Hello All, I'm sorry I haven't written for this story in a while. Life happens and you lose track of hobbies, like writing stories and catching up on great fanfiction. Thank you all for sticking around, I'll try to update the next chapter a little sooner. And since I know my bf is an avid FF reader, and he is more than likely going to check this out, hope you don't think me too corny love bug.

-ccdreams

Young Girl

Chapter 10

He didn't know how long they'd been embracing, but the warmth coming off Buffy's body was radiating around the room. She was the sun to him. Warm, bright, but deadly to the touch. If Spike held her too long he knew he'd get burned like he always did with women. Spike slowly loosened his arms and tried to pull himself back to look at her face. Spike wanted to see her reaction, understand her feelings, and he didn't want to misunderstand.

He felt a magnetic pull towards Buffy and hoped she did too. From her hug it seemed evident that she felt the same, but who could tell. Speaking your feelings was much easier for him to understand, but women always seemed to beat around the bush.

Spike slowly stepped back gripping Buffy's hand in his and asked, "Buf, I think we need to talk love."

Pausing for a moment, Buffy's voice crept out, "Does it have to end so soon?"

"What's ending love?" said Spike eyeing her.

"This," said Buffy trying to creep back into a hug.

Spike let it happen, basking in her keen prowess.

How does she already know my weak spots? Thought Spike allowing Buffy to regain her spot in the nook of his body. How does she just "know"?. . .Because I'm weak for her and she knows it. She can see it all over my face.

"Don't look at me that way Spike," said Buffy smiling up at him from below his chin.

"What face am I makin' love?" said Spike amused.

"I can read you like a book." said Buffy play slapping him in the chest, "you're nervous about 'this'."

"Of course I'm nervous Buf," said Spike pausing and lowering his voice slightly, "I'm taking advantage of an impressionable young woman."

"I make my own choices Spike," explained Buffy. "I'm not just some airhead that falls for all her hunky teachers."

Did she just say, 'falls for', meaning more than like? What am I twelve? It's words, nothing more. Thought Spike hopeful in Buffy's arms.

"Buffy, we need to let go for a bit, this feels a bit surreal." said Spike eyeing her.

"But, I don't wanna." said Buffy trying to act cutesy.

"I'm not sure if that works on you love," said Spike chuckling. "I much prefer the confident persona."

"Well, I prefer the confident British intellect, but we can't all have what we want," said Buffy suddenly walking out of the room.

"'Eh, I'm as much the sexy confident charming swoon worthy British intellect I was when we first met; the only difference is that's my outer persona. You're getting to know the real me. Still got the looks, and dare I say charm, but not such an ass and certainly more gentle." explained Spike while darting after Buffy.

"I don't know I tend to fall for assholes." said Buffy giggling. "I mean if you really want to give me butterflies you should probably treat me like dirt. That's what women really want these days."

"You won't get that from me love, won't treat a woman bad. Not my style." said Spike speaking truthfully. "But I suppose, if that's what you're looking for?"

She turned quickly and said, "No, I was kidding, I want a nice man in my life, I need a nice man in my life after the toads I've been dealt. Part my fault, part theirs."

"All their fault love, we can't help who we fall for." He paused to see if she caught the wording.

I can't tell if he's egging me on? Do I say something cheeky or just breeze past it? Thought Buffy bending over to look into Spike's tiny fridge.

"I don't know about that Spike," said Buffy grabbing a water bottle out and taking a swig, "I think we sometimes have to go against our better judgment when picking a partner. Why do you think I'm trying so hard to get you to like me?" She smiled confidently and waited for his response.

"At least you're sayin' it now, I was beginning to bloody wonder if it was just me. I like you too, guess I might as well put it out there." said Spike feeling a wave of relief.

They gazed at each other realizing the ramifications of the statements they had just declared. More than attraction would be difficult in their current situation. Spike's job would potentially be on the line and Buffy would look like she'd been seduced. The silence grew as they both contemplated their next steps.

"I", said Buffy and Spike in unison. Smiling they stopped.

"Go on luv," said Spike allowing her to speak.

"I feel both excited and disappointed." said Buffy taking in Spike's reaction.

"Care to elaborate luv?" said Spike clearly trying to keep the mood up.

"What I mean is," Buffy paused to phrase the next sentence correctly, "I really like you, but I don't want to put your job and life in jeopardy. I can wait to try this until the end of the year once I graduate."

Spike understood what she meant now. She truly cared about this career and image. "Luv, I'm not entirely sure I can wait," said Spike eyeing Buffy. Her face brightened at the connotation.

"I don't mean just for the physical aspect, but I would love to get to know you more on an intimate level. Even if I am unable to touch you intimately, I want to know you. I want you to be my person." Spike seemed slightly embarrassed by the romantic words flowing out of his mouth, but he went with it. "I have been infatuated with you since you since I found your note. That being said, you're more than just looks. You're the entire package luv. You're a hell of a woman Buffy."

Buffy stood listening to Spike, taking in his words. Angel had loved her body and thought she was cute and funny, but he never really took her seriously. Here was man, willing to get to know her, willing to see her for the artist she was, and wanting to be with her, but unable too. Here was the person she wanted and cared for. This moment had proven it. She didn't care if they got caught, she didn't care if someone saw. She had to have him. She needed to claim his mind and body.

She walked over to Spike while he continued to talk. He hadn't noticed that she was walking over to him quickly, until she was in front of him. Buffy wrapped her arms around Spike's next, pulled him forcefully down, and kissed him on the lips. At first, Spike was so shocked that he just stood there, but a few moments later, he was participating fully.

Unable to control his urges towards Buffy, he lifted her up by her butt and began walking towards the bedroom. Realizing that probably wouldn't be the best place, he set her on the air mattress in the front room, never letting her mouth go. Becoming more excited, Spike felt as Buffy kissed more aggressively and ran her fingers through his blonde hair. Moments passed and Spike could feel Buffy tugging on his clothes.

Pulling away slightly, Spike said, "Luv, I don't think we're there yet. I am not trying to sleep with you just yet."

"I know that Spike," said Buffy, "But I am trying to sleep with you. Bit of a predicament wouldn't you say?" Not waiting for a reply, Buffy grabbed Spike's collar and pulled him in for more kisses. While her lips were focusing on his lips, neck, and jaw, Spike felt her untuck his shirt very carefully.

"Buffy, no." said Spike now more forceful. "I don't feel comfortable doing this just yet."

Stung by the rejection of not being wanted, Buffy looked away. She had to keep her eyes trained on something else in the room in order to avoid her face flushing in anger.

"Spike, I need to leave," said Buffy clearly hurt. "I understand what you're saying, but I'm practically throwing myself at you."

"That's the problem luv. You shouldn't have to do that. I want to treat you proper, take you out, schmooze you a bit." said Spike trying his best to soften the blow to her ego. Keeping his face straight, he chuckled inside at the reversed roles. Usually the woman was the one wanting the romance. He was such a pansy sometimes.

"You mean it?" said Buffy looking up at him. "You really want to wine and dine me?"

"Of course luv. You're the kinda girl that deserves the best treatment. I don't want someone that just gives it away. And I know you're not that type of woman." Spike looked at her gently. Smiling he leaned down and kissed her on the mouth.

Buffy heart fluttered at the response. He was a man of worth. A kind man that wanted to know her, be with her only. It felt right and she wanted to ride the wave. "What about next week?"

"Too long luv, what about Wednesday?" Spike countered. "I could use some Buffy time on a week day."

"I'm in," said Buffy standing up. She found her sprawled clothes and slowly put them back on.

"Don't think I'm needy, but I already miss you a bit." said Spike walking Buffy to the door.

"Ya know we can't say anything right?" said Buffy giving him one final kiss.

"I know luv, but I guess that makes it more fun?" Spike said trying to lighten the mood.

"I suppose," said Buffy waving goodbye.