum and the boy are well asleep. Your mum knows where to find us if she needs us."

Buffy nodded and sighed in contentment, snuggling against Spike, completely happy and totally unfreaked by Spike having bit her again. It was so different than the other times he‘d done it. Before it had been all about Spike’s demon asserting pain and dominance. This had been about connection, reward and pleasure. Yeah, ok he’d been in game face, but Buffy knew it was just as much about Spike this time as it was his demon. And god, what pleasure. A hint of guilt hit her that maybe she had enjoyed it too much, but she quickly erased that thought from her mind. ’So not going with the negative here, she thought. Everything now between us is for the good.’


"Can we go shopping tomorrow?" She asked suddenly, changing the subject on her internal monologue.

"Anything you want." Came the muffled reply, Spike already half asleep. Buffy grinned in anticipation before closing her eyes and letting her mind drift. She would wait until later to tell him that Giles wanted a semen specimen from him, anticipating the outraged reaction at that touchy request.

tbc....

 

Next