~~~Chapter Thirteen~~~

~~Facing the Music~~

Buffy's hand slid over the hand that held her close, in sleep his facial features softened as he took shallow slow breaths, she watched the rise and fall of his chest. She'd slept for a short time, but too many ideas and thoughts permeated through her subconsciousness to let her have any sleep. The memory of what had gone on between them earlier burned in her mind and dominated her thoughts. Feeling her restlessness, Spike pulled her closer to him and possessively laid his leg over her own, bringing her closer to his warmth, it was like being covered in a warm cocoon, as the blankets covered them both. Buffy snuggled in even closer.

"Shut your eyes luv. Try and get some sleep." Spike whispered in her ear, he must have awoken to her slight wiggling motions as she tried to get more comfortable in the bed earlier on, and faked sleep!

"Have you been asleep at all?"

'Well if a certain person would stop wiggling and waking up other certain person's, then maybe we both might get some sleep."

"Do you want me to go?" Buffy whispered.

"Not on your life Summers. You're here to stay, and stay you will. You'll just have to get used to me sweetheart, in the same bed as you." Spike placed a small kiss on her lips, "Or are you uncomfortable?"

"No, I can't sleep that's all. My mind has decided to have a D&M with itself."

"D&M sounds fun, can I join in." Spike's laughter filled the room.

"Hey you!" Buffy gently smacked him on the arm, "Deep and meaningful, thank you!"

"What no fun!" Spike continued to plague her.

'Arrrrgggghhhhh!!! Men!!!" Buffy tried to disentangle herself from the sheet and the man that surrounded her, but he gently hung onto her.

"What Buffy, explain it to this mere male?" Spike let his hold of her go, letting her decide wether she wanted to stay or retreat, "Please luv, help me out here!"

Moving back into the shape of his body, she allowed him to hold her again, she supposed that what was worrying her probably needed to be discussed sooner or later. Now just didn't feel like the right time, yet would anytime be the right time. Taking a deep breath she allowed all her fears and worries to be aired.

"I'm worried about my mom, and what she's going to do. I just know that she's gonna freak out at this. "Buffy hid her face from him, but still she continued, "This is what I want, and I want her to accept us, you know, together."

"So do I luv, but she's just trying to do what she thinks is right by you. She does love you, but.....maybe we need to make her understand. Let her see that we are good for one another."

"I know that, but it's more than that, you know she's worried about our ages, my studies, and....."

"And what?" Spike lifted her head, seeing the concern in her eyes, "What Buffy?"

"Imogen."

"Imogen?" Spike reflected on her words briefly, before it sunk in what she meant, "You mean me being a single parent?"

"Yeah, you know add water, and voila instant family!" A small smile flashed across the young woman's face.

"Does it bother you?" Spike asked her, "The fact that I have a daughter. That I am a single parent, and Imogen comes with the package?"

"I....I...um. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I know that I care deeply for you, and I do care for Imogen, but I don't know if I could be a step in mom."

"Buffy I'm not asking you to be her mum, but if we are together, you have to play a part in her life, because she is my life. You have to accept both of us."

"I know that, and I know you're what I want. Imogen is a bonus, but I'm a student Spike not a mother. I want to play an active role in her life, but I don't know what you expect from me?"

"All I ask is that you consider her, when you consider me. We're a package deal Summers. I just want you to be with us, nothing more and nothing less. Yet you must realise that in the future she'll come to rely on you, because you are a part of me. But that's down the track luv, for now just accept her for what she is, my child and my responsibility."

"Does that mean that you get to change all the.the um...'nappies'?" Buffy enquired, injecting some humour into the subject matter.

"Something like that. But I expect one or two to be changed pet!" Spike grinned at her ability to make light of the subject, but they still had some issues to deal with and there was no time like the present, "Besides the nappy issues, does my age bother you?"

"Wow, straight in for the kill!" Buffy pulled back a little from him, "But no it doesn't bother me. If anything, it is an additional benefit, and one thing I'm sure I can cope with."

"Additional benefit?"

"Hmmmmm..lotsa experience!" Buffy grinned at her companion, "And they're usually house trained!"

"Miss Summers!" Spikes fake look of shock made her giggle, and relieved some of the tension in the room, "My apologies, Ms summers, please!"

"No, but seriously Spike, our age difference doesn't factor. Well, maybe if you were as old as my father!"

"Hmmmm. So I have one redeeming quality then?"

"Two, age and experience!"

"You forgot the house training!" Spike leant down into her, "Did I mention that I'm a great kisser?" Taking the initiative he broke the conversation with a group of soft gentle kisses, not demanding, just joining their two lips together. Deepening the kiss, he opened her lips with his tongue, running it along the tip of her lips, inviting it into his own mouth, to savour the taste within him. Slowly sliding against each, taking in the other's texture of their flesh. Just enjoying the moment together, they continued until each was breathless and caught up in the moment, taking the comfort that each offered in their embrace.

"You Mr Benson, are overstating the obvious!" Buffy said between gulps of breath, "But let's no get too carried away please!"

"Spoil sport!"

"Maybe, but we still have some issues to cover." Buffy extracted herself a little from his hold, "Please Spike lets get this over and done with."

"Okay next topic. But it won't be as fun!"

"I know, but it needs to be discussed."

'Okay, I'm all ears!" Spike kissed her one last time for good measure to demonstrate what she would be missing, "You have my full and utter attention. For now, anyway."

"My studies. Mom is having a cow that there being an 'us', will somehow interfere in my studies."

"Poppycock! I want you to study, there is no problem there, and you know that! I would never take time away from you to study!" Spike looked at her in disbelief, "Buffy, if 'we' interfere with your studying in anyway, then we take a break. Your studies are important Luv! I want you to succeed in whatever you want to do."

"I know that, but mom's worried that it will." Buffy tried to explain her mother's concerns.

"I hear you pet. But your mum has to understand that with that element in your life, she has my total support. Actually I expect you to continue, and I won't accept anything less."

"So at least you guys agree on something then!"

"Totally!" Spike looked at her so seriously, she could see the determination in not only his voice, but his face, "I think that we have to do the inevitable!"

"The inevitable?"

"Face your mum!" Spike pulled her in closer to him as he continued, "And we do it tomorrow, in the morning, we shouldn't have to sneak around to see each other!"

"What no more romantic climbing up trellises and sneaking into your bedroom?"

"Well maybe that! But no more bloody ladders!"

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

Dawn approached, and Imogen acting as an early alarm clock woke the couple snuggled up in the bed, not wanting to get up Buffy moved over to her side of the bed, and pulled the blankets around her. She could hear a very quiet "traitor!" Being spoken in her direction, as Spike moved out of the bed to attend to his very awake daughter. After what seemed only a few dozing minutes to Buffy, Spike walked back in with Imogen on his hip, all awake and cheery. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, he gently placed his daughter on his side of the bed, and pointed her in the direction of one dozing Buffy.

With a smirk on his face that reasoned the evil thought in his mind, he watched as Imogen crawled over the bed sheets, to investigate the human being that lay in the bed. Reaching Buffy, Imogen grabbed the top blanket that lay on Buffy, and used it as leverage to lower herself onto her bottom. Leaning over to the sleeping form, Imogen grabbed some of the woman's hair and tugged on it, gurgling in joy at her new toy, which resembled something like her dolls hair, except this time it was attached to flesh and blood.

Buffy abruptly came out of her doze, to find a mischievous Imogen playing with her hair, slowly she turned over and disentangled the youngster. Pulling the baby into her arms, she let out a big yawn, which made Imogen laugh as she copied the older human. Spike watched on in amusement at the interaction between the two, he moved himself over to the bed, and sat on the edge, a very tired Buffy looking on.

"Didn't get anymore sleep?" Spike asked her.

"How could I after getting a repeat performance of the earlier nights activities?" Buffy looked shyly at him, "But thanks for understanding."

"Luv, I'll always understand. When your ready it will happen between us, and when it does I promise you......." His eyes burned with an intense fire, that made her cheeks go red and made her turn away from the intensity that flowed from him.

"So, time to face mom?" Buffy attempted to redirect their conversation.

"Time to face the fire." Spikes double meaning was not lost on Buffy as she climbed out of the bed and gathered her clothing from the night before. She ducked into the bathroom and dressed as quickly as she could. From behind the door she could hear Spike open and close drawers, assuming he was dressing, she stayed put in the en-suite, "Do you want any brekky Luv? Coffee?"

"Coffee would be fine! Maybe some toast or something?" Buffy replied from the toilet she sat on.

"Okay, come down in five!" She heard Spike retreat with Imogen out of the master bedroom, "And Buffy, you don't have to hide in the loo luv!"

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

The trio of Buffy, Spike and Imogen walked across the lawn that divided the neighbours yards together. Spike held Imogen on one side of his hip, and held Buffy's hand with his other free hand. He could feel her stiffen up, as they approached the summers residence, he gave a reassuring squeeze of her hand with his own, "We are in this together, remember that Luv. Always together!"

"I know, but....."

Not having time to respond to her, they watched as the front door opened with a very angry mother standing at the entrance. Joyce looked like her head was about to explode with anger, and the look that she gave Buffy reflected that anger. Standing aside Joyce gestured for them to enter the house, which they did, moving into the kitchen. Spike placed Imogen onto the floor, and sat down next to Buffy who had taken residence on one of the stools around the breakfast bar.

"What do you have to say for yourself young lady?" Joyce spoke first.

"I'm sorry mom."

"Sorry won't cut it Buffy!"

"I didn't mean to be away for so long." Buffy tried to explain, "I had to speak to Spike, and you wouldn't let me, so I did what I did!"

"You just left the house, not leaving me a note to at least tell me where you were! Anything could have happened to you! Anything!" Joyce accused her daughter.

"I said I'm sorry mom, but I just had to get out!"

"Buffy, I trust you, and you do something stupid like this!"

"Joyce!" Spike spoke up, "Mrs Summers, I'm sorry but time just escaped us. We got caught up in talking."

"Just talking! I find that very hard to believe!" Joyce turned on the man sitting before her.

"Nothing happened mom, that I didn't want to happen!" Buffy's voice quietly broke through her mothers raised voice, "And Spike was a gentlemen mom, nothing happened!" What her mother didn't know wouldn't hurt her, and Buffy wasn't in the mood to go into the whole 'I'm scared to sleep with him' crap.

"You should know better Buffy!" Joyce replied.

"I do mom, and you should give me some credit!"

Joyce opened her mouth to speak, but found no words to say, the last few weeks of keeping an eye on her daughter had amounted to nothing. Maybe she needed to give her daughter just that, some credit. Yet it didn't stop her having some reservations about the two people that sat before her, and the relationship that had developed between them.

"William I'm disappointed in you too. I thought you could be trusted! She's just a girl!"

"I think she's more than just a girl Joyce, she's an adult, and capable of making her own decisions. But I do understand your concerns." Spike looked at the concerned mother, "I want you to understand some things too."

"That being?"

"I care for Buffy, and want only what's best for her, and I do understand your worry for her. But I think that I need to my intentions clear." Spike replied to her mother's harsh tones.

"Intentions! Like having my daughter sneak out into the night like a thief!"

"No! My intent to keep seeing your daughter, but making my position clear to you, and making you understand the way it is between us!" Spike moved out of his chair, and stood behind Buffy, "I don't want to be sneaking around with your daughter, I want an open to public scrutiny relationship with her. I understand your reservations about our ages, her studies, and Imogen."

"You have no idea what I think!" Joyce retaliated.

"I think I do, but you have to understand, we have no problem with the ten year gap. Buffy understands that her studies are a high priority, and that 'us' will not interfere with that. She also understands that Imogen comes with the package, but Imogen is my responsibility and no one else's".

Buffy joined in then cutting him off, "Mom, I know what you're thinking, and please try to understand that I care about Spike, he's given me more than you'll ever know. He gives me strength and trust like no one ever has. He......he....he's what I want mom, and what I need!"

Joyce tried to digest the desperation in her daughter's voice, so filled with anguish, and pleading for the man she wanted. Joyce knew she had to tread lightly, or she may do some long term damage to her relationship with her daughter, considering the last year or so it had been skating on such thin ice. She had to concede that since Williams's arrival on the scene, she'd seen positive changes in her daughter, and she didn't know if she wanted to risk seeing her daughter going back to the person she once was. Maybe she would just have to risk it, and see where this was going.

"I'm not happy with things! You both have to live with that. But I am willing to back off, with some conditions!" Joyce voiced her concerns, and her conditions in accepting the situation.

"What conditions mom?"

"You follow some ground rules." Joyce look from one to the other, "Week nights you study then you go out! You are home by midnight, and you don't go climbing up peoples roofs!" Spike and Buffy eyed each other cautiously; "You tell me where you are going, and take your cell phone! You will tell when you are out all night!"

"Yes mom!" Buffy became all embarrassed at her mothers condition, remembering their late night activities.

"And you take yourself off to the doctors young lady!" Joyce looked at her daughter.

"Doctors?" Buffy looked perplexed.

"Family Planning! One baby is enough!" Joyce looked at Spike, "You protect my daughter or I'll have your skin!"

~~~Chapter Fourteen~~~

~~Finally~~

Buffy sat covered in sand laughing her heart out, Imogen tried to grasp the white grains of sand in her hands as she played in the sandbox her father had made that day. Buffy watched with Imogen on her lap, as he had dug into the soil. He made a round hole in the ground, re-enforced it with a large tyre and filled it with sand. She watched him as she openly admired the shape of his body, as his muscles rippled and contracted with his labour. He’d catch her a few times, as he leant on his shovel, with a slight tilt on his head, and an evil grin on his face. A little embarrassed at being caught, she’d just continue to play with Imogen, to avoid the visual contact. Deep down the flame of desire flickered at her beings edge’s, demanding to be freed from its prison.

It had been a few weeks since the confrontation with her mother, and things had settled down somewhat. She’d even stayed over a few times at Spike’s, and much to her horror he always guided her to the guest room, leaving her at the door. Leaving her burning. It had also been a few weeks since her visit to the doctor, but Spike had never mentioned it. He and been loving, yet withdrawn at the same time, he never tried to caress her anymore, it was sending her into a chaotic turmoil. In the last couple of months she had pulled herself from a deep darkness that invaded her life, and had left it infected with such a sickness, that she thought she would never return. Yet with the strength that she’d found within herself, she’d managed to pull herself from the hole that she’d created. One obstacle still remained. She was not sure how she would react if she took that one-step forward, such a giant leap of faith. She craved it, wanted it like nothing she had ever wanted before, and she wanted it now.

She wanted him, and she was going to do something about it soon. ‘Damn his sinister attraction’ she thought to herself, as he flashed a very evil grin her way.

Spike watched Buffy as she played with Imogen in the sand box he’d built, he slowly drank the cool drink he held in his hand. Wiping his brow he could see the oncoming dusk approach. The sky was beginning to dim, as the shadows of pink bled into the fading day. He put the glass down on the wicker table, then turned to Buffy and smiled.

“Be back soon luv, need a shower.” With that Spike turned into the house, slamming the screen door behind him.

Buffy looked at Imogen and decided to put a plan into action. She picked the baby up herself and went back into the house. She placed the baby into the high chair and began to heat up her dinner then waited for the microwave to ping before moving towards the youngster, to feed her dinner. All the time she could hear the shower water running upstairs. The memories of the night that she snuck into his bedroom flooded her memory, making the task at hand even more difficult. She tried to feed Imogen with a shaking hand. Once completed, she took Imogen upstairs to the main bathroom and attempted to wash the youngster, with a little fuss as possible. She then took the baby to her room, and put the girl into her pyjama suit, and into her cot. She made sure the baby was comfortable, and watched sleep take over, as her eyes slowly closed in slumber.

“Hey, you!” Spike spoke softly to Buffy from the hallway. He moved over, and kissed her softly on the head, “All tuckered out, Little Bit?”

“Yeah, she’s tired. Nearly fell asleep while I was feeding her!” Buffy spoke softly so as not to wake the baby.

“Hmmmm, lucky girl to have such attention! You’re spoiling her!” Spike moved behind her and placed his arms around her.

Not content with that Buffy turned around, entwining herself around him. Standing up on her toes slightly, she reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. Looking straight into his gaze, she could see her reflection in the azure blue of his eyes. She slid one hand down his arm, and took his hand within her own, before leading him out of the baby’s room. Buffy turned towards him, slightly walking backwards to watch his reaction. She led him to the master bedroom, and stopped at the door. Looking in, she surveyed the neat room, her gaze caught on his bed. Turning her gaze back to him, and back to the bed, she sent him her silent invitation.

Spike looked at her, his face softening as his gaze followed hers towards the bed. Her intention was clear for him to see. He felt the sudden rise of heat burn through his body, he’d denied himself the temptation, waiting for her to be sure, for what had seemed an eternity. He’d made her sleep away from him, from fear of pushing himself to a point of no return, to a point that she would never trust or accept him. Now he watched as she laid a hand on his chest, and ran it down his abdomen, stopping just at his jeans. She ran her hand along the waistband, and took a step closer to him.

“Are you sure?” Spike asked her, wanting to be certain of her intentions.

“Yes.”

This time is was his turn to take her hand. He led her into his bedroom and brought her to the side of his bed, clasping both her hands in his, he leant into her and kissed her with such gentleness. Taking the initiative, Buffy applied a gentle pressure to his mouth with her own, outlining his lips with her tongue, as she invited him within the depths of her mouth. Accepting the invitation, Spike delved into her, caressing the inner flesh of her mouth as he explored her for himself. They slowly burned each other with their passion, as they generated an intense heat between them.

Spike took the first step, he broke away from their kiss, and moved his hands onto her waist, looking at her with such an intense gaze, full of desire and promise, he slowly lifted from her body. He only broke his eye contact with her, as the top went over her head, he gathered her up for a searing kiss that showed the fervour that his passion consumed him with. Buffy responded with that same need to feel his skin, dragging his t-shirt from his jeans, she pulled it up and over his body creating a symmetry between them.

She stopped to admire him, running her hands down his abdomen, the muscles so well defined. She gently scraped her nails along and watched them contract with his sharp intake of breath, as her hands covered his flesh. He watched as she leant slightly back and down to place a line of kisses, nips and licks of her tongue along his flesh until she reached his nipple. Taking it into her mouth, she teased the tip with her tongue, gently suckling it, and grating her teeth over it, causing his body to shudder in response, as she aroused him to newer heights. She watched his face, as he scraped his lips with his teeth as he bit down, his face tightened as he let out a breath, in reaction to the pleasure she was giving him.

Unable to take anymore, he pulled her upright, and ran his hand down her collarbone, between her breasts, and a single finger down her abdomen, until he reached her own jeans. Taking the snap in between his fingers, he undid the button, slowly pulling the zipper down to part the fabric. He ran his hands across her stomach, and pushed his hands around to her back until they came to rest between her back of her jeans and bottom. Taking the fabric between his thumb and fingers he pulled it down, until they fell down her legs of their own accord, with a simple command he whispered to her “Step out of them.” Buffy lifted one leg and then the other, kicking them aside. She stood in front of him, only clad in her underwear, she watched as he looked at her, taking in every inch and angle of her body.

With a little courage she returned the favour, meeting his gaze once when she was finished. She couldn’t help but get lost in it, as she saw the naked desire and need written within their depths. She licked her lips and moved both her hands to his pectorals, outlining the shape of them until her hands joined at the midline of his body, at which her hands parted, as she explored the muscular grooves that she found. Reaching the beginning of his jeans, with shaking hands and a little hesitation, she undid the button and drove down the zip, over the unmistaken sign of his arousal. Spike placed his hands over hers, to steady them as he guided her in pulling them down and kicking them off himself. He stood before her in all his naked glory. Buffy let out a gasp of air, as Spike pulled her to him with one arm, and placed his mouth on her once again, with a gentle nudge of his body he turned her. Taking a few baby steps, he guided her to the edge of the bed.

Buffy let Spike move her onto the bed, until she lay on her back, with her lover on his side beside her. Leaning bodily over her, he could not miss the gentle nervousness that filled her eyes. Brushing the hair that had fallen on her face, he bent his head to capture her lips within his own again. He deepened it with each passing moment, until it left them breathless. He ran a hand to her collarbone, and ran his fingers over the strap of her bra until he reached the cup. Taking the flesh that was within, Spike gently remoulded it to the shape of his hand, with slight squeezes of his hand, he manipulated her flesh.

Needing to breath Buffy, pulled away from him, and turned her head to watch what he was doing. Moving himself down a little, Spike trailed her upper body with kisses, nips and licks of his tongue, as he made his way between her breasts, and stopped at the front clasp of her bra. Taking it in hand, he undid it, and parted the fabric, exposing her bare flesh, he locked her eyes with his as he took the mound of flesh into his mouth. He guided his tongue around the areole, in slow circular motions, applying suction with his mouth, to pull as much of her flesh into his mouth as he could, in a need to consume her. Delicately he nipped the peak with his teeth, sending deep waves of burning heat through her, licking the sides of her, radiating to pleasure points in her body. He moved from one peak to the other, paying attention to each, as he continued to watch her burn in the heat that consumed them both.

Spike finally broke away from her to do away with her bra, lifting her slightly as he removed the offending piece of lingerie. As Buffy lay back on the bed, Spike moved down further, his hand slid down her abdomen to rest on her pelvic bone, above her panties. Buffy felt a slight twinge of uncertainty, they had never gone this far before, she always pulled back, or Spike had stopped. Taking her hand, he laid it over his and pushed it down to lay on top of her mound, withdrawing her hand to rest on his wrist, as she felt him slowly move his hand forward.

Buffy gasped, as she felt the first finger slide between the folds of her soft flesh, moving in and out, time after time , progressing slowly millimetre by millimetre, drawing out the pleasurable movent of his hand. Watching her, Spike looked on as she arched her neck, twisting her head from side to side. She made shallow sharp intakes of breath, with the little ‘ugh’, that followed each movement of her diaphragm. He removed his hand from her body, causing her to stop and look down at him. In silent approval she lifted her bottom from the sheet below her, and allowed him to remove the garment from her body.

Sitting up slightly he ran his hand along her inner thigh, caressing the flesh below his own. With a gentle encouraging pressure he pulled her leg outward and up. He returned his hand back to her folds, circling her clitoris, sending shard’s of pleasure throughout her body. Sending ripples of delight into every nerve ending. As she responded to him he heard her catch her breath. He slid his fingers into her deeper depths, penetrating her inner being, he could feel her muscles tighten around him. He stroked the moist flesh, moving it in time with the circular movements of his thumb, which had replaced his fingers on the outside folds of her flesh. He felt the rise of her hips against his hand, searching for further contact with him. In unsure movements she began rotating her hips in time with his hand.

He could feel her attempts to find and discover more of the moment she found herself in, the need to find something that she wasn’t sure about. Wanting to help her experience the same fire that burned within him, he moved himself between her legs, lifting the other into the same position as the first. Placing his other hand on her abdomen, with a gentle touch he ceased the upward thrust of her body. Unsure of his intentions Buffy looked at him, he slowly bent to kiss her abdomen, teasing her bellybutton with his tongue, lapping at it with, slow teasing tastes. Running his mouth down her body she felt his fingers open her up. His mouth descended to her lower body.

The first flicker of his tongue enflamed her sense of self, sending her into a hurtling oblivion that she could have only imagined. Feeling the clenching of her body around him, he quickened the pace of his tongue on her flesh. He tasted her all around him. He could see and feel her about to hit her pinnacle as he applied more pressure from his mouth and hand. He could feel her inner muscles begin to tighten even more, and ripple, as she let go of any fear that she maybe experiencing, to embrace the deep pleasure she was feeling.

“Let go Luv, Let go.” Spike pulled back just for a moment.

As if driven by his words, she did just that, releasing herself to the claim of gratification he gave to her. She allowed the shattering orgasm to ripple through her, sending wave after wave crashing over her body, splintering her into a thousand pieces, and making her scream his name as it took hold of her body.

Watching her come, Spike nearly lost control himself. Feeling her release on his hand, tasting her flood of moisture with his mouth; he could feel himself teetering on the edge. Moving himself up her body again, he slid himself along her wanting to experience every inch of her release with her. Taking her mouth with his own, he plundered her it with his tongue, not withholding his deep desire and need for her. Clasping both the hands into his, he rested his weight on his forearms, and began to slide himself bodily over her, making her acutely aware of his hard erection, as she could feel it slide between her folds.

Lifting his head, he once again searched her eyes for permission to take the ultimate step that would change her life forever. She was so aware of his need to ask, that she answered him in a quiet voice, “I love you”. Lifting his hips, and finding the entrance to her depths, he slowly slid the head of his shaft into her untried flesh. Buffy tightened her hold on his hands, as he slowly progressed, an agonising inch by inch, she felt her body stretch to accept him. He moved slowly up and down with a circular shifting of his hips, always careful to try not to cause her pain. He continued until he could push forward no more. Looking at her, he kissed her gently on the lips, and replied to her earlier acceptance of him into her body. As he opened his mouth to utter the words, he shifted himself upwards, and with the final downward stroke, he spoke the words back to her, “I love you too sweetheart.”

Catching Buffy’s cry into a kiss, he held himself within her waiting for her to adjust to him, and to relax somewhat. Slowly he began slow shallow thrusts of his hips, lifting himself upon his hand, he watched as she was mesmerized by his movements, caught up in the flood of feeling that radiated through her body. She watched the joining of their bodies, as he increased his movements, raising them to a closer intimacy than she had ever experienced before. Buffy came to rest her hands on his hips, running her hands up and down his back as she arched in response to his deeper penetration of her core. Changing the tempo and circular movements of his hips, he touched every inch of her inner walls, sending tingling sensations that grew in intensity, and moved her closer to something that she didn’t comprehend. Seeing that she was moving closer to the edge of the abyss that threatened to engulf her, he touched her with soft strokes of his fingers around her clitoris, allowing the force that flowed through her to accumulate in one area, allowing her to focus all her attention on this moment in time.

Clutching onto her lover, he could feel her hands grip tighter onto his back, as her muscles began to ripple and tighten in her oncoming orgasm. He watched as she handed her body over to the need for release. In his ears he heard her sharp short breaths, as she tried to breathe through the wave that was flooding through her, making her cry out, and repeatedly call his name in the depths of pleasure she was experiencing. Making sure that she was on her way to her own heaven, he allowed himself collide with his own need for release, as they burned with the fervour that had enveloped them. Crying out the name of his own love, she felt him shudder in his movements, as he succumbed to the final bliss. She watched as he clenched his face in those final moments, caught up in the moment that she had created within him.

Both short of breath by now, Spike moved reluctantly away from on top of her to allow her to take in some air. He gathered her in his arms, running his hand over her hair, just revelling in the moments passed, caught up in the world the two of them had created. He watched as the breeze blew the curtain away from the window, allowing a clear view of the quarter moon, as it passed over them it cooled their heated skin, and evaporated the slight sheen that appeared on them. He pulled her close to him, kissed her gently on the mouth, and watched as she lay in her afterglow, she snuggled deeper into his body, wiggling herself against him………………

“What again?”

Thanks to Kirsty and Karen (Karbear57) for helping me once again with this chapter (and I think letting Edaward have his say!!)

Making herself at home in the kitchen, she made herself some toast and coffee, as she gleefully remembered the night before. With a loud yawn, she rubbed her head trying to wake up some more and the sunlight penetrated the room, making her wince at the brightness. She could hear footsteps above her, as the occupants of the house moved about, namely Spike attending to a very awake and energetic Imogen. The little girl's sounds of laugher resinated through the house, giving life to the building, and reflecting the happiness of the residence.

Buffy felt reinvigorated and totally satisfied for the first time in such along while. It was like a void had been filled in her life, and some of the walls that she'd surrounded herself in lay in ruins around her. She wasn't stupid enough to believe that one night of bliss would make all her problems disappear and make the world all rosy and perfect. The amber coloured glasses had been broken along time ago, but what she did realise was that life went on. It went on, because she'd allowed herself to be free of the chains of fear she'd shackled herself too. Having one very good-looking male to help you unbind yourself helped, she reminded herself with a very satisfied grin. Taking a bite of her breakfast, she turned her head to see her man enter the kitchen, clutching his fidgeting daughter.

"Mornin' Luv." Spike leaned over and kissed her on the mouth quickly, as he made a beeline for Imogens' highchair.

"Breakfast for you young lady." Spike made his way to the fridge to get her formula, shaking the bottle he moved over to the microwave to heat it up, and then the pantry to get her baby cereal. Buffy sat in silence as she watched him perform his fatherly duty. She couldn't help but notice the texture of his skin, his muscles, and the grace of every movement he made, and compare it to everything erotic thing he did to her last night. He pulled the highchair next to the table; as he sat down to feed Imogen her breakfast, he couldn't help but see 'that' look in her eyes.

"Stop it!" Spike chuckled.

"What?" Buffy innocently protested with a deep crimson colour permeating her cheeks.

"You're insatiable!" Spike laughed at her embarrassment.

Buffy leant over the table and lightly punched him in the arm, "I didn't get any complaints last night! Thank you!"

Not wanting to be left out of the fun, Imogen picked the bowl of cereal and put it over her head, gurgling and laughing with a big toothy grin. Neither of the adults had caught Imogens' antics until it was too late, she was covered in mush, and made it even worse by playing with it in her hair that protruded from under the bowl. Buffy couldn't help but get caught up in the comic relief, and giggled as Imogen put her hands out to her father, to be lifted out of the mess. With the slightly horrified look on his face, he tentatively picked up the youngster and headed, back upstairs towards the bathroom to again bath his unruly daughter.

Buffy could hear the soft talk of parent to child, as he chided Imogen for making a mess of herself, taking him away from breakfast with 'his girls', and most importantly his first coffee of the day. Not wanting to deprive him of at least one thing, Buffy made him a cup and wandered up to the main bathroom of the house. Inside she found Imogen in the bath, her father on his knees washing her hair, as she played with the various toys in the tub. Cup in hand she sat herself daintily on the vanity, and placed the coffee on the other side of the cabinet, out of harms way.

Rinsing her hair with a jug of water, he finished the task, and sat back on his haunches, looking over his shoulder he watched Buffy make herself comfortable on the vanity. She lifted the coffee in her hands offering it too him, he responded by getting to his feet and took a step backwards, still keeping an eye on his daughter in the bath. He leaned on the opposite side of the vanity, taking the drink from her and having a sip, he nodded his thanks to her.

"So what are you going to do today Luv?" Spike asked her.

"Sleep!"

"Hey, if I can't then you can't!" Spike looked mischievously at her, pointing towards Imogen. "We are going shopping, and as part of this family you're coming too!"

"Shopping? As in mall or food?" Buffy's ears pricked up at the mention of one of her favourite pastimes.

"Mall, but have you got all your uni work done? No assignments due?"

"All done Friday night and yesterday before I came over."

"Smart girl. More time to play then?" Spike looked to make sure Imogen was ok, before he leaned over and kissed her gently on the mouth. Not pleased with having the attention taken away from her, Imogen raised her hands and splashed the adults with bath water, sprinkling them lightly with it. "Talking about play time, out of the bath for you missy and new clothes….again!" He lifted the little girl out of the bath, and wrapped her in a towel, rubbing it against her skin, drying her off. "Luv why don't you go have a shower, and get dressed. I'll finish with Imogen, then have one myself and we can go."

Buffy began to undo the belt that held her dressing gown in place, as she heard his sharp intake of breath, and at the barest glimpse of her breast, as the fabric began to fall open. She looked at his eyes begin to darken and open as she undressed.

"Buffy!" Spike spoke with a harsh quieted voice. "Don't tempt me! Go into the master bedroom you evil temptress, and in front of innocent eyes!" With a smirk on his face, he shielded Imogens' eyes with the palm of his hand.

Laughing at his actions and words, Buffy refastened her dressing gown, and scurried down to the master bedroom and the en suite within to freshen up and shower. As she stood in front of the mirror, she looked at herself, really just looked at herself. She appeared no different to what she had yesterday, undoing the gown, she could see a few slight bruises from the night before, on her hip and arm. Where he'd unintentionally gripped her a bit too hard during the night and grasped her flesh, sometimes frightened that she'd runaway from him in fear of what she was experiencing.

Turning on the water she stood under it letting the spray tingle along her flesh, as she remembered the night before, as she washed herself with the soap cloth, she imagined it was his hand, running it across her arm, abdomen and legs. She allowed herself to lose herself in the fantasy, as the water continued to pour over her…..

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All of them ventured along the long corridors of the local shopping centre, as Buffy on more than one occasion would drag him into one shop or another. Spike was beginning to wonder if this was such a good idea or not, after she tried on one article of clothing after another, demanding that he rate every one of them. Occasionally he would bring out his wallet demanding that he pay for some of the goods, especially the evening clothes he knew would surely break the bank for her, and he knew she was buying to wear for him, on special occasions in the future.

He especially demanded to buy the delicate items; she brought from the lingerie store, and had required her to parade in them for him, in the shops private fitting room. Spike didn't think that she'd be very impressed with him, if she knew that as he made her dress, he went to pay for the goods. He made the sales girls' eyes light up at the commission she would make from the sale, as he asked for different colours in her size of her favourite pieces, and brought many pieces that she had yet to lay her eyes on. Especially the garters and silk stockings that matched many of the bra and knicker sets she'd chosen.

Picking up the parcels, he placed them in the basket at the bottom of Imogen's stroller, popping his head around the stroller he put his finger to his lips, and said 'shhhhhh' to his little girl. Gently smoothing down her hair, as she pulled herself over to try and look at what had been placed in her stroller, and that her father didn't want her to see. She belted out a cry of distress, as her father tried to draw her attention away from the parcel.

"Hey sweetie! What's the big bad man trying to do?" Buffy walked to the stroller, pushing Spike aside, lifting the youngster out of the stroller, cuddling the baby to her body. She was immediately awarded a smile and a cuddle back, as Imogen rested her head onto her chest, and stuck her thumb contently in her mouth.

"The big bad man did nothing thank you!" Spike kissed his daughter on the forehead making his way around the back of the empty stroller and walked out of the store. Buffy walked behind him, still carrying Imogen and straight into the swarming crowd in the mall. "Time for a break!?!" Spike asked looking at her, as she started in the next direction of the next store that had caught her gaze.

Buffy stopped in her tracks, and turned towards her companion all pouty and displeased that her shopping trip had been disrupted. Moving to the stroller, she put the baby securely inside, doing up the safety straps, and taking control of the handlebars away from Spike, she starting walking towards the eatery area of the shopping complex. Spike quickly stepped in time with her, and placed his arm around her shoulder in show of possession to the world, as they walked up the corridor. Stopping at one of the more stroller friendly tables, Buffy sat in front of the baby, as Spike took the seat next to hers, dropping the parcels he carried to the floor.

"Coffee or soft drink?" Spike asked Buffy as he got Imogen's bottle out of the baby bag, shaking its contents and spying the surrounding vendors' for one with a microwave. "Hungry?"

"Diet Coke and yes." Buffy pulled Imogen into her lap so the youngster could see the world around her.

"What?"

"Anything sweet!" Spike titled his head with a sneaky look in his face to her request.

"You're not sweet enough! You don't come with cream or sprinkles!"

"That can be arranged you know!"

"Go!" Buffy ordered him, pointing towards the café shop a few feet away.

For the moments Spike left them, she watched him as he waited patiently in line to be served, and much to her distain, her not so favourite Professor made an appearance, and a beeline for her man. She watched on as the woman openly flirted with him, preening herself and lay a hand on his arm as she spoke with him. Buffy didn't miss the nervous glances her way, as he looked across to her and watched her open hostility towards the woman. Buffy lifted her hand slightly under the baby and pointed towards the woman, and whispered in the baby's ear. "Can you say barracuda Imogen. Barra-cuuu-da. That's what one looks like! So for future reference little bit, that's a barracuda!"

"Bbbb" Imogen tried to copy her, and clapped her hands together in glee as she tried to speak, happy with her efforts.

Luckily for who she wasn't sure, Spike was served and on his was on his way back, she could see the barracuda's eyes follow him back to their table, her mouth drop and eyes squint as she saw where he stopped and sat down. Buffy plastered the biggest smile she could on, and picked up the baby's hand to wave at her. The look she got back from the Professor was priceless, as her exterior cracked and she stomped off. "That'll teach the bitch!" Buffy whispered under her voice, which Spike heard and nearly dropped the soft drink he placed in front of her.

"Buffy!"

"Well she needs to keep her mitts of you! You're taken! Women like that should be locked up!" Buffy glared at him, not being able to keep her emotions to herself. Spike smirked at her jealousy, not that she needed to feel that way; the other bint didn't stand a chance. He slightly turned his head to see if anyone was really watching them, noticing no-one really was, he leaned over and gave her a kiss, grazing his tongue over her bottom lip, as she responded he slipped in tasting her soft palate, before pulling back just as quickly as he started.

"You can show me just how taken I am when we get home, and Little Bit's having an afternoon nap!" With that Spike placed the piece of cake in front of her he brought her, then picked up his own coffee and took a sip, as Buffy's mouth dropped with his forwardness. Imogen took full advantage of the situation, as she leaned forward smacked her hands into Buffy's piece of cake and shovelled it into her mouth.

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Arriving home later in the day, after continuing the shopping trip, Spike carried his sleeping child upstairs to her cot, as Buffy made her way through the numerous bags and packages they'd collected. She knew that they'd , well she'd, done some serious shopping but not this much damage to her budget. A few bags had a few things inside that she'd liked but hadn't bought, a few dresses and accessories. Her eyes travelled over the pile of shopping until they reached the bags from one of the shops….she'd only bought one bag, but now there were two. Opening the bigger bag of the two, she pulled out from the soft tissue wrapping, some of the most delicate pieces of lingerie and underwear she'd ever seen. In every colour and make, some romantic and other's down right dirty. A smirk covered her face, as she wasn't born yesterday and realised he'd didn't buythem for her, but for himself!

Buffy heard his footsteps on the landing as he descended the stairs; quickly she put the discriminating pieces back in the bag, and hid it back in Imogems' stroller. Trying not to look to amused; she put on a straight face and took out the other items' that he'd bought her.

"Hmm think this one will look good on you?" Buffy pulled out one of the tops that he'd obviously paid for.

"Hmm? Yeah perfect fit I'd say." Not paying much attention to what she was saying, to rapt up in watching her.

"Nahh pinks not your colour." Buffy put the shirt up to him.

Spikes' laugh bellowed through the house, as he finally realised her joke, moving through the maze of bags on the living room floor he sat down on one of the sofas. Rummaging through one of the few bags of his own, picked up one of the blue shirts she'd picked out for him.

"More my colour Luv, but I think it may suit you even more." Buffy moved over and pulled the shirt from his hands, and lifted it to herself. "Probably even better, especially just wearing it alone."

Buffy threw the shirt back into his face, but he was quicker grabbing her by the waist he hauled her onto the sofa with him, and had her straddling his lap. Grabbing his shoulders to steady herself, she found herself captured by such an intense gaze that she'd never seen before. It wasn't there two seconds ago, but it was now. She watched as he pursed his lips together and lick his bottom lip with his tongue, finally biting it between his teeth. He lifted a hand from the tight grip he held on her hips and pushed it into her hair, moving it away from her face and ear. With a little gentle nudge of his hand, he brought her face down to his, to tease her with the gentlest kiss, grasping the top of her lip between his own, occasionally pulling at the tender flesh with his teeth. Pulling it forward with the blunt sharpness of his canines, and then deliciously soothing them with his own lips. He continued to tease her until she could stand it no more and took matters into her own hands, and grasped his face in her hands, and retaliated back with his own teasing. This time she pulled at his mouth, drawing it out as long as she could, let him see if he could stand the same sweet frustration.

Not allowing her to have the same satisfaction at playing the game, Spike plundered the soft tissue of her mouth with his tongue. Swirling it along its crevices and hidden corners. She tasted like summer and innocence, well not so innocent now, not the way she responded back to him. She joined in the kiss with all her being, shutting everything else but him, and now. Their kisses pulled them closer together, enticing their need for each other to blossom and burn in the fire that they shared. It sustained them for a little while but it wasn't enough, it wasn't enough to feed the hunger that ignited between them.

Buffy pulled herself away, looking at her lover as she started to pull herself away from him. She tried slide her leg down the sofa, so that they could in her way of thinking go upstairs to bed. Spike slid his hand around the back of her thigh, halting her movements.

"No," was all he said. Taking her mouth with his own again, he moved both his hands to her hips and grounded her into his erection. Buffy moved the stakes up, and in a move that surprised him, she lay her hand on his hardened flesh, gently squeezing the flesh beneath the fabric. Spike moved his hands down her thighs, lifting the skirt that she wore up to her waist, watching her reaction, as a quizzical look came upon her face. "Here." Spike kissed her lips not waiting for an answer, as he took one side off her panties in his hand, and pulled the fragile fabric until it ripped, causing Buffy to take a sharp intake of oxygen, as she was unsure of this soaring passion between then. "Now."

Tugging on the other side of the panties, he pulled until they gave way as well, taking the front of them in his hand he pulled them away from her, leaving her open and exposed. Not missing a beat he slipped a single finger in between her moist folds, teasing her clit with light strokes of the tip of his finger. He strummed the flesh until she grabbed his shirt so much he thought she'd pull it apart with need. Taking the cue, he moved deeper into her until he came to stroke the inner flesh of her body, he gently stretched her body so new to this, with two of his fingers. Reaching into her, as far as he could, there wasn't a single part of her that he didn't touch or tease, when he found the right place, she reacted by nearly rearing herself off him. He watched as her face contorted with the pleasure she was experiencing and feeling, it gave him so much pleasurable torment to know that he was causing this moment of pleasure for her, but it wasn't enough. Not by along shot. Wanting to give her more, he heightened her senses as he once again, stroked her clit in time with the rhythm he used to stroke her flesh.

"Luv….please…"

Buffy looked at him unsure of what he wanted or expected from her, she applied more pressure in her slack hand that surround his arousal. With out breaking away from looking at her, he grasped his hand over hers and led it to the snap and fly that held his pants in place. Finally understanding, Buffy released the button, and slowly drew the zipper down, releasing his blatant hardened arousal, that now lay within her grasp. Still a little shy, she grasped the length of it from top to bottom, gently brushing her nails along the distance end to end. "Buffy luv…touch me…don't be afraid to touch me…harder…that's it…oh god…that's my girl!" Doing as he asked she quickened the pace she was using, and tightened her hold she had on him, heightening his own desire further, as they spun deeper into the height of their mutual desire and pleasure.

With no warning he lifted his hips, as he withdrew his hands from her, and pulled his clothing down to ease the way forward. Taking the initiative Buffy still grasped him in her hands, as she still straddled him, she lifted herself high above him. Taking the very tip of him into her folds, she slid it along her slit to moisten and tease him. Spike threw his head back against the sofa, as her actions sent the sensitive nerve ending within him firing, and drove him insane as he yearned to be inside her.

"Please Buffy don't tease me…..take it all…..please luv!" Buffy heard his request but partially granted it as she took the head inside her body, and continued to drag out it out, as she rotated her hips in shallow movements. He opened his eyes too see her own closed and her facial features straining under the gravity of pleasure she was feeling. As much as he tried to control himself, and hold back and let her be in control of her own sensual discovery, he felt himself slipping, as his desire for total penetration over took everything else. "Please Luv…deeper…please deeper!" But Buffy still didn't hear him, as the pressure of her shallow movements were dragging him to orgasm, quicker than he could have ever imagined, and that he didn't want, he wanted them to come together, as it should be.

Not being able to wait anymore, he grabbed her hips and slammed her down onto his flesh until they were groin to groin, and you couldn't tell where she began and he ended. The relief from the pressure from her shallow thrusts gave way to a tidal wave of completion, as every inch of him sat within her. It broke her out of her trance, as she shook of being taken so suddenly, and completely. She just stopped and let herself feel him inside her, let herself have a moment of total completion. Until instinct took over, and she grabbed the back of the sofa for leverage as she began to move herself upon him. Over and over, rotating her hips, changing the angle of her body to experience him on every inch of her inner flesh. Every time flesh touched flesh, it sent a wave of bliss along her being. She dragged it out for as long as she could with each thrust and movement, she was in total control of the ride. But he could feel her flagging, feel her thigh muscles contract and tighten in protest. Not breaking the bond, he slid them down onto the carpet and Buffy onto her back.

"Bend your knees luv." Feeling her ankles at the side of his hips, he lifted himself onto his haunches, and lifted each ankle onto his shoulder. An unsure look filled her face, as he leaned forward once again, holding himself up by his hands, as her feet rested on his shoulder. As he began to move with in her, she could feel the deeper penetration and angle as they took the added pleasure of something new to heighten the ecstasy they shared. This time he drew out his movements, prolonging the pleasure, and teasing her by just stopping himself at times, until she either dug her nails into his back or she begged him for "more". He endured this drawn out pleasure for as long as he could until, he couldn't wait for much longer, her inner muscles clutching along his ridged length, showing her on coming orgasm sent him spiralling towards his own.

"Come with me sweetheart…come with me…"

His pace increased, as he grinded himself into her, he angled himself so that he stimulated her clit as he moved himself with her. He watched as she arched herself of the floor and let her self go, he could feel her inner waves of pleasure as she came. Knowing that she was attaining her own nirvana, he let himself go as he called out her name in reply to her own scream.

He well and truly was shown how 'taken he was'.

Chapter Sixteen

Inspired by and dedicated to Kar (Karbear57) and also too slackerace who gave me the nudge...

Edited by Kar....thanks sweetie

Sanctuary Part One

Buffy walked around the campus grounds surrounded by her friends as they headed to their fifth and final lecture on Friday. She was tired from the busy nights trying to do her assignments and research papers, so that she could spend the majority of her weekend with Spike and Imogen. It made the week days go faster because she had so much to look forward to, she had some time with him during the week, but he’d always make it short and sweet so as not to interfere with her studies, which was one thing he was insistent about. They made as much of that time as they could talking, relaxing and enjoying time with Imogen. Yet never anything intimate as they’d learned that their enthusiasm made her go home late, and her mom mad.

“So girls, a night on the town for our merry troop?” Xander asked the girls knowing that he would get some lame excuse not to go from all of them.

“Sorry washing my hair.” Will replied giving up on trying to make up something that would sound plausible.

“I’m washing her hair too,” Tara spoke quietly at Willow’s side, “we’re saving water.”

“That is so lame!” Xander began to sprout at them slightly dismayed at their not wanting to go out anymore. “We never go out anymore! Is this the only place we’re ever going to get to see each other?”

“Xander!” Buffy turned towards the male of the four, “We all have things to do this weekend. People too see, shopping to do and assignments to write.”

“Boyfriends to see and friends to dump for!” Xander’s green eyed monster showed itself, unfortunately he’d become a little jealous of the man that had stolen his best friend from him.

“Girlfriends that don’t like us!” Buffy threw back at him.

“Anya doesn’t hate you! She’s just a little forwardy in her thinking and speech.” Xander defended his girlfriend.

“More like socially inept!” Buffy was beginning to get riled up and what on earth was Xander trying to prove.

“Hey guys come on...” Willow tried to calm the two before it got out of hand. “Okay, so we don’t get together as much as we used too, but...”

“But what Will?” Xander looked at his friend. “We never see each other outside of this place! Not like we used to.”

“Okay, okay Xan, you’ve made your point, we need to get together more.” Buffy nodded her head in agreement with him. “But I also have a life outside of here and the only time I get with my man is on the weekend. My mom makes it tough on us enough with out you adding to the grief!”

Xander looked away from his friend, he knew that after all the shit she’d been through with that animal Riley, she was due some happiness. Yet not at the total expense of all of them. He hoped that she wouldn’t entirely forget her friends; maybe they all need to make a more concerted effort to see each other, and make time to do it. They had a strong unit of friendship that was just too stupid to through away, and maybe it was up to him to make headway to make sure that it didn’t crack all together. Even if he had to make friends with the reason behind why the cracks where beginning to show.

“So make us part of your weekend, introduce your main squeeze to us. Let’s get to know the man.” Xander attempted to make the first step.

“‘Main squeeze’! Xan that’s even feeble for your standards!” Willow started to laugh at her friend’s sometimes-backwards use of the English language, even though she knew he was trying. She could feel Tara’s finger poking her in the back in response to her words, “Sorry Xander.”

“So Buffster what do you say?” Xander began to put the pressure on.

“To what?” Buffy was still a bit taken aback by her friends’ demand to meet Spike. Up to this point, she’d keep her life with him to herself, and she didn’t know if she wanted to share in their private world just yet. She was still exploring it herself, it’s newly found pleasures and the enjoyment she had as being a part of his everyday life. It was her shelter and haven from the rest of the world, Buffy knew one day she’d have to share and show him more of her world, but just not so soon. Yet she didn’t know if she could, or just didn’t want too.

Another thing that concerned her was just how he was going to feel about being around her much younger friends. He was a complicated man and one that she knew could adapt to any situation, but she feared that he may find her friends dull and boring. Not because they were, but because they were young and focused on making their way into the world where he had already established himself. She felt this fear because she supposed the same for herself that his friends may find her dull and boring because of her youth and inexperience in the world.

Buffy knew somewhere deep within herself that this wasn’t really true, but the fear was deeply planted in her subconscious mind. Her doubts about herself always had a way of creeping into her life. Another concern was Imogen, how would they react to the baby, she doubted that any of them knew about the baby. She knew that it would just probably add fuel to the fire with Xander and give him another excuse to fire another round at her defences. It wasn’t enough she guessed, for him to consider the fact that Spike was the reason that she was as happy as she was at the moment. Maybe she needed to remind him that despite Anaya’s inadequacies, she brought out the man from the boy and had made him so happy that he was sometimes so deliriously happy that it was laughable. Anya had made him a better person.

“Coffee tomorrow if you ladies are all agreeable?” Xander asked as smoothly as he could, laying on the charm. He watched as mixed emotions crossed over each of the girls’ face, Willow’s in agitation as she knew just how fragile Buffy must be feeling. Tara's filled with concern over his pushing against the boundaries that Buffy maybe comfortable with, and Buffy’s face filled in tense insecurity. “Come on Buffy, we gotta meet him sometime. Why not tomorrow?”

Buffy looked at each of the girls and saw their concern on their faces, and she could see the need to understand what was going on in her life written in his face. If it was really any of his concern anyway, but she could understand his desire she supposed to make sure that she was safe and happy, she hoped that was the deep seeded need why Xander needed to meet Spike. The next question was how she going to tell Spike that her friends wanted to meet him, he probably would be elated to finally meet her friends. Yet some of the fears that had surfaced during this conversation spoke loudly in her mind, making it difficult to decide what to do.

So with some great reluctance she nodded her head, “Espresso Pump at 4? How does that sound?” She just had to get herself there, it was a surety that Spike would go, but the most important thing was would she go. They chatted about everything else to avoid what had become a very uncomfortable discussion between the four. Turning finally into the building that housed their final lecture, the idle conversation ceased as they took their seats for the lecture. With one dark haired professor that had no pleasant looks for the young student in the third row, who didn’t miss a single glance of displeasure on the professor’s face.

Maybe she should think about it the prospective meeting in the afternoon some more and if necessary make up some plausible excuse if she needed to escape. All she really wanted was to find Spike, wrap herself within his body, and block out the world. To stay in their own seventh heaven they’d created together.

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Spike sat at his desk in front of his computer going over the figures of the monthly budget, and as much as he hated to admit it, he just couldn’t balance the funds. As usual, the spending outweighs the government grants, students’ fees and private donations. Not even every creative accounting technique could hide the truth that the University was again way over budget. Unfortunately, it was like that every month since he’d taken this job, and it had been the same at the last University he’d worked in the U.K. With a slight knowing smile, it was nice to know that no matter wherever in the world you worked, education was never funded correctly.

The best he could do was present the truth to the Board of Trustees again this month, and try to explain it to the academics why they wouldn’t be getting extra funding, and why they had to cut their budgets again. He’d have to listen to the accusations again that he wasn’t doing his job correctly by the Deans of the Faculties, and diverting money too less important faculties than their own. Sometimes he really hated his job, and the Board of Trustees meeting was the least pleasurable things in the job, and despite all this the Chancellor would come and tell him after all the abuse what a good job he was doing.

Scratching his head he was trying to think of a way to soften the blow at the meeting tomorrow, but as usual his thoughts always wandered out the window and onto the lawn below. He would lose himself in the view of the window, hoping to see a glance of her, just a look, just for a second. Yet he never saw her and he knew he wouldn’t unless she walked half of the campus to the Administration offices, the opposite site to any of where her lectures were. The window never graced her presence much to his disappointment, just once would make his day, just a look....

Picking up the phone he dialled her number for her cell phone by memory, he waited through the ring tone for her to pick up, until the engaged tone filled his ear. He looked up at the clock on the wall in defeat as he realised she’d be in her final class for the day, but he couldn’t help himself as he hit the redial button on the phone. Again it rang out. Replacing the phone handle to its cradle he knew that he’d have to wait for her to ring him back if she looked at her phone later for missed calls. Looking back at the computer screen, he tried to lose himself in the numbers that blurred his vision. Somehow, he managed after sometime to work his way through the jumble of numbers to make some sense of them, but hit the wrong key losing his work for the last hour.

“Bloody hell, you stupid fucking piece of technological crap!” Spike exploded as he tried to retrieve the last data.

“Did the big bad man break his toy?” Buffy spoke softly from the doorway as she heard his unpleasant remarks to the inanimate object. “Spike, it’s just a machine.” Buffy broke out into laughter, as he began to go a deep shade of read in embarrassment at being caught out.

“I just lost all my bloody work!”

“Calm down and let me have a look!” Buffy moved into the room, and motioned for him to move away from his desk, which she moved directly in front of him and bent over to look at the screen and keyboard. “Okay simple!” he watched as she punched in a few commands into the computer and retrieved his work. “See easy fixed.” She turned around to see him looking more at her behind than at the data that was back on the screen, Buffy turned back to the computer and saved the data onto the hard drive. Making sure that she subtlety and suggestively swayed her hips as she went about it.

“Are you finished Miss. Summers?” Spike moved his chair closer to her as she now leaned her bottom onto the front of the desk. Standing up he moved even closer as she slightly moved her stance apart to make way for his frame, sliding his hands from her hips until they lay on her cheeks, he pulled her into a deep kiss. He traced her mouth with his tongue as she teasingly refused to open her mouth to him she took her hands from the desk and lay them over his backside, softly massaging the flesh beneath her hands. Pulling him as close as she could to between her thighs, Buffy grinded herself over his front as she surrendered herself to his demanding kiss and let him in. She felt his gentle assault of her mouth begin immediately as he tasted every inch of her mouth, and entwined hers in their combined dance of ecstasy.

“Mr. Benson, the Dean of....” neither heard the approach of the department’s secretary to his door. Both quickly pulled away quickly away form each other, with Buffy quickly dashing to the widow to hide her blushing complexion. Leaving Spike struggling to straighten his now wonky tie and having to deal with the older woman that didn’t seem too shocked at finding him in a compromising situation. She didn’t even blink as she continued, “Mr. Benson the Dean of Health Sciences would like these figures reviewed for the next Board of Trustees meeting.”

“Thank you Mrs. Whitehall.” Spike spluttered out his words as he looked between her and Buffy. “I...um...I”

“Nothing Mr. Benson, it’s about time I’d say you found yourself a girlfriend,” Mrs. Whitehall had never been one to hold back her thoughts on anything. “But in the office Mr. Benson? Show the young lady some respect!” She walked further into the room and placed the files she held onto the desk, “It’s also Friday and everyone else has gone home for the day. Can I suggest that you do the same?”

“Umm...”

“It’s nothing that I haven’t seen before Mr. Benson, just go home and enjoy the weekend.” Mrs. Whitehall walked out of the office thinking to herself, at least he isn’t going to waste, or that awful professor woman hadn’t seemed to get her hooks into him yet, even if the whole university knew she was out to get him.

Spike looked at very embarrassed Buffy that still refused to turn away from the window he moved behind her and placed his arms around her. He pulled her hair away from her neck and began to place soft kisses along her skin, and playful blew in her ear. Buffy let him play for a little while before she pulled away and faced him, still slightly blushing, her face filled with mortification at being caught.

“Hey don’t be embarrassed,” Spike smiled at her trying to reassure her. “We obviously aren’t the first couple she’s walked in on, and won’t be the last.”

“That doesn’t make it any better! She found us...” Buffy gasped.

“She found two people kissing in an office Buffy! At least we weren’t naked and shagging!” Spike smirked at the thoughts that filled his head. “But then again that’s another fantasy of mine that I’d like to fulfil one day.”

Buffy responded by hitting him on the arm, as she tried to move pass him and out the office. He caught her hand and pulled her to him, as he grabbed his coat from behind the chair that was a few feet from them. Taking her hand her lead her from the crime scene and down the hallway towards the exit. Once outside, quietly lead by him they made their way to his car he opened her door for her and made his way to the drivers seat, as he gunned the engine.

“If the office turns you off, I have another fantasy with you.” Spike broke the silence.

Buffy voice cracked with her response, “Fantasy with me?”

“Yeah, you,” Spike took his eyes of the road for a second to meet hers. “You and me.” He looked at the road before, quickly turning his head and motioning to the backseat of the DeSoto.

“Oh.”

“Have to take out the baby seat though.”

“Baby seat?”

“Yeah more room,” his eyes flashed quickly at her, a deep blue with a burning desire rushing through them, but he didn’t miss the blush again in her cheeks. “Are you embarrassed again? Or shocked that I want to take you somewhere else besides a bedroom Buffy?”

“It’s just something that I never...um...never really thought about,” her words where so quiet that they were nearly silent. “Not that I’m saying that I wouldn’t want to.”

“Good Buffy, because I fully intend of having my wicked way with you whenever I can,” Spike took a hand from the steering wheel and took her hand. “Or any wicked way you want to have me.”

Buffy just blushed more if she could, it was something that she’d never really even considered because of the past that had held her in such a deep grip. Trust her to find someone that she truly loved and desired to have such a veracious appetite. She couldn’t even fathom what was normal and what wasn’t, because she’d shield herself so deeply from the world of desire. It looked like he was going to plunge her straight into the world of the unknown, but it was something that she was truly looking forward to embracing and exploring.

They drove towards the day-care centre to pick up Imogen and finally drive back to the Benson household. Spike pulled up to find Buffy lost in her thoughts and not even realising that they were home, as he shook her shoulder to make her aware of her surroundings.

“Lost little girl?”

“A little.”

“Don’t worry we’ll find our way,” both knew what he was referring to and to which Buffy was grateful to have found such a man, as the one that stood before him with a now howling grumpy baby in the backseat demanding to be feed her dinner. “But at least some one’s clear on what she wants.” He turned back to Buffy as he got out to retrieve Imogen from her baby seat, “You hungry Little Bit? Buffy?”

“Yes!”

“And for anything else?” the glint in his eye’s flashed again.

“Yes,” Buffy got out of the car and took Imogen from his hands, and began to walk to the front door with him. She stood back as he opened the door and let them in, “but that’s for later mister!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy watched as he prepared the evening meal for them, as he moved effortlessly through the kitchen, not like her usual mess she created when she tried to cook. She dreaded the day that he suggested that she cook for them, it would be a total disaster, and one that would bring shame to her mother that could make dirt taste like a gourmet dinner. Spike couldn’t miss the look of concern that filled her face, his concern grew as the silence continued, a lot of things passed through his mind what could be worrying her, and he didn’t like any of them.

“What’s wrong, pet?” Spike put down the knife he held in his hand and came around to the table where she with Imogen in her lap. “You looked worried? Exam coming up?”

‘No, it’s nothing really.”

“’Nothing really’ doesn’t look like what’s on your face Luv. Unless it’s serious, and I want to know.” Spike took Imogen from her lap and placed her into the playpen beside the table. “I worry about you sometimes,” he caressed her hair as it hung over her face. “Worry because I care, and I’m here for you. I need to know you’re okay, and not going to run off!”

“I’m not running off, and it’s nothing for you to worry about? It’s my problem, okay?”

“Does it have something to do with what happened in the office?” He was worried that his forwardness about what he desired and fantasized may have been to much, maybe she wasn’t ready for this type of play yet. “Or what I suggested Luv? If you’re not ready...”

“It’s not that. I...” Buffy looked away from his gaze. “My friends want to meet you, and they want to meet us tomorrow.”

“Is that all?” his laughter filled the room. “I thought you were thinking...”

“It’s serious Spike! These are my friends!” Buffy spluttered out with such intensity that it stopped him mid-sentence.

“What do you mean by that Buffy?” Spike respond with a quiet hushed voice as her true meaning hit him. “What haven’t you told them about us that makes you so jumpy?”

“Nothing?”

“Then why are you so jumpy about me meeting them?” Spike tilted her face in his palm as he tried to seek the truth in her eyes. “Why Buffy? Are you ashamed of something or me? Have you kept silent about me, like a dirty little secret?”

“NO! They know about you!” Buffy stood up placing a hand on his cheek in reassurance. “They know that we are together! That you’re the reason that I’m happy!”

“Then what, Buffy? Why are you so worried about them meeting me?”

“They...they’re younger than you. You might..”

“Might what? Find them what?” Spike asked her quietly. “Boring? Childish? Dull?”

“Yes.”

“Do I find you boring, childish and dull, Buffy?” Spike turned away from her and took one step back from them and shook his head in astonishment. “If I found you like that Buffy, do you think that I’d be here with you? Seriously?”

“No.” Buffy hung her head in shame at even thinking the thoughts that went through her mind.

“Since we are on the subject, maybe there’s something that’s bothering you about me?”

“No.” Buffy replied so silently that the falseness of her statement was obvious.

“Don’t lie to me Buffy. Never lie to me!” Spike voice carried his obvious anger towards her. “What is it about me that you haven’t told them?”

Buffy stood still and didn’t dare move a muscle she was afraid to cause more grief than she already had. She just didn’t know what to tell him or how to tell him her concerns about why she hadn’t told her friends the whole truth about him. She reluctantly pulled her head up too meet his hurt gaze, and watched as he walked to pull Imogen out of the playpen. He looked down at his daughter then to the woman that stood looking so helpless in the kitchen. He played with Imogen as he put her into her highchair in readiness to feed her dinner. Buffy looked even more guilty at him as he went about the task, it instantly hit him.

“They don’t know about Imogen, do they?” Reality came into play as he imagined the worst. “You haven’t told them about my baby? That your boyfriend’s a single dad?”

“No they don’t know about Imogen, I don’t know how they would react?” Buffy voice cracked under the pressure of her confession. “I don’t know if they, well one, would take the news well.”

“Does their opinion mean that much to you?”

“Spike you mean more to me than that?”

“It doesn’t feel like that at the moment Luv.” Spike moved back into the kitchen to put Imogens dinner on her bowl, and moved it place it in front of her. He watched as she grabbed the shredded carrot in one hand and shovelled it into her mouth with her fingers. “I need to know that we mean more to you than anything in the world!”

“You do, both of you!” Buffy felt the tears begin to threaten to take form behind her eye sockets. “You gave me back mine and brought me back from a non-existence that was killing me!”

“Then why do I feel like you’ve shut me out from everyone else that’s important in your life!”

“Because I’m stupid and a fool!” Buffy turned away from him as the tears began to cascade down her face. “And because I’m afraid that you’ll think you can never be a part of my friends! That they’ll try and talk me out of being with you and Imogen!”

“Could they Buffy?” Spike moved behind her as he confronted her. “Can they talk you out of being with me and Imogen?”

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