Chapter 1:

"Mo-om!" Buffy glared at her mother and stomped after her as Joyce hurried into the kitchen. "I am not taking him cookies! And he won't like these videos!"

"Buffy, the poor boy has broken his ankle. He's housebound for the whole summer!" Joyce smiled and handed Buffy the tin of cookies. "Go and cheer him up."

"I haven't spoken to him in years!" Buffy whined as her mother ushered her out of the house.

"Well, then you'll have lots to talk to him about." Joyce managed to get Buffy out the front door and smiled triumphantly. "Now, you go be nice to him. He'll need a friend or two for the next few weeks."

As the door slammed shut in her face, Buffy knew there was no way to escape it. She tucked the tin of cookies under her arm and trudged next door through the sticky mid-morning heat. She hadn't seen William since they were nine years old and both huge baseball enthusiasts. Every spare afternoon had been spent playing the sport together, whether competing, or on the same team. It had always been the best fun.

But times had changed, or to be more accurate, she had. Over the past six years, Buffy had made new friends and found new sports - if you could count shopping as a sport. Everyone said it didn't count, but Buffy was willing to defend it with her life.

She rung the doorbell and waited, sniffing the sweet scent of chocolate-chip cookies that rose up through the hot air. Buffy licked her lips and groaned with hunger as the door opened and William's mother came bustling out, smiling brightly. "Good-morning, Buffy! Your mother said you might come visit William. He'll love you for it, he's been quite lonely lately."

She paused for a moment and continued, "I have to go to work. You remember where his room is?"

"Yep." Buffy smiled politely and stepped past Mrs. Gibbs into the house. Cold air hit her hard and she sighed, blessing them for investing in air-conditioning. Buffy grinned and said with sudden cheer, "I'll see you later, Mrs. Gibbs."

"Okay, dear."

Buffy turned away as the door shut behind her and started up the curving flight of stairs. She hadn't actually seen William in ages - they went to separate schools now and rarely bumped into each other on weekends. And whenever they did speak, it was about mail that had gotten mixed up, or if one of their mothers needed to borrow something from the other.

"This is gonna be weird." Buffy muttered as she tapped on William's door gently.

"Come in." He called in a droopy, miserable voice. Buffy stepped inside the room and grinned at him.

"Hey. My mom sent me over with some cookies for you."

He frowned at her as though she were slightly insane and agreed reluctantly, "Right. Thanks."

Buffy sat down on the edge of his bed and smiled at him hopefully. "Want me to stick around for a bit?"

"If you want." William muttered, still staring sadly out the window.

Buffy gazed around and realized that while her childish obsession with baseball was over, William's had persisted. Posters of the sport were everywhere, along with trophies, plaques, and an alignment of baseball caps he'd collected over the years. She smiled at him again and said softly, "Cool room."

"You don't have to stay, luv." He mumbled, kicking the blanket away from his feet.

"You seem kind of lonely." Buffy observed, looking at him curiously. He didn't look like a fifteen-year-old boy, not with his bottled-but-cute-blonde hair, sharp blue eyes, and muscles. Yummy muscles, Buffy decided as she admired him.

"I'm missing out on a million great games this summer." He muttered, scowling down at his ankle that was wrapped up and propped on top of pillows.

Buffy patted his healthy foot affectionately and said gently, "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. You're not the wanker who tripped me up." He spat bitterly, drawing bubbles of laughter out of Buffy. He glared at her and snapped, "What's so funny?"

"Nothing. You're just.. adorable.. like always." Buffy smiled at him and shrugged. "Can I stay? We have lots to catch up on."

He mimicked her shrug and grinned, agreeing softly, "Sure, pet."

Buffy jumped up onto the bed, resting against the wall, her feet resting on his calves. "Wanna play Truth? It's the fastest way for us to catch up. And the funnest."

"Alright." William reached under his pillow and pulled out a bag of Oreos. "You want one?"

"I brought cookies too. Remember how much you loved my mom's chocolate chip cookies?" Buffy grinned and they put their snacks in the middle of the bed to share. "Okay. You wanna go first?"

*

Three hours and two lots of cookies later, Buffy found herself right where she'd been with William six years ago. She grinned over at him and asked laughingly, "Do people still call you Spikey?"

"Just Spike now, pet." His eyes twinkled as he smiled at her, his hand reaching out to graze her knee. "Do people still call you Huffy Buffy?"

"No!" She landed a punch on his arm and scowled. "I was never Huffy Buffy."

"You were so. You made that seven-year-old kid's nose bleed because he stole a base."

The memory suddenly flooding back to her, Buffy frowned and muttered, "It was breaking the rules."

"You stole plenty of bases in your time." Spike pointed out, ducking another punch she aimed at him.

"Nobody could tell me off though, because I was a lady."

"I don't know if that's the word for a huffy little bully like you." He laughed as she tackled him and held her back as she tried to hit him. "Calm down, kitten."

Buffy stopped trying to attack him and rested her head on his chest as his fingers gripped around her wrists, caressing her skin softly. She smiled at him and asked, "Another truth for me?"

"Sure."

"You ever been with a girl?" She blushed as the words came from her mouth and saw his cheeks go red as well. However, her curiosity overpowered her shame and Buffy prompted him eagerly, "Well?"

"No." He mumbled, going redder by the second. Spike caught her smiling and snapped, "Well, have you ever been with a boy?"

"Plenty." Buffy snapped back defensively, but unless it involved fibbing about making a child's nose bleed, she was no good at lying. Especially to someone who could read her as well as Spike did. Her face fell and she admitted, "None. Not even to first base, and I'm fifteen now. It's so pathetic."

"It's not pathetic." Spike reassured her, bringing her hand to his mouth. He kissed it softly and then realized she was giving him a funny look - guilt sickened him and he dropped her hands like they were hot coals, mumbling, "Sorry, pet."

"Have you ever been to first base?" Buffy asked and her mouth dropped open when he shook his head. "Wow. I thought you would've."

"Nope." He shrugged as though it didn't bother him, but as he blushed a brighter red, it was obvious to Buffy that it did. She reached out and touched his face gently where it was flushed and smiled.

"Wanna go to first base with me?"

*

 

Chapter 2:

"You want me to what with you?"

Buffy giggled as his eyes bulged out of his head in shock. She smiled at him and repeated, "Wanna go to first base with me?"

"Why would we.. I mean.." He frowned and asked curiously, "Would you want to do that with me?"

"Sure. It might be fun." Buffy shrugged and settled herself in his lap. "Neither of us have ever done it, and we have to sooner or later. Why not now?"

"Because I might muck it up." He said quietly. "It's your first kiss, luv, I wouldn't want to do it wrong."

"I don't think you will." Buffy murmered, leaning in towards him. "Come on. Don't be such a wimp."

"I'm not a wimp." Spike insisted, glaring at her.

"Prove it." Buffy giggled and spun herself out of his arms. She remained sidled up beside him, watching conflicting emotions roll over his face, trying to define each one. She caught confusion, fear, embarrassment.. and maybe a little desire. She smiled at him and whispered, "Well? Do you want to?"

"Yeah." He smiled at her and suddenly realized how utterly beautiful she was. She practically glowed as she smiled at him, her green eyes sparkling mischeviously. Her tongue darted out and licked her lips quickly, and he suddenly felt very lightheaded. Spike pulled her closer, his arm fitting snugly around her waist, and he asked in a whisper, "Is this okay?"

Buffy nodded and he turned onto his side, brushing his hand over her face gently. Buffy started trembling violently as he leaned in towards her and let out a small whimper. Spike instantly pulled back and asked worriedly, "What's wrong? What'd I do?"

"Nothing. Just kinda nervous." She admitted in small voice and giggled. "It's okay, though. I'll be okay."

"Alright." But now he was as nervous as she was. Spike leaned in towards her, his heart hammering against his chest relentlessly as their foreheads bumped together and their noses grazed. Her green eyes glimmered briefly as they fell shut, her lashes dark as they fluttered against her face in excitement. A smile lighting his face suddenly, Spike brushed his lips against hers slowly. Buffy let out a tiny gasp as the kiss became more urgent, his lips exploring hers eagerly. It set her on fire from head to toe, rendering her completely shaky and breathless.

"Was that okay?" Spike asked nervously as they pulled apart.

"It was amazing." Buffy sighed and smiled. "Did you like it?"

"It was nice." He murmered, brushing a light kiss over her cheek.

"Nice? Just nice?" Buffy frowned. "I must be more than nice."

"Well, let me see." He teased gently and kissed her again, threading his fingers through her soft blonde locks of hair that shimmered all the way down her back. He reached the last curling tendrils and moved his fingers slowly down the elegant plane of her back, letting it rest in the small. He pulled away briefly to whisper, "Definitely more than nice, pet."

She blushed a deep red, biting down on her bottom lip. "Really?"

"Amazing."

They remained silent for a moment, staring into each other's eyes in fascination. Suddenly filled with more lust for him, Buffy placed a hand on the back of his neck and pulled him in for another kiss. Suddenly she felt his tongue part her lips and slip into her mouth, and she shoved him back. Hurt flashed into his eyes and he asked in a small voice, "Didn't you like that?"

"It felt kind of weird." Buffy explained shyly, flushing an even deeper red as he frowned at her.

"Well, give it a chance, you silly bint." Spike smiled at her and pulled her close to him again. Buffy relaxed as his lips met hers again, and as his tongue slipped inside her mouth and gently danced around with hers, she realized how nice it felt and kissed him back passionately.

When they broke apart, searching for air, Buffy felt the room swimming around her. His kiss had her completely disoriented - her heart was slamming against her chest, her legs were as good as blobs of jelly, and the rest of her was just as weak, but at the same time, filled with a roaring desire for him.

"You alright?" Spike asked gently, caressing the length of her body gently, curving his hand over her hips and up to the spot beneath her breasts where they just started to swell.

"Hey!" Buffy cried out, scowling at him. "That's stealing a base. You get your hands away from there."

Blushing, he let his hands drop away and mumbled, "Sorry, pet."

"It's okay." Buffy leaned in and nuzzled her nose against his. "Spike?"

He smiled and replied, "Right here, kitten."

"I kind of like you." She whispered, pressing a kiss to the side of his mouth. "I kind of really like you."

"I kind of really like you too, sweetheart." He caught her lips in another passionate kiss, his arms again wrapping around her again. "So.. what is second base?"

"You know." Buffy scolded, and when the confusion didn't lift from his face, she sighed dramatically and placed his hand on her left breast. "It's.. touching.. with clothes on."

"Sounds good." He chuckled as she slapped his hand away, glaring at him.

"There will be no stealing of bases here. I say when things happen." She scowled at him and turned away, wriggling out of his arms.

"Uh-oh, Huffy Buffy's back." He teased, peppering kisses over her shoulder. He lifted her into his arms again and promised with all the sincerity in the world, "I'm not trying to pressure you, kitten. I like just going to first base with you for now. It feels bloody brilliant."

"Okay." She pecked him on the cheek and admitted sadly, "But I do have to go home. My mom'll be expecting me. Geez, I spent ages here.. I've missed dinner."

"Come over tomorrow." He said softly, planting a soft kiss to the palm of her hand as she pulled away from him.

Buffy flashed him one last smile and agreed eagerly, "Okay."

*

"You took your time over there." Joyce commented as Buffy came dancing back into the house. "Did you two have fun?"

"Yup." Buffy smiled to herself as she started upstairs.

"How is William?"

"Oh.. he's good." Buffy replied with forced casualness. "Still a big baseball fan."

"Poor thing won't get to play this summer." Joyce said quietly as she turned back to the TV.

He'll get to play plenty. Buffy thought with a giddy smile as she skipped into her bedroom and flopped down onto the bed. She could still taste him vividly, and licked her lips as she thought of how he felt. He felt like heaven, there was no other word for it. He was love and lust and longing all rolled into one. Her lips were tingling, calling out for his kiss desperately. Her body was trembling, begging for his embrace.

As she gazed out her bedroom window at his house, all she could do was wonder how long it would be until she could go see him again. But it was late now, past seven, and Buffy could feel a night of pyjamas, popcorns, and TV coming on. She undressed quickly and went to her wardrobe to find her pyjamas, and caught her reflection in the mirror. Buffy could feel his hands on her breasts, the first time, brushing them accidentally, the second, cupping one at her request.

And God, she wanted him so badly she ached.

Buffy continued studying her reflection with interest, wondering how he'd look at her if he were there, wondering how he'd touch her.

If it was anything like his kisses, she wasn't going to want to wait very long. And seeing as she was invited over for tomorrow as well..

A smile playing on her lips, Buffy sighed and announced to herself, "William Gibbs, I think it's time for you to speed ahead to second base."

*
 

Chapter 3:

"God, it's boiling out." Buffy groaned as she dragged herself into Spike's bedroom. She fell into his arms and kissed him, smirking against his lips. She pulled back and stared into his eyes longingly, admitting with a smile, "It's kinda hot in here too."

He smiled back and murmered, "How are you, kitten?"

"Good. I just went for a run." Buffy sat up and pulled her jumper off with a sigh, revealing her skimpy blue satin cami. She noticed his eyes go wide and her heart flipped with excitement as she settled back into his embrace. "Did you miss me?"

"Definitely." He planted a soft kiss on her lips and echoed curiously, "Did you miss me?"

"I thought about you all night." Buffy smiled against his lips as she kissed him again. "How's your ankle?"

"It's getting better." He replied distractedly as he begun to kiss her neck, damp and salty with sweat. She tasted delicious, and he continued suckling gently at her skin. Buffy gasped as his hands threaded through hers, kiss lips exploring her neck with gentle, coaxing kisses that left her shivering.

He paused as he felt the pucker of goosebumps coating her skin and whispered, "You alright?"

"Perfect." Buffy murmered and cupped his face in her hands, pulling him close to kiss him passionately. She took his hands, still closed around hers, and guided one to her left breast. She saw confusion light in his eyes and smiled shyly, admitting, "When I thought about you all night.. I thought about you doing this."

Staring down at her in wonderment, Spike circled his fingers around her soft mound and realized with a pang of arousal that she wasn't wearing a bra. Her nipples grew hard beneath the blue satin as his fingertips grazed over them and Buffy let out a small whimper, lacing her fingers through his soft blonde hair as he peppered kisses around and over her breasts. She hadn't ever felt anything like this - his lips and his fingers were as soft as the satin of her top, but the rush they caused were anything but soft. Flames of arousal roared inside her, tracing through every vein in her body, burning up every inch of her as his hands and mouth made love to her in the sweetest of ways.

Suddenly a shrill noise sounded and Buffy bolted upright, accidentally tossing him aside as the phone blared. Spike pulled her back into his arms and kissed her gently, whispering, "Let the machine get it, princess."

Smiling adoringly at him as he settled her back amongst the pillows and kissed her, Buffy curled her arms around his neck and gave into their passion, ignoring the ringing phone. Everything melted away as his lips crushed against hers, his tongue danced with hers, and their hands wandered in a haze of dizzying passion.

That was until the answering machine picked up the call and her mother's voice echoed throughout Spike's room. He pulled away from her and Buffy resisted the urge to smash the answering machine against the wall as her mother called, "Buffy? William, is my daughter there? She's meant to be looking after her little sister today, and-"

"Dawn. Is. Thirteen." Buffy hissed at the machine.

"- could she please come home? Buffy? Are you there?"

Spike started laughing and Buffy blushed bright red, tumbling off the bed as she tried to get away from him and all the humiliation in the room. Spike grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back into his arms gently, pressing a soft kiss to the nape of her neck as the machine clicked off.

"I should go." Buffy mumbled, hanging her head in shame. "I'm sorry."

"Come over tomorrow, kitten."

She stared at him in shock and asked in a tiny voice, "After what just happened? It was so embarrassing."

"Just come over, you silly bint." He took her hand in his and kissed each of her fingertips. "I really like you, Buffy. I'm falling head over bloody heels for you."

She grinned and fell into his lap again, and kissed from his forehead, down to his lips in soft pecks. Still beaming, Buffy tousled his hair gently and promised, "I'll be here."

She reached down between his legs and rubbed her hand over the bulge in his pants, smiling into his eyes that went wide with shock and coloured dark blue with lust. Buffy planted a tiny kiss on his forehead and whispered, "I'll miss you."

She turned and strutted out of the room, absolutely on top of the world as she hurried out of his house, cheeks flushed scarlet with lust and adoration for him. Buffy stopped for a moment by the white picket fence dividing their houses and sniffed at the yellow roses crawling over the pickets. They smelt so vividly of summer she shivered, just as she had when his hands had been on her.

Suddenly a hand hit her waist and she spun around to find Spike smiling at her adoringly. He plucked a rose from the bush and placed it in her hands gently, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. He smiled and whispered, adjusting his weight on his crutches, "Come over later tonight. My parents'll be here, but I'll take you out somewhere, princess."

"Okay." She tickled his nose with the rose gently and giggled as he sneezed. "I'll see you tonight."

*

"So, why'd'you reckon we didn't stay friends?" Buffy asked curiously as she licked at her icecream, lapping up the mint-chocolate-chippy goodness as they strolled through town.

He chuckled and guessed, "Because you became a girl?"

"I was a girl before." Buffy said defensively, scowling at him.

"You were not. You were this scrawny, tom-boyish, huffy little chit who lived for the Yankees and broke children's noses for fun."

"He broke the rules!" She cried, bashing him on the arm. "He got what he deserved."

"You're just a sore loser, luv. Anyway, he's on my team now." Spike said as he led her into the park, and they found a bench to sit on. "But you messed him up, kitten. He was terrified to come back for a long, long time."

"You're a liar." Buffy leaned in and swiped her tongue over his chocolate icecream and smirked at him as she licked a trickle of it from her lips. "Yummy."

"You have some.. right.. here." Spike murmered and kissed the corner of her mouth, suckling a glob of minty icecream away.

"So.. are you my boyfriend now?" Buffy asked, slightly nervous as he thought this over.

Spike smiled and agreed, "Yeah, I guess I am."

She leaned in close to him and smiled as his arm snaked around her waist. Buffy took a big bite from her cone and frowned as her icecream disappeared to the bottom of the cone where she couldn't reach it. However, her desire for icecream was replaced with an even hungrier desire for Spike, who started kissing her neck, his hand slipping underneath her top to caress her belly, soft and warm. She smiled at him and whispered, "You look cute eating icecream."

"You look cute full stop, kitten."

Buffy kissed him softly and they turned back to their icecreams, sharing them underneath the golden, honey-suckled summer moon.

*

 

Chapter 4:

It had been an hour now.

A whole hour outside in the sticky, summer heat, wondering where the hell he was. Buffy was sure he'd asked her over, but nobody was home at Spike's place and all she could do was sit on the porch steps and wait, tapping her toes aimlessly against the hot bricks that paved the way to the street.

She put her head in her hands and felt like crying, but just as she allowed tears to venture from the lump in her throat to sting at her eyes, Spike's mother's car pulled into the driveway and he jumped out. The car disappeared down the road again as he came striding towards the house, smiling at her.

"Hey, kitten." Spike grabbed her hands and pulled her up. He leaned in to kiss her but the sadness on her face stood out like a slash of black paint in her golden blonde hair. "What's wrong?"

"I thought you wanted me to come over." Buffy said quietly, frowning up at him. "I've been waiting ages."

"I had a doctor's appointment, luv." He took her hand and led her up the steps slowly. "I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you."

"You're walking." Buffy mumbled, staring down at his ankle in confusion.

"My ankle's all better, luv. The doctor took the cast off today, it's as good as new."

Her face fell and she quickly fled down the steps, calling back in a wobbly voice, "Okay, I'll just go."

"Hey!" He grabbed her arm and pulled her to him, landing a soft kiss on her brow. "Where are you going?"

"Well, you aren't sick anymore. You can go back to having a normal summer without me getting all slutty with you and-"

"You aren't slutty." Spike whispered, dragging her back up towards the house.

"But I was just a distraction." Buffy mumbled, eyes downcast as he pulled her into the house.

"You were never just a distraction." He drew her into his arms and held her close, swaying her from side to side as he kissed her neck. "Stop being so silly, kitten."

Buffy eyed him nervously and asked in a very cautious tone, tensing in his arms slightly, "So.. you still like me?"

"Why did you think I'd stop?" He kissed her softly, his lips merely grazing over hers as he hugged her to him. Buffy relaxed in his arms and kissed him back, slipping her tongue into his mouth as he shuffled her over to the couch.

Buffy giggled as he tossed her down and moved on top of her, peppering kisses over her shoulders. She grabbed a handful of his hair and yanked his head up so he looked at her and scolded, "I liked you better with your ankle broken."

He frowned and queried in a slightly hurt voice, "Why's that, sweetheart?"

"You were a less dangerous breed of horny teenage boy." Buffy teased, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Spike moved off her and to her side, scooping her into his arms again as a sad pout crumpled her face. He smiled and sung in her ear, "Guess what, luv?"

Buffy grinned and wriggled around in his arms to face him. "What?"

"My parents are going out of town tonight, for the next week." He saw her eyes colour with confusion and elaborated, "It's their 20th anniversary and they want to spend it in Atlantic City."

Buffy glanced around at the way the house was decorated and frowned at him. "Your parents have a posh house like this and they're going somewhere as tacky as Atlantic City?"

"Where d'you think they got the money for all this?" He burst out laughing as her jaw dropped and punched her on the arm playfully. "You're so gullible, kitten."

"And you're a jerk who won't be kissing me for a long time." Buffy sat up, wrenching out of his arms. But she couldn't even attempt supressing her smile as he moved up behind her, cradling her between his legs. His fingers traced over her thighs and played with the frayed hem of her short-shorts.

"Buffy?" He murmered as he kissed the nape of her neck, pushing her hair aside, where it went tumbling over her shoulder.

"Yeah?"

He felt words rise into his mouth that wanted to tumble out just as her hair did, and fall free. They felt just as sweet as her hair, too. But it had only been a week or so, and as sweet as they felt now, he knew they'd sound stupid to her. He smiled at her as she waited for him to speak and quickly supplied, "Can you come over tonight?"

"Um.." Buffy went bright red and hung her head slightly. "I'm kind of busy."

"What do you have, a date?" He joked, but stopped laughing as her face flushed even more.

"Kind of." She watched the pain wash over his face and said quickly, "My friend Willow set me up. The guy's really nice, I thought I might just-"

"It's fine." He got up off the couch and muttered something vague about chores that needed to be done. Spike sighed and cocked his head at the door. "Can you go? Probably have to get ready for the big date, right?"

Buffy jumped up and kissed him, giggling against his lips. "Now you're so gullible, baby."

She shrieked as he scooped her up and tossed her down on the couch with a playful, possessive growl. Buffy smoothed her hands over his back and lost herself in kissing him as the sticky summer morning faded into a boiling afternoon.

*

"Boo!"

A hand slapped down over her mouth before she could scream and Buffy's eyes tore open as someone gathered her up out of bed. She found herself staring back at Spike and kicked at him furiously, mumbling sleepily through his hand, "You scared the hell out of me."

"I'm sorry, kitten." He whispered, pecking her on the cheek. "But I have to show you something."

"I'm not in the mood for sleaziness." Buffy groaned as he dragged her out of bed and bundled her up in what seemed to be one of his jackets.

"It's not sleaziness, and stop being so bloody noisy." Spike took her hand and led her out of her room, tiptoeing downstairs as he continued, "It's something that happens in summer, and you have to see it, princess. Come on."

"Why is it so cold?" Buffy cried out in shock as they stepped outside into the icy black night.

"It's nighttime. There's no California sun out to burn us all to death." He dragged her down the road, and as they reached the end of Revello Drive, he continued down the road that led to the coast.

"What's the time?"

"2:30."

"In the morning? If you think I'm going for a swim-" She laughed as he swung her around in his arms as they hurried down the old wooden steps to the beach, and squealed, "You've gone crazy!"

They reached the beach and Buffy mushed her toes through the soft sand, sighing happily, despite the fact her entire body was coated in goosebumps. Spike yanked on her hand and led her down towards the water where it crashed down onto the shore. He lifted her up in his arms so she didn't get splashed and smiled at her, murmering, "Look at the sky, kitten."

He nuzzled her neck affectionately as she tossed her head back to gaze up at the night sky. Buffy gasped as she saw how absolutely beautiful it looked, the sky above rich purple and as smooth as velvet, covered with twinkling golden stars. She turned back to Spike as he planted a soft kiss on her neck and whispered, "It only happens in summer. Isn't it lovely?"

"Yeah." She snuggled into him and planted a soft kiss to his lips, twirling her fingers through his hair gently.

"Let's stay 'til sunrise, that's a real treat too." He set her down on the sand and led her up into the dunes where the ocean couldn't touch them. He removed his back-pack and dug around in it, pulling out various objects. Spike smiled up at her, blue eyes twinkling like the sea, and announced, "I've got us some blankets, some hot drinks, and some chocolates. And some pillows if you want to go back to sleep, luv."

He set out one of the blankets over the sand and she lay down upon it, letting out a small, contented sigh as he lifted her up and propped pillows beneath her. Then, sitting down beside her, he threw the other blanket down on top of them. Buffy leaned over and kissed him passionately, her hands running all over his body to keep herself warm. She slipped one hand inside his shirt and grazed her fingers over his stomach, suprised to find muscles. Buffy tore his shirt away and stared lustfully at the defined abs he sported and she smirked at him, announcing, "You are never putting a shirt back on, mister."

"Can that be a two-way deal?" Spike teased, snaking one hand under her singlet to caress her belly. He pulled her close, coccooning her in his arms, and smiled up at the stars. "We still have a few hours, you should know."

"That's okay." Buffy rested her head on his shoulder and suddenly wondered aloud, "How'd you get into my house tonight?"

"I payed the Bit to give me her key."

"The what?" She propped her chin on his shoulder and stared at him in confusion, awaiting an explanation.

He chuckled and replied, "Your little sister. She's a good kid."

"How much did you have to pay her?" Buffy demanded, knowing how sly Dawn could be in financial situations.

"Fifty bucks." Spike laughed as her jaw dropped and placed one finger under her chin, and pressed her mouth shut, sealing it with a soft kiss.

"She's a little brat." Buffy mumbled angrily against his lips.

"So're you." He hugged her close and noticed she was slowly lulling off to sleep, a guilty look on her face. Spike brushed his lips over her forehead and whispered, "You sleep, pet. I'll wake you up for sunrise."

*

 

Chapter 5:

"Buffy? Pet? Wake up, sweetheart."

Buffy groaned as someone shook her gently, expelling hot breath against her ear as they whispered, "It's sunrise."

The first thing she thought was, Where's my pillow? Why am I covered in sand? Her eyes snapped open and she stared up into Spike's electric blue eyes as he kissed her on the cheek, repeating in a gentle murmer, "It's sunrise, luv."

With a long groan she sat up, smiling as his arms fit snugly around her waist. She stared into the blur of orange and pink on the horizon and rolled on top of him and kissed him passionately, smiling ecstatically against his lips. Buffy ran her hand down his face affectionately and wondered aloud, "How'd I wind up with an amazing boyfriend like you?"

"I don't know. How'd I wind up with a gorgeous girl like you, pet?" He nuzzled his nose against hers and pulled her as close to him as possible, yearning to feel every inch of her warmth. Buffy brushed her lips over his and kissed him lazily as the newborn sun washed over them. His hands moved from the small of her back, up to the soft swell of her breasts, only covered by a thin layer of cotton. Spike felt her let out a soft moan against his lips as his fingers traced random patterns over her soft mounds, and tweaked gently at her nipples as she let out more noises of approval.

Buffy pulled away from their kiss and mumbled dizzily, "Let's go home and finish this."

"Alright, pet." He scooped her up and quickly stuffed the blankets and pillows back into his bag. She took the bag from him and slung it over her shoulder, using her other arm to hold him close, her hand adventuring up to play with the soft blonde curls at the nape of his neck.

"That was lovely." Buffy leaned in and kissed Spike softly as he led her up the dunes. "You're lovely."

"You are too." He glanced back at the melting sky as the sun rose in the sky and smiled at her. "Kitten, I need to say something to you."

Dread ached her suddenly and Buffy wasn't sure she wanted to look at him. All she could hear was him telling her it was over, or that he'd found someone new, or that he only wanted them to last for the summer. But he pulled her around to face him and Buffy knew there was no avoiding it. She hung her head and waited for him to speak.

"Oh, bloody hell."

Her head snapped up and she frowned at him. "That's what you wanted to say?"

Spike grabbed her arm and yanked her up the dunes, glancing up at the sky worriedly. Buffy stared up and let out a gasp as she saw the sky was completely black. Spike continued dragging her up the road towards home as thunder started to rumble above them. He pulled her close and coated her lips with kisses, whispering, "I'm so sorry, luv, I didn't think to check the weather. I mean, of all the times, and all the places.. bloody rain in bloody California in bloody summer."

Buffy screamed as the skies cracked open and rain started bucketing down over them. All she was wearing was her flimsy pyjama shorts and a singlet, which clung to her body as ice-cold bullets of water showered them. Buffy started beating him on the chest and yelled, "I'm going to kill you!"

He laughed and they tore along the street towards home, the rain slamming down on them, and the puddles beneath them hitting them just as hard. Buffy was giggling along with him in no time and stopped briefly to grab him and kiss him. She lost herself in kissing him, and only noticed the truck go past as mud from the gutter rained down on them.

Her fists hit his chest again and she screamed furiously into the stormy weather, "WILLIAM!"

*

"Yes, mom, I'm fine." Buffy glared at Spike as he came into the room, arms loaded with towels. "No, somebody just decided to drag me out to the beach and forgot all about a little thing called weather reports. I know. Okay."

Buffy slammed the phone down and tensed as he snaked his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck through her wet locks of hair. "I hate you, William Gibbs."

"Don't say that, kitten." He turned her to face him and planted a soft kiss on her nose. "Look, I didn't think."

"Damn right you didn't, you big idiot." Buffy snapped and waved her arm suggestively over herself. "Look at me! I am soaked."

He gazed at her, dressed in only her pyjamas, now stuck to her and see-through. Spike met her eye and smiled. "You look beautiful."

Buffy glanced down at herself and quickly covered her hands over her breasts. She scowled at him and muttered, "I am freezing."

"I've run a nice hot bath for you upstairs, pet." Spike looped his arm through hers and guided her upstairs into the bathroom leading off from his parent's bedroom. He peppered kisses over her neck and murmered, "I'll leave you to relax."

Buffy looked over at the spa, bubbling and steaming enticingly, and flashed him a smile. "Why don't you join me?"

"In.. there..? I.." He bit down on his tongue as Buffy turned away and pulled her top over her head and then removed her pyjama shorts so she remained only in tiny white cotton panties. Spike suddenly felt incredibly lightheaded and stumbled back against the wall as she climbed into the tub and sunk into the bubbles with a happy sigh.

Buffy raked her fingers through her hair as she let it soak in the hot water and smiled over at him, her stomach flipping as she noticed how utterly adorable he looked, dripping wet and blushing bright red as he stared back at her. She stretched out her arm to him and whispered, "Come on, you big scaredy cat. And bring me some soap or something, I'm all muddy from that dumb truck."

He went over to the shower and retrieved a bottle of vanilla body wash and handed it to her, hands shaking as her fingers grazed his. Spike peeled his top off and watched her eyes spark with lust, causing his heart to start slamming against his chest as it always did when she was around.

Buffy planted a kiss on her fingertips, then reached out to place her hand on his belly button as he shed his jeans. Still in his underwear, just as she was, he slid into the tub beside her and turned the jets up as Buffy snuggled up to him.

"Hey." She smiled and placed a slippery hand on the back of his neck, pulling him down to kiss her.

Spike's lips met hers and continued peppering kisses over the side of her mouth, her cheeks, and her chin as Buffy sunk into the bubbles. Her hand brushed over his thigh and they stared at each other, suddenly realizing that this was going to go a lot further than just a bath.

*
 

Chapter 6:

Buffy gulped down air and wished the awkward moment would go away. She was cradled between his legs, her breasts were pressed to his chest, and against her belly she could feel how aroused he was. She rested her forehead on his shoulder and whispered, "I'm not ready to have sex with you yet."

"I know." Spike planted a tiny kiss on her forehead and noticed the worry in her eyes. He smiled and whispered, "I don't think I'm ready either, pet."

"Okay." She relaxed a little and turned over in his arms. Buffy propped one leg up on the edge of the tub and reached down to pull her panties off, smiling up at Spike as she did so. He went bright red as she tossed them aside and straddled him, peppering kisses up and down his neck. As she tasted his soft skin, she murmered, "I am ready for other stuff though."

Buffy tossed her hair back and traced her lips over his Adam's Apple, up his chin, and finally met his lips. His fingers were hot and slippery as they traced up her sides and cupped her breasts gently. Buffy found herself throbbing all over with desire as his lips closed around her left nipple, suckling gently. As she cried out his name his kisses moved back up her chest, right up her neck, and returned to her lips. He kissed her passionately and mumbled, "I love you. I love you so much, Buffy."

She stared at him in shock, and disbelief, and he assured her, "I do. I love everything - the way you taste, the way you feel, the way you smell. Every inch of you is beautiful."

"I love you too." Buffy ran her hands down the length of his body and sighed against his neck, breathing over and over, "I love you too. I love you too."

Pressing kisses to her forehead, he smiled against the silkiness of her skin and held her closer, her words sending him skyrocketing up into the stars.

Buffy smiled back at him as she cupped her hand between his legs, stroking the hard bulge she found there. His eyes coloured with shock and she whispered into his ear, "I want to touch you."

Not hearing a single breath of protest, she slipped her thumbs under the hem of his briefs and pulled them away, brushing kisses over his shoulders as she caressed his thighs. Buffy heard him draw in a strangled breath as her fingertips grazed his erection, and she pressed a soft kiss to his lips as she wrapped her hand around his hard length. Her fingers were tender, warm and slippery with water and bubbles as she traced them up and down his shaft, her touch growing firmer as he let out an ecstatic groan of her name. Buffy's lips fluttered over his cheek and she pressed her breasts to his chest as he writhed beneath her. She felt him throb between her fingers and shivered with desire for him. He cried out her name, pressing his face to her neck as her soft touch brought him to climax. Buffy pressed her lips to his as his milky-white juices dispersed into the water and found herself shaking with arousal as he pulled her closer.

"You're amazing." He said in a hushed voice as she peppered kisses over his face. Spike held her still and stared into her emerald green eyes, letting his gaze wander over the delicate beauty of her face. Her skin was golden, dotted with caramel freckles in places. She looked absolutely delicious, and as his lips met hers, he decided she was much more than that. She was sweeter than any candy and all his to have. Spike cupped her breasts in her hands, then moved his hands further down her body as he sighed, "I want to touch you, too, luv."

Spike ran his hands over her thighs and hips, then laced them through the soft curls coating her sex. Buffy cried out, gripping the edges of the tub as he delved down further, the tips of his fingers dipping inside her. Spike shut his eyes and wished the bubbles weren't concealing her, for he wanted to see her as well as he could feel her. She was soft and hot and wet, pulsing for him as he teased her folds curiously. Buffy's hips rose eagerly and she pleaded in a bare whisper, "More."

"Show me." He requested gently, and she complied, taking his hand and guiding it to her clitoris. Decorating the smooth valley between her breasts with kisses, Spike rubbed gently at her swollen nub and listened in delight as Buffy screamed out his name. He guided two fingers inside her slowly, only letting them venture a small way, but it seemed enough to drive Buffy over the edge. She tremored around his fingers, creamy juices escaping her as she wailed with the pleasure that burst out of her. Buffy rested against Spike's chest, quiet, fulfilled. Neither really cared the water had gone cold long ago. She gazed up at him and murmered,

"You're amazing too."

*

"I missed you. what took you so long?"

Buffy giggled as Spike scooped her up and hugged her fiercely. "I was only gone a couple of hours. Hey, your parents aren't coming back anytime soon, are they?"

"We've still got a few days." He led her into the loungeroom and sat her down on his favourite reclining chair. "I got us some movies out, and some icecream."

"What kind of movies?" Buffy asked, grabbing at the plastic Blockbuster bag sitting on the coffee table. She sorted throught the DVDs and frowned up at him. "These are all horror movies. Take them back."

"Why?"

"Because they scare me." She admitted in a tiny voice.

"That's kind of the point, kitten." He slid into the chair beside her and pulled her into his lap gently. "Besides, we can get all snuggly watching them."

"We already get snuggly without gross movies!" Buffy sunk further into his arms and gazed up at him hopefully. "Let's just hang out."

"Will it be like the hanging out we did this morning?" He asked curiously, playing with the first button on her blouse.

As she leaned in to kiss him, she murmered against his lips, "What other kind of hanging out do we do?"

*

"Bloody he--" Spike's shout was muffled as Buffy's hand slapped over his mouth. He frowned down at her and realized what had woken him - the phone, shrieking loudly through the early morning.

"It's my mom." Buffy mouthed, burying her face against his stomach. "Yes mom. I'm here again."

Spike couldn't distinctly hear the other side of the conversation, but he could tell Joyce wasn't happy. Buffy pulled a face as her mother shouted down the phone and cut in wearily, "Mother, that's crazy. I fell asleep on the couch, he's asleep in his chair. On. The. Other. Side. Of. The. Room. There was no monkey business-- MOM! No! He was a perfect gentleman. We were just hanging out."

Spike smirked down at her as she tugged at his thigh gently, smiling up at him, eyes coloured bright with mischief. There had definitely been monkey business last night, and he was certainly glad Joyce hadn't decided on a face-to-face confrontation. They were curled up in his chair together, both close to naked, and now stifling hysterical laughter.

"N-no, mom, I'm fine. I'll be home soon. Bye." Buffy hung up the phone and howled with laughter as he pulled her close to him and kissed her passionately. Buffy smirked and mumbled against his lips, slightly swollen from their monkeying the night before, "She actually believed me. She actually believed you were the perfect gentleman all night long."

"I was, until this little minx came along and started misleading me." He planted an affectionate kiss on her cheek and pleaded, "Stay a little while longer."

"I have to go, my mom might believe the no-monkey-businessing, but I haven't been home in two days."

He rolled on top of her and pinned her down, complaining, "You went home just yesterday."

"They weren't home." Buffy pecked him on the cheek and managed to wriggle out from under him. "I promise I'll come back. I might even watch one of your awful movies."

"Alright, princess." He took her hand and caressed it gently, placing a soft kiss to her fingertips.

"I really liked third base with you, William Gibbs." Buffy said shyly, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. "I'll be back later for more monkey business with you..."

*

 

Chapter 7:

"Spike? Wake up." Buffy shook him gently, but all he responded with was a groan, before turning his back to her. "Spike!"

"G'way." He mumbled into his pillow, nudging her away as she tugged at his arm.

Buffy sighed in frustration and snapped, "I'm sorry, is it 2am, and are you being dragged down to the beach? No. Now wake up!"

He peered up at her with eyes that only opened halfway before fluttering shut again. "What is it, luv?"

"I just came to tell you I can't come over today." She winced as he cried out in protest and admitted, "I know, I know. I didn't come over yesterday either. It's my stupid mom, I think she knows we're up to something."

"Nothing that doesn't come natural when I'm around a beautiful girl like you." Spike pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly. "Come on, she'll let you over for lunch, right? I'll cook you up something delicious."

"We're going to see my cousins." Buffy gagged and added, "We'll be out til late tonight."

"Fine." He grumbled and tossed her aside. "Do what you like."

"I will.. very very late tonight when we go and camp out on the beach." She smiled at him winningly and murmered as she pressed a tiny kiss to his cheek, "I've got a tent and chocolates and a big wooly doona for us to sleep under. But.. we never do much sleeping, do we?"

Spike drew her back into his arms and smiled as she hooked her leg around his waist. "You promise, luv?"

"I promise." She nuzzled her nose against his affectionately and whispered, "I love you."

"I love you too." He kissed her and pleaded, "Now, don't go."

"I have to." Buffy managed to wriggle out of his grip and smiled down at him, his hair tousled from sleep, his pyjama pants down past his hips. She paused for a moment and said slowly, letting a small smile linger on her lips, "I guess I can stay a few more minutes."

"C'mere." He tugged her down into his embrace and kissed her passionately. Buffy melted into him, her entire body weak with lust as his tongue danced with hers and his hands roamed over her body. She wrapped her arms around him and wondered how holding a man could feel so damn good. Finally, drugged from their kiss, she pulled away and stumbled backwards, pressing her fingers to her swollen lips.

She pecked him on the cheek and ran her hand down his chest lustfully. "I'll meet you back here tonight, around 10. I love you."

*

"Alright, it's done." Spike called, poking his head out from the tent door. He scowled at Buffy and muttered, "This was your idea, you couldn't have at least tried to figure this out?"

"I'm not outdoorsy." She admitted, approaching him with a playful smile. Buffy slung her arms around his neck and kissed him on the nose, whispering, "That is, unless half-naked boys are involved."

She tugged on the hem of his shorts and frowned, mumbling, "I want these off you."

"Really?" Spike took her hand and led her inside the tent, sitting her down atop the mountains of pillows and blankets. He zipped it shut, locked the zips, and then found himself tugged backwards by a near-naked Buffy.

He stared up at her in suprise as she straddled him, dressed only in a tiny pink satin nightie, and kissed him firmly on the lips. He traced his thumb over the soft swell of her thighs and murmered, "Does kitten want to play?"

"Very much so." Buffy whispered, shivering slightly as the gale outside picked up and slammed against the tent. She smiled at him gratefully as he scooped her up and placed her down in amidst the blankets and mounted her body, covering her in his warmth.

She cupped his face in her hands and planted short, sweet kisses on his lips as Spike gently removed her nightgown. He stared down at her, smiling as her beauty shimmered back at him. Grasping her hips, he moved down her body and pressed soft kisses to her bare breasts, licking at her nipples, erect and rosy from the cold.

Buffy arched her back as his kisses trailed down her stomach and reached the soft tangle of curls, slightly damp with her juices. She pulled away as his hands went to part her thighs and whispered, "You don't have to."

"I want to." He replied with a small smile that glowed with affection for her. Buffy flushed bright red and laid back as he spread her legs and stared at her in fascination. Buffy trembled, feeling his eyes stuck to her, and let out a small whimper as his tongue traced her lips. She bunched his hair in her hands as his tongue circled her clit, teasing the sensitive nub slowly and curiously.

A shudder ran through her body as his fingers slid inside her slowly, and Buffy found herself writhing from the intensity of his touch. As he peppered kisses over her thighs and his fingers explored her more, the pulsing inside her turned to much more. A cry of his name sounded from her lips as his touch brought her to climax and Buffy collapsed into the mass of pillows, moaning as Spike ran his hands up her body gently.

"You're beautiful." He whispered, pressing a kiss to the curve of her neck.

"You liked that, then?" Buffy asked nervously, blushing as he chuckled and kissed the side of her mouth.

"Of course I liked it. You're so amazing." Now his face flushed red and Spike whispered, "I don't know what I did to deserve you. You're one hell of a woman, Buffy."

"I'm not really a woman." Buffy mumbled, smiling at him shyly.

"Yes, you are." He kissed her and sighed against her lips, running his hand over her skin, cold and coated with goosebumps. "You're freezing, pet. Get under the blanket."

She smiled and wriggled under the thick doona, throwing it over him as well. Buffy reached down beneath the blanket and pulled his shorts away, her smile growing as she realized he hadn't bothered with underwear. Moving back up his body, her lips met with his and she kissed him passionately.

More wind slammed against the tent and it rocked from side to side, shuddering with the cold of the night, but Buffy didn't notice. She curled her arms snugly around him and kissed everywhere, tracing her lips over his, then over his cheeks, and jawline, and neck, and shoulders.

"I love you." Buffy whispered against his neck as she caressed his muscly arms.

"I love you too." Spike murmered, hugging her close, as they faded into oblivion. The icyness of the night didn't exist - it was just them, their lips, their hands, and raging desires to see them through the rest of the night.

*
 

Chapter 7:

He wondered if he'd ever be able to stop touching her. She was just so soft, and sweet, and beautiful. Her skin was slightly sticky with sweat - the cold of the night had passed and the sun had risen on another painfully hot day. Buffy was sprawled out on top of Spike, sleeping peacefully. Warm whistles of breaths escaped her every few seconds, fluttering against his chest as he hugged her close.

Spike kissed the crown of her head softly, his lips tickling against her soft locks of golden blonde hair that shimmered like the summer sun. As he laced his fingers through hers gently, Buffy mumbled something and started to stir with a tiny groan. She lifted her head and smiled at him, planting a soft kiss to his lips.

"Morning, sweetheart." Spike murmered, caressing his hands down her back. "You sleep well?"

"Amazingly." Buffy sighed and collapsed against his chest again, mumbling curiously, "What time is it?"

"It's about ten in the morning." He grinned sheepishly and added, "There's people everywhere on the beach."

Buffy rolled away and unlocked the zips, taking a quick peek out the tent door to the masses of people down on the beach. She zipped it shut hastily and wriggled into his arms, blushing furiously against his chest. "What if they know we're in here and guess what we were doing?"

"There's heaps of other tents on the beach, kitten." Spike assured her and smiled adoringly at her. "Do you know how lovely you look right now?"

"Probably all rumpled and crumpled from sleep." Buffy grumbled, leaning over to grab the esky bag she'd packed. She pulled out a bag of chocolates and popped one into her mouth.

"I like you all rumpled and crumpled from sleep." Spike pulled her back into his arms and kissed the slender length of her neck.

Buffy turned over in his arms and pouted as he peppered kisses over her face. "We have to go back to school soon."

"It won't be so bad, kitten."

"Will it be the same with us?" Buffy asked shyly, blushing as she traced patterns over his bare chest with the tip of her finger.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Well, will you still want to be my boyfriend?" She made a small gulping noise and shrugged, "You might be embarrassed with a ditz like me."

"There isn't a way in hell you're a ditz, kitten. And I would never, ever, ever, ever be embarrassed by you." He kissed her and whispered, "You're spectacular."

Buffy went scarlet and smiled lovingly at him, replying equally quietly, "So are you.. I love you, Spike. You're the best boyfriend ever."

"You're the best girlfriend ever. And when we go back to school, I'm going to be the luckiest guy there."

"That's cheesy." Buffy giggled and ran her hand down his back affectionately, savouring the soft texture of his skin in the palm of her hand as she massaged him gently, sighing as he kissed her neck, "In honour of our cheesy conversation, I might as well announce I'll have the cutest boyfriend in the whole school, if not the whole world."

He growled playfully in her ear and whispered, "At school, I'll have a locker to press you up against."

"I've changed my mind about you. You aren't a nice boy at all." Buffy laughed as he attacked her with kisses and cried, "You're a very, very dangerous breed of horny teenage boy, William Gibbs."

"And you're a little hussey." He teased, groaning as she flipped him over and tossed all the blankets away. "God, kitten, do you know how sexy you are?"

Buffy continued kicking the masses of blankets away, mewling in protest at the heat. She pouted down at him and asked in a tiny voice, "Wanna go for a swim? I'm boiling."

"I didn't bring my trunks, luv." He smiled apologetically at her as she whined in anguish, collapsing onto her back. Spike reached over and grabbed the esky bag and pulled out a bottle of water she'd packed. He found his shorts and pulled his handkerchief out and doused it in water, then began running it over Buffy's body. She shivered at first as the cloth slid over her body, leaving an icy trail, but she soon got used to it and relaxed back into the pillows.

Spike lifted her left leg and traced the cloth along from the tips of her toes, down her calf, and around the swell of her thigh. He followed the cloth's path with warm kisses to every inch of her salty skin. Buffy drew in a sharp breath as he pressed the cool cloth to her clit and covered her inner thighs with kisses. She tousled his hair gently as his lips met with her belly button, the wet cloth now circling her breasts.

"I love you." He brushed his lips over hers and caught them quickly, kissing her passionately as he moved on top of her. The cloth was tossed aside, forgotten, along with the sticky day. The only heat she felt now was to do with him, as his kisses set her on fire from head to toe.

"You know.." Buffy started, moving her kisses along his jawline sensually, giggling as he shuddered with arousal. "I'm turning sixteen soon. In about a month. What about you?"

"Two months. End of October for me, kitten."

"Well.. I'll have to start thinking about a present for you, huh?" She smiled up at him mischeviously and murmered, "Well, we've been to first base, and second, and third.. maybe on your birthday.. there'll be a home run."

A smile curving across his face, Spike clutched her close and kissed her with bruising intensity. He pulled back and let her catch her breath as he covered her left shoulder with soft kisses.

"Kitten, I love you." He whispered as he ran his hand down to the curve of her thigh. "But, you know.."

"What?" Buffy breathed, trembling as his hands explored her body.

"I love what we do.. I love every single part of it." He punctuated this with a small kiss to the soft valley between her breasts, his lips slowly leading up to the swell of her right mound. "But you know what is better than any of this? That day.. that first day, when you came over.. and you made me laugh like I hadn't in years. And then you asked me to kiss you.."

Buffy blushed as he hugged her closer and murmered, "You felt so soft, and sweet, and perfect.. and I've never known anyone as beautiful as you. You just glow, Buffy."

"You make me." Buffy whispered and kissed him gently, letting it slowly melt into passion. There wasn't really any need to hurry, they had the whole world before them, and all the time in that world to rush through things. Right now, it was just them, and the sticky golden warmth of summer to keep them company.

And that felt absolutely perfect.


The End - I hope you all enjoyed it! Thanks so much to everyone who read and reviewed, and just to let you know - a sequel may pop up in the near future.