It's Always You

Chapter 11

Buffy and Liam walked slowly down the damp dark cavern, Liam led the way, his enhanced vampire vision enabling him to find his way better, he gripped Buffy's hand tight, keeping her with him as he slowly made his way through the underground tunnels. After a while they turned a corner and they both saw the soft glow of candlelight coming from the end of the tunnel.

They were quiet, careful not to make a sound as they slowly stepped into the softly lit cavern. The ceiling was high, stalagmites hung from the ceiling and dripping water onto the floor. Buffy glanced around as she stepped up beside Liam, suddenly she gasped as she spotted Spike.

He was against the far wall, his arms suspending above his head by a number of chains that were attached to the wall. She quickly hurried over, her mouth twisting in worry as she noticed his face and chest were a bloody mess and one of his arms looked dislocated.

Buffy groaned in concern as she reached the injured vampire, Liam too looked shocked, he couldn't believe somebody could be hurt so bad and still be alive, more or less anyway.

"Oh Spike" Buffy whispered, wincing as she reached up and placed a hand on his cheek "What did it do to you"

Liam scowled as Spike started to stir, he blinked and struggled to focus on Buffy "I knew you would come" he whispered gasping, his voice hoarse, his lips cracking painfully.

Buffy gazed at him sympathetically and put her arm around his waist taking some of his weight onto her small frame, she glanced pointedly at Liam who wordlessly reached out and snapped the chain. When his weight was released Spike slumped, unable to support himself, only Buffy's hold on him kept him on his feet. His head sagged and he groaned painfully.

Liam snapped the other chain, glanced at Buffy and put one of Spikes arms around his shoulders, taking most of the smaller man's weight and allowing Buffy to take his other side. Buffy looked up at Liam, grateful for his help, knowing perfectly well that he didn't particular like the blonde haired vampire.

Together they walked out of the cave; Spike held between them, groaning softly with each painful step...

In the shadows at the back of the cave a pair of dark eyes watched the trio walk out of the cavern, they flashed in anger as the figure snarled softly.

"I'll get you, my Slayer…and you little dogs too" Angelus, as the First hissed, his face twisting into the vampires mask as he finally lost control of his anger.

xxxxx

Buffy opened the front door and Liam pulled Spike inside, the living room was filled with people, all of whom turned to face them with various expressions. Most of the potentials looked interested, some confused. Xander looked angry, while Dawn was the only one who actually looked happy, a large smile on her face.

Giles Anya and Cordelia were back and they all looked concerned, although Cordelia didn't look surprised. Anya looked around curiously, while the rest of the AI team looked a bit apprehensive, but confident at the same time.

"I need to take care of Spike first" she whispered "Then we can talk" with a glance at Liam she grabbed Spike's arm again and helped him down the hall.

A few minutes later Spike was lying on the cot in the basement, his face twisted in pain as his wounds caught on the cloth of the mattress, Buffy went to the washing sink, filled a bowl of water, grabbed a clean cloth and came over to wash his wounds. Liam eased back up the stairs, glancing at Buffy in concern and told them he would get some blood. Buffy looked at the dark-haired vampire and smiled gratefully. Spike also glanced at Liam, his eyes narrowing in surprise, Liam just shrugged.

As the door of the basement closed with a soft click Spike raised his eyebrows "He didn't waist any time did he?" he asked, his voice soft

Buffy feinted ignorance "For what?" she asked, her eyes opening wide. She didn't particularly want to talk to Spike about Liam. Not now, not ever, she knew it would only hurt him, and thought she didn't love him, he was still her friend and she didn't want to see him hurt.

Spike glared, he didn't like it when people tried to lie to him "For you two to start the horizontal mambo again" he rolled his eyes "Don't play the dumb blond Buffy, it doesn't suit you" he sighed, he needed to know, he could smell it but he wanted her to tell him. He looked up into her hazel eyes and gazed at her impassively, trying to show that he trusted her to tell him.

She sighed, looked down, and pressed the cloth to a wound on his chest. She was silent for a few minutes, gathering her thoughts as she continued to clean up the dried blood on his upper body. Finally she took a deep breath and whispered "It's more like the vertical tango at the moment" she whispered regretfully, she glanced into his eyes and noticed the pain in them "I didn't want you to know" she whispered

He shook his head dismissively "I could smell it" he growled "Who else knows?" he asked

She looked down "They all saw him hug me, they know something is going on, but only Cordy knows how far things have come" she whispered softly.

Spike raised his eyebrows "So why isn't tall, dark and challenged feeling the pain of happiness" he asked.

She placed the cloth against his cheek and cleaned the gash, she bit her lip "I….he doesn't love me" she whispered "He's Liam, he can't love me….not yet anyway" she bit her lip.

He glared "So it's ok if you love the person, but not if they love you?" Buffy glanced at Spike startled and realized he thought Liam was using her, just like the way she had used him, using his love to get what she wanted. She shook her head "It's not like that Spike" she whispered, angry at herself for not realizing that he might see it like this.

"It's exactly like that!" he snapped, his eyes flashing angrily, he jerked awkwardly away from her wincing. Leaning back against the wall he grabbed the cloth from her hands and pressed the cloth to his shoulder and wiped some of the blood off his arm. "What's the difference? That it's him and not me?" he looked pissed, annoyed but underneath he looked hurt, betrayed.

She shook her head "No, it's not" she whispered sighing "He might not love me, but he will, and that's good enough for me. He's the person Angel used to be…" she told him "I will still always love him, no matter what"

He glanced away and rolled his eyes "It's just…did it have to be him? What about Finn or that Parker bloke, hey even that homeless guy at the docks would have been a better choice! Couldn't you choose someone beside's the old grandsire?"

Buffy's lips quirked in a smile at the look on Spikes face "You know it doesn't work that way…" she whispered

The blonde vampire sighed loudly as the basement door opened and Liam walked back down the stairs, a cup of blood in his hands. He glanced between Buffy and Spike, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as he moved forward and handed Spike the blood. Spike took a sip, and closed his eyes "Thanks" he muttered grudgingly.

Liam just shrugged his shoulders as he looks at Spike wounds "Are you ok?" he asked "You look pretty bad" he wrinkled his nose and frowned

Spike smirked "What this?" he shook his head and took another sip "It's nothing, just a few scrapes, I'll heal right up?"

Liam quirked an eyebrow "So that's another thing about vampires, rapid healing?" he glanced at Buffy.

She nodded "Yeah, I totally forgot to mention it before sorry. I was kind of hoping it wouldn't really matter. I was kind of hoping you could avoid the fighting" she shrugged

Liam narrowed his eyes and glared "Well that's not going to happen" he snapped "I can't just watch while someone else is fighting and not pitch in to help"

Buffy rolled her eyes "Clearly" she muttered

Liam glanced back at Spike "This rapid healing works with all vampires? I'll heal like that too?" Spike nodded. Liam actually looked impressed and he smiled

Spike finished his blood and handed the empty cup to Buffy "Better get upstairs and face the music" he raised an eyebrow mockingly.

Buffy groaned and sighed loudly "Oh this is not going to be good" she glanced at Liam "Come on, Xander's probably ready to come storming down here, and I really don't think that's going to be a good thing"

She gave Spike a smile and turned to walk up the stairs; Liam cast Spike a swift glance and quickly followed.

xxxxx

When they walked into the living room Buffy self consciously took Liam's hand and squeezed it tight, grateful for his presence. The tall dark-haired vampire glanced down and smiled softly at the small little blonde, amazed that she had shown that she needed him, it was a nice feeling.

He wasn't quiet sure how he felt about these new feelings towards her, they were nice. But he had never felt this way about anyone before, it was all so new and Liam didn't particularly want to make a fool of himself, especially in front of Buffy and her strange friends.

So he tried to keep his distance, only touch her when they were alone, but the more time he spent with her the harder it was, it was if his entire being was drawn to this little thing. What was the word his friend had used to describe it…soul mates, that was the word! Liam wasn't sure if he believed this or not, but one thing he was certain. This little thing meant more to him then anything else in this world.

He wasn't sure how he felt about that.

Liam noticed the look of hostility on Xander's face when they walked in, but he wasn't particularly worried, he gave Buffy's hand a quick squeeze, telling her he was here if she needed him.

Buffy was grateful, took a deep breath and looked Xander in the eye "Ok…" she whispered, her voice grave "What do you want to say?"

Xander continued to glare at her "What do I want to say? Oh I have a lot to say! What the hell are you thinking Buffy? Do you have any idea how much we have all been freaking out? Thinking what could have happened? Did you even think about us? How we would feel about this?" he ranted

"Xander" Buffy rolled her eyes "You are the last person I was thinking about… I don't really see how any of this is your business, or anyone else's for that matter" she added glancing around at the group. Dawn had the grace to look down, embarrassed, but Giles, probably the only one in the group who she didn't blame for meddling cleared his throat

"Buffy, he's not Angel…" he told her gently

Liam blinked confused and was about to open his mouth when Buffy slipped her hand from him and placed it on his shoulder, signaling him to keep quiet. She took a step forward "I know Giles! God…I know" she bit her lip "But…. He's there Giles, deep down…I know he is"

"And what about Angelus?" hissed Xander taking a step forward "Have you thought about that?"

"How can you even ask me that?" she snapped, her eyes flashing "Of course I've thought of that! How can I not, he's in my nightmares!" her voice rose until she was almost shouting, tears pricked her eyelids and she stopped to take a deep breath and wipe her cheeks.

"It's not an issue anymore" she whispered softly

"What? Buffy come on, the curse is still their!"

Buffy nodded "I know, but he's Liam, not Angel!" she whispered softly, glancing at the man beside her and smiling encouragingly, he still looked confused, his eyes glancing around at everyone in the room

"I don't understand" whispered Xander, for once he wasn't trying to pick a fight, he was generally stumped, and unsure of what she meant.

Wesley however, thought he knew exactly what Buffy meant, as did Cordy. The brunette seer was feeling sorry for Buffy; she didn't envy having to tell Xander why Angelus wasn't a problem… Cordy doubt any of the Scooby's would actually take the news lightly.

Buffy took a deep breath " Because he doesn't love me" she smiled around her tears "Not the way Angel does"

Xander's eyes widened "What?" he shook his head "Buffy… that's just…"

Buffy shrugged "I don't care Xander, I don't care!" she snapped "I know in his own way he cares for me. It might not be love, but well… I think that's better don't you?"

The Scooby's were silent as they processed this information. Wes cleared his throat "Buffy are you sure?"

She ducked her head "I'm sure Wes" she answered with a blush tingling her cheeks slightly. Xander's eyes narrowed as the others all looked surprised. Giles cleared his throat loudly and cleaned his glasses. Cordy glanced between Buffy and Liam and smirked happily, glad for the two of them.

Willow looked shocked but she smiled and walked forward and hugged Buffy encouragingly, "I'm glad for you" she whispered, giving the Slayer a squeeze. Buffy returned the hug gratefully, "Thanks Will" she whispered.

Wesley pointedly cleared his throat and they all turned to look at him. "Ah…well…We actually had something to talk about too" he murmured

"We have our memories back, so there is no real reason for us to stay. But with this new Apocalypse and the First we've decide to give you a hand." He indicated Cordy, Fred, Lorne and Gunn "We've booked rooms at the Sunnydale Inn, it's the least we can do."

Buffy was grateful and shocked "Oh you don't need to do that! I know LA…"

"Will be fine until this is all over" Cordy announced happily, beaming "if I get a vision it's only two hours away and Connor is their…" she murmured under her breath.

Buffy blinked "Connor?" Cordy's eyes widened and she glanced at the rest of the team. Wes slowly, inexplicitly shook his head and Cordy just shrugged "He's a member of the team, he helps us out" she explained

"He's a good fighter, strong" offered Gunn "He can hold his own"

Buffy looked slightly suspicious but she nodded, Liam didn't even blink.

"Well" murmured Fred shifting on her feet

"Best be off" chuckled Wes, he turned and walked to the door, the AI team followed "We'll be back tomorrow morning" he told them with a grin

"For breakfast" added Cordy with a grin "No way am I eating that crap they serve in hotels" she snapped

Gunn just shook his head and Lorne waved goodbye as they headed out the door. A few minutes later the sound of the Plymouth stating up wafted through the window and then the rubble of the big engine as it pulled of the curb and down the street. Buffy took a deep breath, glad that everything seemed to be going ok.

Anya yawned and announced she was going home, Xander too announced that he needed to be off. He had work early the next morning. The Potentials all trudged upstairs, bunking in Dawn's and Willow's room, Giles took one of the couches.

Liam and Buffy were left standing in the middle of the room, still holding hands. Very slowly Buffy turned her head and looked up at him, she smiled, raised her eyebrows and gently tugged him towards the stairs.

Liam just smirked, the corner of his lips twitching as he realized her intentions. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close for a kiss "Do you think the others will mind?" he breathed in her ear, kissing her neck slowly

Buffy groaned softly and pushed him away desperately, a flustered look on her face "We'll be quiet" she whispered "like mice!"

Liam grinned and pulled her up the stairs towards her room "Mice aren't quiet!" he hissed with a laugh.

xxxxx

Buffy's bedroom door clicked shut and not a moment too soon. Liam pulled Buffy towards him, wrapped his strong arms around her slender waist and bent down to kiss her mouth, his lips firm but tender as they tasted her desperately. Buffy gasped and opened her lips, allowing his tongue entrance into her mouth, passion eliminating all reason as she desperately grabbed the hem of his shirt and struggled to pull it over his head.

He leaned back briefly, allowing her to rip the shirt over his head and toss it on the floor, then his mouth was again on her's, his lips cool against her skin. Buffy let her hands wander slowly over the hard muscles of his chest, feeling each dip with each rib, each little patch of soft hair. She moved her hand lower tracing the hair from his navel to the top of his pants. Liam breath hitched in his throat and he groaned loudly as she gave him a wicked smirk and slipped her hand under his pants to grip him tight. She felt him jump in her hands, his penis suddenly hard as she stroked his soft length. Liam hands grabbed at her hips desperately, his fingers digging into her flesh as he pulled her forward. Buffy found her hand suddenly crushed between their bodies and gasped as she accidentally rubbed her own hand against the front of her jeans.

She cried out softly as her hand and Liam penis rubbed against her through the rough fabric of her pants. She jerked her hand away desperately, glancing up at Liam through heavily lidded eyes as she grabbed at his belt and frantically tried to get it undone.

Liam hands were also desperately pushing at her clothes, her shirt took a bit of maneuvering, but her bra was unclasped quickly and thrown over his shoulder, then his hands were at the buttons of her jeans. Meanwhile Buffy was still fumbling with his belt "Stupid belt" she hissed, finally giving up and snapping it in two.

Both of their pants fell to the floor at the same time, both of them frantic as they kicked them off and fell into one another's arms. Liam hands were between her thighs, rubbing her frantically between the cotton of her panties, Buffy withered in his arms, gasped and jerked her head back as she felt the tingling down her spine. Her panties were soaked through with her juices, she could feel them running down her thighs and she tilted her hips desperately, needing all of him.

"Liam, oh Liam" she whispered

He chuckled grabbed her panties and ripped them off. He reached between her thighs again but this time Buffy quickly stepped away, a smirk on her face. At his puzzled look she knelt down before him, reached for his member again and leaned forward to kiss the tip softly.

His eyes bulged and he gasped softly, fisting his hands in her hair. "Oh, I didn't know you knew how to do this!" he gasped out, his lips quirking in a smirk. She smiled around his tip and took him further into her mouth. Her tongue running over his length, her lips enclosing his shaft and sucking deeply. She felt him quiver as she used her hand to pump his length. He growled and closed his eyes, sighing contentedly

Liam threw his head back, holding himself still, liking the feel of Buffy's mouth around him, his whole body was tingling, humming with pent up release. He gasped again as Buffy bent her head, fastened her mouth around his head and slid down his length; Liam tensed as she took almost all of his hard penis into her mouth.

"Oh Buffy oh, yes" he breathed "That's it lass, oh…" he growled, gritting his teeth again as Buffy slipped her hand from him and palmed his balls. He shivered, he was so close!

Finally he couldn't hold on any longer, he groaned loudly as he felt his sudden release, he clutched at Buffy's hair as he bucked his hips unconsciously, pushing his length further into her mouth. Buffy moaned softly, swallowing his cum and lapping at the residual juices that flowed from his quivering organ. She leaned back finally, licked her lips and stared up at him with a wicked glint in her eyes. She chuckled

Liam groaned loudly, hissing between his teeth as he pulled her to her feet. Buffy swayed, blinking up a him through hooded eyes and he placed a hand between her thighs, rubbed at her vigorously while at the same time he turned and pulled them both towards the bed. They collapsed on the mattress Buffy gasping again as Liam fingers quickly found her clit. She struggled to keep her gasp quiet as his mouth slowly moved over her flesh, his hands stroking her intimate folds. She stretched out, spreading her thighs, one hand reaching up and grasping the headboard tight as her other hand moved between their bodies, finding his cock and quickly stroking him until he was hard again. He sighed loudly as she gripped him tight, her nails scraping against him.

He groaned and lifted his head off her breast. His hand reached down and gripped her hand, holding her still "Ah...lass…stop, or ya'll be the end of me, again" he smirked winking "and I have plans to last a bit longer yet"

Buffy smirked "Is that so?"

Liam returned her smirk with one of his own, shifting so the tip of his hardened penis brushed against her curls. Buffy's eyes opened wide and she gasped, shuddering. Liam chuckled and moved down, his eyes never leaving hers as he kissed a trail down to her navel and stopped at the start of the soft curls at the apex of her thighs.

Buffy's eyes widened, was he going to do what she thought he would? If the devilish smirk on his face was any indication he was. She managed to find her voice "What are you doing?" she asked, no man had ever been down their with her before, and she wasn't entirely sure if she was comfortable with it. She blushed with a sudden embarrassment. With Angel for her first time he had been kind and gently, taking his time, making her come again and again before he found his own release, his finger and hands brought her to knew heights. But he hadn't gone down on her. Buffy realized he probably didn't want to push her.

With Parker it had been quick, pathetically quick, he had pushed himself inside her before she had been fully ready, it had hurt, slightly, but Buffy had eventually found her release later as he had shuddered inside her. Parker had been more interested in getting himself off then with making her feel wanted.

With Riley, well Riley was sweet, he cared, but he had some very old fashioned views about sex, he had liked to be in control, he had liked it when she had her mouth on his dick. But he had never gone down on her the same way, he hadn't felt the need to.

With Spike…well the blonde vampire had wanted to. She remembered when he suggested it, his eyebrow raising in amusement. She had considered it, she had…but some part of her balked at the idea. Some part of her wanted to keep that part of herself for the person of her heart, and that wasn't Spike.

Now that very man, albeit with some change was nested between her thighs and Buffy found herself suddenly nervous, but excited at the same time. She shook her head and focused on Liam, he was looking at her curiously.

Liam cocked his head, looking slightly confused "Don't tell me you've never had a man's mouth around your pussy?" he smirked "I thought that's what all women liked"

Buffy blushed "No..." she whispered softly

Liam licked his lips and grinned at her "Well, this will be a first then won't it?" he whispered, purring softly. "You're gonna love it lass, I'm going ta make you scream and thrash as if you were in the heights of the devils arms!"

Buffy's eyes widened and she gasped softly a blush tingeing her cheeks again "Oh" she whispered softly.

Liam grinned wickedly and bent down, his cool breath moving her curls. Buffy closed her eyes and tilted her head back in anticipation, a small smile on her face.

Liam breathed in deep, pressing his nose against her soft curls and kissing her softly, Buffy moaned and Liam grinned, moving down further. His mouth was light against her folds as he tasted her, his tongue flicking over her sensitive clit and causing her to gasp again. His nose twitched as the scent of her arousal filled his nostrils.

He took his time, his lips and tongue moving slowly and carefully. With each stroke of his tongue Buffy could feel her release coming closer and closer, she was gasping loudly now, her breath coming in hitching gasps, her hands clutching the bedhead tight as the other fisted itself in Liam's hair. She cried out loudly, a scream of pleasure and arched off the bed, she shuddered and released, her orgasm spilling from her before she even registered. Her juices soaked the mattress, her thighs and Liam lips as they suckled her clit.

Finally as she stopped shaking Liam moved back up her body, he looked down at her, his dark eyes sparkling with satisfaction, a smug smirk on his face. Buffy didn't care, she grabbed his shoulders and tugged him towards her. She bent down and kissed him desperately, her tongue entering his mouth and tasting herself. Liam gasped and pushed her gently back down on the bed as he moved over her. Buffy looked straight into his eyes, reached down and gripped him again, he was still hard. He twitched and shuddered against her hand, the flesh smooth and supple, keeping eye contact she spread her thighs wide and pulled him towards her dripping entrance. She hissed and arched up again as he penetrated her, his hard shaft plunging deep. Her eyes rolled back and she smiled.

Liam groaned as her tight hot flesh moved around him, he felt her inner muscles flutter and he gritted his teeth desperately. He wanted to take his time, make her come again while he was deep inside her. He let out a low sigh and pulled back, letting himself slide out of her until only his weeping tip was left inside, he paused for a second, until Buffy whimpered slightly with need, then he pushed himself back inside.

He continued this slow movement for a few more strokes, Buffy was almost their again, he could feel and smell it, she was gasping again, his penis and pubes were soaked with her pleasure. Liam could feel his own release coming hard, much harder then he wanted. He plunged inside her again, burying himself up to the hilt, and then almost instantly pulling out and plunging in again. He was holding himself away from her body, his strong arms keeping him above her, he liked looking into her eyes, and he liked looking down to watch as he entered her. Buffy nimble hands were running down his back, scratching slightly, she screamed again "Oh…Liam!"

Liam grunted and pushed inside her again, his movements were desperate now as he searched for his own release, he felt Buffy flutter around him, heard her cry out again and knew she had orgasmed again. He smirked, took a deep breath then plunged inside her again, feeling her tight hot muscles squeeze around his shaft and cause his own release. He groaned "Oh Buffy! Oh lass…" he whispered, he bent his head and rested his forehead against her's as he moved in and out a few more times, slowly coming down from his own release.

He collapsed, spent and sucked in deep breaths as his head rested between her breasts, his member still inside her. Buffy whispered softly and stroked his back, contentedly. Liam rolled over, slipping from her warm heat and laid on his back beside her, looking up at the ceiling. He put his arms behind his head and sighed. Buffy looked over at him, smiled softly and rolled over to nestle in the crook of his arms.

She snuggled in close, burying her nose in his chest and breathing in deep. She sighed and closed his eyes "I love you" she whispered as she drifted off to sleep.

Liam blinked and looked down at the small women in his arms, completely shocked at her admission. He felt a tingle of fear down his spine and fought the sudden urge to jump out of bed and get as far away as possible. That's what he used to do. He frowned but made no move to get up, he kept telling himself it was because he was tired and wanted to sleep, he didn't acknowledge it was because he was developing feelings for her. He didn't want to feel for her, feelings were weak, and they made you vulnerable.

He sighed and closed his eyes, letting his head fall to the side so his cheek was resting on the top of Buffy's head. He put his arm around Buffy's waist, pulled her in close and slowly drifted of to sleep, a contented smile on his face.

A/N: Oh so sweet! Lol, see Liam does care, he's just not one to admit it! And yeah, props to me for getting another smut scene in where I didn't originally plan to have one! What can I say…I'm a bad, bad girl! *giggles*

Um…it was just way to crowded in the Summers home for the AI team any more, they will still be in the story…at least for the immediate future I'm not entirely sure about the ending yet, but they have definitely taken a bit of a back step in the story!

Connor will not be in this story; he might be mentioned again later on. But at this time I have no plans for him to actually come to Sunnydale.

Hope you enjoyed!

Xoxoxo

Lia