ch. 5

I hope I've made up for the nasty Riley stuff in Ch.4. :)



"I haven't had a woman bathed me in years."

"Bet this is a little different from that experience." Buffy said, nibbling on Spike's ear.

"A little. Grandmamma's legs never looked this good." Spike felt her breasts jiggling as she laughed.

"Can I ask you a rather personal question?"

"If it's about shrinkage and water temp, I'm going to have to respectfully decline." Buffy glanced at the semi-hard length of muscle lying against his thigh, and sighed huskily.

"Um, no, still doing quite well with that one." She said. "Very well." Spike grinned with pride.

"What happened to your ex?" Spike’s smile vanished. He stared at her feet, gliding through the water over his legs. Buffy laid her head against his, waiting for him to speak, understanding if he didn't.

"She's marrying the guy she had the affair with."

"It's only been 6 months. She didn't waste anytime, did she?" Spike chuckled at the anger in Buffy's voice.

Buffy slid her hands over his shoulders till her fingertips grazed ever so softly over his pecs. Spike reached for her fingers, lacing his through hers.

"No, she didn't. I expected it. She wanted him. She got him. Almost feel sorry for him, except for the small fact he was my friend."

"Want me to kick their asses? I can, you know. Just because my legs are short, doesn't mean I can't kick booty." Spike pulled her legs around his waist, rubbing them idly.

Spike craned his neck, capturing her mouth in a kiss. Buffy cradled his head in the crook of her arm. "No, thanks for the offer, though. I think I like your legs doing this instead."

"Me, too." They kissed lazily, his hands running up and down her legs. The main thought going through Buffy’s mind was ‘thank god, I shaved my legs’.

"How old were you when you got together?" Buffy reached for the washcloth trapped between their bodies.

"I was 21." His eyes closed as Buffy wrung the rag out, sending a small shower of warm water cascading over his chest.

"You were young. Does it hurt to talk about her?"

"Not anymore." Kinda hard to feel bad when I’ve got your legs wrapped around me, your body pressed against mine.

"You obviously saw something good in her."

Spike shrugged. "I thought I was protecting her, sheltering her. All I did was give her give her all the power. I was her doormat. I'm surprised you don't see her footprints on my back." He laughed, self-deprecatingly.

Buffy leaned back, checking out his back. "Nope, no footprints. Love will make you do some wacky things.” Soaping the cloth, she rubbed it across his chest, enjoying the sight of his abs rippling as she passed over them. “What do you regret the most?"

Spike was quick to answer that question. "I allowed her to turn me into some weakling, some poofter. I cringe when I think of all the times I acquiesced, when I knew I was right. I wanted us to live abroad for a year. She wouldn't hear of it. She told me she couldn't be away from her family for that long."

I would have gone with you if you'd asked me. Buffy raised her arms, concentrating on the other side of his chest.

"What do I regret? Being weak."

"You saw yourself as her knight-in-shining-armor. Classic male misassumption." Buffy said bluntly.

Spike laughed. "Ouch! Play nice. We're only trying to help you poor, defenseless females."

"Defenseless. Riigght. There are women who play that card to get a man, and there are those who don't need to play games to get a man."

Spike kissed her chin. "I don't think you'd would like my ex very much."

"I think you're right."

Spike tapped her legs, and Buffy reluctantly released him so he could let out the cool water. He glanced back at her, and she shuddered. What color were they? Blue seemed mundane. Cerulean? Maybe. Aqua? No, there definitely wasn't any hint of green to them. She'd only seen that color once before. When she was 16, her parents had taken her to Aruba. The water had been so clear, so blue, she could see the fish swimming beneath the surface.

"Penny for your thoughts." He said, huskily, kneeling between her legs.

"I was trying to figure out if your ex is blind or crazy for leaving a terrific guy like you." She said, pulling her knees to her chest.

"She was always looking for bigger, better things. I thought that meant a bigger house, better furniture. Didn't realize she was looking for my replacement." Buffy raised up on her knees, till they were nearly eye to eye.

"She's a fool. You can do better."

"You think so?" Spike's fingers brushed across her waist, settling on her hips.

"Yeah, I think so." Buffy stroked her fingers along his cheeks as she kissed him fully on the lips, his tongue sliding between her parted lips.

~~~~~~~~
Buffy jumped as the horn blared. She looked in her rearview mirror at the man pointing past her to the light. She mouthed sorry, and pulled off. She shook her head, banishing the memory to the Spike corner of her brain. Ten more minutes and she'd be at the restaurant. What was she going to say to him? Sorry I can't be with you, but can we be friends. That statement would make sense if she wasn't constantly thinking about him, if she could honestly say to herself she didn't want him again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"William, are you in love with this woman?" Maria Chase asked, bluntly.

Spike suppressed a grin watching the tiny Italian woman tap her foot impatiently.

"I like her a lot." Cordelia rolled her eyes at him, but he ignored her.

"You like her a lot. What does that mean, exactly?" Maria sat down at the table, and studied her surrogate son. Spike tried to lie to Maria once, and the consequences had not been pleasant. This time he wasn't lying. He really didn't think he was in love with Buffy. He just thought about her every second of every day. He could still feel her wrapped around him like a warm glove, taking him places he didn't know existed before or after her.

"Like is like, Maria." Spike squirmed under the unflinching scrutiny. "Maria, she has a boyfriend."

"Amore is not governed by such simple bonds. If you are in love with her, you will be together. Nothing will get in the way of Cupid's work." Maria pinched his cheeks, till he was sure she'd drawn blood. "You have a look of love about you. It looks good." Maria pushed off the table and waddled off to the kitchen.

Cordy took her mother's seat. "Don't start." Spike said.

"I wasn't going to say anything. You know your feelings. You know how you feel about Buffy. I'm just here for emotional support."

"Yeah, right, and how long have we known each other?"

"10 years."

"You're all giddy with the possibilities of what this could mean." Spike swirled the wine in the glass, watching the liquid splash off the sides.

"The only possibilities I'm interested in are those that involve your happiness. It would be nice to have another couple to do things with, but don’t consider me at all in your decision." Cordy turned slightly, drinking in the sight of Lindsey arguing affectionately with Maria.

"Don't worry, I won't. I will say this. I think you'll like her." Spike reached for the glass, but Cordy moved it out of his reach.

"I'd like anything, including a slug, that wasn't Dru. And you don't need to drink. You need to be sober and alert for the next few hours."

"You know you're starting to sound like your mother." Cordy's eyes bulged.

"Take that back." She said, laughing. She leaned down and kissed him on the temple. "Good luck."

They say timing is everything. Timing your swing for a hit. Timing a pass for the winning touchdown.
Timing a shot to maximize the lighting and setting. Timing was indeed everything. So, it only fit that Buffy would appear in the restaurant at the exact moment to see Cordelia kissing Spike on the temple. She stopped so suddenly, she almost stumbled over her own feet.

The brunette ran her fingers through his hair, and smiled sweetly at him as she moved to the kitchen. Buffy wanted to rip their hair out. How dare he! She spun on her heels, and headed back to her car. Spike reached her before she got in.

"Let me go."

"Why are you always running away?" She stiffened. Spike would have laughed, but the look in her eyes told him that would be unhealthy.

"I'm not running away. Obviously, you've got someone waiting in the wings, so I'm going to go."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cordy, Maria, Conner, and Lindsey crammed into the doorway, watching the scene outside with interest.

"She's a feisty little one." Maria commented.

"She's something. Did you see how fast he ran after her? He's already whipped, and they haven't scre… OUCH! Mama that hurt." Conner shouted, rubbing his arm.

"Connor Antonio Chase, watch your language or I'll wash your mouth out with soap."

“What did I say?”

“Shush, you’re missing the show.” Cordy told them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You’re jealous.”

“I am not. I’m... I’m just not going to get in the middle of a love triangle.” Buffy sucked her lip, wanting to hit the nearest ice cream shop for a triple fudge sundae.

“Too late, Pet. Or did you happen to forget you have a boyfriend.”

“We are so not talking about me. We’re talking about that ... that girl in there. You were kissing her.”

“You’re mistaken. She was kissing me. She also happens to be my best friend. This is her family’s restaurant.” Spike said smugly, knowing there was no way out of this predicament for her.

“Oh.” Buffy wondered if she’d start baying like a donkey, because she sure was feeling like an ass. He probably thinks I’m neurotic.

“I’m jealous of your boyfriend, Pet. So we’re even.” Spike told her. Buffy wet her lips, feeling the need to throw him on a car and rip his clothes off.

That’s a blatant demand to be kissed Ms. Summers. Spike lifted his thumb to her mouth, letting it slide languidly over her lip. Buffy was prepared to do a Scarlett O’Hara swoon at the gesture.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Did you see that?” Lindsey whispered into Cordy’s ear, making her jump.

“Uh huh. We really shouldn’t be watching this. We should give them some privacy.”

“You‘re absolutely right, sis. They need privacy.” Conner agreed, but none of them moved. In fact, the entire restaurant was straining to see what exactly had their rapt attention.

“This is so romantic. William has finally found his love. I see a wedding in the future.” Cordy and Conner groaned. Lindsey frowned, wondering if Maria knew about his secret. His eyes widened, as Spike and Buffy began to walk back towards the restaurant.

“Move!” Lindsey screamed. The scene inside the restaurant was tailor made for vaudeville. People swung around in their seats, glasses were knocked over. Conner and Maria slammed into each other. Cordy dove for the hostess stand, while Lindsey hightailed it to the kitchen. Spike opened the door, and all noise ceased.

Spike took a deep breath, prayed to the lord to deliver him from his friends, and escorted Buffy inside.

“Cordelia Chase, Buffy Summers.” The women shook hands with Buffy feeling immediately contrite for her earlier assumption.

“Spike tells me you’re a photographer. What kind of photos do you take?” Spike reached under the table, pushing at Cordy’s leg. She kneed him in the arm and continued playing the hostess slash best friend slash nosy body.

“I do some freelance work for the local papers, model portfolios, the occasional wedding. My main interest lies in city views.” Both Cordelia and Spike looked at her, confused by the lingo. “Pictures of people at work, at play, city life, stuff like that. I hope to publish a book of them, someday.” Buffy blushed. Spike was listening intently to her, which meant she had his undivided attention. That was nice.

“You should talk to Spike’s publisher, maybe he can help you find someone.”

“Thank you, Cord. I don’t know about Buffy, but I’d like something to drink.” Cordy rolled her eyes at him. Buffy ducked behind her menu to keep from laughing at the silent argument going on between them.

“Please, Cordy.” Spike finally begged. That seemed to satisfy Cordy, and she bounced off to get them their drinks.

“She seems very nice.”

“She is when she’s not being a busy body.”

They stared at each other, and Buffy waited patiently for the violins to start playing. “What’s the next move, Spike? Do we sit here and look at each other? I hope you know because I haven’t gotten that far yet.”

“Me neither. Getting here was the chore. It’s the rest that scares me.”

Buffy looked surprised at that. He seemed so sure of what he was doing, while she thought she might jump on top of the table screaming like a banshee.

“What scares you?”

There were several answers to that question. Premature balding, Passions being canceled, Conner living with him, but the one that would scare her the most is the one thing that scared him the most: Her walking out of his life. He promised Buffy and Cordy he wouldn’t push and he wasn’t going to. There was more than one way to skin a cat. And I probably shouldn’t have thought that before eating.

“Bollocksing this whole thing up.” He answered finally.

The corners of Buffy’s mouth twitched. “Well, I don’t want to bollocks this up either.” She reached out to touch his hand, lingering too long.

“I want us to be friends. I read your book. Thank you for what you compliment.”

“I should be thanking you. I never would have written it if I hadn’t met you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“This is a bad idea on so many levels. She is going to kill us.” Lorne complained from the backseat.

“Only if she catches us.” Dawn turned around to tell him. “Look, we all know Buffy is more than capable of screwing this up. We’re just going to be there in case things go to hell.”

“This is true to a point.” Tara laughed. “Buffy is too uptight about the whole Riley thing. She might resist Spike just out of a sense of propriety, which is entirely overrated.”

“Okay, so we’re all agreed the Riley sex is going to make things difficult for slap and tickle with Spike later.” Everyone nodded in agreement to Willow’s statement.

“I wanted to smack her when I realized what had happened but the fact Riley was walking around with blue balls, more than made up for it.” Dawn smirked. “You should have seen him, trying to hide it, hobbling to the bathroom. He reminded me of a penguin.” She snickered.

“Can we say how much we’re enjoying the fact you’re 18, my dear.” Lorne said with pride.

“Really, I have the three of you to thank for giving me my wings.” Dawn giggled. “So what’s the plan for when we get there?”

“Stay out of sight.” Willow told her. “We’ll need a scout to scope out the place, so we don’t walk right into Buffy.”

“I’ll go.” Lorne piped in. “I’m good at sneaking around.”

“I bet you are.” Tara quipped sarcastically, looking at him in the rearview mirror.

“Okay, there’s the restaurant and Buffy’s Liberty.”

Tara parked in the rear of the building. The foursome hugged the wall, inching their way to the door. Lorne peered around the corner. Keeping his head down, he searched the restaurant for Buffy. He motioned for the girls to come closer.

“Oomph! Hey, watch it.” Lorne said as three bodies slammed into him. “I don’t see her on this side. She might be on the other side. I’m gonna take a quick look.” Dawn, Tara, and Willow formed a totem pole from shortest to tallest, peering into the restaurant window. They looked up as Lorne came hightailing it from the other side, his hand on his heart.

“I saw them. They’re at a corner table in the back. If we can get the hostess to seat us on Buffy’s blind side we can watch unobserved.”

“Are we sure we want to do this?” Willow asked, nibbling her nail. “We don’t want to push Buffy too far. She has a wicked temper when she gets really pissed.”

“Yeah, but she won’t embarrass herself in front of Spike, so we’ll at least be safe until she gets home.” Dawn wasn’t the least bit concerned about Buffy’s temper. She’d lived with Buffy for 18 years. She never stayed mad for long, it wasn’t practical.

“Baby, Dawn’s right. What’s she going to say? You can’t have dinner here. It’ll be alright, and besides I feel all sophomoric doing this. We haven’t had this much fun since we raided the ADPi house with those frat boys.”

“That will always be one of my fondest memories of college.” Lorne said wistfully.

Dawn grinned with glee at the possibility of college pranks and frat boys. “I can’t wait to start SDSU in the fall.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I know you lived abroad, but I don’t know where.” Buffy asked, spearing a baby tomato.

“I lived in Italy for 6 months, stopped to see my Grandmamma in Bath, before heading to Japan for a year.”

“Wow, you were gone for nearly 2 years.” I guess we wouldn’t have run into each other with you on the other side of the world. I stayed here. I’m not the one who disappeared.

“What did you do?” Buffy asked, taking her anger out on the lettuce.

“I was a librarian at the American School in Japan.” Spike studied her under his lashes. He couldn’t believe she was sitting here, calmly eating her salad, as if the last 3 years hadn’t happened. “What did you do while I was gone?” Spike asked, wondering what had her frowning.

Thought about you. “Um, I changed my major to Art. I had to stay for extra semester, but it was worth it. I used my studio to finish my senior projects, and also make some extra money. Double bonus.” Buffy smiled at the look of awe on his face.

“What?” She said, her voice light.

“Impressive. It took a lot of guts to do all that.” Spike poured them another glass of wine, raising it in toast to her.

“I took your advice. I talked to my parents, told them what I wanted. Surprisingly, their heads didn’t explode. They were actually very supportive of my decision.” Buffy wiped her mouth, and pushed her bowl away. Her eyes narrowed as she saw a girl with long, brown hair out of the corner of her eye.

“Amazing they haven’t burned the restaurant down.” Spike shook his head at the oh-so-obvious spying going on from the kitchen.

“I don’t believe this.” Buffy said, twisting her napkin.

“What?” Spike asked. Buffy motioned him closer. He leaned forward, and Buffy sniffed his cologne on the sly. Concentrate on the question, not on the man. Okay, you can do both. Just don’t embarrass yourself.

“My sister and my friends are here.” She pointed with her finger, and Spike stretched, looking over his shoulder surreptitiously. Sure enough, there was the little hellion. His opinion of her was steadily improving. She had cajones, for sure.

“Just ignore them, like I’m doing.” Cordy and Maria were comparing notes, he could tell. Only Lindsey seemed to be ignoring them, and that was only because he had to prepare the food.

“I’ll try, but the urge to dump tomato sauce on them is really picking up steam.” Spike reached out on instinct and caressed her face. The act seemed so natural neither thought anything of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“She allowed him to touch her, cara mia. She obviously has feelings for him.” Maria said, clapping her hands together. “Ah, amore is so beautiful. You and Lindsey, William and Elizabeth, it is all so lovely. I wish your father was here to see this.”

“Mama, you’re not getting ready to cry are you?” Cordy said, hugging Maria tightly.

“Yes, I remember how awful that little tramp was to William, and then I see him with Elizabeth. It warms my heart to see them together. I’m what you kids call, a hopeless romantic.”

“Yeah you are, but we love you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“How about this? I’ll have them package up our dinner, and we can go back to my place.” Buffy laughed and shook her head at the implications of them alone at his house, with his bed.

“I know you’re worried. You, me, bed, but we’re adults. I think I can resist your many charms and not jump you the moment we arrive.” Can’t promise I won’t try, but I won’t be obvious about it.

“We can go to the beach. Whatever you want. I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable.” He seemed truly sincere, and Buffy found her resolve wavering. The dinner was going well, and she wasn’t ready to end it.
“You’re making me sound like some fragile wall flower. I know we can control ourselves. I know I can control myself.” She said. “Okay, you do what you have to do, I’m going to confront my people. If you hear screams, don’t worry. It’s just me pulling Dawn’s hair out strand by strand.”

Spike stood as she got up. Riley never does that. Riley also wouldn’t have come to a place like this. He was more of a spaghettos kind of person. Stop doing that! She admonished her mind. Stop comparing them. They are two totally different people. Different tastes. Different mindsets.

Lorne kicked Willow under the table and jerked his head to the side. Dawn was batting her lashes at the waiter, who seemed to be just as intent on staring her into the ground. The Troika was so engrossed in watching the teenage hormone fest, they never saw Buffy approach. She stood to the side, waiting till Conner finished taking their order before she cleared her throat. The expressions on their faces were priceless. Buffy wished she’d had her camera.

“You guys are so dead. No, don’t speak. Just listen.” Buffy put her fists on the table, leaning down so they could hear her. “We’re leaving. Don’t follow. I will see all of you bright and early at the Coffee Bean at 9:30. You’d better be there on time, because if I have to wait, I promise you it won’t be pretty. I know too much on all of you, so I suggest you be there. Enjoy your dinner. Bye.”


Buffy took the bag, while Spike opened the door. “Welcome to casa Giles. Have a seat. I’ll fix our plates.”

Buffy’s curiosity was peaked. Mom always told her a woman could tell a man by the furniture in his house. She shouldn’t have been surprised by what she found.

There were 2 huge, overstuffed sofas at angles in the room. In the center was a large table, surrounded on all sides by huge throw pillows. The entire room was done in burgundy and burnt gold. Wood flat blinds hung in front of a bay window, which looked out onto the ocean. Buffy wandered over to the bookshelf, her hand guiding over the eclectic collection of books. He had everything from Nitzche to Shakespeare, from autobiographies to Fitzgerald. Impressive.

“See any you like?”

“Too many things.” He couldn’t tell if she was talking about the books or him. Me. Me. Me. He wanted to scream.

That was a loaded question if ever there was one. Buffy thought, taking the plate from him. She pulled the placemats off his arm, and laid them out on the table.

“Got to get the wine and silverware.” He took off again, and Buffy was left alone, thinking she could really get used to this place. The pillows were lush and decadent. Buffy wondered how it would feel to...

“Do you mind if I get rid of the shoes? I promise my feet don’t stink.”

Buffy grinned. “Thank you. I was going to ask the same thing.” She slipped her sandals off, and pulled her feet under her butt.

“I love the decorating. Who did it?”

Spike gasped loudly. “I’m offended. I did my own decorating. Thank you very much.”

“Nicely done.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy couldn’t remember a more enjoyable evening. Spike was dogmatic, but he also took the time to listen to her opinions. They argued good-naturedly about politics. They discussed Kahlil Gibran and the meaning behind Citizen Kane. Spike was amazed at how easily she was able to switch from different topics, and have an opinion, a valid, intelligent opinion on all of them. She was his match at every turn. He couldn’t get the upper hand. There was no winner in their arguments.

“I hope you’re not stuffed because there is dessert.”

Buffy grabbed her stomach and puffed out her cheeks. “Give a girl a minute to digest. You must tell Cordelia’s mother that Eggplant Parmesan was the best I’ve ever had.”

“You can tell her yourself. I’m sure she’d love to have you come back.” Spike stood up to clear the dishes. Buffy started to help him, but he wouldn’t allow it.

“You look much too pretty to be doing dishes. I’ll just put these in the dishwasher. We can have dessert later. I’ll put some coffee on.”

“That sounds, perfect.” Buffy glanced outside, and saw the sun setting. “Do you mind if I go out on the porch.”

“Go anywhere you want.”

Buffy pushed the door open and stepped outside. Someone obviously likes to watch the sun set. She mused, taking in the positions of the chairs. The night had become cool, and Buffy wrapped her arms around her body.

“Here you go. This should help to take the chill off.”

Buffy sipped the brew, taking a whiff of the aroma. “This is good. Is that nutmeg?”

“Good guess. Most people can’t place it. My grandmother got me hooked on it. Now I ask for it wherever I go.”

“It’s delicious.” Spike set his cup down, and walked inside, returning with a throw.

“Here, don’t want you to catch a cold on your first visit.” Might be your last, but I won’t dwell on that.

“Thanks.” Buffy leaned her head back, watching as the sun slowly disappeared on the horizon.

“Another night waiting to end.” Spike turned to look at her.

“Seems like that’s all we do. Count down the time till one of us has to leave.”

Buffy put her cup down, and stared at Spike. “If I hadn’t left, what would have happened?”

“Don’t know. It wasn’t all about the sex. That was great, but it was you. You made me laugh.”

“I didn’t think it was all about sex, Spike. I don’t know what it is about you that makes me want to open up, say things I would never say, do things I would never do.”

“Seems we have ourselves quite the predicament.” Spike sat up. “You know how I feel Buffy. I want you. I don’t care about the boyfriend, and if that makes me a bad person, so be it.”

“I want you too, but I can’t do that to Riley. He’s a good man. And.. and I owe him my loyalty.” Buffy lowered her head, afraid he would see how much she wanted him.

“Can we be friends?” Spike had moved till he was kneeling in front of her chair. “Can we? Can you forget what we felt, how we felt? Cause I’d like to know how you do it? I haven’t been able to in 3 years and numerous relationships.”

Numerous relationships? “I think I should go.” Buffy stood up, her legs getting tangled in the throw. Spike grabbed her arms to steady her.

It was the touch that did it. If he hadn’t touched her, she would have been able to walk out of his house, run to her car, speed all the way home, jump in the shower, but he had to go and touch her.

Spike shoved his lips against hers, roughly, almost bruising in their impact. Buffy’s hands shot out and gripped his arms, her nails digging into the skin. The possessiveness of the kiss was in sharp contrast to the gentleness of his hands on her face. He grasped her head with both hands, showing her just what he wanted from her, needed to give to her. Buffy threw her head back, gasping for air, struggling to regain control. That thought lasted about as long as it took for Spike to pull her mouth back to his, plunging his tongue into her mouth. Using it to explore and tease, excite and subdue. She was putty in his arms and he knew it. Her hands fell to his hips, sliding around to cup his butt. Spike smiled into her mouth, allowing Buffy to pull him closer till his erection was pressed into her stomach. Buffy looked at him in anticipation of his next move.

Do we stop here, forget this happened, walk away like nothing happened? Or do we go to the bedroom, remove our clothes, stroke, touch, kiss each other until we’re sated?

“Tell me what you want?”

“You.”

Spike scooped Buffy up in his arms, his lips never leaving hers. Buffy fisted her fingers in his hair, holding him tightly. She felt her stomach drop as Spike laid her down gently on the bed. He leaned over her, his hand splayed over her belly.

“You are so beautiful.” He said in awe.

Buffy lifted her hand, laying it against his chest, feeling his heart beating steadily beneath it. She rose up on her elbows, dipping her head to capture his lips in another kiss. Spike traced circles on her stomach, each swipe causing her shirt to rise till she felt his hand on her bare skin. Spike pulled away from her mouth, and Buffy groaned in frustration. She nearly flew off the bed, when she felt his mouth on her breast, sucking her nipple through the lace. Spike shook his head, against the heady feeling suffusing his body. Buffy arched off the bed, her fingers in his hair, pressing him into harder against her flesh.

“Oh, god. Don’t stop.”

Stop? I couldn’t stop if I wanted to.

Spike swirled his tongue against her hardened nipple, his eyes dancing at the sight of the bud straining against the flimsy material. Buffy’s breathing was erratic. She thought she might burn if Spike didn’t stop torturing her nipple. God, she’d forgotten how much he liked them. Spike sat up, watching Buffy rub her legs together, trying to relieve the ache between them.

Buffy watched mesmerized as he hooked his fingers in the waistband of her skirt, and pulled it, along with her thong, off her legs. He seemed mesmerized by the hair between her legs. He looked up, pining her with his gaze.

“I’ve thought about this moment for 3 years. 3 years of wanting to touch you.” He slid his fingers between her lips, smiling with male pride when Buffy’s eyes bugged out. She gasped as he continued forward, sliding down slowly.

“Umm… umm.” Buffy opened her legs further, and her body started to shake as Spike’s arm settled between her thighs. He kept the pressure steady watching her eyes lose focus, her skin wet with a sheen of sweat. Spike teased her clit, almost penetrating her, making her moan, taking her breath away. Buffy grabbed his wrist, squeezing it tightly as Spike leaned down to kiss her cheek, nuzzling his head in her neck. He planted soft kisses along her collarbone. Buffy’s hips rose as she tried to guide his finger inside her warmth. She heard Spike in the distance saying ‘not yet’. She thought she might cry if he didn’t put something, his finger, his tongue, his cock inside her,

“Please, Spike. Please.” She sobbed.

“Ssh, I promise it’ll be worth the wait.”

“Wait!” She squawked. Spike grimaced when she pinched him.

“Bossy little chit, aren’t you?”

“Oh, of all the ahhh….” Buffy gulped for air, her body shuddering as Spike pushed two fingers inside her. He bent to kiss her, his tongue copy the rhythm his fingers were making. Buffy gripped his shoulders, trying to not cry out, failing miserably.

“Oh, Jesus… Oh, god. Ahh. Uhh. Ahh……….” Buffy screamed loudly.

Buffy’s head lolled to the side, her breaths coming in short gasps. Buffy curled into a ball, her crotch still twitching. Spike pulled away, his cock throbbing painfully in his pants.

Buffy watched in a daze as Spike stripped his shirt off, revealing those abs she loved to run her tongue over.

“We can still stop, Buffy.” For some reason, he felt the need to give her an out. He’d probably die, his cock was so hard, but he wouldn’t push her to do anything she wasn’t prepared to do. Buffy silently regarded him, and then realized how ridiculous his statement sounded. She was sitting in his bedroom with just her shirt and bra on. He’d just given her the finger fucking of her life, and he was giving her a chance to walk away, while he was unfulfilled. Buffy pulled her shirt off, unclasping her bra. Spike still hadn’t moved. He stood at the foot of the bed, watching her. She scooted till she sat in front of him, her legs on either side of his. His stomach flinched as her fingers touched him, jerking his belt open. She pulled it off with her teeth, earning a grin and a chuckle from Spike.

“New trick, luv?” Buffy shrugged.

“You didn’t have a belt on last time.”

“Oh. Ohhhh.” Spike hissed this time as he felt her hot tongue in his bellybutton. His hands ached to grab hold of her head, and guide her a little lower. Buffy pulled the zipper down, careful of his erection pressed against her chin. She looked up at him, her tongue still teasing the soft fold of skin. He had the weirdest bellybutton. Buffy had been fascinated with it from the very beginning. It was a definite innie, but it had a lip, something she could suck, which she did with vigor.

She could see his hands fisting, knowing he wanted her to take his cock in her mouth now. She smiled against his belly. Well, that’s just too damn bad. You made me wait, I’m going to make you see stars.

Buffy pushed his pants over his hips, his cock jutting out like a fifth appendage.

“Hold my hair.” She commanded, and he weaved his fingers into her hair, holding it off her neck.

Buffy licked her lips, and placed a kiss on the tip. Spike jumped as if electrocuted. Buffy stuck her tongue out, swirling it around the hole. She looked up and Spike was staring at her. His blue eyes fixed on the sight of her mouth lowering onto his cock. Buffy wrapped her hand around the lower portion of his shaft, guiding the head between her lips. Buffy opened her mouth to take it in, loving the feel of it as it slid down her throat. Spike’s fingers tighten in her hair, and Buffy briefly wondered if she’d have any hair left after this. Spike couldn’t believe how hot her mouth felt. It was a volcano engulfing his cock. Buffy was taking him in as far as she could, her hand completing the enclosure. She pulled back, her hand stroking him continuously. The memory and feel of her muscles clenched tightly around his fingers coupled with the feel of her mouth and hand wrapped completely around his cock caused his hips to jerk. He could still see her rolling around on the bed, her body flushed, and straining toward her release. Buffy placed her hand on his hip, controlling his thrusts.

“Buffy.. um, I’m gonna cum. I can’t hold it in.” Buffy sucked harder, feeling his cock go deeper. He felt his balls boiling. His eyes crossed, his toes curled. It just felt so good. He had to let go. Had to…..

“Ah. Ah. Ah. Ah…..” Buffy barely held on as he thrust in time with his grunts, shooting his seed down her throat. Buffy sighed as his cock slipped out of her mouth. Her head rested on his stomach, as he held onto her. She was just as affected by his release as he was. She pulled him down on the bed with her. He crawled up her body and found her mouth with his own.

“You never answered my question.”

Buffy blinked at him, confused. “What question?”

Spike nibbled her ear. “Did you want to stop?”

“You have got to be kidding me?” Buffy gasped and rolled her eyes. Spike chuckled at her reaction, rolling them over, pining her to the bed.

“Oh, I was. I was.” He said, grinding his hips into hers. Buffy’s brow arched as she felt the answer to that question pressed against her stomach.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buffy squinted at the sun shining in through the open window. She snuggled deeper into the warmth at her back. Her eyes widened as she realized what she had done. She’d cheated on Riley. She didn’t love him. She knew that, but he had been a good boyfriend, and she’d gone out and slept with Spike. She hadn’t given Riley a second thought. He never crossed her mind. All she could think, feel was Spike. In fact, she felt him now. Gotta love those morning stiffies. No, her conscience shouted. No loving the morning stiffies. Bad Buffy. How could you cheat on sweet, lovable, dumb as a brick Riley? Worse than that thought, was the realization it was now 10:15, and she was supposed to meet the Troika and Dawn 45 minutes ago. Spike’s arm was wrapped securely around her waist, his head pillowed behind hers. This is what she’d missed the most, waking up in his arms, feeling so secure in the knowledge he was there. She had to go. She didn’t mind the Troika knowing what she’d done. Hell, they’d probably predicted it. She didn’t even care that Dawn knew. She was her sister. It was the fact, Riley would be coming in soon from his morning surf to have their Sunday marathon. The thought of him touching her turned her stomach, and not in a good way. Buffy lifted Spike arm, trying not to wake him. She searched the room for her clothes, slipping them on quietly. He never stirred. Somewhere in her guilty conscience was the knowledge she’d worn him out last night. She should just leave. Walk out the door and call him later. That was the coward’s way, and she was no coward. She tiptoed over to the bed, kneeling next to it. She took the opportunity to study his face. His lashes laid softly against his face, hiding those beautiful eyes. His lips were as soft as a baby’s. She leaned in, kissing him softly.

“Hmm.”

“Spike, I have to go.” Buffy stroked his curls. Spike captured her hand, bringing it to his lips.

“Why? I can do breakfast.”

“I’m late. I was supposed to be somewhere a hour ago. And I need to talk to Riley, about us, about this.”

That woke him up. “Did you just say us?” He smiled. “Is there an us?”

“That’s what I’ve got to decide. We’re good with the sex. What about the rest of it? Just give me some time to straighten all this out.”

Spike pulled her down on the bed, cradling her in his arms. “I’ve waited 3 years. I think I can wait a few more days.” Buffy kissed him hard, then pushed off the bed.

“I’ve gotta go.”

Spike watched her walk out of the room, his mind reminding him what happened the last time she did that. He knew she’d be back. He would give her time and space, then he was coming after her.

ch. 6

Buffy stood outside Spike’s door, debating whether to run back inside and bury herself in his arms or go face the music with Riley. While Spike was a tempting morsel, she had to think with her brain and not her crotch. Buffy pulled her keys out, and saw her cell phone.

“Shit!” Buffy scrolled through her missed calls and saw 4 from Dawn, 1 from Riley, and 1 from Spike. Buffy skipped through the first 5 messages, smiling as she heard Spike’s voice on the other end.

“I know I promised to give you space, and I am. You’re in your car heading away from here, and I’m laying in bed, trying to figure out if I’m the most trusting fool in the world or if my brain’s been damaged by too many orgasms.”

Buffy chuckled as she gripped the phone tighter.

“I know you’re probably feeling guilty about Riley. I wish I could say something to make you feel better, but it would only come across as entirely selfish. Whatever you decide, I’m not going anywhere. Talk to you soon, luv. Bye.”

Fuck. Riley! Buffy groaned, and hit memory 2 for Dawn’s cell phone.

“Buffy! It’s Buffy! Don’t go home!”

Buffy’s brows rose at that utterance. “Why and where are you?”

“We’re still at the Coffee Bean, so hurry up!”

“I need to go home and change. I’m still in last night’s clothes.”

“Okay, go on home. Explain to Riley why you’re walking in looking for all the world like a woman’s who been screwing all night.”

“Potty mouth. How do you know Riley’s at my house?”

“Well, duh. We stayed there last night. Riley came in about 8, looking for you. I told him you went to get some morning shots down at the cliffs.”

Buffy banged her head against the steering wheel. “That’s perfect. He’s waiting for me to come home for a day of… sex.”

“Buffy, I’m eating breakfast. Could you not gross me out over poached eggs?”

“Sorry. Fine. I’ll be there in 20 minutes. Oh, and Dawn?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The phone rang, and Spike stubbed his toes as he ran bare ass through the house to get it. Assuming it was Buffy, he didn’t bother to check the caller ID.

“Hello, gorgeous. Got my message, did you?”

“Hello, Spike.” Druscilla twisted the cord around her perfectly manicured finger.

The smile Spike had plastered on his face, dropped in an instant. “Dru. What do you want?” Forget about pretense. They weren’t buddies or pals or even cordial to each other. She’d lost that privilege when she brought Angel to their bed.

“You never used to be this rude, Spike.” Dru stared at the phone, her lip curling into a sneer. “Fine, William. I wanted to congratulate you on your book. I hear it’s doing well.”

Spike sat down heavily on the bed, glancing back at the pillow where Buffy once rested. Three short hours ago and he was in heaven. Now, the devil herself was on his phone.

“Thank you, Druscilla. How is Angel’s campaign going?”

“Liam’s,” she corrected. “Campaign is going quite well. His initial numbers are excellent for this time in the election season.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “I really don’t care Dru. I’m just trying to make small talk, while I wait for you to get to the fucking point.” Spike grabbed his well-worn blue jeans and pulled them on angrily.

“Look, I’m sorry you’re still hung up on what happened, but it’s over. It’s done with. Why can’t you let it go?”

Spike could just imagine Dru, with her bottom lip out, pouting because she wasn’t getting her way. “Believe me when I say, you’re a distance memory.” Especially after last night. Good god, where did she learn to do that thing with her tongue?

“I don’t want to take you to court, William.” And there it was, the real Dru. The sweet veneer she put on for outsiders dropped like a hot potato.

Spike threw the phone on the bed, and yanked the t-shirt over his head. “Dru, take me to court. It’ll work like this. My lawyer will get a lot of money out of you and all you’ll get is bad publicity. Now, I know they say ‘bad publicity is better than no publicity’, but I doubt the truth will garner Liam any votes. And on that note, goodbye.” Spike hung up the phone, grabbed his keys, and headed out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Doll face. Nice of you to show up.” Lorne quipped, pulling out a chair for her.

A red-faced Buffy sunk low in her chair, grabbing at the first coffee in reach. “Sorry. I overslept.”

“Wore you out did he?” Tara smiled knowingly, nudging Dawn.

Buffy could do no more than sip her coffee. “What happened with Riley? Does he suspect anything?” Buffy glanced from one person to the next.

“Oh, I don’t think so, missy. We want details.” Willow said, pulling her chair closer to Buffy’s.

“There’s nothing to tell.” Buffy said, trying to find a place to rest her eyes.

“Oh, I think there’s something to tell. What happened to “oh, I’m not going to sleep with him. I’m with Riley’?”

“The best laid plans..” Dawn’s eyes bulged out, and she nearly fell out of her chair.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

Lorne wrapped his arm around Dawn, patting her arm like a doting father. “We understand, Buff. You’re still in a post-orgasmic haze. I’ve been there myself.”

“Come on, Buffy. It’s just us.” Tara pinned Buffy’s roving eyes with her own. “Was he as good as you remembered?”

Willow could feel the heat radiating off Buffy’s cheeks. Damn, we should have some marshmallows. We could toast those babies right here. “Buffy, you do realize you’re about to erupt in flames?”

“Yeah, dear. Take a sip of this.” Lorne handed Buffy a glass of water. He took the opportunity while she drank to shake his hand and mouthed ‘hot stuff’ to the Tara.

“Guys,” Buffy began and 4 pairs of eyes stared at her intently. “It was so good, but that’s bad. I didn’t think once about Riley. Not once. Spike even gave me the opportunity to back out, and it would have been physically painful for him to do that.” Buffy buried her face in her hands. “He’s just so very creative. I’m an awful person.”

Willow patted her on the back. “No, you’re not Buffy. You and Spike have this chemistry that’s amazing. I don’t think you have anything to be ashamed of.”

Buffy peeked out from behind her fingers and found them all nodding their heads in the affirmative. “What about Riley? I cheated on him several times.”

“Buffy, Riley isn’t the guy for you. He never was. You’ve been waiting for Spike for 3 long years.” Dawn said, reaching across the table to squeeze her arm. “Okay, technically it was cheating, but you’ve been doing that since the beginning.”

“No, I haven’t. I’ve been faithful to Riley.” Buffy stated firmly, annoyed at Dawn for suggesting that.

“Tell me you haven’t thought about Spike, imagined he was the one you were sleeping with for the last 3 years. Tell me that, and I’ll admit I was wrong.” Dawn’s stance dared Buffy to lie to her face.

Lorne dipped his napkin in his water glass and patted his forehead with it. He knew Dawn could be feisty, but damn!

“Yes.” She said, softly. “You’re right, Dawnie. Are you happy now?”

“Buffy, I’m just trying to make you see. You may have left that hotel 3 years ago, but your mind, your body, even your soul has been there with Spike. You’ve spent the last 2 years with a man who does nothing for you.” Dawn’s voice had lost some of its edge, due in no small part to the fact she loved her sister.

“Buffy, we’re not trying to gang up on you. We’re happy when you’re happy. We’re sad when you’re sad. It just we’re concerned. We’ve watched you float through this relationship with Riley without much effort. You seem to be going through the motions.” Tara leaned over Willow and cupped Buffy’s face.

“Look, I know you guys are only being your usually annoying caring selves. Last night was perfect. The sex was great, but that was expected. Even the talking was good, but again expected. It was the hanging out, the getting to know you stuff that was unbelievable. We click on so many levels. But what if that’s it? What if we’ve used up all the chemistry in one night?”

“Honey, he moves you, and I don’t mean from one place to another. Believe me, I’ve been with women, who’ve moved the sheets and that’s all. When you connect with someone, like we connected all those years ago, it’s the real thing.” Lorne motioned for the waitress.

“Yes, our friend here, needs a Bloody Mary and a spinach and cheese omelet. Thanks, doll.” Lorne took a purely male moment to check out the waitress’ legs before returning his attention to the table.

“Buff, what do you want to do?” Tara asked.

“Talk to Riley. I owe him that much.”

“What are you going to say to him?” Dawn asked quietly.

“The truth. I want to be with someone else.” She said sadly, stirring her drink.

“Well, you can tell him now. He just walked in the door.” Tara said. Buffy spun around, and in walked Riley, all windswept and tanned.

“Guys, I can’t do this now. Look at me, he’ll know.”

“Come on, Buff. I brought you some clothes.” Dawn and Buffy hurried to the bathroom.

“What would I do with out you, little sis?”

“You don’t have to ever find out.” Dawn said, handing Buffy her clothes and undergarments.

“I just don’t want to see you hurt Buffy. I didn’t mean to call you a ho or anything.”

Buffy smiled behind the stall door. “I know. And to be honest, I’m not feeling very ho-ish.” She buttoned her shorts and came out the door. Dawn handed her a brush and a barrette.

“I could have saved myself a lot of grief today, if I’d been honest with Riley when I saw Spike the other day. I knew it was over then. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to give up on a sure thing for Spike.”

Dawn looked at her in the mirror. “Now, you do.”

“I want the chance at least. Does that make me a horrible person?”

Dawn smirked. “I’m an active member of the ‘hate Riley’ club. I’m not the best person to ask.” Buffy turned around and embraced Dawn.

“Thanks for being my sis.”

“You’re welcomed. Now, let’s go.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giles looked up from the Sunday paper at Spike coming through the back gate. “Son, what are you doing here? I would have thought on a sunny day like this, you’d be off on your bike.” Giles folded the paper in half, and set it down. He took a good look at Spike, noting the rings under his eyes, and guessed he’d had a long night.

Spike mussed Giles’ hair as he passed, sitting down with a thunk in the chair next to him. “Where’s Anya?”

“At the drug store. You look tired. Trouble sleeping?” Giles said with a smile.

Spike just stared at him, a smile steadily showing on his face. “I slept well. Thanks.”

“Hmm. So, I’m assuming your date went well.”

“It did.” Spike hung his head back, watching a plane soar over head. “She’s amazing, Dad. Beautiful, intelligent, witty. She’s the whole package, bundled up in this tiny little body.” With these firm little breasts that are like hot beignets in New Orleans.

“So, are the two of you?” Giles didn’t know what youngsters like Spike and Buffy called themselves.

“Ah, no. Major guilt trip hit her this morning, and off she went to talk to him.” Spike said sourly.

“Oh, well, I can understand that.” Giles sipped his tea, thoughtfully. “What happened to taking it slow?”

“We waited until dessert.” Spike answered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Riley searched the room for Buffy, only finding the Troika and 2 empty chairs. He generally avoided Willow, Lorne, and Tara when they were all together. They seemed to stare straight through him as if he were invisible. How Xander could take on a threesome with Tara and Willow was beyond him? Then, again, it was sex with two women.

“Hey, guys.” Riley gave a short wave to them.

“Hello, Riley.” Tara drawled, and he could swear he felt her nails digging into his skin.

“Hey, Riley. I thought you were going to wait for Buffy at the house.” Willow said, sipping her coffee.

“I was, but I decided to go out, and saw Buffy’s Jeep.”

“How very observant of you.” Lorne told him. “To see Buffy’s car amongst all the other cars out there. Very observant, indeed.”

“Yeah, that’s me.” The three looked at him with matching expressions on their faces. They didn’t like him, and they weren’t afraid to show it.

Well, that’s just too bad. Buffy likes me, and I’m not going anywhere.

“Riley, what are you doing here?” Buffy asked, her voice a little strained. Dawn glared at her, and Buffy dropped into her seat.

Why do people keep asking me that? “I was out.” He said, ignoring the knowing looks from the Troika.

“Oh.” Was all Buffy would say. She flinched when she felt Riley’s hands on her shoulders.

Riley knelt besides her chair with his back to the rest of them. Bad move. Buffy thought as Dawn and Tara both shot him a bird behind his back. She glared at them to stop, but they just grinned evilly and shot him another one.

“I thought we were going to spend the day in bed.” Riley whispered. Buffy tried not to frown, she really did, but the thought of Riley’s sweaty body on hers made her want to heave.

“Riley, we need to talk.” She said, looking down into his puppy dog eyes.

“About what?” Everyone leaned forward, ostensibly to reach for the one pair of salt and pepper shakers near Buffy, but actually to eavesdrop on the conversation.

“Not here. Can you come back by tonight? I’ll cook dinner.” She said, and wanted to laugh at the disappointed looks on the Troika’s faces. Dawn just quirked her eyebrows, and mouthed ‘coward’. Buffy suddenly felt an insane urge to be an only child.

“Buffy, is something wrong?” He asked.

Let me answer that one for you, big guy. She wants out of this sham of a relationship. She wants a real man, not a cardboard cutout. She doesn’t want a 200-pound albatross hanging around her neck. Lorne silently shouted.

Yeah, something’s wrong, you jerk. Your train is pulling out of the station on a one-way trip to loserville. I’m so happy right now, I’ll even buy you a going away card. Dawn eyed the back of his head, hoping he could feel her searching for signs of life inside it.

Now, that’s an interesting statement. Tara thought. What could possibly be wrong? Your girlfriend of 2 years won’t invite you to sit and have breakfast with her friends. She’s acting weird and standoffish, but no that’s normal for you, isn’t Riley?

Frogs have more sense than you. Can’t you tell she’s setting you up for the big break up? I wanted to give you credit for having some sense, but alas you don’t. Oh, well. I wonder if they have those strawberry curlers on the menu.

“No. Yes. There’s something I want to discuss with you, but not here, and not now.” Get the picture! Please get the picture, Riley. Do you hear the words that are coming out of my mouth?

“It’s not about us, is it?” Dawn smacked Lorne on the back, when he started choking on the celery he’d been munching.

“Riley, please. Let’s discuss this at your place, later. Okay?”

Riley stood up, glanced at the stunned looks directed at him, and the light bulb went off. “You’re breaking up with me, aren’t you?”

Buffy looked down at her clasped hands, hating what she had to do.

“Yes. Riley, I’m sorry.”

“You can’t do this to me.” He said nearly in tears. “I love you, Buffy.” The Coffee Bean’s customers turned towards the small table of 5, hearing Riley’s impassioned plea.

“Riley, let’s not do this now. Please. I want a chance to explain, so it won’t hurt so much.”

“So, it won’t hurt so much.” Riley shouted incredulous. “You’re breaking up with me after 2 good years, and you don’t expect it to hurt. God, you are a cold-hearted bitch.” You’re not, but I love you and I don‘t want to lose you.

“Now, see here, Riley.” Lorne said, jumping to Buffy’s defense. Riley stood to his full 6’1 height, staring Lorne down. Riley was definitely heavier than the svelte Lorne, but Lorne wasn’t above dirty tricks to bring the brute down.

“I bet you three had something to do with it. You never liked me.” He said throwing harsh glare at the Troika.

“Stop it, Riley. They had nothing to do with my decision. I should have done this a long time ago, but I was too much of a coward to admit how I felt to you.” Buffy stood up, trying to diffuse the situation before it got too much more out of control.

“Why Buffy? I just don’t understand this. We are good together. We love each other.”

Buffy closed her eyes. Riley was so sweet, and to see him so heartbroken made her feel like the lowest scum. “I don’t want to talk about this now.”

“Why not? They knew before I knew that this was happening.” It was the look he sent Dawn that pushed Buffy over the edge. Nobody messed with her sister!

Buffy clenched her fist. Fine. She tried to be nice. She tried to let him down easy. No more Ms. Nice Gal. “I’ve never been in love with you, Riley. You know I’m telling you the truth so don’t shake your head at me.” Buffy reached for him.

Dawn tried to close her mouth, she really did, but to hear Buffy say the words was amazing. She wished she’d thought ahead and called home. Joyce would have loved to hear that.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. I just don’t want to be in a relationship with you.”

Riley shook his head, trying to wake up from this nightmare. Buffy didn’t love him. Buffy wanted to end things. That wasn’t possible. They had something special, all his friends said so, and they wouldn’t lie to him. Something was obviously bothering her. He would fix it. If she needed him to change, he would. He would do anything to make her happy again.

He smiled at Buffy, who instinctively took a step back. “I really was coming to tell you I got a job. I’m doing a TV movie in Vancouver. I have to leave tomorrow.” Riley took her hands in his. He smiled at her, nodding his head to let her know he understood. “We can talk when I get back.” He kissed Buffy on the temple, smiling tightly at Dawn and the Troika before leaving the restaurant.

“Okay, that was just creepy.” Dawn said, getting up to embrace Buffy. “ Do you think he’s okay?”

Buffy shook her head. Something about the way Riley was acting had her spooked. “Please tell me I’m crazy. Please tell me Riley doesn’t think we’re going to get back together when he gets back.”

“I do believe that’s the case.” Lorne said, sympathetically petting Buffy on the head. “Sorry, but I don’t think it penetrated.”

“He’s not that stupid, Buffy.” Dawn said, hanging on to Buffy.

Willow and Tara rushed to disagree. Buffy rolled her head back, wishing she’d never gotten out of bed. “That’s just great.”

Willow leaned over to Tara. “We should get Buffy out of here.”

“I’ll go pay the bill.” Tara stood up, quickly finding their waitress, who was staring after Riley, open-mouthed.

“Can I get our check, please?” The girl looked dumbly at Tara, as if just noticing her there.

“What?”

“Food. Coffee. Cost. Any of this piercing the veil?” The girl glared, and Tara laughed. Oh, little girl, I’d eat you for breakfast.

“$43.68.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Damn! I’m coming.” Cordy twisted the top back on the nail polish and waddled to the door. She peered out the peephole.

“It took you long enough to get here.”

“I had to track you down.” Spike said, brushing a kiss to her temple. “Where’s Lindsey?”

Cordelia propped her feet up on the table before answering him. “At Mama’s. He’s asking her permission to take my hand in marriage.” She fluttered her lashes at him, laughing at the shocked look on his face.

“He wanted to surprise you, Cordy.”

“I know and it will be a surprise. I am going to be the best actress this town has ever seen.” Spike chuckled.

“I know this rubs against your desire for honesty, but keep your trap closed. I’m sure Lindsey has something special planned, so let him be.” Cordy studied her nails, letting silence descend on the room.

“Cordy, I think I fucked up with Buffy.” Cordy sat up quickly.

“Why? Things looked like they were going so well.” Cordy moved till she was sitting next to Spike, and laid her head on his shoulder.

Now, here was the tricky part in Spike’s opinion. Cordy was pretty specific when she said no sex with Buffy. How did he explain to her without risk of bodily harm that was the very thing that happened?

Cordy sat up, her eyes narrowing to slit. Spike whistled, wondering if he could move before the big smack.

Nope. “Ow, Cordy.”

“You slept with her. I can’t believe you.” She jumped up, not caring that she was smudging her toes.

“Cordy, we are adults. I didn’t force her. I even told her we didn’t have to go any further.”

“Was this before or after the oral sex?” Cordy had her hands on her hips, tapping her foot like Maria did.

“I’m not going to answer that. A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell.” Cordy tilted her head, then smiled tightly. She walked over to the entertainment center, picked up “Love’s Bitch”, and dropped it in his lap.

“That was a low blow. Don’t you dare laugh.” Spike warned. Cordy smirked, but said nothing else. They sat in silence, while Spike waited for her to lecture him.

“Well, how did she leave things this morning?” She asked, stroking his curls.

“She said she had to talk to Riley about us.”

“That’s progress. What else?” She prodded.

“Nothing. She left around 10. She’ll call when she’s ready to talk.” Cordy studied him, seeing there was something else troubling him.

“Was she upset when she left?” Spike shook his head.

“Then, what aren’t you telling me?” This time it was Spike’s turn to rest his head on her shoulder.

“Dru called.”

“Oh, and what did Queen B have to say?” Cordy wished Angel would win a senate seat or something so he could take Broomhilda off to torture someone else.

“I’m not real clear on what she wanted. She threatened to sue me. I told her to go ahead, and then I hung up.”

“I’m impressed. I bet she broke out a couple of windows when you did that.” Cordy laughingly told him. He had to agree.

“What do you think the real reason was?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve heard the end of it, though.”

“Nope, I don’t think Dru’s quite through with you yet.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After spending the better part of the day changing the locks to the house, and installing a security bar on the porch door, Buffy was ready to kick off her shoes and relax. Lorne took Dawn home. Willow and Tara were reluctant to leave her, but Buffy needed peace and quiet. This entire day had been surreal. First, waking up with Spike. Very pleasant experience that led to the ugliest confrontation she’d ever experienced. And it had all been for nothing. She had no doubt in her mind, Riley believed they’d go back to the way things were when he returned. Buffy really needed some advice on this, and as much as she depended on the Troika, this was a job for one person.

“Mom, it’s Buffy.”

“Hello, dear. You sound awful. Is everything okay?” Joyce waved goodbye to Lorne, and took the phone into the study.

“I messed everything up.” Buffy told her sadly. “I should have told Riley about Spike, about that night. I shouldn’t have led him on.” I most definitely shouldn’t have had sex with him. Oh, I feel so shanky.

“Buffy, you’re not perfect. You’re allowed to make mistakes. You didn’t tell Riley about Spike, but your relationship with Riley was on life support. The only thing keeping it going was good intentions.”

“Mom, you didn’t see him. He was so hurt.”

“He called you a cold-hearted b., Buffy. That was uncalled for.” Joyce wished she’d been there. She would have socked him in the nose.

“I know, but he was just reacting because he was hurt.” That had hurt Buffy, but she understood. She was the breaker. She was the cheater.

“Buffy, forget about Spike.”

“Easier said than done, Mom.”

Joyce smiled. “Try for a moment. Where did you see your relationship with Riley in say 6 months?”

Buffy sat down on the bed, her mind drifting to another bed in another city. “We’d probably still be together Mom.”

“Would you be engaged? Thinking about getting engaged?” Joyce waited.

“No and no. On my part anyway.” Buffy admitted guiltily.

“Buffy, this relationship was going no where fast. To quote Dawn, ‘it was a slow boat to nowhere’. Now, your sister may have an inherent dislike for Riley clouding her opinion, but she was absolutely correct.”

“Mom,” Buffy said, hesitantly. “I made love with Spike, on the same day, I had sex with Riley.”

Contrary to the beliefs of their children, there are times when parents are truly happy for their kids to break the rules. This was one of those times. Joyce could see why Dawn was so optimistic. For Buffy to do something so out of character, Spike must mean more to her than a simple roll in the hay.

”Mom?” Buffy said, despondently.

“I’m shocked Buffy, that’s not like you at all.”

“I know.”

“You’re an adult, Buffy. I’m only worried as far as your health, not anything else.” Lord, if she knew some of what her supposedly staid parents did back in the 60s, she’d pass out cold.

“We were careful.” Buffy rolled over onto her stomach, propping her head up on her hand. “I have no control when I’m with him. He makes me forget to be cautious. I don’t think of every little thing that could go wrong. I react.”

“Feels good to let go, doesn’t it?” Joyce asked.

“Yeah, it does.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Spike scrunched his brow, wondering who was stopping by so late. He put Hamlet down, and went to the door. Buffy was leaning against the outer wall, her head tilted up to look at him. He copied her stance.

“I figured 10 hours was enough time.” She said, smiling at him. Her hands reached out to play with his shirt.

“10 hours is an extended length of time, luv.” Spike said, capturing her fingers.

“Yes, it is.” Spike pulled Buffy in, his mouth seeking hers.

The door closed on Spike lifting Buffy into his arms. They never saw the red Bronco parked just out of sight or the grown man sitting in the front seat crying. They leaned against the front door, oblivious to everything, but each other. When they pulled apart, Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.

“Long day, luv.”

Would she ever get used to that endearment? She hoped not. “You could say that.” She said, running her fingers through his hair.

“Want to talk about it?”

“Nope. Not yet. I will, though. Just not right now.” Spike leaned back, smiling at the way her lips filled out after their kisses.

“Want some wine?” Buffy nodded, and giggled as Spike carried her into the kitchen. He sat her on the counter, reaching behind her for the wine glasses.

“I have a Riesling, Merlot, and white Zinfandel.” Spike told her as he leaned into the refrigerator.

Buffy was reminded of that scene in the Big Easy. Dennis Quaid, looking very nice in his jeans, was leaning over in the fridge. Ellen Barkin came up behind him, and cupped him. Well, she knew Spike was an only child, so no worry she’d cup the wrong brother, but it was so very naughty. And she hadn’t come here to have sex, and that would be a definite sexual advance.

“Do you want all three?” Spike said, turning and finding her staring at him. No jumping your guest, Spike. She’s only been here 10 minutes. Well, she needs to stop looking at my ass like that.

Buffy gulped loudly. “Ah, Riesling is good.”

Spike pulled out the Riesling, poured two glasses and handed her one. Buffy took a sip, her body tingling with excitement. Resist the curls. Resist the curls.

Spike settled between her legs, one hand on the outside of her thigh, the other holding his glass.

“What did you do today?” Buffy asked, wanting to suck the drop of wine that lingered on his lip. You’re acting like some teenage girl who can’t control your raging hormones.

“Went to see my dad and Cordy. Came back here. Cleaned up.” Spike winked at her, and she turned a pretty shade of red.

“Sorry. Guess I should have stayed and helped?”

“Just should have stayed in bed.” Spike put his glass down, bracing himself on the counter. He smiled at here, shifting to capture her lips. She met him halfway, leaning in, opening her mouth, accepting his tongue all in one swoop.

Fingers caressed stomachs eliciting gasps and shudders, but they took it no further. Just being together, tasting each other, touching each other seemed to be enough. After a day in which they each had a confrontation with an ex, spoke to family and friends about the intimate details of their newly formed relationship, and basically thought about the other constantly, it ended on a rather normal note: cuddled up on the couch, listening to an Etta James CD, and no sex, the last bit surprising them.

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