Ch. 14: Good Times

The group burst into applause when, the following day, Buffy and Spike together approached the lunch table.

Buffy blushed furiously and quickly sank into her seat. Spike whacked Xander over the head before sliding in next to Buffy.

"What? What? I'm just clapping for what has been a long time in coming," Xander defended, trying to dodge the blows that Spike kept at.

"And now you can go on double dates with us," Anya said excitedly. "And maybe even triple dates when Oz isn't working."

Spike's eyes widened for a second. "Planned orgasm conversations? Don't know about that."

"What do you mean? Talking about orgasms is fun. And Spike, you should thank me because I was very thorough in informing Buffy of--"

"Anya! We'll go with you. Just stop talking," Buffy interrupted, her face flaming, her eyes avoiding Spike's curious look.

Anya smiled, satisfied. "Good. Then we can go to the fair coming to town."

"Ooh, the craft fair? They always have really cool jewelry!" Buffy exclaimed, happy that they were no longer discussing her newfound knowledge of orgasms.

"And the candles!" Willow added. "Even though Oz can't go, can I come along? It's not his fault he has to work so much."

Spike and Xander shared a look of horror before glaring at Oz's smug grin.

"Sorry. Gotta work," he said succinctly.

"Yeah, uh, I think I gotta work too--Ow!" Xander rubbed his arm. "God, An, do you have to punch so hard?"

Suddenly Willow's face brightened, eager to share some gossip. "Ooh, did you hear the news about that ho bag Faith?"

"Faith? Ugh. I hope it's bad," Buffy muttered. She smiled when Spike squeezed her hand, trying not to show the electricity that ran through her with each touch.

"Oh, it's so bad, it's good. Faith's dad, who's a police officer, caught her and Angel doin' the nasty in the park, and now Faith is off in boarding school!"

"Whoa, sucks to be her. Oh well," Buffy said brightly.

"Wait, so Faith's gonna be traipsing around in a short plaid skirt and knee high socks?"

Multiple groans erupted from the table; Buffy punched him and threw a fry at him in disgust. He caught her fist the second time and kissed it gently. "Okay, you're forgiven." She giggled at his antics.

"And now that the novelty of your relationship has worn off--don't be cute like that. Makes me want to barf." Xander started making puking noises and bent over.

"Shut up, Xander," Spike retorted as he shoved him playfully.

Buffy grinned as she watched Xander and Spike--her boyfriend Spike--roughhouse in the cafeteria. She felt a sense of satisfaction warm her to her toes. She caught Willow's eyes, and they both smiled after the expected eye roll, both enjoying the relaxed mood of the group. Looking over at Spike again, who winked while pushing Xander's face towards his tray of food, Buffy sighed contentedly. "Yup," she thought to herself. "Life is good."

***

Buffy, Willow, and Anya meandered through the various stalls and kiosks set up at the fair while Spike and Xander sat at the flimsy picnic table gulping down chili dogs and soda. They had reached a compromise; as long as the boys were willing to do a few things at the fair, they'd be able to skip out on the shopping.

"So, how are things with you and Spike?" Anya asked while fingering a beautiful silk scarf. "Any good stories on him yet?"

"Things are good. Really really good. So good I'm afraid it's all a dream and I'm going to wake up to find myself fighting with him and secretly liking him from afar like I used to." Buffy twirled a fancy parasol that was on display. "I can barely believe he likes me."

"Oh, Buffy. You shouldn't think so little of yourself," Willow stated.

"Yeah, and Spike's had this fascination with you for a while. Xander told me," Anya said bluntly.

"Really?" Buffy asked, her face delighted. "I don't know why it's so hard to believe. I'm just not used to things going the way I envision it."

"So, do you think you'll go to Homecoming together?" Willow asked. "I think we might try and get a limo together."

"Yes. And we're even thinking of having a sleepover at my house that night. Do you think your parents would let you come?" Anya asked.

"A sleepover with boys?" Buffy widened her eyes in disbelief. "I don't know...I mean, I know it's not a big deal, but I'm not sure if my mom will see it that way. Wills, your mom's letting you go?"

"Actually, they don't know there are going to be boys. But the thing is, they're never in my business anyway. My dad's going to be away on business for two weeks, so my mom might end up visiting her sister or something. She knows about Homecoming and is glad she doesn't have to worry about me that weekend."

"Oh. But I don't want to do that. My mom's all in my business, and if she found out I lied to her, I'd get in a lot of trouble. Anya, is it a done deal?"

"Consider it done. My folks don't care, as long as we clean up afterwards. Go on and ask. We can get ready together, too. Have you gone dress shopping yet?"

"Oh, oh, me! I was browsing last weekend a little, and there's this great dress at the mall that I didn't get to try on. Do you guys want to go tomorrow or something?"

"I do, but I don't even know if Spike's going to ask me. I mean, the last relationship I had lasted a week. I've only been with him, what, 6 days? What if he ends up breaking up with me before then or something?" Buffy bit her lip nervously. "Maybe that's why I'm afraid of being too happy. 'Cause it might blow up in my face."

"Buffy, I'm sure he'll ask you to Homecoming. You guys made it official last Sunday? We already have plans to go bowling next weekend, and when we were talking about possibly having a Halloween party with a couples theme, he didn't flinch," Anya stated matter-of-factly. "I don't know if we're going to have the party, though. We'll see."

"Couples theme? You mean, like Antony and Cleopatra and stuff? People come as couples?" Buffy asked skeptically.

"Yes, and it would be fun. But Xander doesn't seem to think it's that great of an idea, and then we fought about it because I wanted to do it and he wasn't excited about it. Don't you think he should support all of my ideas?" Anya looked expectantly at the girls, waiting for them to agree with her.

"Um, well, maybe he just doesn't want to plan a party for Halloween. Remember when we were little and he got scared at that haunted house party we went to? He tripped over one of the cords for the lights and fell into that vat filled with peeled grapes and spaghetti?" Buffy snickered as she told the story.

Willow began laughing at the memory. "He thought he'd drowned in brains and eyeballs, and we didn't know it was him because of his ghost sheet!" she shrieked. "Oh, man," Willow cried as she caught her breath with laughter. "Poor Xan."

"You know, it's not nice to have these inside jokes and stories that I wasn't a part of. Just because I didn't move here till high school doesn't mean you have to make me feel left out." Anya huffed and started to walk away before Willow reached to stop her.

"Anya, it was from way long ago. And there's no way you could've known he didn't like Halloween. Buffy and I know because we've lived in the same neighborhood for so long, but he's never really told people," Willow reassured. "I mean, it's not the manliest thing to tell people you don't like Halloween because you fell into food," she said, trying to suppress her giggles.

"Besides, we don't need a Halloween party, because the Homecoming sleepover's going to be the best ever! We're gonna stay up all night and play in the pool and hot tub and talk about orgasms all you want. Maybe," Buffy added as a precaution, not wanting to go overboard in making Anya feel better.

"You're right! I don't have time to plan another party! The Homecoming one's going to keep me busy with getting games together, figuring out how to keep the parents out of the way, making sure everyone has fun..." Anya rambled on as she strode through the various stalls, no longer looking at anything in particular.

"Whoa, that was a close one," Willow joked, watching the now-confident girl walk ahead of them. "She's great, and she makes Xander happy, but sometimes she's just a little too much for me."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Xander's always liked girls who take charge, but Anya's almost out of control. And yet," Buffy observed as she saw Xander's face light up with Anya's approach, "yet he never seems to tire of her. That's cool. And it gives me hope, you know?"

Willow slung her arm around her friend, putting a comforting arm around her shoulder. "Buffy, I'm sure he'll ask. Don't worry about it now. Just enjoy the fair."

"I know. I know I shouldn't worry about it. But--" Buffy stopped mid-sentence as something caught her eye. "Oh, Willow, look!" She fingered a ring on display at a sterling silver jewelry stall. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Willow leaned in to get a better look. "Ooh, so pretty," she said.

The ring was intricately cut with filigree edging, and its width was dotted with tiny flowers and hearts. The combination created an antique feel that had a modern edge to it. Buffy fell in love with it instantly. "Willow, I have to have it. Excuse me, how much is this ring?" Buffy asked the woman manning the stall.

"Oh, that's beautiful, isn't it? I made it so that the flowers, which are for friendship, and the hearts, which are for love, dance together in a web of lacey edges--the passion of the edges with the affectionate delicacy of the lace. Would you like to try it on?" she opened up the case while smiling at Buffy.

Willow whispered, "She didn't answer your question. I bet it's really expensive."

"But I have to try it on. It's just so pretty," Buffy whispered back. She waited while the woman gently wiped the ring with a soft cloth and then handed it to her. It fit perfectly and sat delicately on her finger. "Oh, it's so pretty."

Willow agreed. "It looks really nice on you. How much is it, ma'am?" She was not to be deterred.

"That ring? It's $49."

Buffy's face fell. "Oh, really?" She sighed resignedly. "I love it, but that's just too much for me."

"How about $40? It looked so nice on your hand." The woman took Buffy's hand and let the ring catch the sun's rays. It twinkled gaily, but Buffy quickly took it off.

"No, I'm sorry. I just can't afford that. Thank you. Your work is lovely." Buffy pulled Willow along and briskly walked away from the stall. "Didn't mean to drag you. I just had to get away from it before I stole it or something." She smiled weakly. "I might have to buy some pretty but much less expensive panties to make myself feel better."

"Panties? Did I hear panties?" Xander commented as he and Spike approached the girls. Willow slapped his arm playfully while Spike casually draped his arm around Buffy.

"You girls about ready to have some dinner?" Spike asked the group.

"Yes, I'm starved. But didn't you guys just have some hot dogs?" Anya asked curiously, eyeing Xander's expanding belly.

"Yes, we did," Xander said defiantly. "And now we're going to go get more food. Food good."

"Are we going to eat at that little café they set up inside the tent? It looked kinda cute," Willow asked, trying not to notice Anya's glare and Xander's refusal to acknowledge it.

"Yeah, we put in our names already and everything. You guys want to head over?" Spike gestured towards the colorful canopy in the distance.

"Yes, let's." Buffy grabbed both his hands and began leading him towards the tent.

"Actually, pet, you go on ahead. All those dogs, and all. Gotta visit the loo. Meet up with you in a sec, okay?"

Buffy nodded and then began walking with the others. Spike waved as they slowly made their way towards the café. Checking once more to see that they were gone, he quickly headed towards the stall with silver jewelry.

"$40 for that ring, you say?" Spike asked as he reached for his wallet.

***

"Night, guys. Maybe see you tomorrow?" Buffy waved as Willow, Anya, and Xander headed towards their car. She tried not to smile too much at the thought of Spike driving her home, her boyfriend driving her home. One day she'd get used to that, but right now she was still a little giddy. All through dinner he'd stayed close to her, caressing her leg under the table or rubbing her back or pulling her close to him--it was so comforting, the way he made her feel secure and natural when he was near. And she could do the same to him--he seemed to like it when she gently touched his hand or just leaned up against him. Buffy's earlier insecurities were slowly dissipating, and she was now basking in the light of having a boyfriend who really liked her. She grinned as he opened the door for her.

"What's so funny? Got a secret to share or something?" He climbed into his side and turned towards her. "What, no telling? Gonna make me tickle it out of you?"

"Depends on what you tickle." Buffy grinned goofily as she saw the shocked expression on his face. "What, you're the only one who's allowed to tease?"

Spike leaned forward, smirking. "Oh, you can tease. Just know I may not settle for just that." He curled his tongue as he settled back into his seat and started the engine.

"Drive fast. Maybe my mom won't be home yet." She giggled as he gunned the engine.

A few minutes later they pulled up to a dark house with an empty driveway. She had been kidding before about her mom not being home, but now it looked as though it were true. Her tummy began rippling in anticipation of what they might do in her mom's absence.

They quietly walked up to the porch, hand in hand. Buffy reached to put the key in the door when another set of headlights pulled into the driveway.

"Damn. She's home," Buffy noted, her voice slightly disappointed.

Spike rubbed her hand encouragingly. "S'okay, pet. Being secretive's half the fun." He chuckled as Buffy blushed while opening the door.

Soon thereafter Mrs. Summers followed. "Hey, Buffy. Spike. Did you guys have fun at the fair?" Joyce asked as she passed them in the living room.

"Yes, Mrs. Summers. It was a lot of fun."

"Oh, mom, there was this really pretty ring that I wanted, but it was too expensive. You wanna go back with me and buy it as an early Christmas gift?" Buffy called out as she followed her mom into the kitchen to grab some drinks. Spike smiled at his little secret and planned how he might give it to her. He wondered if he'd be able to wait till Christmas.

Buffy returned shortly with drinks, and she sat next to him on the couch. "My mom's making tea, which means she'll probably sit in the dining room and read a little before going to bed." She pouted slightly.

Spike reached out to touch her cheek. "You're so cute when you pout. We don't have to make out all the time to prove anything. I'm content just to be here with you." He grinned when she smiled slowly. "And there'll be other times." He gently kissed her mouth, a mere brush of the lips that was sweet and yet thrilling. "Like I was thinking October 27? You could wear a pretty dress, I could wear a suit, and we'd meet up and dance somewhere?"

Buffy tried not to seem too excited, even though her heart was throwing up little fireworks inside. "Are you asking me to Homecoming?"

"Depends on if you're accepting." He smirked a little at her obvious attempt to hide her smile. "I promise I'll treat you right."

"Well, in that case." Buffy leaned in and softly kissed him. "I accept."

"Good. Now what's this about a co-ed sleepover?"

"Anya's inviting the gang back to her place after the dance. She's got a really nice house with a pool and hot tub and everything." Buffy played with his knuckles as they continued to chat about plans. This, this hand-holding, back-rubbing, cheek-touching affection mixed with this other thing, this teasing and laughing and smiling and talking--these things were sliding happiness all over her body. She glanced up at him, watching as he scoffed at Anya's attempts to make Xander more presentable and passionately described his band's next gig, and she felt that warmth increase with every grin and laugh and eye-twinkle.

When he finally got up to leave, he leaned in and kissed her, briefly but fully. His lips delicately swept over hers in a way that conveyed such affection, such tenderness, and yet it hinted at deeper desires and hopes. It thrilled her completely. "Good night, luv. Sweet dreams." His voice was low and intimate, and she had to control herself from pulling him inside again and dragging him up to her room.

Buffy waved goodbye and then closed the door. "Yum," she whispered, before running up the stairs and falling onto her bed. Licking her lips, she replayed the kiss and the various caresses and smiles and winks from the day until she fell asleep, a contented smile on her face.

Ch. 15: I Feel Pretty...Damn Sexy

"Oh, Buffy, that one’s beautiful! You should totally buy it!" Willow squealed.

"You think? You don't think it looks over the top?" She turned her body to catch a view of the back, which had a sheer overlay covering a rather low back, slightly gathered at the curve right above her ass. The dress was black with a shimmery embroidered sheath, making it sparkle under the lights. Thin spaghetti straps held the dress up smoothly, the fabric falling gracefully to her knees and dipping slightly in the back.

"No, it looks fabulous. You should buy it," Anya stated, nodding her approval. "Spike will definitely love you in that."

"I can't believe I'm going to Homecoming with an actual date this year. I mean, no offense to you guys or anything, but this is the first time I don't have to pretend I'm more interested in the punch or the bathroom when a slow song comes up." She twirled once more in front of the mirror. "I'm glad my last dance is turning out so well."

Anya emerged from her own dressing room with a tight red dress with a plunging neckline. Quickly doing a catwalk for the girls, she added, "And the party afterwards is going to be awesome! My parents are giving us a lot more freedom, and since we're all couples, we don't have to worry about leaving anyone out." She smiled appreciatively at her reflection and then returned to her room.

Buffy began changing back into her jeans and t-shirt, feeling completely dowdy after having swirled around in soft fabrics. The girls began heading to the Espresso Pump for a coffee break.

"God, I thought I'd never find a dress. You know, when you're ready to buy--that's when you can never find what you're looking for," Buffy commented as she plopped into the plush wingback chair to rest her feet. Sipping her coffee, she savored its energizing warmth and sighed contentedly. "Now that I actually have a dress and shoes, I can just worry about the night itself."

"What's to worry? You have a date, you have a ride, you have a party to go to afterwards--I repeat, what's to worry?" Willow asked as she joined her in the cozy corner.

"Willow's right. I mean, last year was harder because you didn't have a date but still came out with us, and the year before that you didn't even come. This year's pretty much perfect. What?" she inquired when she got glares from both girls.

"You don't have to remind me that I was unwanted last year. I felt it the whole night," Buffy grumbled.

"Buffy, you weren't unwanted. It was just a different group dynamic. But let's not dwell on the past. You have a hot date and a hot dress. Focus on the good," Willow stated.

"Focus on the good. Mmm, Spike." She giggled.

"You called?"

"Spike!" Buffy exclaimed when she heard his voice behind her. "What are you guys doing here? I thought we were meeting at the movies?" She scooted over to let him perch on the side of her chair while Xander and Oz pulled up chairs.

"Well, we got here a little early and thought we'd just hang out here. What's this? Bags? Did you find a dress?" he asked, trying to poke into the shopping bags.

Buffy swatted at his hands. "Hey! No peeking! You don't get to see the dress till that night."

"Oh, but you'll like it," Anya reassured, grinning. "You'll definitely like it."

"Ooh, Anya's seal of approval. That might be dangerous." He laughed while dodging Anya's fists.

"So you guys all have dresses now? No possibility of just being naked anymore?" Xander chirped.

"Ha ha. You guys have it so easy. Suit, tie--what more is there? Have some pity for us. Pity enough to buy us some popcorn and Junior Mints at the theatre."

"What? That stuff costs a fortune!" Xander complained.

"God, Xander. Can you not be so cheap?" Anya snapped, rolling her eyes.

"Well, it is. It's insane, what they make us pay. You know it's overpriced," he answered, annoyed.

"Yeah, but you should be willing to pay. That's what the guy does--he pays for the girl. He doesn't complain about how it's overpriced and how the girl isn't worth spending a few dollars for," she retorted.

"Oh, did they come out with a new edition of the 'How to be a good boyfriend' manual? Guess I didn't get my copy, since I'm such a sucky boyfriend." Xander got up and walked away from the rest of the group, who had tried not to listen to their growing argument.

"Oh my god, I can't believe he's so sensitive," Anya muttered as she got up to go after him.

"Is our oldest couple having troubles?" Buffy asked when a few minutes of silence had passed.

"Nah, they fight all the time," Willow said, trying to wave away their dispute.

"Yeah, but it does seem to be more often and more serious these days," Oz noted, looking at the two who were heatedly talking right outside the café.

"Yeah, well, they've been together for a long time. I'm sure it'll pass." Spike smiled reassuringly at Buffy, whose brow was furrowed in concern. "But tell me about your dress. What's it like?"

Buffy brightened at the change in subject. "I want it to be a surprise! But I'll tell you the color, if you're good." She poked him in the ribs teasingly.

"Hey, I'm always good."

Willow and Buffy groaned, and Oz and Spike shared a slight grin. The group chatted on, and Xander and Anya eventually returned. Nothing was said, and they simply rejoined the conversation until it was time to head to the movies.

***

The night finally arrived, and the girls all gathered at Buffy's to get ready. Giggling, swearing, rushing, and waiting all swirled around the small bedroom where they were preparing.

"Can you help zip me up?"

"Is my hair falling? I swear to god if my hair is falling--"

"What time are the guys coming again?"

"Maybe I shouldn't do the earrings. Should I do the earrings?"

"God, I look great!"

"Where are my shoes? Are those my shoes?"

***

"I've decided something. The best things about Homecoming? One--getting ready. You know, the whole dressy girly thing with the nervousness of wanting to look really nice for your date." Buffy smiled coyly at Spike and squeezed his arm.

"Yeah, I know what you mean," Willow responded as she toed off her shoes. "The dance itself is not really the cool part. It's just our excuse to get all pretty."

"Totally. I'm all for the way you guys look tonight." Xander gave a thumbs up to all.

"And two? This--the part where you go to someone's house and take the shoes off and kick back and enjoy talking about how people looked and how dirty the dancing was and all. And the whole not going back home is great, too, especially when we get to stay here with a pool and a hot tub." Motioning to the house and the surroundings, she smiled eagerly at her friends.

Anya turned to address the group, as if reciting a speech she'd prepared. "Okay, so here are the house rules. We have to stay in the pool house, because the parents don't trust us not to tear up the house, which is fine because then I don't have to worry about making sure people stay out of my parents' things--not that you guys would, but still. Plus we don't have to pay overtime for our maids because anything we mess up we have to clean up--which is rule 2. Rule 3 is that you have to follow what I say about sleeping arrangements and all that." Anya watched to make sure people were listening. "Okay. Xander and I get the bedroom, well, because. That leaves one couple for the living room and the other couple for the place right outside the pool house. Now, it's supposed to be a nice night, so the outside should still be warm, and we have the rug and blankets and everything. So, what's it going to be?"

"Actually, I wouldn't mind sleeping outside, if you don't mind," Buffy said, turning to Spike.

"Under the stars? With you? Sounds perfect," he murmured, his arm tightening around her.

"Cool. So Oz and Willow in the living room?"

They nodded, and Anya smiled. "Good. All set. So, swimsuits everyone? Not that we're going to swim right away, but just so we can get into something a little more comfortable."

Eventually, everyone got into bikinis and shorts and tees, oddly contrasting with the elegant hairstyles and makeup of earlier. They all ended up in the living room, sprawled on the floor and on the couch in an awkward circle.

"So, who's up for a game of 'I've never...'? Well, even if you're not, I want to play, so let's play. Yay!" Anya clapped her hands in an attempt to get everyone excited.

Buffy bit her lip, unsure of how she was going to feel about revealing such intimate details. The last time she'd played this game, she'd won hands-down because of her lack of experience. Now, with both Angel and Spike on her list, she was unlikely to keep all 10 fingers up. She hoped Anya wouldn't call her on it, but that was doubtful. Unfortunately, everyone else seemed willing to play; with a sigh, she help up her 10 fingers and shrugged her shoulders at Spike.

Spike smiled reassuringly and tilted his head at her, grinning at her nervousness. "Give me all you got, An," he teased, turning on his cockiness.

"I'll go first. And I'll start out easy, because I'm nice like that. Hm, but that might be hard for me. Let's see...I've never had sex in front of other people." She looked around and saw that everyone kept their fingers up. "Gee, no one with voyeuristic kinks?" She ignored the rolling eyes and shaking heads and looked at Buffy expectantly.

"I'm next? How about I go with an easier one, like I've never had sex before," Buffy intoned, knowing that this particular confession was not going to be a shock to anyone. Oz, Anya, and Xander went down to nine, but Spike kept all of his fingers up. She quirked her eyebrow at him in surprise, and Spike merely cocked his in return. Buffy noted this and reminded herself to ask later.

"So, the Great Divide has occurred. Let's get to the nitty gritty, shall we? I've never used an electric helper to have an orgasm." Spike smirked as he watched all the girls take away a finger. "Had my suspicions about you guys. Anya, have you corrupted everyone with your toys?"

"I feel the need to share my expertise, and Buffy and Willow both are quite grateful to me. There's nothing wrong with a little help," Anya retorted, her 8 fingers clenched in defiance. "Anyway, next?"

"My turn?" Oz asked rhetorically, buying time to think of a good one. "I've never--" he paused mid-sentence. "Wait, did you guys hear something?" He frowned and then crept to the open window that looked out onto the pool. "Andrew?"

His question was followed quickly by two figures sprinting across the yard, one with long hair flying behind her. Spike took off after the two figures, always up for a chase, while Anya followed shortly.

"Andrew! Get your ass over here!" she yelled at her little brother, her annoyance clearly shining in her tone. Andrew was notorious for videotaping her escapades and phone conversations, for blackmail purposes only, of course.

Spike tackled Andrew from behind, and Andrew refused to be caught alone, dragging down his partner with him.

"Dawn?" Spike noted with surprise as he caught sight of her flushed face.

The two peeping toms were dragged back to the pool house, Andrew whining under Anya's innumerable punches. "Ow! God! I'm sorry, okay? We were just listening. I wasn't taping anything! Geez!"

Buffy jumped to her feet when she saw her sister coming in with Spike. "Oh my god. You have got to be kidding me. Dawn? What the hell are you doing here? Does Mom know where you are?"

"Spaz much? What, you think you're the only one allowed to do co-ed slumber parties? I'm supposed to be at Janice's, and we were on our way over there. Andrew just forgot some things, so we stopped by. We happened to walk past here, and--"

"Happened to walk past the pool house? Why would you do that? It's totally behind the house, in the back, and if you were just picking up Andrew's things, you wouldn't come back here. Andrew?" Anya snapped, grabbing his arm.

"God, lay off the physical abuse, will you? So we were listening. What's the big deal? You should be flattered that we even wanted to hear about your lives." He rubbed his arm, trying to rid it of the red fingermarks.

"It's not like there's anything we don't know anyway, please," Dawn remarked, sulking.

"So then why don't you play?" Oz asked, completely unruffled by their appearance. His eyes sparkled a little with mischief that only Willow noticed. She stifled a chuckle.

"Not a bad idea. Since you guys are so eager to listen to our secrets, why don't you share some. Give a little, get a little," Spike commented, looking pointedly at Dawn.

She blushed furiously, trying to keep her nonchalant posture but failing miserably.

"What? Spike," Buffy whispered, pulling him aside. "I don't want to share my thoughts in front of her! She's my baby sister!"

"Buffy, she's not a baby. There's no point in pretending she doesn't know these things." He leaned in a little more and whispered, "And besides, she'll squirm a little and then run out. No point in making her hate you. She just wants to be you sometimes. Humor her."

Buffy sighed loudly and then turned to her sister. "You can stay, I guess, but nothing we say in here leaves the room." She plopped herself back onto the floor where they were all sitting and motioned for Spike to join her.

"See, that's why Spike's cool. I'm not a child, you know," Dawn said, flipping her hair back in boredom.

"Yeah, Spike's cool. All of you guys are cool. So, I'm in!" Andrew commented, falling into the circle, sitting Indian style and looking eager to participate.

"Andrew, I'm going to make your life miserable," Anya growled, returning to her seat in the circle.

"An, lay off. Andrew's cool, some of the time." Xander smiled at Andrew, trying to make the tension dissipate a little.

"Fine, but only because you say so and because you'll have to get me to release all this tension later," she grumbled.

The others politely pretended not to hear her comment and made room to accommodate the newcomers.

"So, since we've got newcomers, what say we make them answer the questions we already began with, and then make them go?" Xander asked innocently. The circle nodded approval, since they'd seated themselves in between Buffy and Willow, and quickly Andrew and Dawn were initiated. Thankfully, they both came through unscathed with ten fingers intact.

"My turn!" Andrew said with glee. "Hm. Well, I've never done a lot of things. How about, I've never received oral sex. Is that how you say it?" He waved his ten fingers in front and watched the rest of the fingers go down, save Dawn's.

Anya squealed in delight as she saw Buffy's finger go down. "Yeah, Buffy! You and Spike are moving along nicely!"

Buffy's face tensed and frowned, as she quietly commented, "Not Spike," while Spike shrugged and shook his head.

"Wait, you and Angel?" Willow responded without thinking. She covered her mouth with her hands, apologetic that she'd pushed the idea out into the open.

Spike tried not to let the idea get to him, but he'd never liked the college boy to begin with. He just looked down and played with his thumb ring.

"Whoa! Angel?" Anya shrieked, oblivious to the discomfort that was starting to emerge. She batted Xander away as he tried to shut her up. "Come on. You gotta tell a little. How come you didn't say anything? That's usually pretty noteworthy."

"Well, it wasn't. I don't know what you guys are talking about anyway. It was, well, weird, and very unexpected."

"Huh? It wasn't good?" Willow asked cautiously, unable to rein in her questions.

"No, it wasn't. I wasn't expecting it, and he just, well, all of sudden he was down there and I was like, 'whoa, get back up here,' and it was just weird. Didn't feel good, wasn't expecting it, done. I didn't do him, though that's probably what he wanted. Any more questions?" Buffy breathed in and braced herself for Anya's comments. She supposed it was good that she got it out; she'd been hiding the information for a while now.

"Well, all I have to say is Angel must have sucked, and not in a good way," Anya declared, as if dismissing him.

"Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with Anya. If it didn't feel good, he didn't do it right," Willow said, catching Oz's eyes and blushing slightly.

"Maybe I just don't like it," Buffy responded.

"And maybe Angel just wasn't very good. You let Spike have a go and tell me what you think. He's gotta be good with that tongue of his," Anya stated authoritatively. She laughed at the widened eyes of Buffy, Dawn, and Andrew.

"I think that's a compliment," Spike chuckled, curling his tongue for everyone's perusal.

"See? That's what I'm talking about. There's got to be talent in there," Anya said as she pointed to Spike's face.

Buffy pushed Anya's fingers away, her face completely red with embarrassment. "Moving on! Moving on, please."

Everyone then looked to Dawn, who still seemed a little shell-shocked but completely enthralled by the movements of Spike's tongue. "Oh," Dawn said when she realized why everyone was looking at her. "Um, okay. I've never given oral sex." She noticed that Buffy's fingers stayed put while everyone else had lost a finger. "You've never?" Dawn asked her sister.

"Nope. Angel may have pushed because he thought he was going to get some, but I just wasn't about that. Good thing, too," Buffy added, shrugging. She and her sister shared a smile.

"Andrew? You've? With who?" Anya yelled out, shocked at her little brother's active sex life.

"Hey, sharing's not part of the game. Buffy was just being nice about sharing, but the rules don't say I have to," Andrew said confidently. He happily held up his nine fingers and looked to Oz for the next turn.

Oz frowned slightly in thought, tapping his seven fingers on the carpet. "I've never been with someone of the same sex." He avoided Willow's glare as Willow, Anya, and Andrew put down fingers.

"Wha'?" Xander muttered as he saw his girlfriend and his best friend with one less finger up. "Huh?"

"Not with each other, though Willow is kinda cute," Anya commented, giving Willow a wink. "It was before we were dating, at this summer camp, and you know how those summer camps go."

"I do," Willow agreed. "It was just this one night when we were all sort of experimenting."

"You never told me that!" Buffy exclaimed, her surprise evident on her face.

"Yeah, well, it's not like I was dating her or anything. It started as a dare, and it was just curiosity," Willow commented nonchalantly.

"Mine was just because there were no boys around and we were horny," Anya stated. "But then I met Xander." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and then turned to her brother. "But you--you've been with a guy?"

"Again with the no sharing rule," Andrew declared, shrugging his shoulders with a grin.

"Xander, make him share!" Anya complained.

Xander turned to Andrew and tried to convince him. "Hey, man, we let you in on the game, so you should share a little. Everyone else is, and you know what they say about peer pressure--good for the soul," Xander joked.

"Nope, no sharing," Andrew repeated.

"I can share for him," Dawn slyly interrupted, enjoying the look of horror on Andrew's face and the attention she was getting from everyone.

"Now we're getting somewhere," Spike said, his smirk widening. "What's it gonna be, Andrew? Are you gonna share or is Dawn gonna air out your undies?"

"Wow! Look at the time. Dawn, let's go." Andrew jumped up, took Dawn's hand, and dragged her out of the room, despite her protestations.

The gang all looked around at each other before howling in laughter.

"Did you see Andrew's face when Dawn threatened to out him?" Anya burst out between gasps of laughter.

"And did you see Dawn's face when Spike did that thing with his tongue?" Willow added while holding her stomach with laughter.

"No, but did you see Andrew's?" Buffy shrieked with laughter at Spike's sudden confusion. They all burst into renewed guffaws when he began blushing at their insinuations.

"Used to the women falling at your feet but not the men? You're lucky I haven't shown you the photos he's taken of you--remember all those times you came over to swim? Yup, Andrew's got lots of those shots," Anya declared, enjoying the look of shock on Spike's face.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me about his crush. I thought Andrew had a crush on Xander. Guess both siblings moved from Xander to Spike?" Buffy teased, poking Xander's arm. "I mean, I had a hunch with Dawn, but Andrew? How long have you known? And why didn't you say anything?" Buffy demanded of Anya.

"Well, family has to stick together a little, you know. I didn't know for sure until one day I caught him with pictures from the pool. There was a whole folder of them on his desktop--stupid place to save them if you ask me. Anyway, one day I had to use his computer because mine was down, and he swore me to secrecy. But now that you guys all know, I don't have to keep his secret!" Anya looked relieved at this new turn of events. "You know how bad I am with secrets, but I managed to keep this one for a while."

"So is he out? I mean, has he come out to your parents and everything?" Willow asked, finally recovering from her giggles.

"Not yet. I think he's still figuring things out--he's got a little crush on Dawn as well, just not as big as his crush on Spike. You okay now?" Anya asked Spike, who looked like he was finally regaining focus.

"Just a little shocked, but it's completely understandable that Andrew and Dawn like me. I mean, I am pretty hot." He laughed and merely blocked the punches and pillows thrown at him. "But now that the kiddies are gone, we can get down and dirty with the game. And I believe it was Willow's turn, right?"

"Yes, it was. Are we really going to play till someone's out?"

"We have to, otherwise why bother?" Anya pointed out. She wiggled her five fingers up in the air again, as if to move things along.

"Okay, then. I've never skinny dipped." Willow noticed that Anya, Xander, Oz, and Spike all put down a finger. "Geez! What, did you guys all have a party without me?"

"Well, I wasn't there, if it makes you feel any better," Buffy muttered.

"You know, we can change that tonight, if you're interested," Spike commented, daring her with his tone.

"I don't know about that. We'll see," Buffy replied, clearly shaking her head.

"Well, worth a shot," Spike concluded. "Xander?"

"Looks like we need to move things along, right? I've never been with someone older than I am. Ha!" he yelled triumphantly as he saw everyone's fingers go down except for his. "That's right, who can top that?"

"It's not fair. I can only say things I've never done, and clearly I've done more than pretty much everyone here," Anya complained.

"Yeah, but you're still winning, or losing, or whatever you want to call it," Willow noted.

"Fine, let's see if I can keep everyone else from getting any more fingers down. How about, I've never had a one-night stand." Anya looked triumphant at all the hands staying intact until she reached Oz. "What? How can you have had a one-night stand? That's for college!"

"Well, if camp for you was girl-on-girl action, camp for me was a one-night stand," he said calmly.

Frustrated with his emotionless response, Anya turned to Buffy to continue.

Buffy hesitated for a moment and then said, "I've never touched myself in front of someone else."

Spike and Anya removed a finger. Anya only had two fingers remaining. With this in mind, Spike stated, "I've never fantasized about a teacher. Anya, don't even pretend that you're keeping your fingers up. We all know about your obsession with Mr. Kerns." He laughed as she pouted while losing a finger, but his mouth opened in surprise when he saw Willow put down a finger. "What? You had a thing for Mr. Kerns, too?"

Willow's face flamed and her voice faltered a little when she said, "Can't I pull an Andrew and refuse to share?" The looks on everyone's faces told her otherwise. "Fine. It wasn't like I wanted to have a dream about Mr. Cadman."

"Mr. Cadman? The gay French teacher?" Buffy exclaimed. "What kind of dream?"

"It's all hazy, really," Willow said quietly. "All I remember is speaking in French and eating Nutella. That's all I'm going to say." Willow looked down in shame while her friends laughed at her unease. Oz pulled her into a tight hug and reassured her, smiling. "Okay. Let's get Anya out of here, shall we? Oz? It's up to you."

"No pressure. I've never watched porn." Oz waited for everyone to fess up. And fess up they did. He was the only one to stay put; not even Willow was innocent.

"I told you getting that porno was going to haunt us later," Buffy muttered, looking at her co-conspirators.

"You guys had a girls night and watched porn?" Xander gasped. "And that is exactly why I love all of you. Feel free to love each other in front of me."

"Looks like I won!" Anya exclaimed.

Buffy sighed. "You know that just means you're the dirtiest of us all. I don't know why you're so proud of that."

Anya rolled her eyes. "You don't need to be jealous, Buffy. We can solve some of your deficiencies tonight! In fact, why don't we all go for a dip in the hot tub?"

"Not the pool?" Willow asked, slowly stretching her legs out.

Anya shook her head. "We do the pool all the time. Let's do something a little different." She stood up and shimmied out of her tee and shorts, leading the way out.

The others slowly followed, and Buffy eagerly took Spike's hand as they left the pool house and headed towards the hot tub. When it was finally ready, the group slowly got in and savored the feel of the hot water against their skin.

"Skinny dip, anyone?" Anya asked with a grin, reaching for the knots on the top of her bikini.

"What? No!" Buffy replied, making hand motions for her to stop.

"Why not? We're among friends, and you can graduate saying that you've gone skinny-dipping, though it doesn't really count since we're already in the water and a hot tub isn't a true body of water like an ocean or even a pool," Anya commented.

"I'll do it!" Willow said suddenly. Seeing Buffy's shocked face, she added, "Anya's right. Why not? Better now with friends while we're all awake and together than at some stupid frat party where we feel pressured because we've never done it before. Besides, the bubbles will conceal everything." Turning to Oz, she nodded and then suddenly both of them threw their bottoms off towards the pool.

Spike started laughing, and Buffy remained speechless.

"Whoo!!!!" Anya yelled as she pulled off her bottom and untied her top to join the strewn bathing suits now collecting in a heap by the side of the tub.

"Come on, luv. We're not looking. Let loose!" Spike urged as he began taking his bathing suit off.

Buffy gulped, looked down at herself in self-consciousness, and then finally gave in. She removed her bathing suit as quickly as possible, threw it by the others, and then sank into the water until the bubbles tickled her earlobes.

"Woohooo!!!" Xander yelled out, and he was soon joined by the others, their laughter and infectious hoots filling the air until an annoyed neighbor complained, which only led to more giggles.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Anya said, playfully splashing Buffy.

"Hey, hey, easy. No need to lose the water level," Spike interrupted before their splashing became too violent. "Let's just sit back in our nakedness, enjoy the stars, not wonder what we all look like under the water, and smile. Wish I had a cigarette." Spike played with Buffy's hair instead and leaned his head back to gaze up into the sky.

"Now that the excitement is over, what exactly are we supposed to do in a hot tub?" Oz asked, his hands bouncing on the jet streams.

"I think this is the good part, just sitting. I guess if you were alone with your honey, you'd do a little more, but since none of you were into voyeurism, I'm thinking that option is out." Anya sighed. "Well, I'm hot. I'm going to go to the pool. Enjoy the show!" she cried as she got up and ran to dive into the pool.

"Well, that was--"

Oz's comment was interrupted by Xander's yelp of "Don't look!" as he jumped out and then cannonballed into the water.

"--interesting," he finished. The remaining four looked at each other, pretending they hadn't just checked out their friends' nakedness.

"So, I'm definitely staying in the hot tub," Buffy declared. Spike chuckled in response.

"Now I can say that I've skinny-dipped," Willow stated, grinning. "Now my life is complete." She rolled her eyes and then sank lower into the bubbles.

"The bubbles are nice," Oz commented. "The lack of suit does make it feel a little different. Don't you think?"

"They are pretty nice, and the skinny-dipping does add an element of excitement, I must say," Buffy said. She sighed contentedly. "I've always loved hot tubs. The hot water and the massage jets and the steam...just makes me all oozy inside." She closed her eyes and let her hands float on the water.

"Oozy, eh? So then if I were to leave you and the hot tub alone," he said, starting to rise from the water.

"No! I mean, no, silly. Sit down." Buffy grabbed Spike's arm before he could show more than his lovely six pack. "Don't share too much with the others," Buffy teased, snuggling him while he returned to his seat.

They looked into each other's eyes for a while, stupid grins on both faces. Willow and Oz looked at each other and nodded.

"Ah, young love. If you guys promise not to look while we get out, you can have the hot tub to yourselves," Willow said.

Buffy slowly looked away from Spike's blue eyes. "No, you guys don't have to--"

"Don't worry about it," Oz interrupted. "Not much of a water person anyway."

"Ready?" Willow asked Oz. "Okay guys, close 'em."

Buffy and Spike complied, and soon they were left alone in the hot tub.

Smiling demurely, Buffy continued to float her hands on the water, unsure of what to do now that they were completely alone. "Nice night."

"Pretty damn beautiful," Spike murmured. He gently floated his hands towards hers until they touched and bobbed against each other. He slowly ran his fingers over her hands, up her arms, and against the pounding pulse of her neck. He leaned in, but Buffy stopped him before he could kiss her.

"Wait, what about the others? Shouldn't we not--"

"I don't think anyone's going to be watching," Spike interrupted, motioning to the couple in the pool who were making out in the deep end. "Willow and Oz already went inside." He brushed away her hair, slightly damp from the steam of the jets, and swept his thumb against drops of water that clung to her.

Buffy held her breath, watching his hands caress her wet skin. When his hands finally stopped, she slowly looked into his eyes, his beautiful blue eyes that looked at her like there was no one else in the world. Those eyes warmed her, held her close, drew her in; their lips touched at last, tentative and unsure, as if sudden movement might shatter the preciousness of the night.

She opened her mouth to him, and their tongues began to dance sensuously in the moonlight. The hot, moist taste of his mouth spread through her body, urged on by the heat of the hot tub, and Buffy felt her heart racing with every touch. Her body naturally moved towards him, and she felt her breasts push up against Spike's chest. It thrilled her, the closeness of his bare skin, and she felt her body get even hotter. And when his hand began to move down her neck to tenderly sweep against her nipples, she couldn't stifle the soft moan that trembled in her throat. It was too hot, too much, and she broke away from him, stilled his hand against her chest. Her heart throbbed with urgency and desire, which threatened to crash over her fragile body. Slowly breathing, Buffy looked up at Spike.

His eyes were still closed, and Buffy could see the intense longing that was tightening his body. She kissed him lightly on the lips, and his eyes fluttered open. She smiled shyly at him, and Spike couldn't help but smile back. They gazed at each other for a while, and finally Spike spoke.

"Ready to get out? Don't want the hot water to burn us," he said lightly.

"Yeah, it's getting pretty hot," she whispered, casting her eyes down. "But--"

"Why don't I get out first and then hand you your suit?"

Her eyes thanked him, and she discreetly looked away while he got out of the water, though she did peek at his ass as he walked towards their clothes.

"Woohoo!!" Xander called out as he saw Spike bend over to put on his bathing suit. His laughter was met with a bathing suit-clad Spike giving him the finger as he walked over to the tub.

Buffy rolled her eyes as she deftly put on her bathing suit before climbing out of the water. "Jealous, Xander?" she called out on Spike's behalf. Throwing their bathing suits into the pool, she said, "Just so we don't have to see you guys."

"Fine, but you're missing out!" Anya teased as she put her bikini back on. The two slowly emerged from the pool, and Anya wrung out her hair as she walked towards the pool house. "Towels are here in the cabinet. We're off to bed. Blankets and stuff are here as well. Take whatever you want. Good night!" she called out quickly, dragging Xander with her.

"Guess they were tired?" Buffy asked, grabbing a towel to dry herself off.

"Or really horny, knowing Anya," he added, drying himself as he walked towards the house. "You wanna grab our stuff and get ready for bed?"

"Sounds good. I'm not really tired though," Buffy commented, toweling off her hair.

"Not to worry. I'm sure we'll figure something out," Spike noted with a grin. He avoided her towel-snap and followed her into the house.

A few moments later they were all set up with blankets and pillows, out under the stars and the warm California night air. Lying next to each other, both clad in t-shirts and shorts, Buffy and Spike soaked in the idea that they were really going to spend the night together, no parents or curfew hanging over their heads.

"I can't believe my mom let me stay out tonight. I can't believe I'm here with you," she whispered, lying on her side and looking at Spike.

He held her hand and propped his head on his elbow. "I'm so glad she let you. I'd have felt pretty stupid out here by my lonesome." He grinned at her sheepishly. "And I know I said it before, but you looked so beautiful tonight. And even now, you're still so beautiful," he murmured, staring at her intimately.

"You're pretty hot yourself," she answered, giggling a little at the nervousness of spending the night next to this gorgeous flesh. Buffy was still partially in awe that she was here with him, with Spike, her boyfriend. The knowledge filled her with contentment, and she couldn't help but sigh in satisfaction.

"Come here," Spike said, pulling her into his chest. He sucked in his breath when her soft hair brushed against his face, tickling him and teasing him. Looking down at her, he noticed her long lashes, her bright hazel eyes clear and honest, her kissable lips--everything about her drew him in.

Buffy enjoyed the strength of his body against hers, and she tried not to shiver with excitement. The whole night was ahead of them, theirs to kiss and touch and simply be--and the thought made her quiver deliciously. She knew her own limits, what she felt comfortable with, but the way he looked at her, those eyes burning into her and the starry sky behind him--it made her forget all but his touch and his presence. She closed her eyes and waited for him to kiss her.

And he did, kissed her with such tenderness that her toes felt loved. Buffy threaded her fingers through his hair, wanting to hold him close to her so that he would never leave--and never stop doing that thing with his tongue. Her other hand began running down his arms and his back, luxuriating in the taut muscles under his t-shirt. She found the edge of his shirt and couldn't resist running her hands across his bare skin.

Her bare hands sizzled against his skin, and his heartbeat began to hurdle through the air. Would she let him touch her, feel the secret places on her body? There was so much Spike wanted to do, to touch, to taste that his emotions began to overwhelm and unnerve him. This girl moved him in ways he'd never felt before. He prayed that she wouldn't stop him as he eased his hands down her body, fluttering against her belly and then grazing her breast. She moaned, and he breathed in sharply as he began to circle his thumb against her hardening nipple.

Buffy clenched his shirt in her hands as she succumbed to the swirling motions of his hands. It was arousing, but she wanted more, needed more. Hoping he'd follow her example, she pulled on his shirt to take it off.

Spike paused to throw his shirt off and, seeing the desire in her eyes, reached for hers as well. She didn't have a bra, and Spike's heart skipped as he saw her naked glorious body. Unable to resist, he bent his head over her and licked her slowly. She murmured incoherently, and Spike dove in for more, suckling her and swirling his tongue against her nipple. Her whimpers fueled his impossibly hard erection, and he couldn't help but rub against her thighs. He wanted more--he wanted to rub his tongue against every inch of her skin. Would she let him? He glanced up at her face and saw her eyes closed, her hair splayed against the pillow, her cheeks flushed with arousal. He dared, beginning his descent.

Buffy's eyes flew open when she felt Spike's kisses move southward. Fear started to grip her, but she couldn't stop him, even while her body was calling out warnings. They were drowned out by her kittenish mewls of delight, and she wanted to feel him down there; she wanted to know what the other girls were talking about and whether Angel really was a poor example.

Spike suddenly realized what he was doing, how far he was pushing. He hesitated, breathing in her excitement, and then whispered, "Buffy, do you--"

"Don't stop," she moaned, not even wanting him to finish his sentence. She slid her fingers inside her shorts, indicating her desire to continue.

His desire skated up and down his body, doing spins on his throbbing cock. He tried to settle his heartbeat as he eased her shorts and panties down her body. He groaned with pleasure as he saw her trimmed pussy in front of him, waiting for his touch. Sliding his hands down her inner thighs to spread them out, Spike leaned in and licked.

"Ooohh," Buffy gasped at his touch. Her instinct was to press her thighs together and yet push her pussy into his face. The feeling was exquisite, and she held her breath, waiting for his next move.

Spike kissed her clit with languorous strokes of his tongue, not rushing his movements. He whirled around her clit from top to bottom, from side to side, and then ended up thrusting his tongue into her slit to taste her growing wetness. She was so delicious, and he moaned into her as his cock pressed against the ground with desire.

Buffy's whole body was tensing up and tightening like a coil pressed together by incredibly talented hands. She'd started out caressing Spike's hair, but she could no longer control her movements. It was all she could do to stay conscious while his tongue pressed against her intimately. He'd started out slowly, but now his licking and sucking pushed her tighter and tighter until she felt she could not clench her eyes any more could no longer breathe could no longer bite her lip could no longer whimper could no longer--

"Spiiiiiiike," she cried out, her body finally releasing its tense coils of desire. "Oh god," she whispered, her voice high-pitched with pleasured pain and astonishment at the amazing sensations pulsing through her and shooting out at her pussy.

"Mmmmm," Spike hummed against her, pressing his tongue against her vibrations.

When she finally caught her breath and wasn't deafened by her own breathing, Buffy was crushed by another wave of desire--this time to give him pleasure. She swiftly straddled him, kissing him hard and tasting her own cum on his tongue.

Spike nearly came right there, feeling her body on top of his. He pressed her naked body against his chest, savoring the feel of her heat against him.

Buffy ravished his mouth, but it wasn't enough. She pushed herself down, sliding his shorts down with her.

"Buffy! You--"

"Shh," she mumbled in between his legs. Suddenly it was before her, his hard penis wet with cum. She wasn't sure how to start, what to do, but she merely reminded herself of what his tongue felt like on her and tried to imitate it.

"Oh, god!" Spike yelped as she licked his head slowly. He'd been completely caught by surprise by her sudden actions, and his mind was whirling with eddies of lust. He clenched the blanket beneath him and kept his eyes shut tight as she lowered her mouth onto him completely. Aching for more, he pressed his hips into the ground to keep from thrusting hard into her and fucking her mouth. He began sweating, the reins on his hunger barely in check.

Buffy felt powerful, her small sucking movements making him moan in such delectable ways. She wanted more, wanted to hear him beg for her. Adding her hands, she began handling him tighter, cupping his balls and running her lips and hands up and down his shaft.

"Oh, fuck, Buffy!" he breathed, his whole body wanting to come in her. "Buff--I--god--Buffy--I--" he babbled. He grabbed for her, wanting to save her from his climax, but she wouldn't budge. "Buffy, I--"

"Mmmmmm," she hummed against his cock, the vibrations pushing him over the cliff.

"Buuuuuuuuffffyy!" he roared as he came in her mouth, unable to hold back any longer.

Buffy kept her mouth on him, holding him tight while he released himself. She swallowed a little at a time, and she relished every whimper that he made while she held him. Finally, he was done, and she let him go with a last lick of his head.

"Oh my god," he mumbled as he threw his head back on his pillow. Buffy crawled up his body to kiss him lightly before cuddling in his arms.

"Hi," she whispered giddily as she wrapped her arms around his tired body.

"Hi. Hello. God. You're amazing," he sighed as he nuzzled into her hair.

Arms intertwined and legs laced together, they fell asleep under the stars.

Ch. 15: Morning Conversations

The sun shone brightly on Buffy's face, both comforting her and startling her at the same time. She breathed in deeply, the sleep slowly clearing from her brain. There was an arm lightly draped over her waist, light breathing tickling the top of her head, and strong legs pressing against her legs. Or was it his leg? Was it--

Spike moaned sleepily, his eyes still closed in dreamland and his cock hardened in the morning way. Curious about his reactions, and not having looked closely last night, Buffy peeked under the covers and brushed it lightly. She gasped in surprise as it bucked against her touch, jumping into her hand. Slowly Spike awoke, a sexy smirk on his face when he felt Buffy's movements against his cock. However, he quickly scooted away when his eyes opened to see that the expression on her face was one of shock rather than lust. Blushing, he grinned sheepishly and said, "Sorry," stretching out as his body began to wake up thoroughly.

"So it's true--the morning wood myth?" she joked, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She giggled when he saw the stunned look on his face. "What, you think you guys are the only ones who discuss these things? I'll have you know Anya is very thorough in her teachings."

He gave her one final look and then laughed again, shaking his head. "You will never cease to surprise me." He pulled her in and kissed the top of her hair, enjoying the feel of her hair against his lips.

Buffy snuggled against his body, forgetting that this should be a moment of awkwardness, a moment of waking up naked next to her boyfriend for the first time. He made her forget, and she loved that. She arched herself against him, yawning.

"I just want you to know," he murmured into her hair, not fully awake.

"Mmm?" she sighed, her heart slightly tapping in anticipation of what these intimate morning talks might reveal.

"That these are quite nice," he said lowly.

Buffy looked up to her lacy black thong dangling from his fingers. She tried to grab them from his fingers, but he eluded her easily. Her torso jumping up, she reached for them again, but he simply laughed at her and held her head down with his capable hands.

"And I know there's more of it in your room, you sexy kitten you! Lingerie's your weakness, 'ey?" he teased as she futilely strained to retrieve her panties.

And then she was on top of him, her breasts swaying tantalizingly in front of his face as she stretched to grab her thong.

And then the moment of awkwardness crept up and slammed into her. Or rather, slammed up against the back of her ass in a way that was so incredibly arousing that she yelped and blushed and became wet in a matter of seconds. Her eyes widened, and his eyes closed, and they both moaned a little.

She grabbed her panties quickly, moved off of his body, and shimmied the thong up her legs. Now her nakedness was a little embarrassing, and she found her shirt and pulled that on as well. Spike simply watched on, an amused look on his face.

Spike's amused look was merely a disguise for what he was really feeling: horny like a toad in heat. He knew, with his mind, that going to the next level was a little too soon for them. He knew that Buffy was different from all the other girls he'd dated. He knew that she was someone he wanted to cherish for a very very long time. However, his body wanted to thrust his cock into that gorgeous pussy of hers and make her ride him till she fell on top of him in exhaustion. He pulled the sleeping bag around him a little more tightly to keep her embarrassment from flaring again. He wanted her, but not like this--not on the cement ground outside of a pool at Anya's house. He breathed in slowly, trying to control himself, his amused smirk firmly in place. "Mornin', cutie," he said grabbing her hand and kissing it gently as he caressed her skin, holding her delicately.

Buffy stared into his eyes as she felt his lips skate across her hand. It amazed her, that he could look at her and kiss her and make her feel so precious--even when she was in the middle of putting her pants on, her t-shirt on backwards and her thong twisted in her rush. It was as if he knew how self-conscious and embarrassed she'd felt, and with a swift movement he swept it all away. She smiled slowly at him; he was the best--there was just no other way to put it.

He pulled her in and then kissed her briefly on the nose--and then backed away quickly when he saw the look on her face. "Oops," he muttered as he covered his mouth. "Brush first?" he mumbled through his hands.

"Yes, please," she responded, her hands covering her mouth as well. She giggled, untwisting and adjusting her clothes so that she was presentable. Throwing his shorts at him, Buffy waited for him to get dressed and then reached out her hand to help him up. He grabbed both hands and then landed in her arms. They both enjoyed the morning embrace, the way they fit so easily in each other's arms, and then walked hand in hand towards the pool house.

***

Everyone was still asleep, or at least pretending to be, so Spike and Buffy decided to walk to the local diner and grab some breakfast. It was earlier that they'd expected; they assumed it was the sleeping outside and the sun shining on them that woke them at the early hour of 9 am on the morning after Homecoming. Whatever the reason, they were enjoying the quiet walk through the neighborhood, the comfortable hand-holding--because their fingers didn't fight over which position to take, and that spoke volumes about being a good fit, clearly.

They were seated quickly, thankfully away from the families with loud children and far from the elderly couples. Buffy didn't want to share her time with Spike; there was something about their morning, their evening, just everything that seemed too intimate to be around so many other people. The booth in the back corner suited them perfectly. After ordering lavish breakfasts, they settled into the vinyl cushions as they waited for food.

"So, you're a virgin?"

Spike started laughing, his whole face brightening and his body relaxing. "How long have you been thinking about that?"

Buffy blushed and said, "No, I mean, I was just surprised when we were playing that game last night. I don't know--I guess I assumed that you'd have been with--" She stopped herself. She figured he'd share if he wanted to. Did she want him to?

He smiled again. "How about this. You ask away. I'll ask away. This breakfast we'll get it all out. Things that might seem awkward to bring up, you know, since it might otherwise seem weird to wait for a relevant moment during normal conversation. That suit you?"

Buffy nodded. "Sounds good. That doesn't mean I won't ask later if I feel like it. But now I don't have to make up some kind of transition."

"So what do you want to know?"

"Well, how come you're still a virgin? I mean, Drusilla wasn't known for her chastity--and she was older."

"Yeah, she was. But I wasn't just gonna give it away just because she wanted it. She did want it, especially because I was a virgin. But in a lot of ways that only convinced me that I should really hold onto it. Like the way she made such a big deal only emphasized how important it was. I didn't want to just lose it to anyone. I mean, Dru was wonderful, but things just got a little weird and intense. Anyway, I didn't sleep with her."

"But you did other things?" she asked hesitantly. Buffy wanted to know, and yet she was scared to hear the answers. It was an odd kind of fascination, and she wasn't sure if she really wanted to know, but she had to ask.

"Yeah. You sure you wanna hear about it?"

"Yeah. I mean, I'd rather you tell me than rely on things I've heard from gossip."

"What do you mean? What'd you hear?"

She blushed and was thankful when the waitress brought out their food. But Spike was not to be deterred. "No seriously. I mean, I know the guys always talk, but what'd you hear?"

"Oh, I mean, it wasn't anything bad."

"But...?"

"Well, there were rumors that you and Cecily had sex in the stairwell near the gym, and that's why you got suspended for two days."

Spike smirked and let out a chuckle. "That was in ninth grade."

"Yeah, well, it was big gossip."

"We didn't have sex, but I was going down on her." He shifted nervously. "She was pretty demanding, and I was so infatuated with her that I was willing to do anything for her. God, that was embarrassing, getting caught by the assistant principal. Cecily somehow got out of the punishment, but I got suspended for two days. Maybe he just assumed I had forced her into doing it."

"Whatever happened to her?"

"Oh, she moved away. But not before I found out what a bitch she was. Though she still ended up dumping me before I figured her all out." He chewed on his pancakes with vigor. "But was there other gossip you heard?"

"You sure you wanna know all the things people say about you?"

"You sure you wanna know all the things I've done with other girls?"

"I'll tell if you tell. What can I say? I'm a curious kitten."

"Ooh, kitten. I like kittens." He arched his eyebrow and curled his tongue at her.

She stuck out her tongue in response and then curled her own. She laughed as his eyes bugged out at her tongue aerobics. "Anyway, I heard that you and Dru were going at it during the fire drill, that while everyone else was outside, you guys were in a closet somewhere and somehow didn’t get caught."

Spike laughed again, and then he sighed quietly and his eyes began to look back to the past. "Yeah, that one was sort of true. The alarm went off, and Dru grabbed me and pulled me into a closet. I think she was really into kinky things, public places and such. Anyway, somehow she'd heard that it was just a drill and not a real alarm, so she and I just spent the time, you know, doing stuff. And then we just joined the rest of the group when everyone was allowed back into the building. I guess people found out by the looks on our faces and the rumpled hair."

"And Dru's scuffed knees," Buffy muttered before laughing at the look on his face. "What? You think people don't notice these things?"

"No, I didn't. And I certainly didn't think you'd notice."

"Well, I noticed everything when it came to you." Her eyes widened when she realized just how much she'd given away. "I mean, you know, cuz everyone was talking about it."

"So, you've had a crush on me for a while?" Spike teased, his mouth smirking but his eyes showing his genuine surprise and delight at her admission.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I mean, geez, could we be any cockier?"

"No, seriously Buffy. I've always thought you were cute, ever since we met back in ninth grade when I moved here. But you were so mean to me that I never thought you even liked me as a person. C'mon, you can be honest with me."

Buffy's face flamed even more. It was funny; they were now dating, and Spike obviously liked her, genuinely liked her. What harm could there be in sharing? She took a deep breath and said quickly, "OkayI'velikedyousinceninthgrade."

"What? Can you say that again?"

"No. No, I can't," she said smugly. "If you didn't get it the first time, I'm not repeating it."

"That's too bad. Because I could've sworn you said you liked me since ninth grade," he repeated, his eyebrow cocked in that ridiculously sexy way.

"Hm? What? I didn't hear you," she said, eating ferociously like she'd been starving for the past month and a half.

"You know, it's a good thing you're as cute as you are." He smiled at her and then dug into his own food. "And for the record, I was going to ask you to Homecoming in ninth grade, but you shot me down even before I could ask."

"What?!" she exclaimed, her fork stopped in between the plate and her mouth. "What are you talking about?"

He put down his coffee mug and leaned forward. "You heard me. I was going to ask you to Homecoming back in ninth grade, and you shot me down."

"I did not. There was no way in hell that I said no." She gave him a look of incredulity.

"Remember when we were all hanging out at the Bronze--you, me, Xander, everybody. And we were shooting pool, and you were trash-talking because that's all you do, and I mentioned something about playing for a Homecoming date, and you gave me this look like I was a disgusting monster with horns or something. And so I dropped it--I wasn't about to get rejected when you made it clear that you didn't want to go. So I asked Cecily, because some girl told me she wanted to go with me."

Buffy's face was one of utter shock and dismay. "You're joking, right? Please tell me you're joking."

"I'm not. Seriously. Buffy, my liking you--this thing between us--it wasn't just because you got all dolled up and suddenly my eyes were open. C'mon, give me a little more credit than that. But a guy doesn't like to be rejected."

Buffy banged her head on the table and groaned. "Oh. My. God. Please tell me this is a nightmare. I've had this stupid crush on you for years, and you're telling me you liked me back but my stupid mouth made you think I didn't? I'm the stupidest girl in the world," she whined.

Spike suddenly got up and scooted into her side of the booth. He pulled her into his arms and made her look up at him, her face mottled with embarrassment and annoyance with herself. "Hey, don't get all mad now. We got it all settled. And now our senior year will be fabulous. I mean, with a guy like me, how can you go wrong?"

She thumped him in the chest for his cockiness and tried to shake the stray hair out of her face. "My life is just stupid that way. I always wondered about that, why we started hanging out less after that, why you all of a sudden decided to hang out with me again this year," she said as she toyed with his shirt.

"Like I said, it was not a sudden decision. I've always kinda had a thing for you. But when you and Angel were together, for some reason, I felt like there was a stronger pull. You know I was about to ask you to dance when Angel showed up. Stupid poofter."

She giggled at his description and then hugged him. "So you really like me?"

"Yes. I really like you. You're gorgeous and smart and funny and currently slightly drooling on my favorite shirt."

She slapped his chest again playfully. "Glad that you're comforting me in my sorrow."

"There are better ways to comfort you," he said lasciviously. He laughed as she pushed him away, her fingers still holding onto him. Noticing the looks of annoyance from the other tables, he returned to his side and got back to his food.

***

"So was I better?" he asked quietly, sipping his coffee.

"Yes. What is it you're asking about?" she asked while finishing up her pancakes.

He chuckled. God, she was wonderful. "Well, last night you mentioned that you didn't really like it when Angel went down on you. Was I better? You can be honest."

Gone was his cocky exterior. He looked like a little boy waiting to be praised with a cookie. He was adorable. Buffy replied, "You didn't figure it out by what I did next? I thought that was a pretty good indication." He still looked needy, and so she gave in. "It was amazing. I think it was the best feeling I've ever had. Ever. So you can bet your bottom dollar that you're going to be doing it again."

Finally, his cockiness was back. "Well, I do have a pretty nice tongue."

"Yeah, but I like your ass better." She giggled and then decided to ask her own question. Her voice quiet, she murmured, "Um, was I good?"

"Are you kidding? My groaning and writhing and yelling out your name didn't convince you of how fucking amazing you were?" he said, nodding his head vigorously. "And that was your first time? Boy, I am one lucky guy," he teased. Somehow he knew that Buffy, with all her confident trash talking and sarcasm, really needed reassurance--which wasn't too difficult, since her blow job truly was the best he'd ever had.

"Okay, I get the picture." She continued eating for a moment and then paused, looking up at him and saying, "Really?"

Spike chuckled. "Yes, really. And I'll even say this--it was even better than Dru, and she always prided herself in being the best at that."

"Um, thanks?"

"Well, you asked. And you did say you were a curious kitten." He shrugged. "You just tell me when you think I'm telling you too much."

"Well, I'm just going to have to make sure I'm better at everything so you don't even think of others," she said matter-of-factly.

"I'm all for that plan. Ready to go?" He jumped at and made motions to go.

"In fact, I am." She rose sexily, sliding her leg out and leaning forward to give him a glimpse of her perky breasts. She took his outstretched hand and then rubbed her body against his, smirking briefly before giggling at his reaction. "Let's go!" she called out, having already walked out with a little wiggle of her butt.

Spike stared at that tight ass of hers. "Yes, let's," he agreed and followed quickly, a wide grin on his face.
 

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