Chapter 18

Druscilla stared at the closed door of Liam’s study. She pressed her hand to the door, hoping to feel him on the other side, but she didn’t. She only felt the cold, hard wood. She stepped back, and made her way to her room. Soon things would be better between her and Liam. She would see to it that all the ugliness and distance of the last few months were washed away. She had a plan, and it would bring them closer together. She had a few things to take care of first. Just a few simple problems to get out of the way, and she’d be done. Spike and Buffy would suffer. Darla would hopefully be in another state. Then, her world would return to normal, and away from the alternate universe it had become. She almost felt as if she’d been sucked into another dimension, with Doppelgangers replacing the people she loved or at the very least, tolerated.

She entered their room. No, Dru, it’s your room now. It took Liam not coming to bed for 3 straight nights for her to catch on. 3 straight nights of him falling asleep at his desk, and she got the picture.

Dru closed the door to her room, resisting the urge to lock it. Moving quietly through her boudoir, she sat at her desk and opened her address book. She smiled as she flipped through the pages. Finally finding the number she sought under the letter R.

She dialed the number and leaned back in her seat, waiting for the man to answer. This was his private line, so she was sure he’d check the caller ID before answering.

“I need to see you.” She said as the man answered. She heard the muttered curse, and smiled. He obviously thought he’d never hear from her again.

“What do you want, Mrs. Cavanaugh?” If words could kill, she would be dead.

“I need a favor. Several actually, and I thought you were the perfect person to help me with my problems.

“Druscilla, I contributed a substantial amount of money to your husband’s campaign. I have lent my support to get him into the right circles. What more could you want from me?” The man shouted.

Dru grinned evilly. She fingered the antique letter opener on her desk as she contemplated that question. “I need you to help me. I promise if you do this, I won’t bother you again.”

A harsh laugh floated from the receiver. “That’s what you said the last time. ‘Help me, and I won’t mention our little secret or the product of it.’ Again. That’s what you said, you lying bitch!”

Dru laughed as well, her laughter as dry and mirthless as his. “Ouch, you hurt my feelings. Oh, that’s right. I don’t really have any.”

She waited for a rejoinder from him, but none came. “Fine. In your line of work, I’m sure you’ve got access to people who, for the right amount of money, will do you favors, regardless of the legality of said favors. I need a name.”

The elderly man sat up, his brows raised. Was she asking him for an illegal favor? Could it be possible that this psychotic bitch had just given him his reprieve from this nightmare? He could set her up. Make her pay for all she’d done to him. Hell, Cavanaugh might even thank me for this. And it would pay to have a future governor in his pocket.

“Yes, Druscilla, I can give you someone who can help you with your problem. On one condition, though. This is the last time you call me for anything. If we see each other in public, turn and go the other way. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, Ethan, perfectly clear.”

***********************************

Mmm, waffles. Buffy rubbed her hands together as the smell hit her before Spike appeared in her apron, and nothing else. She gave him a huge grin as she lovingly appraised his toned thighs visible beneath her Ms. Piggy apron.

“I don’t think Ms. Piggy’s ever looked so delectable.”

“Really? You don’t think it’s too short.” He said, twirling around.

Buffy burst out giggling as his very bare behind flashed before her.

“Twirl too fast and you might break that thing dangling between your legs.”

Spike put the tray down on his side of the bed, and crawled till he was straddling Buffy’s legs. “Thing? I’ll have you know it’s a muscle. Not a thing.”

Buffy sucked her lower lip between her teeth. “A muscle, you say, hmm. Does it cramp like a muscle?” She said, her hand snaking up his thigh. Spike sucked in his breath, and his eyes darkened.

“Careful luv, wouldn’t want to strain it. Especially since you’re not playing today.” He said, wiggling his eyebrows. “I wouldn’t want you to miss out on the game.”

“Oh, I have no intention of missing out on the game. It’s,” she said with a wink, “one of my favorite games to play with you. We’ll just have to change positions.”

Spike’s cock lurched at the thought of Buffy in a new position, one decidedly tighter than the one he currently played with. This would definitely make him late for his meeting with his publisher.

The phone rang banishing the spell they were under. Buffy kept her hand under the apron, her nails lightly touching and teasing. Spike leaned forward to kiss her collarbone, and groaned as his penis rose to the occasion.

“Hey, Buffy.”

“Dawn, hey. How are you?” She said guiltily, yanking her hand from under the apron as if Dawn could see the hand job she was giving Spike through the phone.

“Can I come over? I need to talk to you about Friday night.”

Buffy nodded to Spike, who cut her a nice, fat chunk of waffle and swirled it in the warm maple syrup. “Sure sweetie. We were just having breakfast.”

“I’ll be there in about 20 minutes. Bye.”

Buffy stared at the phone long after Dawn hung up.

“Everything okay with the Bit?”

“I don’t know. She sounded... flat. I hope she and Connor didn’t have a fight or worse.”

Spike sighed and moved to sit beside her in the bed. There would be no new game for them today. “Worse? What could be worse?”

Buffy twisted her lips into a pretzel, debating how much to reveal about Dawn and Connor’s relationship. “Them having sex and Dawn not being ready for it.”

“Oh.” Spike grimaced. First time sex. Tricky subject for all involved. “Do you think they did?” His eyes shone with concerned and Buffy found herself shifting till she could rest her head on his chest.

“We’ll find out in 20 minutes.” She told him, playing with the edges of the apron. “First times are tricky. They can either be really good or really bad. But that’s nothing compared with the decision to go there. That’s why I didn’t put a lot of thought into mine.”

Well, well, well. Another layer to the enigma that is Buffy Summers is unwrapped. “So you lied to me. You were more sexually experienced than you let on.”

Buffy giggled and poked Spike in the ribs. “Ouch! Aren’t we touchy?”

Buffy sat up, tracing her hand over his chest. “No, you were only the 2nd guy I’d ever slept with. I’m just saying I didn’t go for the boyfriend/girlfriend sex thing. It was someone I’d been friends with a long time. We got to our sophomore year, and everyone we knew had had sex but us. So one night, we did it. Got it over with and out the way. We were bed buddies after that. Until...” She didn’t have to go any further. He knew. He felt the sigh on her lips as she said until. He felt the same way. Until her, there’d been sex, but with her, he’d been transported to another plane. More than cloud 9. It was more than just physical. It was spiritual.

“Me too.” Spike nipped her nose with his teeth. “Since we’re sharing, I’ll admit to being the boyfriend/girlfriend, each other’s first, and all that romantic rot.”

Buffy picked up the fork, and started eating. “Do tell, Mr. Giles.”

Spike took the bite she offered, chewing quickly. “Her name was Beatrice. She was my high school sweetheart. We had an end-of-the-year party, and Dad was in Ireland.” He admitted, a blush creeping up the side of his face. “We left the party and deflowered each other in my bed. It was a total disaster. It was awkward and over really quick.”

Buffy leaned forward, kissing him with maple-syrup stained lips. “Good thing, you got beyond the 5 minute mark.”

“Yep, good thing, indeed.” He said, pushing the strap of her cami down off her shoulder. He licked the bare skin, tasting her, worshipping her. Buffy felt loose-limbed and eager to be rid of her period and her inhibitions, when the doorbell rang.

“Fuck!” Came the collective curse.

“I forgot about Dawn. I’m absolutely awful.”

Buffy grabbed Spike’s chin, kissing him hard on the lips before scrambling off the bed.

“I’m taking a shower. My poor penis doesn’t know what to think.” He grumbled loudly, scooting off the bed.

Dawn heard Buffy’s cackling laughter through the door, and nearly turned back around and went home. She took a deep breath, willing the tears back. She plastered a smile on her face.

“Hey, Dawn.”

“What’s so funny?” Dawn asked, pausing to give Buffy a hug.

“Oh, nothing more than confused muscles and cramping.” Buffy waved off the questioning look on Dawn’s face and took her into the kitchen. “Coffee?”

“Yeah, that’d be great.”

Buffy poured two cups of Hazelnut and placed them on the table. Dawn took a sip and closed her eyes briefly to enjoy the aroma and taste. “Hmm, good. I must say your choice of coffee has improved since Spike started staying here.”

“A lot of things have improved around here.” Buffy sighed, hearing the shower turn off. “So what’s up, baby sister? You’re not backing out of the concert are you?”

They all had tickets to the Dave Matthews concert. It was ironic that the friends hadn’t known each other at the time they purchased their tickets.

“No, I’m going. I just wanted you to know that Connor and I won’t be together. I don’t know if he’s going.” Dawn stared into the brown liquid in front of her, and tried not to give in to the urge to jump into bed and stay there until it was time to go to San Diego.

“What do you mean, you’re not going together? Is he meeting us there?”

Dawn looked up, pained. “No! I mean… I broke up with him. We’re no longer seeing each other. Therefore, I doubt he’ll want to hang with me on Friday.”

Buffy got up immediately, and knelt at Dawn’s feet. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“Nothing.” Dawn said calmly. “I needed to know if what we had was real and lasting. He couldn’t tell me that.” She said shrugging her shoulders. “I came to realize he was right. It was me. I am too young to understand that just because you’re with someone and you’re having a good time, that doesn’t mean it’s love. We…He wasn’t in love with me.”

Buffy clasped Dawn’s head between her palms. “I’m so sorry, Dawnie. Maybe, you can work things out. Maybe you need to talk some more.”

Dawn shook her head, dislodging Buffy’s hold on her chin. “No! No more talking! I’m all talked out, and he has every right to think I’m too immature to be in a serious relationship.”

Buffy’s hackles rose, and she strained to keep her anger in check. It wouldn’t help Dawn, and would only serve to make Buffy want to maim Connor more than she already did.

“You’re not immature, Dawn. Hell, you’ve always been more mature than me.” She said, stroking Dawn’s hair. “Not wanting to have sex does not make you immature.”

“You’re my sister, Buffy. You’re biased.”

Buffy nodded. “I am. I’m totally biased. Honey, I don’t blame you for wanting to be in love before you have sex. I can’t believe he wanted you to do that.”

“He didn’t, Buffy. In fact, he came to tell me that he would wait for me until I was ready. But you know me, Buff? I’m impatient. I wanted him to tell me he loved me, then we would have sex, and everything would be perfect, and we’d be together, and…” Dawn buried her head in her hands. “It’s really so embarrassing. I thought I was so prepared for a relationship with a college guy, and I’m still stuck in High School.”

Buffy pursed her lips, and pulled Dawn into her arms. She didn’t know what to say that would make Dawn feel better. She didn’t know what to do for Dawn. She seemed resigned to the fact that she was the one at fault, when it sounded as if neither was. Buffy wanted to, needed to hold on to her anger at Connor. It was the only thing that kept her from treating Dawn like her little sister. Holding her in her lap, caressing her hair, and promising her that everything would be alright.

Spike stood in the doorway, and watched the sisters. He didn’t know what had occurred, but from the looks of it, they didn’t need him around to muddy the water. “Hey, Bit. What’s shaking?”

Buffy pushed off her knees and stood up, wrapping her arm around Spike’s waist. He leaned down and brushed his lips over her brow. Dawn watched envious at the ease with which their relationship flowed.

“Nothing. Just stopped in to update Buffy on the latest gossip.”

“Well, I won’t keep you from it. I’ve got to get home and get dressed. I’ll see you after your dinner. Don’t get into any trouble with the Duo.”

Buffy grinned mischievously. “As if Willow and Tara could influence me to be bad. I’ve got you for that.”

“Damn right. Bye, Pet. Bit.”

“Bye, Spike.”

Buffy watched him leave, wishing for the simpler lust-filled moments of this morning before turning back to counsel her sister on the ways of love.

*****************************

“Cordy, did you finish those leeks yet?” Lindsey knew the answer to that question, since Cordy’d had her nose buried in the latest edition of Modern Bride since they’d arrived at the restaurant.

“Huh? Leeks? Umm, no honey. Weeks. We’ve been engaged for weeks now, and we haven’t decided on a date. Don’t you think we need to get cracking?”

Lindsey wiped his hands on his apron, and walked till he was standing in front of Cordy, who was perched on the counter. He pulled her legs apart, sliding between them. Cordy instinctively locked her ankles behind his back. Cordy leaned close, giving Lindsey an Eskimo kiss.

“Do you want a winter wedding? Which wouldn’t really be winter wonderland as much as swaying palm trees in the cold air. Or we could do a spring wedding, which would give me more time to plan and everything. Grow my hair out some more. Get rid of these ridiculous blonde highlights.”

Lindsey knew better than to comment on the highlights. Cordy was still sore about that. She’d done it thinking he’d like them, and he had because anything Cordy wore or didn’t wear in her hair, on her body was good to him. But those highlights took away her natural beauty, and he’d been unable to keep the grimace off his face. She wouldn’t sleep with him for 2 days. Worse freaking days of his life.

“Anytime will be great, Cor. You’ll be beautiful in whatever season you choose as a backdrop. They won’t compare to you.” Lindsey said sincerely, his love flashing loud and in neon. “I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle in that dress. Every man there wondering how I was so lucky to get you in the first place.” Lindsey smiled as tears sprang to Cordy’s eyes. He kissed each one lightly, tasting the saltiness.

“Damn, you sure do know how to make a girl weak in the knees!” Cordy exclaimed.

“Well, let’s hope you don’t fall down the aisle. That would be really embarrassing, and Spike would never let you forget it.” Lindsey leaned in, his breath warm and tickling on her neck. She felt a tingle go up her spine and smiled. Ooh, it had been too long since they’d done anything truly wicked in the kitchen.

“Mama’s at Mass. Connor is thankfully missing. We have the whole place to ourselves. Care to scare the vegetables with our debauchery.” She whispered against his ear.

“By all means, Ms. Chase. By all means.”

Connor heard the giggling and moans coming from inside the kitchen, and turned and walked out of the restaurant. It wasn’t that he was above voyeurism when it would embarrass the hell out of his sister, but hearing them so happy and in love would just grate on his nerves. He was still in shock. He went from having a girlfriend on Tuesday to not having one on Wednesday. He ran his conversation with Dawn over and over in his mind, trying to see if he’d been an unthinking lout, as Spike would say, but he hadn’t been. He’d been honest. Maybe, he could have held back, but that wasn’t them. Should he call her? Would she want to remain friends? Why did he care? She’d dumped him with a kiss, and that had stung. He wasn’t one to get dumped.

Could you pack the ego up and concentrate on the fact you lost the girl? His mind reminded him.

I didn’t do anything to lose her. Hell, I don’t think I had the chance.

******************

Willow listened intently as the intern explained why the contracts she needed were not in her hand at that very moment. She was on the verge of telling the young woman to find another job when her assistant buzzed her.

“Yes, Lenny.”

“Ah, Mr. Barik is on the phone. He says it’s important.”

“Thank you.” She said. She looked up and pinned the 18 year-old with her green eyes. “This is your final warning. I’m not going to discuss things with you. I’m not going to argue with you. Security will escort you out of the building, and take your badge and key card. My work is important. People don’t pay me to have my incompetent intern lose their files. Now, go and get the contracts from Stanley Heard, and do your work.”

Willow spun around in her chair, in big movie time fashion, dismissing her. Willow punched the speaker button, and smiled at Lorne’s attempt to sing Eninem. It wasn’t pretty or rap. She wasn’t quite sure what it was.

“Lorne, you can’t sing. Please remember that when you’re attempting to shatter eardrums.”

Lorne huffed, but turned the music down. “Hi, hon. Just wanted to know if we’re still on for dinner tomorrow night. I need you to be there when I meet that viper.”

Willow coughed to cover her laughter. “Lorne, calling your ex a viper, won’t change the fact that she dumped you for a younger version of you. Lorne 2.0.”

“I’m offended. I just want you to know that.” Lorne rolled his eyes, and almost had them pop out of his head. Goodness. The women of California. God was definitely a man. No way this many good-looking women would be here without a little help from above.

“Lorne, pull you head out of whatever women’s ass you’re staring at, and get to the point of this conversation.” Willow warned, laughing at the honking she heard in the background.

“Fine. I need you to be my date. Buffy can’t or won’t. Not sure if it’s the Spike factor or not. Anyway, you’ll do. She’s never seen you.”

“I’m not sure if I should be flattered or not? I’ll take the first option, because the second would leave you in a lurch, and the ex with a sense of empowerment.” Willow spun back around, pulling her chair up to her desk. She could do a million things at once with Lorne on the phone. He took so many pauses and lapses, she could leave the room, and come back to the same conversation without problem. “So, any suggestions for my dress? Slutty and available? Demur and virginal? Repressed dominatrix? What would you like Big Boy?”

Lorne conjured up the image of Willow in all three modes. The woman who would remain nameless was already slutty and available, so that garb might make her envious and jealous someone else was invading her territory. Willow would never be convincing as demur and virginal. She had sex kitten written all over her. Or was that the constant hickey on her neck from Tara? Or the one on her breast from Xander?

“Go with the Repressed Dominatrix. That’s what you do when you go to work anyway.” He admitted with a pride.

“Okay, here’s what I’m thinking black bustier under a white pants suit.” Tara would definitely get a kick out of the bustier, and so would Xander. Xander... She sighed. Haven’t seen him in a couple of days. Feeling a bit underused in the crotch department. She made a note on her desk calendar to call him later.

“Works for me, doll. Well, gotta run. Talk to you later. Smooches.“

“Smooches!!”

************************

Lee rubbed her eyes, the lack of sleep from the past few nights catching up with her. And they still had the concert at the end of the week. And Angel and Darla were expecting her at Heller’s place in 10 minutes.

I love my job. I love my job. I love my Wesley. I love my Wesley. I love nude Wesley. I love tied-up Wesley. She repeated that mantra as she pulled into Darla’s short driveway. She saw Angel standing in the window, and gave him a brief wave. Truth be known, and they’d have to torture her before she admitted it, she actually liked the big lug. He was growing on her. Sorta like a Chia Pet.

Heller walked inside, placing her briefcase in the first empty chair. She smelt food, and it made her mouth water.

“Food. You cooked, Darla?”

Darla shook her head. “Ah, that would be no. I picked up some sandwiches from the Bread Company. I figured we all had to eat, so why not make this a working lunch?”

“Besides, it’s a write-off, Ms. Heller.”

Lee rolled her eyes. “Just Heller. My friends call me that, and considering I’ve spent more time with you than them, please call me Heller.”

Angel grinned, his brown eyes twinkling. “Deal.”

They ate in silence, enjoying the Basil Chicken sandwiches. Finally, when Heller felt her batteries were sufficiently recharged by the basil pesto, she brought them up to speed on the divorce proceedings.

“I’ve been researching California law. I wanted to make sure we had a viable case before bringing it to your attention, Liam.” Angel tilted his head, in a manner similar to Spike’s, making Heller wonder if he stole it.

“Angel.” She said finally. “I think we may have cause to dissolve this marriage based on incurable insanity.”

Darla tried not to laugh. She really did, but it slipped. She turned her head and caught Angel staring at her with an amused grin on his face.

“From what you’ve told me she’s been acting erratic for months. She’s basically stalking Buffy and Spike. She’s threatened you, Darla. She’s acting totally out of control, for someone who prides themselves on being in control.”

“Wait a minute!” Angel said, grasping Darla’s hand. “When did Dru threatened you? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Darla lowered her head, touched by the concern she heard in Liam’s voice, and unnerved by the jolt of pleasure she felt from his hand on hers.

“You didn’t tell him.” Heller accused.

Well, that certainly killed her buzz. Darla surmised miserably.

“No, I didn’t. It was nothing. Just big talk. It wasn’t anything to get upset over.” Darla countered.

“That’s why you’ve got a new security system and motion lights outside.” Heller said angrily and sarcastically.

“Darla, what did she say to you?” Angel implored.

Darla looked him in the eye and told him. She wasn’t sure who was angrier. Heller had heard the story, but that didn’t stop her from being pissed off all over again. And Angel, well, he was barely containing his wrath.

“I’m sorry.” Angel said simply. His calmness belied the anger he felt inside. He felt almost dirty being in Darla’s home, knowing that he’d unleashed the beast known as Druscilla on her. Dru was capable of anything, he knew that firsthand. But to threatened Darla based solely on their working relationship gave credence to Heller’s assumption that she was certifiable.

“Liam, I’m fine. She’s just trying to scare me, and keep you. I doubt she’ll go through with any of it.” Darla lied. If they had witnessed the exchange between the two women, she had no doubt, they’d know Dru was capable of a lot more than idle threats.

“You’re lying, Darla. You know and I know Dru is more than capable of doing anything she sets her mind to. She’s obviously lost it.”

“I have a friend who knows a psychiatrist or two. Someone who can evaluate Dru’s mental status and get the necessary paperwork to have her committed.” Heller suggested, but they weren‘t listening.

Angel had gotten up and now stood behind Darla, his hands resting on her shoulders. She wasn’t even sure he was aware of the open look on his face. He had it just as bad for Darla as she had for him. Heller averted her eyes to the scene, in case, she should ever be called as a witness in Angel’s divorce hearing. She could honestly say she’d never seen any type of alienation of Mr. Cavanaugh’s affection by Darla . CYA. Cover your ass. That’s what her Mama always told her.

“Angel, were you able to talk with Dru’s parents yet?” Heller asked, breaking the silence of the room.

“No.” Angel told her, exasperated and agitated. “I decided to try another route. I stopped by to see Spike yesterday. I asked him if he knew who was the father of Dru’s baby.”

“Did he know?” Darla asked.

“Well…” Angel hedged. “I’m not sure. You know how he can be, Heller.”

Heller nodded her head in agreement. “He’s a great poker player.”

“Exactly. I think he knows, but didn’t feel like sharing the news. But then again, he could have been bullshitting me into believing that. Who knows with Spike? He might have a nagging suspicion as to who he is, but no proof.”

“I would ask him, but I don’t mix business with my personal life.” Heller stated.

“No, I wouldn’t want you to. Friendships are important. I’m learning that more and more everyday.” Angel said wistfully. “I’ll find out. Marilyn knows. She’ll tell me if she thinks Dru’s escapades might tarnish her family’s good name.” Angel said with disgust. Why he ever aligned himself with that cult was beyond him?

You know why. His mind scolded him. It didn’t appreciate Angel reshaping the past to suit his new and improved conscience. You wanted power and prestige, and you got all of that in one delectable package. So quit your bellyaching, and get rid of the bitch.

“I’ll have my firm start the paperwork. I just want to be sure, Angel.” Heller said, rising out of her chair. “Are you prepared for the backlash that could occur with this divorce? We can have the two of you legally separated until after the election.” She suggested. She had to, it was her job to offer all legal options available to her client.

“No, I’m sure.” He said, looking into Darla’s eyes. “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life. Being with Dru was a mistake, and I’m rightfully paying for it. But I’m tired of giving my ass in penance for my crime. I’m done. I want my life back.”

TBC

Take a Chance (continued)

Chapter 19

Wednesday

Cordy found Maria staring holes into the back of Connor’s head. She smiled as she watched them. The two had always been close, the whole family had, but there was definitely a special relationship between mother and son.

“What’s so interesting about Connor’s head, besides the fact it’s too big and he needs a haircut?” Cordy asked, wrapping her arms around her mother’s neck.

“Something’s wrong. He’s been moping for days, and Dawn hasn’t been by here either. Do you think they are fighting?” Maria asked.

“Mama, if something was wrong, he’d tell us. Dawn’s leaving soon, that’s probably what this is all about. Missing her, and knowing Connor, he’s too afraid to actually admit it. Don’t worry. Or better yet, go ask him?” Cordy suggested, kissing Maria on the cheek. “I’m off to lunch with Buffy and the girls. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Ok, dear.” Maria answered.

Cordy hesitated, noting the worried expression on Marie’s face. “I’ll go ask him. Okay, Mama? Don’t worry about a thing. I’m sure it’s nothing.” She assured her.

“You’re a good girl, Cordelia.” Maria commented, patting Cordy’s face as she went back into the kitchen.

If you only knew what had happened in that kitchen yesterday, you wouldn’t think so.

Cordy took a napkin off the folding tray and crept up behind Connor. She didn’t want to worry Maria, but Connor was looking like a drowned rat. His hair almost looked stringy and he had bags under his eyes. Maybe, he had had a fight with Dawn. It wouldn’t be the first or last one. Shaking off the thought, she wrapped the cloth around his eyes, and whispered into his ear.

“What’s shaking, sexy?”

“Cord, I’m really not in the mood.”

Cordy spun around and plopped down in his lamp. “Really? Well, it’s either Mama or me. Take your pick. Mama’s worried and she’s nosy. So, who’s it going to be?” She said, pushing his hair out of his face.

He thought he‘d gotten old enough where Cordy brushing his hair off his face wouldn‘t affect him, but he found himself wanting nothing more than to curl up in her arms and tell her all his troubles. “It’s nothing. Dawn and I broke up. Just trying to figure out how this is all going to work on Friday for the concert.”

Cordy’s face lost its smile. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry.”

Connor laid his head on her proffered shoulder. “I don’t want to talk about it. It’s done. Nothing to be done for it. I just don’t know if I can hang out with her. I don’t want to make her uncomfortable, and I don’t want to be uncomfortable either.”

Connor looked up at his big sister, and smiled. Cordy was struck by how much he still resembled that little boy she used to walk to school. She would die for him, and it broke her heart to see him so sad.

“Do what you think is right, baby. If you don’t want to go with us to the concert, go with some of your friends. I’m sure everyone, including Dawn, will understand.” She stroked his cheek with her fingers. “You know I’m here if you want to talk about what happened?”

Connor squeezed her tightly. “I know, Sis. I know. I’m fine. She’s fine. We’ll be okay. And who knows? One day we may actually be friends again.”

*************************

Lindsey chopped the celery to place into the pot, all the while watching Connor move about like some robot. Maria had asked him to talk to Connor, thinking he would open up more readily to another man than he would to his mother.

“Wanna talk about it?”

Connor looked up, startled. “What?”

“Dawn. Do you want to talk about what happened with Dawn?” Lindsey asked again.

“No. Nothing really to talk about. She had her issues, and I had mine. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get past them.” Connor shrugged, as he pulled a tray of dough out of the refrigerator.

“Maria’s worried about you. I don’t think Cordy told her about Dawn. So…” He hesitated. “If you’d like to ease her worry, you might want to tell her something or stop moping.”

Connor kneaded the dough, pulling it apart to make the garlic balls for tonight’s dinner. “I’m not moping.”

“Connor, look, I understand it’s not the manly thing to do to admit to being upset or hurt, but we’re friends. I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t think you needed to let it out.”

Connor’s hands stilled and he looked up with a confused expression on his face. “She wanted me to tell her I loved her, but I couldn’t. We’ve only been dating like 2 months, as long Buffy and Spike. It’s not normal to feel that intensely about someone so soon. She wanted all these promises of love everlasting, and I just wanted us to go with the flow.”

Lindsey was silent as he listened to Connor. He wanted to agree with him, because it was true. Most guys didn’t fall in love in such a short period of time. If they did, they wouldn’t admit to it. He had. He loved Cordy from the very beginning. One look in her eyes, and he knew she was the one, the only. He knew that was how Spike felt about Buffy. And if anyone had the right to be leery of love, it was Spike. Druscilla would have made him gun-shy. He couldn’t be sure if he would taken a chance and gone after Cordy if he’d been in Spike’s shoes. So what did he say to Connor, when he was pretty sure, Connor had deeper feelings for Dawn than he was admitting?

“You have to do what’s right for you, Connor. Dawn did what was right for her. Doesn’t mean she was wrong and you were right. Or vice versa. It just means that at this time in your life, you can’t care for her the way she wants to be cared for.”

Connor nodded. He appreciated what Lindsey was saying. It did feel better to talk to someone who understood the male perspective. He wasn’t sure if Cordy or Mama would have been as understanding.

“Are you still going to the concert with us?”

“Nah, I’m going to call up some of my buds and go with them. I told Dawn. She thought it was a good idea.”

I’m sure she did. Lindsey thought to himself.

“Well, it sounds all very civil between the two of you.” Lindsey said skeptically.

“I think this is the nicest breakup I’ve ever had.” Connor admitted. “Lose the girl. Lose her kisses. Gain a new best friend. Yep, doesn’t get any better than this. I think I’m going to call Luca and Joey, see if they want to hit the strip tonight.”

**********************

“So, what’s the emergency?” Willow asked, taking her place at the table. She smiled her thanks to the waiter as he handed her a menu. She wiggled her eyebrows appreciatively at his taut behind, and made a mental note to ask Tara if she had tired of Xander yet.

“No, emergency. It’s Dawn.” Buffy set her menu down and grimaced. Should she have the less caloric House salad with peanut dressing on the side or go for the veggie burger with fries? One would add fat to her thighs, but the salad could lead to potential embarrassment. She could see herself in mid-point with a big piece of green lettuce stuck between her two front teeth. She’d have to work out to burn off those fries, but at least, she wouldn’t be red-faced in front of her friends.

“Sorry, I’m late.” Cordy rushed as she sat down. She hugged Buffy and waved across the table to Tara. “What did I miss?”

“Buffy was just getting started, and Willow was checking out our waiter’s ass.” Tara said bluntly without a hint of jealousy.

“It was nice, wasn’t it?” Willow queried.

“Yes, it was. So what’s happening with Dawn? Is it school?” Tara asked.

Buffy winced and looked sadly at Cordy. “She broke up with Connor. I’m sorry.”

Cordy took pity on her, and patted her arm, reassuringly. “I know. He just told me, which was the reason I was late. Do you know what happened?”

“What didn’t happen was them sleeping together. But really, I don’t know.” Buffy said, rubbing her forehead. “Dawn’s way too calm about the whole thing. She hasn’t cried. She isn’t angry. Hell, I don’t know what to do for her, but I know it’s hurting her.”

“What did Connor say about it?” Willow asked. She saw the waiter coming over to their table, and kicked Tara under the table.

“Nothing. He said he was fine, and Dawn was fine, but that things were over. He said he wasn’t going to the concert with us for obvious reasons.” Cordy leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest. “He didn’t mention anything about sex. Believe me, I would have been all ears for that.”

Despite the solemnity of the situation, they all laughed. Because really, deep down, they were all voyeuristic about their friends’ and family’s sex lives.

“Ladies, can I get your drink orders?” Tara arched one blonde brow and gave the man the once over. She dismissed him quickly as a potential sex partner. “Yes, I’d like sweet tea and a water.” She answered, before tilting her head to catch Willow’s attention. As the man walked away from them and over to Buffy and Cordy’s side of the table, Tara whispered in Willow’s ear that he looked gay to her.

“Really?” Willow said astonished. She gave him another long perusal, shaking her head in disbelief. “Are you sure?”

Tara waited till he left before pinning her lover with a patronizing look. “Willow, we’re gay. Learn to recognize your own kind.”

Buffy and Cordy laughed at the shocked look on Willow’s face. She stuck her tongue out at Tara, who grabbed her chin and kissed her softly on the lips.

“Excuse me, we’re here for lunch, not a porn peep show.” Cordy remarked laughingly.

“Well, I figured if Buffy and Spike could get their freak on in the middle of a barbeque, I could tongue Willow.”

Willow squeezed Tara’s thigh under the table. Tara’s tongue, hmm. Maybe, she would call it an early day after lunch. Take Tara back home, and have her way with her.

“Hardy har har. That was totally unplanned. Totally appreciated, but unplanned and unexpected.” Buffy argued, but she couldn’t keep the smug grin off her face. That had been a nice romp.

“I swear I thought Spike was the only one in your relationship with sex on the brain. I’m glad to see I was wrong.” Cordy quipped.

“I find it’s mutually beneficial to be on the same page or bed as the case may be.”

“So, now that we’ve established that Spike and Buffy are boinking each other to death, what are we going to do about the children?” Tara asked.

Willow snickered. “I wish I could remember when I was a virgin. Honey, do you remember ever being hesitant about sex?”

Buffy choked on her water, and Cordy had to pat her back to get her to calm down. “Sorry.” She croaked.

Tara just smirked and answered the question. “I remember wondering what the big deal about a cock was. I mean, really, you give the best orgasms, sweetie. But then, we slept with Lorne and it was all pretty much self-explanatory.”

Cordy’s mouth dropped open, as did Buffy’s. Willow and Tara sighed as the memory of their romp with Lorne came back to them in living color. Buffy looked at Cordy. Cordy looked at Buffy. They both shook their heads, and heard cartoon sound effects going off.

“Excuse me, did you just say, Lorne was your first male lover?” She had to say male or they’d be here forever. And she really didn’t want to keep Spike waiting till she was old and gray.

Tara looked at Buffy and Cordy, and cracked up. “Oh, you didn’t know. Oh, my god!” She laughingly screamed, drawing the attention of the people in the booth next to them. “All these years, and we never told you. Oh, this is too much.”

Willow grinned. “It was my idea. We didn’t trust anybody else, so we asked Lorne, who was only too thrilled to participate in his one and only menage. He was very good, but then again, so were we.” She said, patting Tara on the cheek.

The waiter came up at that moment. “Ladies are you ready to order your lunch?”

“I think this is going to be a liquid lunch for now. Pitcher of margaritas, and don’t spare the tequila.” Cordy told him, fanning herself with her napkin.

As soon as he walked off, the women collapsed into giggles.

***************************

Maria was waiting when Cordelia arrived back at the restaurant. Cordy’s face was flushed from all the laughing and drinking, but she wasn’t drunk. Nowhere near it. It was just good being around other women who loved life as much as those three did.

“Hi, Mama.”

“Cordelia, you’ve been drinking. In the middle of the day? Cara, what were you thinking?” Maria asked worriedly.

Cordy could see Maria in the confessional tomorrow renouncing her sins to Father Clement.

“Mama, we were discussing life and love and sex.” She said conspiratorially.

Maria tried to keep a stern face, but she couldn’t. She was Italian, not dead. “Cordelia, what am I going to do with you? Ah, but I won’t have to worry for long. Soon, Lindsey will have you all to himself, and I pray for him to keep his sanity.”

“How’s Connor?”

Maria shrugged. “He won’t tell me. So I sent Lindsey to speak to him. He finally finds the girl, and nothing. So afraid to admit his true feelings. Ah, well, he will learn will he not, my dear?”

“Yes, he will, so don’t worry about him. I’m going to go help Lindsey with dinner.”

Maria watched her walk away and giggled. “Ah, if she only knew what we had done, my love. She would know where she gets it from.” She said to her long-dead husband.

**************************

Thursday

Joyce hummed along to Eric Clapton as she drove to the Magic Box. She had some reservations about what she was about to do, knowing full well, Buffy wouldn’t appreciate this. But Buffy was hers, and she couldn’t sleep at night for worrying about Druscilla Cavanaugh. Joyce knew women like Dru. Women who craved the attention men gave them, needed it, almost as much as the air they breathed, but once they tired of the men, they wanted them gone. Druscilla craved power, and she wouldn’t stop till she had it once again over Spike. Joyce was worried, more like, terrified, Buffy would end up caught in the middle. And Joyce would rather incur Buffy’s wrath, than have something terrible happen to her or Spike. So, here she was making a trip to see Rupert Giles and get the real story on Druscilla. Maybe, they could put their heads together and come up with a plan of attack. It was either this or let Hank handle it, and he wanted nothing more than to call the police on Dru, but without proof, nothing would come of it.

“It would make a big splash in the papers.” Joyce grumbled as she grabbed her phone.

“Hello.”

“Hi, honey.” Joyce said, cheerfully.

“Hey, have you gotten there yet?” Hank asked as he balanced the phone on his shoulder.

She shook her head as if he were in the car next to her. “No. Not yet. I should be there soon enough.”

“Need a pep talk?” Hank asked, knowing his wife of 24 years like the back of his hand.

“Yes, desperately. I talk a good game, but I don’t want Buffy to be upset with me. I don’t want to be known as a nosy, busy body Mom.” Joyce frowned.

“You won’t be. Buffy loves you. Loves us. We are only concerned for her and for Spike. If I didn’t think talking to Rupert would help, I would have told you so. Of course, you would have gone to see him anyway.”

Joyce laughed. “You’re right. Okay, I’m getting off at the exit now. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck, Mrs. Summers. I love you.”

“Love you, too. Bye.”

**********************

Giles smiled warmly as he watched Anya flit about the store. Her once-taut belly was starting to bulge ever so slightly. He was filled with a sense of love and wonder that he was once again going to be blessed with a child. It seemed another lifetime ago when Spike’s mother had come to tell him of her pregnancy. She had so much contempt and hatred in her heart, he was shocked by the fact he’d ever found anything remotely attractive in her. Everything with Anya was different, sweeter, more vibrant, and he found himself getting weepy at the thought of a child with Anya’s eyes and laugh. So caught up in his musing, he didn’t hear Joyce enter the store. It wasn’t until she tapped him on the shoulder, that he realized she’d been talking to him for quite some time.

“Joyce, goodness, I’m sorry. How are you?” He said, hugging her in greeting.

“Fine, but I feel I interrupted your unabashed admiration of your wife.”

“Yes,” Giles admitted shyly, scratching the back of his head in the same way she’d seen Spike do when he got flustered. “I’m still amazed by the fact we’re having a baby. I can’t believe I’m going to be a father again.”

“You’ll be fine. You did a terrific job with Spike. He is a wonderful, young man, who makes my daughter deliriously happy.”

Giles smiled broadly, beaming with pride. “Yes, Will is a wonderful, wonderful young man, and my mother takes all the credit for it.”

“Hello, Joyce, how are you?” Anya said, coming up to them.

“I’m fine, Anya. How are you? Has the morning sickness passed?”

“Abated somewhat, but not entirely gone. Did you have morning sickness with Buffy and Dawn?” Anya inquired. She swore she was the first woman to ever experience morning sickness with such intensity.

“Oh, my, did I. I was sick from my second month to my eight month with Buffy. I thought I was having Rosemary’s baby for awhile there, but with Dawn, it was smooth sailing. I was sick a couple of weeks, then nothing. Now, their labors were reversed. Easy as silk pie with Buffy, 22 hours of labor with Dawn. But you tend to forget all that once the doctor hands you this miracle you created.” Joyce sniffled, remembering that moment when she first laid eyes on Buffy. She stole her heart with the first wail.

“Oh, that’s the most beautiful story I’ve ever heard.” Anya said, sobbing.

“Anya, my dear, oh, it’s going to be our story soon enough.” Giles said softly to her. Anya sniffed and nodded. “Would you like some tea?”

“No, Rupert, I’m fine. Just got a bit overwhelmed there. I’ve got some calls to make. I feel the sudden urge to call my mother.” Anya smiled. Giles took her hand and kissed it softly before letting it go.

“Tell Hallie, I said hello.”

“I will.”

Giles turned back to Joyce. “Would you like some tea?”

“I’d love some.” Joyce answered, following him into the Tea Shoppe. “I have a favor to ask, and I’m not sure if you’ll do it.”

Giles frowned slightly. “Well, you won’t know until you tell me, will we?” He set two cups out for them, and poured water into the steeper. “Irish rose or Earl Grey or a special blend?”

“If you have Green tea, I’d love that.”

“I do. You’re in luck.” Giles put the bag of Earl Gray in the steeper, and prepared a second one for the Green tea. “Shall we?”

Joyce sipped her tea, smiling over her rim at the intense look Giles was giving her.

“I need to know what happened between Spike and Druscilla Cavanaugh.”

That wasn’t exactly what he thought she wanted to discuss with him, but it was close enough. “May I ask why?”

“I don’t know how much the kids have told you, but she made some ridiculous accusations about Spike, and basically wanted to hurt Buffy with them, through me and Riley. Riley is Buffy’s ex.”

“Yes, Spike has mentioned him.” He said, smiling. Joyce grinned as well, knowing whatever was said about Riley wasn’t flattering.

“I know you feel the same way about Spike as we do about Buffy. Even though, they are grown and independent, they are still our babies. I will do whatever I have to do to protect them from Mrs. Cavanaugh. My husband and I would just like to know what they are up against. Why is she so hell bent on making Spike’s life miserable?”

Giles leaned forward till his elbows were on the table. “I have no idea, Joyce. She was never a pleasant girl to begin with. Never could understand what Spike saw in her. I tolerated her for him, but I never trusted her. When she cheated on him, a small part of me was glad he’d seen it for himself. That act finally broke her hold over him. That and Buffy, of course.”

“But to answer your question, I think it’s all about power with Dru. Spike couldn’t understand that. She controlled him. She controlled everything about their lives, and he allowed it, though it went against his nature.” Giles sighed, remembering those awful years with Druscilla. “When she realized she done as much as possible to Spike, she moved on. I believe she made him feel like her love was all that he’d ever need to survive, and when she took it away, she expected him to fall, and fall hard. Which he did. He was devastated. Then, the truth about Druscilla came out, and that helped him to get back some of his dignity.”

“Should Hank and I be worried she’ll do something more harmful to Buffy?” Giles lowered his gaze briefly, and Joyce had her answer.

“Yes. I do believe she’s fully capable of physical harm, but.” He emphasized. “I doubt she’ll do anything that will harm Angel’s campaign.”

“Angel? Is that Liam Cavanaugh’s nickname?” Joyce asked giggling.

“Yes, it is. Totally inappropriate.” Giles laughed. “Spike will look after Buffy. He won’t let anything happen to her.”

“And Buffy will look after Spike.” Joyce added. “When do you think we’ll have an engagement?”

“Sooner, rather than later.”

************************

Dawn tapped the pen against her cheek as she circled reasonably-priced complexes in the apartment guide for the San Diego area. She should have been excited about the prospect of getting her own place. Especially since her parents hadn’t allowed Buffy to live by herself until her sophomore year. Yay, me. Everyone thinks I’m so mature, except the one person, I need to believe that I am. Stop it, D! Stop it! Just forget about him. Concentrate on you. Concentrate on school. Leave the love stuff to Buffy and Spike, and Willow and Tara.

The phone rang, shattering her internal rumblings. Dawn hopped down off the stool and grabbed the phone before the answering machine picked up.

“Hello.”

“Dawn. It’s Connor.”

Dawn stared at the phone in horror. She wasn’t expecting to speak to Connor until Friday, and if they were lucky, probably not then. She didn’t know what she wanted to say to him. She felt like the world’s biggest fool.

“Hi, Connor. What’s up?” She asked, hopefully as casually as possible.

“Nothing.” He admitted. Okay, say more than 1 word, you big dunce. You called to tell her about the concert, so get on with it.

“Oh.” Dawn answered. What in the hell?

“That’s not really true.”

Oh, boy, please let’s not do this now. I can’t talk about it. I can’t discuss what happened. I’m not ready. Dawn thought, panicked.

“I wanted to tell you that I won’t be going to the concert with you and the gang. I’m going to go with some friends of mine. I thought it would be best.”

Dawn slid down onto the floor. “You’re probably right. Bloody awkward. Well, I hope you have a good time. It should be a great concert.”

“Bloody awkward, indeed. I think you’ve been hanging out too much with Spike.” Connor commented. He sighed as he slid down on the floor. He hoped no one came barreling through the kitchen door or he’d be in the hospital instead of at that concert.

“Well, he’s practically a member of the family. It’s sort of expected that we see each other if I want to see my sister.” God, this was awkward.

“Right.” Connor laughed. “I’d better go. Gotta help Lindsey with the lunch crowd.”

“Okay. Well, it was good hearing from you.” Dawn told him, her voice catching.

“You too. Bye.”

“Bye.”

**************************

Friday “Oh, Ricky, I’m home.”

Spike looked up from his computer, smiling around the pen in his mouth.

“Well, well, well, Lucy, don’t you look all nice and ready to party.” Spike took in his golden angel, leaning against the wall.

“I am ready to party. I just got off the phone with Cordy. She fits right in with us. I’m so glad she’s your friend.” Buffy flung her arms out to the side, waiting for Spike to come and get her. He obliged, of course.

“I’m glad too. How was work? And why are you home so early?”

“So many questions, so little time to answer them.” Buffy remarked. Her eyes were soft and inviting, and Spike smiled at the desire he saw swimming in them.

“So little time? What? Are you going somewhere?”

Buffy nodded, her head inching closer to his, her fingers already clutching at his hair. “To bed.” She said, an instant before her lips captured his.

The kiss was soft and warm, like her eyes, taking him in deeper and deeper. It seemed like forever since they last kissed with the intention of... Wait a minute! Did she say bed?

“Did you say to bed?”

“Yep. No more nasty, little visitor. I’m all yours, and I’m ready to collect what‘s mine.” She said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“It’s ready whenever you are.” Spike said, heading to the bedroom.

He groaned as she pressed her crotch into his stomach, her tongue into his mouth. She took her time, tasting and nipping at his lips.

“God, you can make me cum with just a kiss. How in the hell did you get to be so talented?”

Spike tilted his head. “Do you really want to know?” He asked her sarcastically.

“Nah. It was a rhetorical question, totally no need for you to answer that. Let me pretend you came about it naturally.”

“Fine with me.” He laughed. Spike dropped her on the bed, quickly pressing her body into mattress with the weight of his. He wiggled his hips, and Buffy forgot how to breath.

Buffy gazed at him, her fingers caressing his skin softly, almost reverently. “I remember that first time like it was yesterday. The first time you pushed inside of me, I thought I would pass out. It was so intense, so beautiful.”

Her voice was light and hypnotic. Spike found himself drawn into the past to the backroom of 14Below. To her and him, their bodies meshed together. Her breath on his lips as she gasped her pleasure. He felt her hand on his chest, moving slowly down till he closed his eyes in pain. Her touch was like a torch to his skin, scorching him.

“You make me feel that way, every time we make love. I feel apart of you, inside of you, even though, you are inside of me.” She continued, unbuckling his jeans, pushing them down over his hips.

Spike closed his eyes, feeling for her mouth blindly. They kissed slowly this time, knowing they had all night.

“For 3 years, I dreamt of you. Dreamt of the way you kissed me, touched me, loved me, made me scream. And I never knew your name. Only what my heart and mind remembered.”

“Beauty, thou doth slay with me with a kiss, shatter my existence with a whisper, drown me in the depths of your soul, till I become you, and you become me.”

Buffy’s hands stilled their movement, lying comfortably on his ass. “Who wrote that?” She asked breathlessly.

Spike opened his eyes, realizing he was willingly drowning in her. “I did. Just now.”

“Beautiful.“ She whispered, pressing her lips to his mouth.

Buffy squeezed his buttocks, grinding her hips into his crotch. Buffy raised her legs till her feet rested on Spike’s thighs. She used them to push his jeans down, and with a little help from Spike, toed them off. His shirt was next, as Buffy pushed him onto his back.

“We‘re going to have fun tonight.” Buffy stated. Spike grinned, thinking much the same thing. But then again, he was naked as the day he was born, and the woman he loved was straddling him, looking ever bit the dominatrix at the moment.

“Yes, well, I’ll do my part.” He said, emphasizing his statement with a thrust of his hips. “If you do yours.”

Buffy wrapped her hand around his semi-hard cock, and smiled broadly. “Oh, I plan to. Don’t you worry about a thing, baby. Leave everything to me.” She said, scooting down Spike’s legs, till her mouth was poised over the head of his penis.

Spike held his breath, waiting, anticipating her lips circling him, taking him in.

Buffy licked her lips before lowering her mouth, over the dome of his penis. Spike reared off the bed, feeling her hot breath caressing his throbbing member as she engulfed him. His eyes rolled back into their sockets as she slowly caressed his sensitive skin from base to head, over and over again. His fingers ached to push her head down faster, but his brain overruled him, fearfully of breaking the rhythm she’d set for them.

Buffy felt her nipples harden as her breasts scrapped against Spike’s legs. He tasted like pure sin. No man, no human should ever be this delectable 24/7. No one. And he’s all mine. She felt like climbing up on the rooftops to announce that, but the guttural moans and gasps emanating from the man beneath her, brought her attention back to the task at hand. Gripping the base of his shaft, she teased the crown with her mouth, while her hand held the base firm. Spike writhed on the bed, grunting her name, praising her skills. The words were heady and powerful, and spurred Buffy on. She wanted him to feel everything she was feeling. The love, the passion, the desire.

She knew the moment his body surrendered. She felt the tension that had been coiled within him, like a rattlesnake waiting to strike, snap. He seemed to cum for hours, it seemed to him. Too many days of being teased and shot down, he mused. When his body collapsed, exhaustedly to the bed, he was too weak to even open his eyes to see if Buffy was still on the bed or plastered to the ceiling. Oh, but he felt her. God, did he feel her.

Buffy smiled as she slid on top of him, easily taking him deep inside of her. He’d been out of it, when she rose from the bed, and quickly shed her clothes. Even now, he was still dazed and confused, but quickly coming around. Well, not in that sense.

Slowly, she rose up, holding him tightly as she did, and sank back down. She held his hand in hers, guiding it to her clit. Spike needed no further assistance as he rubbed the little nubbin with quick strokes. Strokes designed to bring Buffy to a slow, painful burn, giving him time to catch up to her.

“When I see you, like this,” Spike commented, his hips meeting her thrust for slow thrust. “I can’t believe there is another woman out there more beautiful, more sensuous, more desirable. It isn’t possible.”

Buffy leaned forward, resting her elbows on either side of his head. Her lips felt lonely without his. She tilted her head from side to side, watching as his eyes follow her. Buffy leaned down, her breath warm in his ear. She nipped it lightly, swirling her tongue around his ear, down his cheek, across his chin. She repeated the process on the opposite side, stopping when she reached his mouth.

“Come... with me, Spike.” Buffy gasped, her chest heaving. “Come with me.”

Spike wove his fingers in the silky strands of her hair, guiding her up till they were sitting. Buffy rested on her knees, her hips moving increasingly faster, trying to stave off the orgasm, but desperately needing the release. Spike’s finger continued its torment of her clit, till she thought she would simply die if he continued.

Spike sucked at her neck, her collar bone, the valley between her breasts. Oh, god, she thought. I’m going to shatter into a thousand pieces, but Spike will be there to put me back together again. Buffy shrieked and keened loudly when Spike pinched the engorged bud between her nether lips. He held her tightly as her inner muscles clamped down hard on his shaft. The roaring in his ears was deafening, and only when he heard Buffy’s sobs, did he realize it was him that was making that noise.

Buffy clung to Spike, stroking his back, murmuring incoherent words of love against his shoulder.

“That will go down as the loudest orgasm in the history of San Marino.” She joked.

“Well, we’ll...” Spike gulped for air. “We’ll just have to outdo ourselves tomorrow.”

Buffy leaned back, her face wet with tears. “Tomorrow? How about later tonight when we get home?”

Spike kissed her wet cheeks, kissing her lightly on the lips. “Don’t blame me if you can’t walk tomorrow.”

“I promise you can spank me if I complain.” Buffy giggled as Spike hardened again.

“So tell me what brought on this lovely trip down memory lane.” Spike said, nibbling on her shoulder.

“I have to have a reason to want to have sex with you. It’s only been 4 days since we last did anything.” Buffy huffed, smiling wickedly as Spike’s tongue slid across her nipples.

“Oh, no. Believe me, you need no reason to get butt naked and use my body. If I ever complain, smack me, I’m delirious.”

“You’re delicious, in my book.”

“Touched, Pet. I really am.”

“That’s good. How about we touch for another 15 minutes, then race for the shower before everyone gets here?” Buffy suggested, twirling her hips slightly.

“Already ahead of you, Luv. Already ahead of you.” Spike flipped them over, and proceeded to show Buffy just how far ahead he was.

***********************

Chancing a glance in Buffy’s direction, Spike saw the same rigid stance that had greeted him ever since Buffy and Cordy saw Connor with his ex-girlfriend. How in the hell had Connor gotten off with the evil eye, and he got that plus the cold shoulder. All he and Lindsey were guilty of was keeping their mouths shut. What crime had they committed? Damn, Connor.

The evening had gone really well, in his opinion. They’d barely gotten dressed before the first set of car doors could be heard slamming outside.

“That was great. Makes me almost want to say ‘the heck with Dave Matthews’.” Spike grinned at the dreamy look on Buffy’s face.

“Well, we could always try something different. You, me,” He said, wrapping his arms around Buffy’s waist. His hand rubbed her taut belly. “In public, under everybody’s noses.”

Buffy wiggled her ass into his groin. “Don’t tempt me. We might give the fans a better show than Dave.”

Okay, they were good when they left. Better than good, great. Spike argued. So, how did something that had nothing to do with them blow up into something.

“I don’t see what I did wrong? I didn’t come with my ex. Connor did. And Dawn wasn’t upset.”

Buffy narrowed her gaze. “She was hurt. You should have at least warned her.” Buffy turned in her seat. “I can’t believe you don’t get this.”

“We saw Connor on the other side of the amphitheatre. There was the slightest possibility that he would run into us. And she is his friend, Buffy. You’re being unreasonable.”

Buffy’s eyes bulged unattractively. “Unreasonable. That’s my baby sister who just had her heart broken again by Connor.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “She’s an adult, Buffy. She made the decision to break up with him, and it was the best move for both of them. Don’t make her into a child. She isn’t.”

Buffy knew Spike was right, but this was Dawn, her Dawnie. She’d been protecting her for 18 years, she didn’t see any reason to stop now.

“I love you, Buffy. Lindsey loves Cordelia. To think the two of you would believe us to be so insensitive, and male, is unfair. Connor and Dawn have to work out things on their own, without interference from us. I understand you wanting to protect her. I would do the same for my kid sister or brother, but this isn’t about us. It’s about them.”

Spike shut off the ignition and got out the car.

How am I the bad guy? All I did was go to a concert, go to the bathroom, see Connor with his friends, one of whom was his ex, come back and try to enjoy the concert with my girl. Instead, I get vilified for being a schmoe and insensitive. Me, insensitive? I’m the king of sensitive men. Hell, I cried at the Lion King.

Buffy watched the silent conversation Spike was having with himself. She wasn’t really angry with him. Well, she was, but not as much as she was with Connor. How could he come with his ex to a concert where his recent ex, her sister, was going to be?

Spike pulled the sheets back and got into bed, and Buffy felt a twinge of guilt that she’d caused this rift between them. It wasn’t a rift, like the one between him and Dru, but it felt icky all the same. She pulled her cami on and climbed in.

Spike rolled over onto his side and stared at the opposite wall. This was ridiculous. Them having their first fight over Dawn and Connor.

Buffy sucked her bottom lip, feeling colder than she had in a long time. She sighed as she looked at his back, and she suddenly couldn’t hold her anger and frustration.

Her hand reached out to touch him at the same time he rolled over to face her.

“I’m sorry.” They both said.

Buffy smiled slightly. “I get a little irrational when it comes to Dawn. I’m not mad at you. Just the situation.”

Spike took her hand and pulled her till she was draped over his chest. He kissed the top of her head.

“I could have at least told you, and let you decided whether to tell Dawn or not. I really didn’t think we’d see him.”

“I know. Forgive me for overreacting?”

“Forgive me for my lack of sibling knowledge?”

“Yeah.” Buffy said, looking up into his eyes. Buffy scooted up till she was eye-to-eye with him. “I think we just had our first fight.”

“I do believe we did.” Spike pushed her hair over her shoulder.

“So, now we need to make up.” Buffy told him, leaning down to kiss his chest.

“Yes, we do.” He said, sitting up to kiss her neck, her chin, and her mouth.

“Is there a set amount sex for making up after a fight?” Buffy asked, leaning her head back.

“Nope. It’s totally up to us.”

“Oh, goody.”

TBC

Next