Author's Notes 1, Tigerwolf: Ok people, can you tell me if you like the
poem? It's just something I came up with quickly, but like all my Spike
poems, it means quite a lot to me. So, thanks.
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Buffy watched silently as Madison turned to Spike, dislodging him from her back, looked up at him with an apologetic face, tears still on her cheeks. "Sorry, Puppy. I hate crying."
Spike sniffed. "*You* hate crying? How do you think I feel?" Wiped violently at his eyes. "Bleedin' embarrassing."
She grinned, her tears still running, and wiped at his cheeks, pushing his hands away so she could do it gently.
He nuzzled her hand quickly. Gave a shaky grin. "What do you say we go back out there and reintroduce you? The real you, this time."
She pouted. "I don't like Xander." Rubbed at her eyes harshly.
He chuckled. "Me neither. But he's one of Buffy's two best friends, so I put up with him." Gently brought a hand up and wiped her cheeks as she had his.
She took a deep breath. "I don't have to apologize do I?"
He grinned and shook his head. "We'll just tell them that we were playin' a joke. Dawn'll back us up."
"I meant to Bi-" Stopped. "Buffy. To," it took her a minute to only THINK the word and not say it, 'bitchy', "Buffy."
He tried not to chuckle. "No. I think... I think you might have actually gotten through to her. At least a little. She looked kind of upset, but I'll apologize to her for you later."
She snorted. "You absolutely will not do anything of the sort. Because you'd be *lying*. And if I wanted to apologize, I'd do it to her face, not through you."
Buffy gave a small smirk. Good. She was glad Madison wasn't sorry. Because neither was she.
Spike sighed. "Okay... I just hope she isn't *too* mad at me for this." He gave Madison a playful shove. "It was *your* idea, after all."
She grinned, shoved him back. "And did it fail? Noooo."
He laughed. "Okay, okay. You're right." Laughed a little harder. "Did you.. did you see the look on the Watcher's face?"
Buffy took in the sound. It was rich, and deep, and... happy. Not a noise she had ever heard from him.
Madison covered her face with her hands. "I was so embarrassed. I looked ridiculous, didn't I?"
He gave her a quick hug. "No. You're beautiful. If you'd been ridiculous, there would have been laughter, not amazed stares."
She smiled wryly. "I felt like... a cow or something. Your girls are so tiny and beautiful. Buffy... Well, I wasn't expecting someone that pretty. She's kind of... vibrant, ya know?"
Buffy tucked her hair behind her ear and listened for Spike's response.
Deep, longing sigh. "Yeah. I know." Shook his head. "You know, I actually loved her for at least two years, before I figured it out. Probably from the moment I saw her. She's just.. so amazing.. I don't even have words for it."
Madison grinned. "Well, she's certainly not ordinary. She *got* in my face, right back. It impressed me."
He chuckled. "Yeah. You should see her when she's really intent on killing someone. Like me. I used to see that all the time."
"Well, like you weren't trying to snap her neck or anything??" Wagged a finger at him playfully. "Did you tell her it wouldn't hurt if she stopped moving, too?"
He laughed again. "No. I *wanted* it to hurt her!"
"Well, then! I can't blame her for kicking your ass then."
Buffy nodded her agreement.
He snorted and pounced at her. "She did *not* kick my ass!" Play growled. "In fact, we usually wound up in a stalemate."
She laughed and growled at him. "Go you! Tough guy, huh?"
Growled back, walking around her in a slow circle. "You know it. Come here!" Pounced at her again.
She laughed and squealed, but slipped on the damp floor. As she went down, she smacked her head on the water heater, and pouted at Spike, holding her head.
He moved quickly over to her and squatted down in front of her, gently touching her head. "Are you okay? I'm sorry."
She gave an embarrassed laugh. "I'll be fine... Could I be more clutzy?" Winced, slid her hand across her temple. "Oooh... bit of red there." She pushed her hair aside. "Small cut, yeah?"
He picked up a towel that was on the ground and rested it gently against the small wound. "Really small. Barely bleeding at all."
She nodded. "Yeah. I guessed as much. I wouldn't even get lucky enough to make it dire. Just embarrassing." Batted his hands away. "Stop... hovering. I'm fine."
Buffy grinned. Madison was really charming. Telling Spike what to do like he was going to listen. And it WAS really cute how he was hovering over her.
Spike bit his lip. "You're sure you're okay?"
Gave an exasperated sigh. "Puppy. Are you trying to say that I look bad?"
His eyes grew wide. "No! You look great.. I just.. you scared me." He moved the towel to check. "I don't like it when someone I care about gets hurt."
She smiled at him. "Will I live, Doctor??"
He grinned and chuckled. "I'm far from bein' a doctor. But, I do know a lot about blood and wounds, so, in my opinion, yes. You will."
Pressed a hand to her heart. "Thank heaven." Smiled. "So... Are you ready to go out and play nice?"
He gave a half pout. "No. But I will if you will."
She pouted, too. "We can beg off for my 'head wound' and go get icecream."
He chuckled. "Dawn'll want to come with us."
She shrugged. "Dawn can come, then."
He grinned. "Nah. This is our last day together. I want to hog you."
Madison grinned. "Sorry. Just a snack."
Buffy made a confused face. What the hell was this girl on? Maybe they DID need to check her head out again...
Spike chuckled. "Yeah.. I know. I'm the one who told *you* that, you know. Seems you have yourself a pet vampire out of the deal, though."
She grinned at him. "Nah... But I got a really good vampire friend out of it."
He smiled at her. "And I got a great human friend in return." He lifted her to her feet and put a arm around her shoulders.
She laid her head on his shoulder. "Should I act faint, or are we toughing it out?"
"S'up to you. You're the injured party, here. I've just got a healed lump on my side."
"Do YOU wanna stay?"
He gave a half nod. "Kinda. I want everyone to know how great you are. I want to show you off." Gave her a grin. "And I have my own motives..." He whispered something to her.
She grinned. "I feel so much better now. And when I come visit you? The Ice Queen routine would SOOO get old."
He chuckled. "Yeah. I'm glad that we're gonna see each other again. I'm really gonna miss you after tomorrow. I don't even know when we'll be going back through South Dakota."
She gave him a sideways hug. "Just call me whenever you wanna talk, I'll do the same, and let me know when you'll be through. My schedule will be clear for you."
He returned the hug. "Yeah, but I'm gonna miss this. Actually being together, and being able to see you and touch you is a lot different from phone calls." Gave a quick grin. "And I am sooo going to miss your scritching."
She gave him a smiling eye-roll. "We've got a minute. Come here."
He grinned. "Right here?"
Buffy's eyes widened. Maybe she had been wrong about the non-sexualness of it. Almost positive she was wrong when Madison answered him, "Right here," with a sly grin, and finger crook.
Spike grinned. "Want me to lay down on that chair thing?"
Buffy's mouth moved, but no words came out. Oh, my GOD! That was... was sick. Was worse than Xander and Anya, and... ughhhhh...
Madison cast a look around. "Anywhere's fine for me. You have to like it."
He stretched out on his stomach on the lawn chair thing. "Oh, I'm fine here."
Buffy tilted her head. Sex kitten she was not, but she was SURE that unless Madison was hiding something in that bikini, she had no idea what was going on.
Madison stood by his head, ran her fingers through his wet hair, then set to scritching. The response was instantaneous, the vampire purred loudly and nuzzled against her hand, his eyes closing. Madison gave a huge grin, and kept scritching, moving her hands over his scalp.
Buffy was watching intently. So THAT'S what she had been talking about. Scritching. Hm. She decided to try to work it into the plan.
Spike had a really goofy grin on his face, and his eyes were totally closed as his pushed his head into her hands, purring loudly.
She laughed. "You and Will are the biggest spoiled brats I've ever met."
He chuckled, not even opening his eyes. "Yeah. But it takes talent. It's not easy to be this spoiled."
"Oh I know... You must work sooooo hard at it."
Very small, limited movement nod.
She laughed, scritched vigorously for a few seconds, then slowed greatly.
Spike sighed and opened one eye to look at her. "I really am a puppy, aren't I?"
She smiled, kissed his forehead. "MY puppy."
He chuckled. "Yeah. I'm your puppy, Dawn's almost big brother, and Buffy's doormat."
"I don't think so."
Buffy bit her bottom lip. Way with the harsh.
He glanced up at her. "I do. I don't mind, really. I accept the way things are, even if I want them to change. I've done everything I can. It's a predator's way to accept things that can not be changed."
She snorted. "Well it's MY way to kick some bitch's ass until it DOES."
Sigh. "Must we go through this again? Buffy is who she is. She can't change that, and neither can you, anymore than you could change the fact that I need blood to live." Rolled over slightly and reached a hand to cup her cheek gently. "Besides, I don't want her to hurt you."
Buffy and Madison bit their lips at the same time. Buffy wasn't sure she wanted to hear all this, but WAS sure that she NEEDED to.
"I'd let her, if it would change anything, in the smallest degree for you."
Spike gave a small smile. "In the last few weeks, things have already changed a lot, Madison. It just takes time. As much as I long for Buffy to tell me that she loves me and mean it, I also don't want to push her at all. I have time. I have plenty of time." Gave a half chuckle. "And the unfortunate tendency to allow my heart to dictate my life. Bloody hopeless romantic. That's me."
"Well, I'm a mean person, so it's not a problem for me. I want a boy like you. But, ya know.. with, heat and chemistry and stuff."
He chuckled. "And without fangs, I'm guessing."
She shrugged. "Doesn't matter, not really. I mean, we're ok, and you have fangs."
"Madison, do I really have to remind you that any other vampire would just as soon eat you as look at you? Or worse?"
She made a face. "I found you. I could find another one."
He shook his head. "There aren't any others like me, Madison. Cept maybe my poof of a grandsire, and that's totally different." Took a deep breath. "Can I tell you something? Something that no human knows about me. And only one other vampire."
She nodded, and began to pet his hair.
Buffy felt very skeazy, but listened intently.
He sighed again. "I'm... defective. A mutation. A vampire that kept most of his human traits and had to be taught to ignore them." Closed his eyes and pushed against her hand. "I didn't want to kill, didn't want to hunt. I was scared, and felt trapped, and didn't know what this thing was inside of me that made me do what I did. It took a long time for me to learn to hide it, and I did only because I knew that Angelus and Dru would stake me if they knew how I really felt. Remember the test? Kinda evil? I lied on some of the questions. If I'd answered truthfully, it would have come out not evil at all or something." Snort. "Personally, I was hoping for a better score than I got, anyway."
Buffy had way too much to think about now. It weighed heavily on her heart and her head.
Madison kept petting him with one hand, but knelt to wrap one arm around his shoulders from behind. "I'm glad. I'm glad you're... defective, or whatever you think you are. I think everyone should be like you, human or not."
He looked away. "Damnit woman. I told you to stop embarrassing me." A hidden grin in his voice, though.
She pressed her cheek to his, grinning. "Sorry. Just doing my job."
Chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Tell me another one."
"Those shorts are purple..."
"What!"
She laughed. "I'm just kidding, Puppy. But the look on your face..." She laughed harder.
He 'grr'ed at her. "You're pushing it, Madison.."
Blinked innocently at him. "You would never hurt me."
Growled playfully again. "I don't have to hurt you..."
She released him and backed away. "No."
Stood up slowly, still growling. Pounced at her again.
She darted left then right.
He slipped on the floor and did a perfect imitation of what she'd done earlier. *Clang!* "Ow!"
Madison's eyes went wide and she was kneeling at his side in a second. "Oh! Puppy! I'm so sorry! Are you ok?"
Buffy wanted to push her aside, and check him over, as she had twice before already.
He shook his head and blinked. "I'll be fine.. as soon as all these stars leave. And the little birdies flying around my head."
She laughed at his joke, but focused intently as she searched his head for a bump or cut.
Found bump. "Ouch."
She pouted her lips as she tilted his head to look at it.
He tried to pull back. "I'm fine, Madison. Really."
Tightened her hands in his hair. "Shh. Stop moving."
He obeyed and held still. "But I'm fine. It's just a bu- Ow! Watch it."
She whimpered. "I'm sorry! I just... Oooh.. it's not too big, but it looks like it hurts. There's a little cut on it."
He sighed. "It does hurt, but it'll stop, soon. Vampires heal fast." Gestured toward the lump on his side. "See? Even broken bones are okay in a couple of days. I bet it's already closed."
She checked again. "Sweet! That is so cool."
He chuckled. "Let's go talk to the others, before one of us winds up in a hospital." Got up slowly, and put a hand on his lower back. "Ooh. Damn. Pulled muscle, too. That'll go fast, though."
She gave him a look. "Trust me?"
He cocked his head at her. "Yeah. Of course. Why?"
"Lemme see it. And promise not to bite me when it hurts."
He turned slightly. "Okay. I wouldn't bite you anyway."
She followed his hands to the spot, then bit her lip. Pushed in on both sides with her thumbs, pushing in, hard, then out, just the same.
He gritted his teeth and winced.
She covered it with her palm, spoke quietly under her breath, then began to rub it softly.
He purred quietly and turned his head to look at her. "Thanks."
Big smile, hoped he hadn't heard her words. "Of course."
"What'd you say? Just a moment ago?"
Smiled. "Just hoping that my magic hands would help."
But Buffy had seen a white glow from her palm, and frowned intensely.
He gave a grin. "Okay, then. Let's go say hello to everyone, then go back upstairs. I think I need to lie down before I hurt something else."
Buffy walked away quickly, hitting the pool just before they rounded the corner.
Spike and Madison came around the corner, and the whole group could see the differences in their actions. Spike had his arm looped gently over Madison's shoulders, but there was no suggestion in the motion. None of the sexual energy that had been there before. He cleared his throat. "Everyone, I'd like to tell you that you've all just been had." He chuckled, and gently shoved Madison forward. "This is my friend, Madison. And no, we are not a couple."
She ducked her head a little bit, tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and then looked up shyly. "Hi."
Spike grinned again. "And Dawn was in on it, weren't you, Bit?"
Dawn suddenly shifted, then gave a sigh and a big grin. "Yup."
Spike looked around at the group's suddenly understanding faces. Xander actually chuckled. "I'm guessing this was to get us back for the Buffy and Giles thing awhile ago?"
Spike cocked his head, then gave a half grin. "Yeah. That's exactly what it was." Turned to Madison. "Would you like to swim?"
She cocked him a grin. "Yes."
He chuckled. "Then you'd better get in the pool." In one swift move, he grabbed her up and tossed her into the deep end.
A laughing squeal as she landed with a splash. She resurfaced, smiling and sputtering. "You're going down."
"I'd like to see you try."
Dawn was treading water at Spike's feet. "Hey, Spike."
Looked down. "Yeah, Bit?"
She held up her arms. "Help me out?"
Without thinking, he reached down to grab her hands. She jerked forcefully backwards, sending him tumbling in, and her underwater. She swam quickly in Giles' direction.
Spike came up, snorting and sputtering, then started after Dawn, half swimming, and half hopping along the bottom of the pool.
She was clinging to Giles' back, her arms hooked around his shoulders. "SAVE ME!"
Spike laughed and growled, started to move around Giles, when something put two hands on his shoulders and shoved him underwater with a blub.
Madison grinned at Dawn. "I got your back."
From underwater, Spike was blowing bubbles. Well, he was trying to talk, but bubbles was the best he could do. He moved slightly, then stood up, winding up with Madison sitting on his shoulders. "Oh, now, get off! I'm not a horse!"
She laughed, hooked her legs under his arms. "I'm kinda comfy. And I think it was kinda mean to throw me in the pool."
"I'm evil, remember?" Then said under his breath for her only to hear. "Don't answer that truthfully."
She clucked a moment, "Well, actually...." Let him sweat a moment. "Yeah. I remember. Kinda."
"Grrrrrr."
She smiled at Dawn from her perch. "Thanks for helping me, Dawn."
She grinned, but kept one eye on Spike, and both hands on Giles. Like he was 'base'. "No problem."
Spike walked around a bit, trying not to feel off balance with a human on his shoulders. "You're safe, Bit. I can't pounce with someone sittin' on me."
She gave a relieved smile, and let go of her sister's watcher, but stayed near him.
Giles had a very mean idea. He did it anyway. One hand went to Dawn's shoulder, and he pushed her under quickly, then let go. "That is for splashing me earlier."
She was sputtering. "Giles!!!" Looked to her sister. "Buf-FY!!!"
Buffy grinned from her perch on the side of the pool. "Gotta take one for the team."
Giles very slowly moved toward Buffy. "Don't think you are getting off the hook, Buffy. You started it."
From the far end of the pool, Spike and Madison watched as Giles yanked Buffy into the pool and dunked her underwater.
Madison unhooked her legs, and leaned back slowly, coming off his back in a smooth almost backflip, then pushed at Spike with a foot. Arched her brow at him.
He looked at her. "What?"
Shooed him forward.
He cocked his head. "What do you want me to do? Rescue Buffy from her Watcher?"
"In sight, out of reach." She rolled her eyes. "Honestly. And you're a master vampire?"
He snorted at her. Then his eyes widened. "Oh. Oh! Okay." Headed for the shallow end of the pool.
Shook her head and began to backfloat beside the Wiccas, talking with them quietly.
Spike licked his lips. Since when did this sort of thing require conscious thought? He walked over toward Buffy, then remembered something that he'd noticed her do when he'd stretched the other morning. Time to test. Using the edge of the pool, he waited until she glanced at him, then stretched his back, feeling the muscles tighten and relax.
She stopped smoothing her hair for a moment, caught off-guard by the movement of his back muscles. All of them. Every single one. Moving, and sliding, and- BAD BUFFY! Focus. Hair. Hair. Sexy back.. NO! Hair...
Hmm. That got a reaction. He wondered if she was even aware of her blood pressure rising. Continued the stretch, rocking from side to side to extend it to the muscles on his ribs as well.
The muscles on his ribs rippled from the top to bottom, which led to his hips. That the trunks were hugging. Whimper, heat, desire. Want want want. Her eyes flared, and she turned, deliberately away from him.
He chuckled to himself. Had the very strange desire to bounce happily. Shot Madison a 'how'm I doin'?' look.
She had been watching for her corner of the pool, grinned encouragingly. Ran her hands over her sides. 'Touch her.'
He grinned. Not a problem. He made his way over to where Buffy was sitting on the stairs, and climbed the stairs slowly, brushing past her. Agonizingly slowly.
Her eyes stayed riveted on her hands, folded in her lap. He moved against her, from his shoulders to his ankles. And she could do nothing about it. Deep breaths.
Ooh. What a physical reaction that time. The smells she was giving off... He shook his head. Now is really not the time to lose control. He walked over, used a towel to wipe the water off his face, as if that was the only reason that he'd gotten out in the first place, and then went back down the stairs, even slower, if that was possible. And he practically leaned against her as he walked. As if he were a cat and he was marking her as his.
Her folded hands clenched, and she felt one hand brush her shoulder in passing. Vacant stare at the water. Wrong. Bad. Something, not sex. But... sex was something, wasn't it??
Oh boy, this was fun... But now what? Unable to think of anything else to do, he looked to Madison for help.
She stood, swam to his side of the pool. Smiled charmingly at everyone. "Chicken, anyone?"
Spike cocked his head at her. "Chicken?"
"Yeah... two people sit on two people's shoulders, and the people on top fight. whoever falls off first, loses. Chicken."
Xander slid into the pool and walked over to Dawn. "Allow me to be your horse, lovely lady?" Dawn gave him a lopsided grin and began to clamor on his shoulders. Once Dawn was in place, Xander looked at Giles expectantly. "Well? Aren't you going to help Buffy?"
Giles got wide eyes. "Um.. No. I don't think so. I'd probably wind up in traction."
Over by the wall, Spike grinned. "I'll help the Slayer."
Buffy cut him a look. "I don't-"
"Buuufffffffffffy," Dawn whined at her, atop Xander. "Come oooon..."
She sighed. "Fine. I am so gonna kick your ass."
Spike walked over to Buffy and crouched slightly to help her climb on. "Come on up, Slayer."
She slid up, one leg hooking around his chest while she situated herself, pulling her other leg up. Finally, she hooked both legs at his sides.
He couldn't see her, but he said anyway, "Comfortable, luv?"
The muscles in her legs twitched slightly. "Yeah."
Spike couldn't hold it in. "So, I guess you like being on top, then?"
Heat. Heat heat heat. But still, on principle gave the top of his head a dirty look, tightened her thighs.
Spike chuckled. "Hmm. And rough, too, apparently. I should've guessed as much."
"Ugh." Released her vice on the sides of his head. "Shut up."
Chuckled again, and sent Madison a glance, hoping that she'd heard that exchange.
Her cheeks were a light pink. "Teams ready?"
All four nodded.
"No biting. That's the rule. Go!"
Dawn and Buffy surged forward, laughing, trying to wrestle the other off.
Spike and Xander did their best to keep their balance as well, and Spike, just to be a jerk, growled and snapped at Xander, who nearly jumped backwards.
Madison just grinned. Spike wasn't paying attention to his hands, she noticed, because Buffy was losing, and Spike wasn't holding her.
Feeling the Slayer start to slip, Spike grabbed her legs and bucked slightly to help her regain her seating.
Sharp intake of breath, and her back snapped straight, and Spike's hands clasped on her thighs were helping, and not helping at the same time.
Spike growled again, then yelled, "Come on, luv! We can take 'em!" He had entered one of his playful moods and was enjoying the game.
Buffy leaned against Dawn, who was panicking slightly, and told Spike, "Back! Pull back!"
He did as she said, quickly.
She yanked Dawn forward as they backed up, and laughed as her sister fell into the pool with a satisfying splash. And took Xander with her.
Spike was laughing as well. He grinned. "We win."
She tossed her hair. "Of course we win."
Spike started strutting around the pool like a peacock, bringing the Slayer on his shoulders with him.
She was swaying back and forth, laughing.
Spike shot a grin at Madison. Buffy was having fun! With him! This was new.
She grinned back at him. Very proud.
Spike changed his strutting to a trot, making Buffy bounce as if she were riding a horse.
Buffy bit her lip. Fun from her stomach up. Suggestive, bad, and very, very, deliciously dirty from the hips down.
The vampire finished his circle of the pool, and crouched near the stairs, letting Buffy off, if she wanted.
She clambered down, landing on the stairs with her legs crossed, and hands folded. "Good game, Spike."
He grinned at her, feeling on some sort of endorphin high. "Yeah. Almost as fun as sparring with you, luv."
Grinned. "Neither one of us gets bruises this way."
He laughed. "Good point. Although I think you put a crick in my neck." He sat on the stairs next to her. "No hard feelings about earlier? I am sorry, you know." Cocked his head. "Out of curiosity, why *were* you so upset, anyway?" As if I didn't already know, he thought with a mental grin.
"No. No hard-... feelings. No hard feelings. Just... uh... we're friends now, and... I didn't like her very much."
He chuckled. "I noticed." He glanced over to where Madison was now playing with Dawn and Willow. "But seriously, what do you think of her now?" There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice. A few weeks earlier, Buffy wouldn't have even known him well enough to catch it. He really cared what she thought of his friend.
"She's... pretty."
He sighed. "She doesn't like you, either, you know. I seem to have given her the wrong impression, and I'm sorry."
She shrugged. "Demons hate me every day. I think I can handle her." Finally, "She's got a lot of guts, and a lot of heart."
He nodded with a grin. "Yeah. Her dad's Irish, and her mum's Hispanic. Makes for a volatile combination at times."
She smirked. "No." Sighed. "Perfect skin color, much?"
He shrugged, and held out a non-tanned arm. "Like I know about skin color? I told her earlier that I didn't want to swim, because I look like a dead whitefish."
She rolled her eyes. "EVERYONE looks like a dead fish next to her."
He shook his head, responded without thinking. "You don't."
She dropped her eyes. "Do you- is she anything special?"
He cocked his head at her. "What do you mean?"
"She... has a strong presence. Is she a witch, or anything?"
He looked over at Madison. "No. I don't think so. She didn't even know that stuff like me or you existed until I told her about this stuff."
Buffy nodded. "Oh."
He cocked his head at her. "Why do you ask?"
Because I spied on you and she can make her hands glow white?? "Told you. Strong presence."
"Oh." Turned back to watch Madison, Dawn, Willow, and now Tara as well, playing in the deep end of the pool. "I know why nothing can kill you, now."
"Wh-why?" His statement was random, and it confused her.
"Your friends. You have a reason to live, that no Slayer's ever had before. I didn't really understand that before. Now I do."
She smiled, took them in. "Yes. I do."
"I'm not sorry that I've tried to kill you, though. I've tried to be, but I just can't. It was who I was, then. A thing is itself. Water is water, a tree is a tree. A monster's still a monster." Took a deep breath, then continued. "Or is it? Water is water, until heated, and then it's steam. Or frozen, and then it's ice." He looked at Buffy. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say, or am I just confusing you?"
She wished he was. "I understand."
Nodded, then went back to watching the girls in silence.
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Madison sat on her bed, beside Spike. "Bad news."
He looked up at her, since he was laying on his back. "Don't tell me bad news. I'm feeling too good for bad news."
She smiled. "I just meant that I'm gonna stay the night at my uncle's. Cuz he's taking me to my flight in the morning."
Spike groaned. "And we're not leaving till tomorrow afternoon." He maneuvered into her lap. "You can't leave if I won't let you get up."
She smiled and started stroking his hair. "Ok. Gonna drop me back off in South Dakota, then? Take me along with you?"
"I'll take you all the way back home, and keep you in my crypt."
She smiled. "How's the college there?"
He shrugged. "Ask Red or Tara. Buffy was there for awhile, but had to drop out when Joyce died."
She nodded, kept petting him. "I'm gonna really miss you."
He made a quiet whimpering sound and nuzzled her leg. "Puppies don't do well alone, you know."
She kept petting him, and moved her hand to scratch at his side. "Neither do I." She tilted her head. "Ya know what? He told me to come in when I was done for the night. So, I just have to sleep there."
Whimpered again. "So you won't come back to the hotel?"
She frowned. "No. But we can go out tonight if you want to."
He looked up at her. "Really? You want to?"
She nodded. "I mean... if you do."
He grinned. "Of course I do. I'll take you to dinner and a movie. Something scary. Then we'll see where we wind up."
She grinned. "Cool!"
He grew quiet again. "Maybe it'll take my mind off how much I'm going to miss you."
She nodded. "Will you drop me off at Uncle Josh's, so I can pick something up for you?"
"Yeah." Looked up at her. "Something for me? What?"
She smiled. "Wait and see."
He snorted. "I hate waiting. I'm not good at it."
She rolled her eyes. "Surprise of surprises."
"Grrr. Watch it. If you want to get home alive, missy."
She ruffled his hair. "I'll be ok. I have a big guard puppy to watch out for me."
He chuckled and nuzzled her hand. "We've still got a couple of hours till sundown. I can't leave till then. And I want to tell Dawn where we're going."
She nodded. "Good. I'm gonna need that long to get all the chlorine out of my hair."
He laughed. "Yeah. I'll go take a shower, then tell the others where we're going, and then come back here... Pick you up at nine?"
She grinned. "All right. Talk to you later, Puppy."
He grinned at her, then got up and headed back to his own room.
========================================================================== =============
Buffy stood in Spike's room, using his bathroom mirror, heavily lining her eyes. Her hair was already done with two different sized rollers, giving it a tousled effect. Lips were a candied red, cheekbones highlighted. The room behind her gave off a soft glow, and a sandalwood scent. Over seventy candles filled it, fifty sandalwood, ten vanilla, and ten rose scented. She looked in the mirror and surveyed her handiwork. Her eyes were smoky, lips bright crimson, hair carelessly tumbled, and it all made a seductive picture. She put her cosmetics back in the bag, slipped off the robe, wrapped the bag up in the robe, and slipped it under a counter, in a corner she thought it wouldn't be noticed in. Looked in the mirror again. Nodded. Everything was ready. All she needed... was him...
========================================================================== ==============
Madison smiled at Spike on the stoop of her uncle's porch. "Well, we're here," she said.
He sighed, and tried for a brave smile. "Yeah. I had fun."
Small smile. "Yeah... me, too." Looked at the stuffed dog in her hands. Still couldn't believe they found it in the Wal-mart. Spike had chosen a stuffed creature to represent her, too.
He blinked down at the little stuffed cat with green eyes that he'd chosen. "God.. I miss you already."
She pouted softly. "I know."
Blinked stubbornly. "I promised myself I wouldn't do this. Get all bleedin' emotional and crap."
She grinned. "Me, too. Come in. I'll get you your... thing."
He cocked his head at her and followed. "Your uncle isn't home, huh?"
She smiled at him. "It's almost 1:30, Puppy... He's got to take me to the airport at six."
"Oh. So he's sleepin'." Spike sat on a chair by the door, hugging the stuffed cat to his chest absently. "I'll wait here."
She nodded, went into a side room to collect the things she had gathered beforehand. Came back out, settled herself on his lap. "Here's your first thing." Handed him a portrait from a studio. "Mom makes us get pictures every two years. You got lucky. This is a year."
He chuckled, and smiled at the photo. "Beautiful. I'll get a nice frame for it."
She bit her lip. "There's stuff on the back, but that's only for later."
He wanted to turn it over, but refrained. Put the stuffed cat on a table in favor of putting a arm around her waist.
She leaned against his shoulder, and handed him a thick pen with buttons on it. "I stole this from Kevin, one of the heathens."
He cocked his head and looked at it. "Why a pen?"
She pointed to the top button. "You hit this button, and it records, while you talk into the top of it. Then you hit the second button, and it plays it back."
"A pen that's a tape recorder? What for?"
She gave a little sigh and hit the second button. "I love you, Puppy," came a respectable parrot of Madison's voice from the top of the pen.
The vampire's eyes welled, and he closed them forcefully. "Oh.."
She bit her lip. "Yeah."
Blinked repeatedly. Then put the pen and photo with the stuffed cat and wrapped both arms around her tightly, but not tight enough to cut off oxygen.
She pulled as closely to him as possible, hugged back just as tightly.
She could probably feel his shoulders shaking slightly, and he nuzzled against her shoulder. "I love you, too." It came out a lot shakier than he would have liked.
She just sat there, her head buried in the crook of his neck, hoping he couldn't feel her tears.
Spike ended the silence without meaning to. Loud sniff. "Damnit."
She lifted her head, with a small laugh. "Yeah." Laid her forehead against his. "You're gonna come see me soon. And then I'll come visit you."
"Yeah.. I know.." Sniffed again, blinking hard. "My stomach hurts now."
She nodded, agreeing. Hers did too. She removed one of his hands from around her, started to nibble pensively on one of his fingers.
He closed his eyes, and two tears escaped. Opened them and mimicked her actions with one of her fingers.
After a little while, she stopped, kissed the pad of the finger. "I bet we look silly doing that."
He chuckled. "Yeah. But it made me feel a little better. Still hurts, though." He shifted a little. "I uh.. I have something for you, too.. I just don't know if I really want to show it to you or not."
"Of course you do."
He was chewing his lip. "It.. I.. Um.." Swallowed. "It's in my pocket."
She scooted off his lap, ready to sit again when he took it out.
He pulled out an envelope, which he'd written 'To: Madison' on in a beautiful, flowing script. "I don't think I want you to open it until I leave, though. If you don't... I mean.. It might.." Disgusted snort. "Why can I not talk tonight?"
She shrugged, sat back down on his lap. "It might, what?"
"Not be any good." Very quiet. "Cause I usually suck at poetry."
She bit her lip. "You wrote me a poem?"
He fidgeted with the envelope. "Yeah.. well.. Ya know.. I'll just keep it. I don't want you to look at it, and not like it, and I'm babbling, so I'll shut up now."
She snatched it out of his hands, held it to her chest protectively. "No! You can't have it."
His eyes got wide, almost scared looking. "Madison.. it was a bad idea.. and I'm a bloody awful poet. You don't want that thing."
Her eyes were wide, vulnerable. "No one's ever written me anything. I know it won't be bad. Puppy, please don't take it away."
He swallowed. "Well.. Okay.. And I guess you can read it now, if you want." He was almost shaking. Whether from sadness, or a memory, or a true fear that she'd hate it, was unclear.
She turned a little in his lap, so she was facing him, and opened the envelope, read the poem:
"Puppy....
I hear that name and my heart leaps, I know it means you're near.
I've never known someone like you, And I'm grateful that you're here.
We found each other by accident, One wonderfully fateful night.
And now you listen when I talk, And help me see what's right.
I tell you things that no one knows, And you don't ever judge.
I wish I'd known you long ago, Known what it meant to be loved.
Friendship deeper than a bond of blood, Companionship when I need it.
No matter where we are or go, I know I'll always be this.
Me, your friend, You, my heart, Me, your Puppy."
Happiness, wonder, and a touch of sadness crossed her face, open for him to see. She looked back up at him, biting her shaking bottom lip. "Puppy," she whispered.
He half whimpered. "I know. It sucks. You don't have to tell me."
Her eyes were glistening, full to almost overflowing. "No. *No*." It was vehement. "It's... sweet, and wonderful, and it made me cry."
He looked kind of shocked. "Really? I.. No one's ever complemented one of my poems before." He felt another pair of tears escape and wiped at them absently.
She sniffed hers back indignantly. "Well, I love my poem. And if anyone says anything mean about it, I'm hurting them." Looked at him. "Really? For me?"
He smiled. "Yeah. I just.. wrote it the other night. When you were sleepin'..." Glanced away, embarrassed.
She smiled, ran a hand over his cheek. "You're my best friend, Puppy. I know Dawn is yours, but I want you to know. You're mine."
He broke. Pulled her to him and nuzzled his face against her shoulder, his own shaking violently. "I don't want to go.."
She wrapped her arms around him, one hand petting the hair on the nape of his neck. "Me either. But you'd miss them."
Sniffed, nuzzled again. "But I miss you now."
She shut her eyes tightly, and bit her lip. He was ruining her 'be strong' resolve. "I miss you, too."
He pulled back a little, blinking hard. "Sorry."
She pushed her nose against his, an Eskimo kiss. "S'ok."
He chuckled a little. "I love you, Madison. Promise me that we're never going to forget each other, okay? Promise me that we'll see each other again."
"I promise you that we're never, ever gonna forget each other, because we're too cool to be forgotten. And I promise you, every free chance I get, I'll be in California."
He nuzzled her again. "Thank you. I wish I had something else for you."
She smiled proudly at her poem, and cast a glance at her black stuffed puppy with a white spot on its head. "This is all I want."
"I know.. I just wish.." He looked around, his eyes locking on something in the corner. "Does that Polaroid have a timer?"
She shrugged, stood, and went to look at it. Smiled. "Yeah."
He grinned. "Let's take two pictures together. One for each of us. If you want to, that is." He gave a small snort. "Although I do *not* photograph well. Makes me look all pasty."
She smiled. "You're gorgeous. Let's get our pictures."
Ten minutes later, the two friends were sitting in the chair again, shaking the developing photos. "Hope they come out good," Spike muttered.
She grinned. "How can they not?"
The vampire was muttering something about stupid so called modern conveniences, and slightly ignored her.
For her picture, making its fuzzy way to reality, she had insisting on them wrapping their arms around each other as hard as they could, cheeks pressed together, smiling happily at the camera.
As for Spike's, he'd just wanted her sitting in his lap as she had before, and right when the camera had been about to go off, he'd poked her in the ribs, so the developing picture was of her with her mouth open and hand raised about to whack him, and him laughing. He looked at it. Good picture.
She peeked at his, then groaned. "Ugggghhhh that's so ugly of me!" Showed him hers.
He grinned, then chuckled. "First of all, I think you're beautiful when you whack me, and second, *I* look stupid in yours."
Indignant noise. "You do NOT. Look at you all smiling huge. It's too cute."
He snorted. "What have I told you? I am *not* cute. I'm scary, and devilishly handsome, but not *cute*." Made a face.
"Fine. Devilishly handsome."
He grinned. "Thank you."
Smiled. "Anytime."
He smiled back, then looked at the clock. Nearly two thirty. "Shit. I'm sorry. You probably want to get some sleep before you have to catch a plane. I should go." He made no move to get up, though.
She smiled at his half-effort, and wrapped her arms around him. "Yeah."
Sigh. "I'm getting up now." Didn't move. "I'm going out the door. Any second now. I'm walking down the sidewalk." Cocked his head. "Am I gone yet?"
"Yup."
"Good." Rested his head on her shoulder again. "I can't move. I don't want to move."
Soft smile, rested her head on his. Closed her eyes. Neither did she.
========================================================================== =================
Buffy fidgeted. He was out with Madison. Madison was his friend. She was leaving tomorrow. She was his friend. Turned off the TV. Lit the candles again. Around two, she had blown them out, didn't want them to burn all the way down. If he wasn't back by three-thirty, she was gone, and never thinking about this again. Except to chew him out.
Spike trudged back to the hotel, carrying his stuffed cat, pictures, and his recorder pen. He felt like his stomach was sitting in his left shoe, and his heart was in his throat. Sighed as he climbed into the elevator. This was going to be a long, lonely night. Or so he thought.
Buffy heard the steps down the hall, and she checked her face one more time, tossed the remote under the bed, tugged at her hair a moment, then lounged back on the bed.
Spike slid his card key in the lock. Maybe he'd invite Dawn to come and spent what was left of the night with him. He put his gifts on a table and headed for the bedroom. Maybe they could- What's that smell? Sandalwood and.. vanilla? Candles? Who the hell... He froze as he stood in the bedroom door and took in the person on the bed. Buffy. He blinked, shook his head, and blinked again. "Buffy?"
She stood slowly from the bed, took a few steps towards him. She was wearing the infamous Wal-Mart outfit. The almost boy-cut panties hugged her, as did the red lace top that she wasn't wearing a bra with tonight. She made a slow, full turn, her hands gliding over her body, running from her hips to bury themselves in her tousled curls. "You asked if I'd model it for you."
Am I dead? Stupid question. Ok, then, dreaming? The vampire swallowed. God, she's gorgeous. "Buffy.. What's going on here?"
She was walking towards him, an almost predatorial gate in her swinging hips. "I'm trying to seduce you."
He licked his lips. "It's working." He took a hesitant step toward her. "Buffy. Now, don't get mad at me, but I have to ask. Are you drunk or something?"
She reached out to capture one of his hands, ran it over her as she looked at him through smoky eyes. "Do I look drunk?"
"No. But I think I might be. Either that, or this is the most realistic dream I've ever had."
She took his other hand, placed it on the swell of her breast as she reached out to run a hand down his torso. "Does this feel like a dream?"
The vampire's mouth opened, then closed, then opened again. "Most definitely not. Are you sure you feel okay?"
Small half smile. "You tell me. Do I feel ok?"
Raised a hand to touch her, then pulled back. "This isn't a trick? Harris isn't hidin' somewhere, gonna stake me when I'm not payin' attention?"
Her hand moved lower, ran a finger over the zipper on his jeans. "Xander has nothing to do with this."
He took a step back. "Luv.. I don't want you doing something that you're going to regret. Tomorrow, you'll be back to seeing me as a monster again, and then you'll never speak to me again. I don't want that."
For his step back, she took one forward. "I won't hate you in the morning." Her mind was racing. She's wasn't a virgin, but... seduction? She wasn't a vixen. This was harder than she had planned. He wanted her. She could tell- could SEE that he did. She was offering, why didn't he- Madison's words echoed in her head, about Spike's fears. Alone. Failing her in any way. He was scared.
He licked his lips. Cocked his head at her, examining her face. "Why all the make up?"
She was mentally stuttering. Swallowed. "Came with the outfit."
He gently took her hand, lead her to the bed, sat her down, then sat next to her. He took an old embroidered handkerchief out of his jeans pocket, and gently began wiping some of the make up off her face, holding her chin softly with the other hand. "You don't need it. You're beautiful, luv."
She tried to not squirm. He was ruining her delivery. Buffy didn't make plans or scripts often, and when she did, she was lost without them. She did the first thing that came to her mind. Leaned up, kissed him.
He was a little surprised at that, but didn't pull back. The hand that had been holding her chin slipped to her shoulder.
Her teeth tugged at his bottom lip, opening his mouth to her.
He responded, allowing instinct to rule for the moment while he figured out what to do. His hand slid further down her back, wandering absently.
Her fingers began to unbutton the black shirt he was wearing. Tilted her head, angled their kiss.
This was still half in a dream for the vampire. Part of him just could not accept that the Slayer actually wanted him like this. His other hand found it's way to her other shoulder, and slid up and down her arm gently, memorizing how soft and warm her skin was. How wonderful this felt.
She leaned against him, her hips rocking up and down, serving to move her against him, slid his shirt open. She looked at him through half-lowered lids, wanting to say something bound to make him go crazy, but nothing came to her... Pretty? Maybe. But she was not a temptress. She started to kiss down the center of his chest, hands moving quickly over him.
Spike gave a bit of a gasp and swallowed hard. One last time. "Buffy... are you sure?"
Her mind raced. What would he want to hear?? She hoped for the best, and recklessly pressed her lips to his again in answer.
He pulled back slightly, his hands on her shoulders. "Buffy. What do you want?" She opened her mouth, and he shushed her. "Not what you think I want. What do *you* want?"
She looked at him, knowing her 'sex-kitten' charade had fallen flat. Looked at him, confused. "To be everything you want."
He looked at her, blue eyes full of love, longing, and desire. "Then just be Buffy."
Her eyes clouded with doubt, she raked her hands over his chest, kissing at his neck, tugging at his jeans. "Not Madison?" Her fingers shook, fumbled a moment, but she slipped the button on his jeans open.
Spike made a surprised sound that was halfway between a gasp and a groan. His eyes flashed, and he arched against her partially involuntarily. "No. Never Madison."
She pulled on his zipper, her mouth meeting his, said between open- mouthed kisses, "Just Buffy?"
A feral growl escaped the vampire, and he moved quickly, pushing her to the bed with him on top of her, eyes flashing with excitement, love, and desire. Looked her in the eyes. "Only Buffy. Always."
========================================================================== ========
Spike had been resolutely fighting dozing off for the last hour. For the four hours preceding that, he hadn't had to worry about sleeping. He glanced over at the sleeping Slayer by his side, curled against him. God, she was beautiful. Her hair no longer had most of the curls from before, and her skin was still slightly flushed, which made her all the more beautiful to him. He gave a deep sigh.
There was a simple reason that he wasn't going to sleep. He was convinced that he'd wake up alone, and all of the previous night would have just been the single longest... and most erotic.. dream of his life and unlife. So, he did what he usually did to keep himself awake. Stare at the ceiling. It was a nice ceiling. Could use some new paint in the corner, but other than that...
Buffy stirred slowly, a satisfied smile already on her lips as she stretched slowly.
Spike didn't move, just kept resolutely staring at the ceiling. Although the feeling of her moving against him did cause his purring, which had quieted, to get loud again. It was a deep purr, a sound that he'd never actually made before. A love purr.
Little sigh. "Mornin'."
No response. Whatever you do, don't wake up. Don't let it end.
She frowned, poked his arm. Still, nothing. To herself, she said, "I think I broke him."
Small smile from Spike. He was suddenly convinced that he was indeed awake. "I'm not broken, luv. Just numb from the waist down."
She made a tiny grunting noise, moved her leg over his to get closer. "Mm... Me, too... If I had to pee right now... So wouldn't know it."
He chuckled and slipped an arm around her, sighing happily.
She nuzzled down against his bare shoulder, looked at his hand, lying on his chest. She reached over, brought it to her mouth.
He cocked his head down at her, fighting the sleepiness that was threatening him.
She turned it palm up, and kissed across the lines that were invisible now, but a few weeks ago had been bloody cuts from a sword. Moved to his fingers, kissing across them, where the blade had sliced into them.
He purred, watching her and fighting the urge to close his eyes.
She was at his forefinger, kissed every joint, looked at him, sex and sleep tousled, and drew her tongue along the side of it, sucked on the tip of his finger for a moment.
He let out a quiet moan. "Luv.. Don't get me going again, please. I'm gonna need to sleep for two days as it is. Assuming I can walk."
She just looked at him, kept sucking and licking at his finger. Stopped long enough to ask, "Better?"
"Better than what?"
"The bot."
He chuckled. "No contest, luv. You're a gold medalist, and the stupid bucket of bolts didn't even place. It's only slightly above Harmony, anyway."
She smiled, slid herself across his hips. "Let's not talk about her..."
His eyes crossed. "Luv... Exhausted, remember?"
Started to bite across his shoulder. "Exhausted or lazy?"
He chuckle/growled. "What do you think?"
Licked a trail across his collarbone. "That you're faking."
His eyes closed. "Luv.. Okay, you got me." He was about to roll on top of her again, when someone knocked on the door.
She jerked to a sitting position, the sheet hauled up to her neck. Eyes swung to Spike.
He shrugged and shook his head. He didn't know who'd be knocking either. Deliberately made it sound as if he'd just woken up. "Uh.. Who is it?"
"Spike?" Dawn's voice called to him, slightly worriedly.
Spike fought down a grin. "I was sleepin, Bit. I'd ask you in, but I'm not exactly decent right now." Wagged his eyebrows at the Slayer.
Gave him a look, swatted at him.
"Ha-have you seen Buffy??" Dawn's voice carried to them, and Buffy knew her sister was worrying her lip.
"Funny you'd ask-"
She gave him an outraged look, smacked him. Hard.
He winced, and continued with what he'd been trying to say. "-cause she came by late last night. Wanted to spar. So we did, and now she's.. sleeping. I'll send her down when she wakes up." Shot the Slayer a look, whispered, "What did you think I was going to say?!"
"So, she was with you? She's ok, right? She didn't get banged up or anything??"
"Few bruises. Nothing serious. I think she did worse damage to me, to tell you the truth."
Buffy was turning red, saw evidence of his thumbs by her hipbones, and he had a sucker bite high on one pectoral.
"Ok. Um... Don't tell her I was here, ok? Don't want her to think I worried."
He grinned and chuckled. "Will do, Bit. I'll see you down at the Ohana later."
"Kay!" Her voice trailed off, evidence she was walking away, "Bye."
"Bye!", Spike called, knowing that the Key probably wouldn't hear it, but it was the polite thing to do. He collapsed back onto the pillows. "Bloody hell."
Buffy looked traumatized. "Oh my God."
He chuckled. "You okay, luv?"
"Great... Just about had sex and Dawn was-" Groaned.
He laughed quietly. "Luv. It's okay, really. She doesn't know. And I'll make sure never to mention it to the others." He sighed and closed his eyes. "You'll probably want to be going now."
She pouted. "Not really. I quite liked where I was five minutes ago."
His eyes opened, surprised. "Really?"
Her eyes swept over him, heating. "Really."
He smiled a little. "Somehow... I thought you'd leave, take a long shower, and then never speak to me again."
Her hands followed her eyes, tracing the lines of his abs, let a lazy smile curve her lips. "Well... good shower idea."
He gave a throaty chuckle. Then, "You're serious, aren't you? You don't regret this? You aren't mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad? I came to you. Seduced-" broke off. "Attempted to seduce you."
He smiled at her. "I think you did. I just meant... With what I am... and that you don't love me... and..." He trailed off, making a gesture that said he didn't know how to say what he was feeling.
She ignored the not-loving him part. She wasn't dealing with that now. She was dealing with a nice, good, warmth spreading through her system, with a punch of desire that felt right. "Water is water, is ice, is steam."
He gave a half grin. "So you did understand what I was talkin' about."
"I told you I did. I'm not just a dumb blonde."
"I knew that, luv. I'm just a little surprised, because I wasn't even that sure that I was saying what I thought right." Sighed. "When I get to talking sometimes, things don't exactly come out the way I'd like them to."
She slid her body on top of his, pressed her hips against his. "Then let's see how you do without words."
Growled softly and pressed his lips to her's, arching against her. Whispered, "I think you already know that, luv."
"Mm... I need reminding..."
========================================================================== ===========
A few hours later... quite a few hours later, after Buffy had left to go pack up her stuff in preparation for their departure, Spike was laying on his bed, wearing nothing but a pair of jeans. God. The bed still smelled like her.. Like them. The combined scents were almost intoxicating. He had to do something, though. He got up, reluctantly, and paced around the room, looking for something to do.
Suddenly, he spotted the stuffed cat on his table, and his eyes lit up. He went over and fished his cell phone out of his bag. Dialed quickly. Sure she'd be on the plane now, but they allowed phones, right?
A sleepy, "H'llo?" met his ears.
"Madison," he said, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice. "Guess what happened to me when I got back to the hotel last night!"
She woke up a little bit at his voice, the tone. "Someone dropped a house on her?"
"No. Guess again... Come on..." He flopped back onto the bed, breathing in deeply.
"You bit that obnoxious bell-boy?"
"Maadiiisooonn!"
Gave a sleepy lip smack and sigh. "I don't know, Puppy. Buffy jumped your bones."
"How'd you guess?"
She jerked awake. "Oh my God. No shit?"
"Would I kid you about *this*!?" He bounced on the bed slightly. "I came back, all upset about you leaving and stuff, and she's in my room! I have no clue how she got in here, and she's all dressed up and lots of make up, which I told her she didn't need-" He was talking a mile a minute, now.
"Puppy... Puppy. VERY happy for you! Didn't- oh, my- PUPPY! Did NOT need to know what kind of noise she makes-"
He trailed off into a happy laugh. "Sorry, sorry..." Bounced some more.
"You are not. Have you sniffed the pillows yet?"
"Oh, I'm beyond that. I'm rolling on the bed."
She laughed. "How sad, but still, how cute. And in the morning?"
"In the morning, what?"
"Did she- was she- *nice*??"
He sighed. "Yeah. Nice." Chuckled. "In fact, she only left because she barely had enough time to pack. I only take about five minutes." He laughed a little. "Although she nearly had a heart attack when Dawn came to the door."
A low gasp. "Noo..." He chuckled. "Yeah. I told her.." Pause to chuckle. "Told her that Buffy came over to spar, and then we fell asleep. I have bruises now."
She made an interested noise. "Oh really? Can you tell and keep it 'R'?"
He chuckled. "Dunno. Prolly not. Lets just say that I have only recently regained the ability to walk."
She laughed. "Dog."
"No. Puppy."
"Always my puppy. HA! I TOLD YOU DIDN'T I!?!?!" She ignored irate looks from other passengers. "I TOLD you it'd work!!!! Who is the best, Puppy?"
He grinned. "You are, Madison. You are. And thank you."
Superior sniff. "That's right I am. You're very welcome."
He chuckled, then quieted. "I miss you."
She sighed, petting the stuffed dog in her lap. "I miss you, too."
He reached over and hugged his stuffed cat to his chest. "It'll probably be a month at least before we get back to South Dakota."
Pouted. "Oh."
He winced, feeling his heart jump into his throat again. That's what it had to be, that very uncomfortable lump. "I'll call you every day. And night."
"I'll call you at night. You call me at day, ok?"
"Yeah." Small sniff. He hoped she'd missed it.
"Puppy, don't cry. Get the pen."
He grabbed it. "I'm not crying. And I've got it."
She smiled, wished she could nuzzle him. "Second button."
He pressed it, cuddling the stuffed cat under his chin as he listened to her message. Sniffled again.
"Did you read the back of my picture?"
"Not yet." Half chuckle. "I was rather busy last night."
She laughed, rolled her eyes. "I meant on the WAY home, but I guess not."
"Ah." Picked up the picture, turned it over. "Puppy," it read in her flowing script, "I love you. Don't worry. You'll be seeing me so much, you'll wonder why you ever thought you liked me in the first place. I'll be a big pain in the ass. I promise. Good luck. Always, Madison."
He chuckled. "No you won't. If anything, I'm going to annoy you to death, calling all the time."
She grinned. "Good. It'll be even, then."
He chuckled again, then jumped when there was a knock at his door. "Someone at the door," he said to the phone. "Who is it?!"
Buffy called to him. "Hey. We're leaving!"
"Ok, I'll be down in a minute, luv!", he called to her. Then to Madison. "I've got to go. We're leaving now. Call me when you get home?" His voice cracked a little, and he snarled. "Poofter."
She smiled. "I'm kissing the phone, Puppy. I'll call the minute we land."
He grinned, and hugged his stuffed cat. "I'm hugging my cat. I'll talk to you then. I love you, Madison."
"I love you, too, Puppy. Safe travels."
========================================================================== =================
Buffy watched silently as Madison turned to Spike, dislodging him from her back, looked up at him with an apologetic face, tears still on her cheeks. "Sorry, Puppy. I hate crying."
Spike sniffed. "*You* hate crying? How do you think I feel?" Wiped violently at his eyes. "Bleedin' embarrassing."
She grinned, her tears still running, and wiped at his cheeks, pushing his hands away so she could do it gently.
He nuzzled her hand quickly. Gave a shaky grin. "What do you say we go back out there and reintroduce you? The real you, this time."
She pouted. "I don't like Xander." Rubbed at her eyes harshly.
He chuckled. "Me neither. But he's one of Buffy's two best friends, so I put up with him." Gently brought a hand up and wiped her cheeks as she had his.
She took a deep breath. "I don't have to apologize do I?"
He grinned and shook his head. "We'll just tell them that we were playin' a joke. Dawn'll back us up."
"I meant to Bi-" Stopped. "Buffy. To," it took her a minute to only THINK the word and not say it, 'bitchy', "Buffy."
He tried not to chuckle. "No. I think... I think you might have actually gotten through to her. At least a little. She looked kind of upset, but I'll apologize to her for you later."
She snorted. "You absolutely will not do anything of the sort. Because you'd be *lying*. And if I wanted to apologize, I'd do it to her face, not through you."
Buffy gave a small smirk. Good. She was glad Madison wasn't sorry. Because neither was she.
Spike sighed. "Okay... I just hope she isn't *too* mad at me for this." He gave Madison a playful shove. "It was *your* idea, after all."
She grinned, shoved him back. "And did it fail? Noooo."
He laughed. "Okay, okay. You're right." Laughed a little harder. "Did you.. did you see the look on the Watcher's face?"
Buffy took in the sound. It was rich, and deep, and... happy. Not a noise she had ever heard from him.
Madison covered her face with her hands. "I was so embarrassed. I looked ridiculous, didn't I?"
He gave her a quick hug. "No. You're beautiful. If you'd been ridiculous, there would have been laughter, not amazed stares."
She smiled wryly. "I felt like... a cow or something. Your girls are so tiny and beautiful. Buffy... Well, I wasn't expecting someone that pretty. She's kind of... vibrant, ya know?"
Buffy tucked her hair behind her ear and listened for Spike's response.
Deep, longing sigh. "Yeah. I know." Shook his head. "You know, I actually loved her for at least two years, before I figured it out. Probably from the moment I saw her. She's just.. so amazing.. I don't even have words for it."
Madison grinned. "Well, she's certainly not ordinary. She *got* in my face, right back. It impressed me."
He chuckled. "Yeah. You should see her when she's really intent on killing someone. Like me. I used to see that all the time."
"Well, like you weren't trying to snap her neck or anything??" Wagged a finger at him playfully. "Did you tell her it wouldn't hurt if she stopped moving, too?"
He laughed again. "No. I *wanted* it to hurt her!"
"Well, then! I can't blame her for kicking your ass then."
Buffy nodded her agreement.
He snorted and pounced at her. "She did *not* kick my ass!" Play growled. "In fact, we usually wound up in a stalemate."
She laughed and growled at him. "Go you! Tough guy, huh?"
Growled back, walking around her in a slow circle. "You know it. Come here!" Pounced at her again.
She laughed and squealed, but slipped on the damp floor. As she went down, she smacked her head on the water heater, and pouted at Spike, holding her head.
He moved quickly over to her and squatted down in front of her, gently touching her head. "Are you okay? I'm sorry."
She gave an embarrassed laugh. "I'll be fine... Could I be more clutzy?" Winced, slid her hand across her temple. "Oooh... bit of red there." She pushed her hair aside. "Small cut, yeah?"
He picked up a towel that was on the ground and rested it gently against the small wound. "Really small. Barely bleeding at all."
She nodded. "Yeah. I guessed as much. I wouldn't even get lucky enough to make it dire. Just embarrassing." Batted his hands away. "Stop... hovering. I'm fine."
Buffy grinned. Madison was really charming. Telling Spike what to do like he was going to listen. And it WAS really cute how he was hovering over her.
Spike bit his lip. "You're sure you're okay?"
Gave an exasperated sigh. "Puppy. Are you trying to say that I look bad?"
His eyes grew wide. "No! You look great.. I just.. you scared me." He moved the towel to check. "I don't like it when someone I care about gets hurt."
She smiled at him. "Will I live, Doctor??"
He grinned and chuckled. "I'm far from bein' a doctor. But, I do know a lot about blood and wounds, so, in my opinion, yes. You will."
Pressed a hand to her heart. "Thank heaven." Smiled. "So... Are you ready to go out and play nice?"
He gave a half pout. "No. But I will if you will."
She pouted, too. "We can beg off for my 'head wound' and go get icecream."
He chuckled. "Dawn'll want to come with us."
She shrugged. "Dawn can come, then."
He grinned. "Nah. This is our last day together. I want to hog you."
Madison grinned. "Sorry. Just a snack."
Buffy made a confused face. What the hell was this girl on? Maybe they DID need to check her head out again...
Spike chuckled. "Yeah.. I know. I'm the one who told *you* that, you know. Seems you have yourself a pet vampire out of the deal, though."
She grinned at him. "Nah... But I got a really good vampire friend out of it."
He smiled at her. "And I got a great human friend in return." He lifted her to her feet and put a arm around her shoulders.
She laid her head on his shoulder. "Should I act faint, or are we toughing it out?"
"S'up to you. You're the injured party, here. I've just got a healed lump on my side."
"Do YOU wanna stay?"
He gave a half nod. "Kinda. I want everyone to know how great you are. I want to show you off." Gave her a grin. "And I have my own motives..." He whispered something to her.
She grinned. "I feel so much better now. And when I come visit you? The Ice Queen routine would SOOO get old."
He chuckled. "Yeah. I'm glad that we're gonna see each other again. I'm really gonna miss you after tomorrow. I don't even know when we'll be going back through South Dakota."
She gave him a sideways hug. "Just call me whenever you wanna talk, I'll do the same, and let me know when you'll be through. My schedule will be clear for you."
He returned the hug. "Yeah, but I'm gonna miss this. Actually being together, and being able to see you and touch you is a lot different from phone calls." Gave a quick grin. "And I am sooo going to miss your scritching."
She gave him a smiling eye-roll. "We've got a minute. Come here."
He grinned. "Right here?"
Buffy's eyes widened. Maybe she had been wrong about the non-sexualness of it. Almost positive she was wrong when Madison answered him, "Right here," with a sly grin, and finger crook.
Spike grinned. "Want me to lay down on that chair thing?"
Buffy's mouth moved, but no words came out. Oh, my GOD! That was... was sick. Was worse than Xander and Anya, and... ughhhhh...
Madison cast a look around. "Anywhere's fine for me. You have to like it."
He stretched out on his stomach on the lawn chair thing. "Oh, I'm fine here."
Buffy tilted her head. Sex kitten she was not, but she was SURE that unless Madison was hiding something in that bikini, she had no idea what was going on.
Madison stood by his head, ran her fingers through his wet hair, then set to scritching. The response was instantaneous, the vampire purred loudly and nuzzled against her hand, his eyes closing. Madison gave a huge grin, and kept scritching, moving her hands over his scalp.
Buffy was watching intently. So THAT'S what she had been talking about. Scritching. Hm. She decided to try to work it into the plan.
Spike had a really goofy grin on his face, and his eyes were totally closed as his pushed his head into her hands, purring loudly.
She laughed. "You and Will are the biggest spoiled brats I've ever met."
He chuckled, not even opening his eyes. "Yeah. But it takes talent. It's not easy to be this spoiled."
"Oh I know... You must work sooooo hard at it."
Very small, limited movement nod.
She laughed, scritched vigorously for a few seconds, then slowed greatly.
Spike sighed and opened one eye to look at her. "I really am a puppy, aren't I?"
She smiled, kissed his forehead. "MY puppy."
He chuckled. "Yeah. I'm your puppy, Dawn's almost big brother, and Buffy's doormat."
"I don't think so."
Buffy bit her bottom lip. Way with the harsh.
He glanced up at her. "I do. I don't mind, really. I accept the way things are, even if I want them to change. I've done everything I can. It's a predator's way to accept things that can not be changed."
She snorted. "Well it's MY way to kick some bitch's ass until it DOES."
Sigh. "Must we go through this again? Buffy is who she is. She can't change that, and neither can you, anymore than you could change the fact that I need blood to live." Rolled over slightly and reached a hand to cup her cheek gently. "Besides, I don't want her to hurt you."
Buffy and Madison bit their lips at the same time. Buffy wasn't sure she wanted to hear all this, but WAS sure that she NEEDED to.
"I'd let her, if it would change anything, in the smallest degree for you."
Spike gave a small smile. "In the last few weeks, things have already changed a lot, Madison. It just takes time. As much as I long for Buffy to tell me that she loves me and mean it, I also don't want to push her at all. I have time. I have plenty of time." Gave a half chuckle. "And the unfortunate tendency to allow my heart to dictate my life. Bloody hopeless romantic. That's me."
"Well, I'm a mean person, so it's not a problem for me. I want a boy like you. But, ya know.. with, heat and chemistry and stuff."
He chuckled. "And without fangs, I'm guessing."
She shrugged. "Doesn't matter, not really. I mean, we're ok, and you have fangs."
"Madison, do I really have to remind you that any other vampire would just as soon eat you as look at you? Or worse?"
She made a face. "I found you. I could find another one."
He shook his head. "There aren't any others like me, Madison. Cept maybe my poof of a grandsire, and that's totally different." Took a deep breath. "Can I tell you something? Something that no human knows about me. And only one other vampire."
She nodded, and began to pet his hair.
Buffy felt very skeazy, but listened intently.
He sighed again. "I'm... defective. A mutation. A vampire that kept most of his human traits and had to be taught to ignore them." Closed his eyes and pushed against her hand. "I didn't want to kill, didn't want to hunt. I was scared, and felt trapped, and didn't know what this thing was inside of me that made me do what I did. It took a long time for me to learn to hide it, and I did only because I knew that Angelus and Dru would stake me if they knew how I really felt. Remember the test? Kinda evil? I lied on some of the questions. If I'd answered truthfully, it would have come out not evil at all or something." Snort. "Personally, I was hoping for a better score than I got, anyway."
Buffy had way too much to think about now. It weighed heavily on her heart and her head.
Madison kept petting him with one hand, but knelt to wrap one arm around his shoulders from behind. "I'm glad. I'm glad you're... defective, or whatever you think you are. I think everyone should be like you, human or not."
He looked away. "Damnit woman. I told you to stop embarrassing me." A hidden grin in his voice, though.
She pressed her cheek to his, grinning. "Sorry. Just doing my job."
Chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Tell me another one."
"Those shorts are purple..."
"What!"
She laughed. "I'm just kidding, Puppy. But the look on your face..." She laughed harder.
He 'grr'ed at her. "You're pushing it, Madison.."
Blinked innocently at him. "You would never hurt me."
Growled playfully again. "I don't have to hurt you..."
She released him and backed away. "No."
Stood up slowly, still growling. Pounced at her again.
She darted left then right.
He slipped on the floor and did a perfect imitation of what she'd done earlier. *Clang!* "Ow!"
Madison's eyes went wide and she was kneeling at his side in a second. "Oh! Puppy! I'm so sorry! Are you ok?"
Buffy wanted to push her aside, and check him over, as she had twice before already.
He shook his head and blinked. "I'll be fine.. as soon as all these stars leave. And the little birdies flying around my head."
She laughed at his joke, but focused intently as she searched his head for a bump or cut.
Found bump. "Ouch."
She pouted her lips as she tilted his head to look at it.
He tried to pull back. "I'm fine, Madison. Really."
Tightened her hands in his hair. "Shh. Stop moving."
He obeyed and held still. "But I'm fine. It's just a bu- Ow! Watch it."
She whimpered. "I'm sorry! I just... Oooh.. it's not too big, but it looks like it hurts. There's a little cut on it."
He sighed. "It does hurt, but it'll stop, soon. Vampires heal fast." Gestured toward the lump on his side. "See? Even broken bones are okay in a couple of days. I bet it's already closed."
She checked again. "Sweet! That is so cool."
He chuckled. "Let's go talk to the others, before one of us winds up in a hospital." Got up slowly, and put a hand on his lower back. "Ooh. Damn. Pulled muscle, too. That'll go fast, though."
She gave him a look. "Trust me?"
He cocked his head at her. "Yeah. Of course. Why?"
"Lemme see it. And promise not to bite me when it hurts."
He turned slightly. "Okay. I wouldn't bite you anyway."
She followed his hands to the spot, then bit her lip. Pushed in on both sides with her thumbs, pushing in, hard, then out, just the same.
He gritted his teeth and winced.
She covered it with her palm, spoke quietly under her breath, then began to rub it softly.
He purred quietly and turned his head to look at her. "Thanks."
Big smile, hoped he hadn't heard her words. "Of course."
"What'd you say? Just a moment ago?"
Smiled. "Just hoping that my magic hands would help."
But Buffy had seen a white glow from her palm, and frowned intensely.
He gave a grin. "Okay, then. Let's go say hello to everyone, then go back upstairs. I think I need to lie down before I hurt something else."
Buffy walked away quickly, hitting the pool just before they rounded the corner.
Spike and Madison came around the corner, and the whole group could see the differences in their actions. Spike had his arm looped gently over Madison's shoulders, but there was no suggestion in the motion. None of the sexual energy that had been there before. He cleared his throat. "Everyone, I'd like to tell you that you've all just been had." He chuckled, and gently shoved Madison forward. "This is my friend, Madison. And no, we are not a couple."
She ducked her head a little bit, tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and then looked up shyly. "Hi."
Spike grinned again. "And Dawn was in on it, weren't you, Bit?"
Dawn suddenly shifted, then gave a sigh and a big grin. "Yup."
Spike looked around at the group's suddenly understanding faces. Xander actually chuckled. "I'm guessing this was to get us back for the Buffy and Giles thing awhile ago?"
Spike cocked his head, then gave a half grin. "Yeah. That's exactly what it was." Turned to Madison. "Would you like to swim?"
She cocked him a grin. "Yes."
He chuckled. "Then you'd better get in the pool." In one swift move, he grabbed her up and tossed her into the deep end.
A laughing squeal as she landed with a splash. She resurfaced, smiling and sputtering. "You're going down."
"I'd like to see you try."
Dawn was treading water at Spike's feet. "Hey, Spike."
Looked down. "Yeah, Bit?"
She held up her arms. "Help me out?"
Without thinking, he reached down to grab her hands. She jerked forcefully backwards, sending him tumbling in, and her underwater. She swam quickly in Giles' direction.
Spike came up, snorting and sputtering, then started after Dawn, half swimming, and half hopping along the bottom of the pool.
She was clinging to Giles' back, her arms hooked around his shoulders. "SAVE ME!"
Spike laughed and growled, started to move around Giles, when something put two hands on his shoulders and shoved him underwater with a blub.
Madison grinned at Dawn. "I got your back."
From underwater, Spike was blowing bubbles. Well, he was trying to talk, but bubbles was the best he could do. He moved slightly, then stood up, winding up with Madison sitting on his shoulders. "Oh, now, get off! I'm not a horse!"
She laughed, hooked her legs under his arms. "I'm kinda comfy. And I think it was kinda mean to throw me in the pool."
"I'm evil, remember?" Then said under his breath for her only to hear. "Don't answer that truthfully."
She clucked a moment, "Well, actually...." Let him sweat a moment. "Yeah. I remember. Kinda."
"Grrrrrr."
She smiled at Dawn from her perch. "Thanks for helping me, Dawn."
She grinned, but kept one eye on Spike, and both hands on Giles. Like he was 'base'. "No problem."
Spike walked around a bit, trying not to feel off balance with a human on his shoulders. "You're safe, Bit. I can't pounce with someone sittin' on me."
She gave a relieved smile, and let go of her sister's watcher, but stayed near him.
Giles had a very mean idea. He did it anyway. One hand went to Dawn's shoulder, and he pushed her under quickly, then let go. "That is for splashing me earlier."
She was sputtering. "Giles!!!" Looked to her sister. "Buf-FY!!!"
Buffy grinned from her perch on the side of the pool. "Gotta take one for the team."
Giles very slowly moved toward Buffy. "Don't think you are getting off the hook, Buffy. You started it."
From the far end of the pool, Spike and Madison watched as Giles yanked Buffy into the pool and dunked her underwater.
Madison unhooked her legs, and leaned back slowly, coming off his back in a smooth almost backflip, then pushed at Spike with a foot. Arched her brow at him.
He looked at her. "What?"
Shooed him forward.
He cocked his head. "What do you want me to do? Rescue Buffy from her Watcher?"
"In sight, out of reach." She rolled her eyes. "Honestly. And you're a master vampire?"
He snorted at her. Then his eyes widened. "Oh. Oh! Okay." Headed for the shallow end of the pool.
Shook her head and began to backfloat beside the Wiccas, talking with them quietly.
Spike licked his lips. Since when did this sort of thing require conscious thought? He walked over toward Buffy, then remembered something that he'd noticed her do when he'd stretched the other morning. Time to test. Using the edge of the pool, he waited until she glanced at him, then stretched his back, feeling the muscles tighten and relax.
She stopped smoothing her hair for a moment, caught off-guard by the movement of his back muscles. All of them. Every single one. Moving, and sliding, and- BAD BUFFY! Focus. Hair. Hair. Sexy back.. NO! Hair...
Hmm. That got a reaction. He wondered if she was even aware of her blood pressure rising. Continued the stretch, rocking from side to side to extend it to the muscles on his ribs as well.
The muscles on his ribs rippled from the top to bottom, which led to his hips. That the trunks were hugging. Whimper, heat, desire. Want want want. Her eyes flared, and she turned, deliberately away from him.
He chuckled to himself. Had the very strange desire to bounce happily. Shot Madison a 'how'm I doin'?' look.
She had been watching for her corner of the pool, grinned encouragingly. Ran her hands over her sides. 'Touch her.'
He grinned. Not a problem. He made his way over to where Buffy was sitting on the stairs, and climbed the stairs slowly, brushing past her. Agonizingly slowly.
Her eyes stayed riveted on her hands, folded in her lap. He moved against her, from his shoulders to his ankles. And she could do nothing about it. Deep breaths.
Ooh. What a physical reaction that time. The smells she was giving off... He shook his head. Now is really not the time to lose control. He walked over, used a towel to wipe the water off his face, as if that was the only reason that he'd gotten out in the first place, and then went back down the stairs, even slower, if that was possible. And he practically leaned against her as he walked. As if he were a cat and he was marking her as his.
Her folded hands clenched, and she felt one hand brush her shoulder in passing. Vacant stare at the water. Wrong. Bad. Something, not sex. But... sex was something, wasn't it??
Oh boy, this was fun... But now what? Unable to think of anything else to do, he looked to Madison for help.
She stood, swam to his side of the pool. Smiled charmingly at everyone. "Chicken, anyone?"
Spike cocked his head at her. "Chicken?"
"Yeah... two people sit on two people's shoulders, and the people on top fight. whoever falls off first, loses. Chicken."
Xander slid into the pool and walked over to Dawn. "Allow me to be your horse, lovely lady?" Dawn gave him a lopsided grin and began to clamor on his shoulders. Once Dawn was in place, Xander looked at Giles expectantly. "Well? Aren't you going to help Buffy?"
Giles got wide eyes. "Um.. No. I don't think so. I'd probably wind up in traction."
Over by the wall, Spike grinned. "I'll help the Slayer."
Buffy cut him a look. "I don't-"
"Buuufffffffffffy," Dawn whined at her, atop Xander. "Come oooon..."
She sighed. "Fine. I am so gonna kick your ass."
Spike walked over to Buffy and crouched slightly to help her climb on. "Come on up, Slayer."
She slid up, one leg hooking around his chest while she situated herself, pulling her other leg up. Finally, she hooked both legs at his sides.
He couldn't see her, but he said anyway, "Comfortable, luv?"
The muscles in her legs twitched slightly. "Yeah."
Spike couldn't hold it in. "So, I guess you like being on top, then?"
Heat. Heat heat heat. But still, on principle gave the top of his head a dirty look, tightened her thighs.
Spike chuckled. "Hmm. And rough, too, apparently. I should've guessed as much."
"Ugh." Released her vice on the sides of his head. "Shut up."
Chuckled again, and sent Madison a glance, hoping that she'd heard that exchange.
Her cheeks were a light pink. "Teams ready?"
All four nodded.
"No biting. That's the rule. Go!"
Dawn and Buffy surged forward, laughing, trying to wrestle the other off.
Spike and Xander did their best to keep their balance as well, and Spike, just to be a jerk, growled and snapped at Xander, who nearly jumped backwards.
Madison just grinned. Spike wasn't paying attention to his hands, she noticed, because Buffy was losing, and Spike wasn't holding her.
Feeling the Slayer start to slip, Spike grabbed her legs and bucked slightly to help her regain her seating.
Sharp intake of breath, and her back snapped straight, and Spike's hands clasped on her thighs were helping, and not helping at the same time.
Spike growled again, then yelled, "Come on, luv! We can take 'em!" He had entered one of his playful moods and was enjoying the game.
Buffy leaned against Dawn, who was panicking slightly, and told Spike, "Back! Pull back!"
He did as she said, quickly.
She yanked Dawn forward as they backed up, and laughed as her sister fell into the pool with a satisfying splash. And took Xander with her.
Spike was laughing as well. He grinned. "We win."
She tossed her hair. "Of course we win."
Spike started strutting around the pool like a peacock, bringing the Slayer on his shoulders with him.
She was swaying back and forth, laughing.
Spike shot a grin at Madison. Buffy was having fun! With him! This was new.
She grinned back at him. Very proud.
Spike changed his strutting to a trot, making Buffy bounce as if she were riding a horse.
Buffy bit her lip. Fun from her stomach up. Suggestive, bad, and very, very, deliciously dirty from the hips down.
The vampire finished his circle of the pool, and crouched near the stairs, letting Buffy off, if she wanted.
She clambered down, landing on the stairs with her legs crossed, and hands folded. "Good game, Spike."
He grinned at her, feeling on some sort of endorphin high. "Yeah. Almost as fun as sparring with you, luv."
Grinned. "Neither one of us gets bruises this way."
He laughed. "Good point. Although I think you put a crick in my neck." He sat on the stairs next to her. "No hard feelings about earlier? I am sorry, you know." Cocked his head. "Out of curiosity, why *were* you so upset, anyway?" As if I didn't already know, he thought with a mental grin.
"No. No hard-... feelings. No hard feelings. Just... uh... we're friends now, and... I didn't like her very much."
He chuckled. "I noticed." He glanced over to where Madison was now playing with Dawn and Willow. "But seriously, what do you think of her now?" There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice. A few weeks earlier, Buffy wouldn't have even known him well enough to catch it. He really cared what she thought of his friend.
"She's... pretty."
He sighed. "She doesn't like you, either, you know. I seem to have given her the wrong impression, and I'm sorry."
She shrugged. "Demons hate me every day. I think I can handle her." Finally, "She's got a lot of guts, and a lot of heart."
He nodded with a grin. "Yeah. Her dad's Irish, and her mum's Hispanic. Makes for a volatile combination at times."
She smirked. "No." Sighed. "Perfect skin color, much?"
He shrugged, and held out a non-tanned arm. "Like I know about skin color? I told her earlier that I didn't want to swim, because I look like a dead whitefish."
She rolled her eyes. "EVERYONE looks like a dead fish next to her."
He shook his head, responded without thinking. "You don't."
She dropped her eyes. "Do you- is she anything special?"
He cocked his head at her. "What do you mean?"
"She... has a strong presence. Is she a witch, or anything?"
He looked over at Madison. "No. I don't think so. She didn't even know that stuff like me or you existed until I told her about this stuff."
Buffy nodded. "Oh."
He cocked his head at her. "Why do you ask?"
Because I spied on you and she can make her hands glow white?? "Told you. Strong presence."
"Oh." Turned back to watch Madison, Dawn, Willow, and now Tara as well, playing in the deep end of the pool. "I know why nothing can kill you, now."
"Wh-why?" His statement was random, and it confused her.
"Your friends. You have a reason to live, that no Slayer's ever had before. I didn't really understand that before. Now I do."
She smiled, took them in. "Yes. I do."
"I'm not sorry that I've tried to kill you, though. I've tried to be, but I just can't. It was who I was, then. A thing is itself. Water is water, a tree is a tree. A monster's still a monster." Took a deep breath, then continued. "Or is it? Water is water, until heated, and then it's steam. Or frozen, and then it's ice." He looked at Buffy. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say, or am I just confusing you?"
She wished he was. "I understand."
Nodded, then went back to watching the girls in silence.
========================================================================== =============
Madison sat on her bed, beside Spike. "Bad news."
He looked up at her, since he was laying on his back. "Don't tell me bad news. I'm feeling too good for bad news."
She smiled. "I just meant that I'm gonna stay the night at my uncle's. Cuz he's taking me to my flight in the morning."
Spike groaned. "And we're not leaving till tomorrow afternoon." He maneuvered into her lap. "You can't leave if I won't let you get up."
She smiled and started stroking his hair. "Ok. Gonna drop me back off in South Dakota, then? Take me along with you?"
"I'll take you all the way back home, and keep you in my crypt."
She smiled. "How's the college there?"
He shrugged. "Ask Red or Tara. Buffy was there for awhile, but had to drop out when Joyce died."
She nodded, kept petting him. "I'm gonna really miss you."
He made a quiet whimpering sound and nuzzled her leg. "Puppies don't do well alone, you know."
She kept petting him, and moved her hand to scratch at his side. "Neither do I." She tilted her head. "Ya know what? He told me to come in when I was done for the night. So, I just have to sleep there."
Whimpered again. "So you won't come back to the hotel?"
She frowned. "No. But we can go out tonight if you want to."
He looked up at her. "Really? You want to?"
She nodded. "I mean... if you do."
He grinned. "Of course I do. I'll take you to dinner and a movie. Something scary. Then we'll see where we wind up."
She grinned. "Cool!"
He grew quiet again. "Maybe it'll take my mind off how much I'm going to miss you."
She nodded. "Will you drop me off at Uncle Josh's, so I can pick something up for you?"
"Yeah." Looked up at her. "Something for me? What?"
She smiled. "Wait and see."
He snorted. "I hate waiting. I'm not good at it."
She rolled her eyes. "Surprise of surprises."
"Grrr. Watch it. If you want to get home alive, missy."
She ruffled his hair. "I'll be ok. I have a big guard puppy to watch out for me."
He chuckled and nuzzled her hand. "We've still got a couple of hours till sundown. I can't leave till then. And I want to tell Dawn where we're going."
She nodded. "Good. I'm gonna need that long to get all the chlorine out of my hair."
He laughed. "Yeah. I'll go take a shower, then tell the others where we're going, and then come back here... Pick you up at nine?"
She grinned. "All right. Talk to you later, Puppy."
He grinned at her, then got up and headed back to his own room.
========================================================================== =============
Buffy stood in Spike's room, using his bathroom mirror, heavily lining her eyes. Her hair was already done with two different sized rollers, giving it a tousled effect. Lips were a candied red, cheekbones highlighted. The room behind her gave off a soft glow, and a sandalwood scent. Over seventy candles filled it, fifty sandalwood, ten vanilla, and ten rose scented. She looked in the mirror and surveyed her handiwork. Her eyes were smoky, lips bright crimson, hair carelessly tumbled, and it all made a seductive picture. She put her cosmetics back in the bag, slipped off the robe, wrapped the bag up in the robe, and slipped it under a counter, in a corner she thought it wouldn't be noticed in. Looked in the mirror again. Nodded. Everything was ready. All she needed... was him...
========================================================================== ==============
Madison smiled at Spike on the stoop of her uncle's porch. "Well, we're here," she said.
He sighed, and tried for a brave smile. "Yeah. I had fun."
Small smile. "Yeah... me, too." Looked at the stuffed dog in her hands. Still couldn't believe they found it in the Wal-mart. Spike had chosen a stuffed creature to represent her, too.
He blinked down at the little stuffed cat with green eyes that he'd chosen. "God.. I miss you already."
She pouted softly. "I know."
Blinked stubbornly. "I promised myself I wouldn't do this. Get all bleedin' emotional and crap."
She grinned. "Me, too. Come in. I'll get you your... thing."
He cocked his head at her and followed. "Your uncle isn't home, huh?"
She smiled at him. "It's almost 1:30, Puppy... He's got to take me to the airport at six."
"Oh. So he's sleepin'." Spike sat on a chair by the door, hugging the stuffed cat to his chest absently. "I'll wait here."
She nodded, went into a side room to collect the things she had gathered beforehand. Came back out, settled herself on his lap. "Here's your first thing." Handed him a portrait from a studio. "Mom makes us get pictures every two years. You got lucky. This is a year."
He chuckled, and smiled at the photo. "Beautiful. I'll get a nice frame for it."
She bit her lip. "There's stuff on the back, but that's only for later."
He wanted to turn it over, but refrained. Put the stuffed cat on a table in favor of putting a arm around her waist.
She leaned against his shoulder, and handed him a thick pen with buttons on it. "I stole this from Kevin, one of the heathens."
He cocked his head and looked at it. "Why a pen?"
She pointed to the top button. "You hit this button, and it records, while you talk into the top of it. Then you hit the second button, and it plays it back."
"A pen that's a tape recorder? What for?"
She gave a little sigh and hit the second button. "I love you, Puppy," came a respectable parrot of Madison's voice from the top of the pen.
The vampire's eyes welled, and he closed them forcefully. "Oh.."
She bit her lip. "Yeah."
Blinked repeatedly. Then put the pen and photo with the stuffed cat and wrapped both arms around her tightly, but not tight enough to cut off oxygen.
She pulled as closely to him as possible, hugged back just as tightly.
She could probably feel his shoulders shaking slightly, and he nuzzled against her shoulder. "I love you, too." It came out a lot shakier than he would have liked.
She just sat there, her head buried in the crook of his neck, hoping he couldn't feel her tears.
Spike ended the silence without meaning to. Loud sniff. "Damnit."
She lifted her head, with a small laugh. "Yeah." Laid her forehead against his. "You're gonna come see me soon. And then I'll come visit you."
"Yeah.. I know.." Sniffed again, blinking hard. "My stomach hurts now."
She nodded, agreeing. Hers did too. She removed one of his hands from around her, started to nibble pensively on one of his fingers.
He closed his eyes, and two tears escaped. Opened them and mimicked her actions with one of her fingers.
After a little while, she stopped, kissed the pad of the finger. "I bet we look silly doing that."
He chuckled. "Yeah. But it made me feel a little better. Still hurts, though." He shifted a little. "I uh.. I have something for you, too.. I just don't know if I really want to show it to you or not."
"Of course you do."
He was chewing his lip. "It.. I.. Um.." Swallowed. "It's in my pocket."
She scooted off his lap, ready to sit again when he took it out.
He pulled out an envelope, which he'd written 'To: Madison' on in a beautiful, flowing script. "I don't think I want you to open it until I leave, though. If you don't... I mean.. It might.." Disgusted snort. "Why can I not talk tonight?"
She shrugged, sat back down on his lap. "It might, what?"
"Not be any good." Very quiet. "Cause I usually suck at poetry."
She bit her lip. "You wrote me a poem?"
He fidgeted with the envelope. "Yeah.. well.. Ya know.. I'll just keep it. I don't want you to look at it, and not like it, and I'm babbling, so I'll shut up now."
She snatched it out of his hands, held it to her chest protectively. "No! You can't have it."
His eyes got wide, almost scared looking. "Madison.. it was a bad idea.. and I'm a bloody awful poet. You don't want that thing."
Her eyes were wide, vulnerable. "No one's ever written me anything. I know it won't be bad. Puppy, please don't take it away."
He swallowed. "Well.. Okay.. And I guess you can read it now, if you want." He was almost shaking. Whether from sadness, or a memory, or a true fear that she'd hate it, was unclear.
She turned a little in his lap, so she was facing him, and opened the envelope, read the poem:
"Puppy....
I hear that name and my heart leaps, I know it means you're near.
I've never known someone like you, And I'm grateful that you're here.
We found each other by accident, One wonderfully fateful night.
And now you listen when I talk, And help me see what's right.
I tell you things that no one knows, And you don't ever judge.
I wish I'd known you long ago, Known what it meant to be loved.
Friendship deeper than a bond of blood, Companionship when I need it.
No matter where we are or go, I know I'll always be this.
Me, your friend, You, my heart, Me, your Puppy."
Happiness, wonder, and a touch of sadness crossed her face, open for him to see. She looked back up at him, biting her shaking bottom lip. "Puppy," she whispered.
He half whimpered. "I know. It sucks. You don't have to tell me."
Her eyes were glistening, full to almost overflowing. "No. *No*." It was vehement. "It's... sweet, and wonderful, and it made me cry."
He looked kind of shocked. "Really? I.. No one's ever complemented one of my poems before." He felt another pair of tears escape and wiped at them absently.
She sniffed hers back indignantly. "Well, I love my poem. And if anyone says anything mean about it, I'm hurting them." Looked at him. "Really? For me?"
He smiled. "Yeah. I just.. wrote it the other night. When you were sleepin'..." Glanced away, embarrassed.
She smiled, ran a hand over his cheek. "You're my best friend, Puppy. I know Dawn is yours, but I want you to know. You're mine."
He broke. Pulled her to him and nuzzled his face against her shoulder, his own shaking violently. "I don't want to go.."
She wrapped her arms around him, one hand petting the hair on the nape of his neck. "Me either. But you'd miss them."
Sniffed, nuzzled again. "But I miss you now."
She shut her eyes tightly, and bit her lip. He was ruining her 'be strong' resolve. "I miss you, too."
He pulled back a little, blinking hard. "Sorry."
She pushed her nose against his, an Eskimo kiss. "S'ok."
He chuckled a little. "I love you, Madison. Promise me that we're never going to forget each other, okay? Promise me that we'll see each other again."
"I promise you that we're never, ever gonna forget each other, because we're too cool to be forgotten. And I promise you, every free chance I get, I'll be in California."
He nuzzled her again. "Thank you. I wish I had something else for you."
She smiled proudly at her poem, and cast a glance at her black stuffed puppy with a white spot on its head. "This is all I want."
"I know.. I just wish.." He looked around, his eyes locking on something in the corner. "Does that Polaroid have a timer?"
She shrugged, stood, and went to look at it. Smiled. "Yeah."
He grinned. "Let's take two pictures together. One for each of us. If you want to, that is." He gave a small snort. "Although I do *not* photograph well. Makes me look all pasty."
She smiled. "You're gorgeous. Let's get our pictures."
Ten minutes later, the two friends were sitting in the chair again, shaking the developing photos. "Hope they come out good," Spike muttered.
She grinned. "How can they not?"
The vampire was muttering something about stupid so called modern conveniences, and slightly ignored her.
For her picture, making its fuzzy way to reality, she had insisting on them wrapping their arms around each other as hard as they could, cheeks pressed together, smiling happily at the camera.
As for Spike's, he'd just wanted her sitting in his lap as she had before, and right when the camera had been about to go off, he'd poked her in the ribs, so the developing picture was of her with her mouth open and hand raised about to whack him, and him laughing. He looked at it. Good picture.
She peeked at his, then groaned. "Ugggghhhh that's so ugly of me!" Showed him hers.
He grinned, then chuckled. "First of all, I think you're beautiful when you whack me, and second, *I* look stupid in yours."
Indignant noise. "You do NOT. Look at you all smiling huge. It's too cute."
He snorted. "What have I told you? I am *not* cute. I'm scary, and devilishly handsome, but not *cute*." Made a face.
"Fine. Devilishly handsome."
He grinned. "Thank you."
Smiled. "Anytime."
He smiled back, then looked at the clock. Nearly two thirty. "Shit. I'm sorry. You probably want to get some sleep before you have to catch a plane. I should go." He made no move to get up, though.
She smiled at his half-effort, and wrapped her arms around him. "Yeah."
Sigh. "I'm getting up now." Didn't move. "I'm going out the door. Any second now. I'm walking down the sidewalk." Cocked his head. "Am I gone yet?"
"Yup."
"Good." Rested his head on her shoulder again. "I can't move. I don't want to move."
Soft smile, rested her head on his. Closed her eyes. Neither did she.
========================================================================== =================
Buffy fidgeted. He was out with Madison. Madison was his friend. She was leaving tomorrow. She was his friend. Turned off the TV. Lit the candles again. Around two, she had blown them out, didn't want them to burn all the way down. If he wasn't back by three-thirty, she was gone, and never thinking about this again. Except to chew him out.
Spike trudged back to the hotel, carrying his stuffed cat, pictures, and his recorder pen. He felt like his stomach was sitting in his left shoe, and his heart was in his throat. Sighed as he climbed into the elevator. This was going to be a long, lonely night. Or so he thought.
Buffy heard the steps down the hall, and she checked her face one more time, tossed the remote under the bed, tugged at her hair a moment, then lounged back on the bed.
Spike slid his card key in the lock. Maybe he'd invite Dawn to come and spent what was left of the night with him. He put his gifts on a table and headed for the bedroom. Maybe they could- What's that smell? Sandalwood and.. vanilla? Candles? Who the hell... He froze as he stood in the bedroom door and took in the person on the bed. Buffy. He blinked, shook his head, and blinked again. "Buffy?"
She stood slowly from the bed, took a few steps towards him. She was wearing the infamous Wal-Mart outfit. The almost boy-cut panties hugged her, as did the red lace top that she wasn't wearing a bra with tonight. She made a slow, full turn, her hands gliding over her body, running from her hips to bury themselves in her tousled curls. "You asked if I'd model it for you."
Am I dead? Stupid question. Ok, then, dreaming? The vampire swallowed. God, she's gorgeous. "Buffy.. What's going on here?"
She was walking towards him, an almost predatorial gate in her swinging hips. "I'm trying to seduce you."
He licked his lips. "It's working." He took a hesitant step toward her. "Buffy. Now, don't get mad at me, but I have to ask. Are you drunk or something?"
She reached out to capture one of his hands, ran it over her as she looked at him through smoky eyes. "Do I look drunk?"
"No. But I think I might be. Either that, or this is the most realistic dream I've ever had."
She took his other hand, placed it on the swell of her breast as she reached out to run a hand down his torso. "Does this feel like a dream?"
The vampire's mouth opened, then closed, then opened again. "Most definitely not. Are you sure you feel okay?"
Small half smile. "You tell me. Do I feel ok?"
Raised a hand to touch her, then pulled back. "This isn't a trick? Harris isn't hidin' somewhere, gonna stake me when I'm not payin' attention?"
Her hand moved lower, ran a finger over the zipper on his jeans. "Xander has nothing to do with this."
He took a step back. "Luv.. I don't want you doing something that you're going to regret. Tomorrow, you'll be back to seeing me as a monster again, and then you'll never speak to me again. I don't want that."
For his step back, she took one forward. "I won't hate you in the morning." Her mind was racing. She's wasn't a virgin, but... seduction? She wasn't a vixen. This was harder than she had planned. He wanted her. She could tell- could SEE that he did. She was offering, why didn't he- Madison's words echoed in her head, about Spike's fears. Alone. Failing her in any way. He was scared.
He licked his lips. Cocked his head at her, examining her face. "Why all the make up?"
She was mentally stuttering. Swallowed. "Came with the outfit."
He gently took her hand, lead her to the bed, sat her down, then sat next to her. He took an old embroidered handkerchief out of his jeans pocket, and gently began wiping some of the make up off her face, holding her chin softly with the other hand. "You don't need it. You're beautiful, luv."
She tried to not squirm. He was ruining her delivery. Buffy didn't make plans or scripts often, and when she did, she was lost without them. She did the first thing that came to her mind. Leaned up, kissed him.
He was a little surprised at that, but didn't pull back. The hand that had been holding her chin slipped to her shoulder.
Her teeth tugged at his bottom lip, opening his mouth to her.
He responded, allowing instinct to rule for the moment while he figured out what to do. His hand slid further down her back, wandering absently.
Her fingers began to unbutton the black shirt he was wearing. Tilted her head, angled their kiss.
This was still half in a dream for the vampire. Part of him just could not accept that the Slayer actually wanted him like this. His other hand found it's way to her other shoulder, and slid up and down her arm gently, memorizing how soft and warm her skin was. How wonderful this felt.
She leaned against him, her hips rocking up and down, serving to move her against him, slid his shirt open. She looked at him through half-lowered lids, wanting to say something bound to make him go crazy, but nothing came to her... Pretty? Maybe. But she was not a temptress. She started to kiss down the center of his chest, hands moving quickly over him.
Spike gave a bit of a gasp and swallowed hard. One last time. "Buffy... are you sure?"
Her mind raced. What would he want to hear?? She hoped for the best, and recklessly pressed her lips to his again in answer.
He pulled back slightly, his hands on her shoulders. "Buffy. What do you want?" She opened her mouth, and he shushed her. "Not what you think I want. What do *you* want?"
She looked at him, knowing her 'sex-kitten' charade had fallen flat. Looked at him, confused. "To be everything you want."
He looked at her, blue eyes full of love, longing, and desire. "Then just be Buffy."
Her eyes clouded with doubt, she raked her hands over his chest, kissing at his neck, tugging at his jeans. "Not Madison?" Her fingers shook, fumbled a moment, but she slipped the button on his jeans open.
Spike made a surprised sound that was halfway between a gasp and a groan. His eyes flashed, and he arched against her partially involuntarily. "No. Never Madison."
She pulled on his zipper, her mouth meeting his, said between open- mouthed kisses, "Just Buffy?"
A feral growl escaped the vampire, and he moved quickly, pushing her to the bed with him on top of her, eyes flashing with excitement, love, and desire. Looked her in the eyes. "Only Buffy. Always."
========================================================================== ========
Spike had been resolutely fighting dozing off for the last hour. For the four hours preceding that, he hadn't had to worry about sleeping. He glanced over at the sleeping Slayer by his side, curled against him. God, she was beautiful. Her hair no longer had most of the curls from before, and her skin was still slightly flushed, which made her all the more beautiful to him. He gave a deep sigh.
There was a simple reason that he wasn't going to sleep. He was convinced that he'd wake up alone, and all of the previous night would have just been the single longest... and most erotic.. dream of his life and unlife. So, he did what he usually did to keep himself awake. Stare at the ceiling. It was a nice ceiling. Could use some new paint in the corner, but other than that...
Buffy stirred slowly, a satisfied smile already on her lips as she stretched slowly.
Spike didn't move, just kept resolutely staring at the ceiling. Although the feeling of her moving against him did cause his purring, which had quieted, to get loud again. It was a deep purr, a sound that he'd never actually made before. A love purr.
Little sigh. "Mornin'."
No response. Whatever you do, don't wake up. Don't let it end.
She frowned, poked his arm. Still, nothing. To herself, she said, "I think I broke him."
Small smile from Spike. He was suddenly convinced that he was indeed awake. "I'm not broken, luv. Just numb from the waist down."
She made a tiny grunting noise, moved her leg over his to get closer. "Mm... Me, too... If I had to pee right now... So wouldn't know it."
He chuckled and slipped an arm around her, sighing happily.
She nuzzled down against his bare shoulder, looked at his hand, lying on his chest. She reached over, brought it to her mouth.
He cocked his head down at her, fighting the sleepiness that was threatening him.
She turned it palm up, and kissed across the lines that were invisible now, but a few weeks ago had been bloody cuts from a sword. Moved to his fingers, kissing across them, where the blade had sliced into them.
He purred, watching her and fighting the urge to close his eyes.
She was at his forefinger, kissed every joint, looked at him, sex and sleep tousled, and drew her tongue along the side of it, sucked on the tip of his finger for a moment.
He let out a quiet moan. "Luv.. Don't get me going again, please. I'm gonna need to sleep for two days as it is. Assuming I can walk."
She just looked at him, kept sucking and licking at his finger. Stopped long enough to ask, "Better?"
"Better than what?"
"The bot."
He chuckled. "No contest, luv. You're a gold medalist, and the stupid bucket of bolts didn't even place. It's only slightly above Harmony, anyway."
She smiled, slid herself across his hips. "Let's not talk about her..."
His eyes crossed. "Luv... Exhausted, remember?"
Started to bite across his shoulder. "Exhausted or lazy?"
He chuckle/growled. "What do you think?"
Licked a trail across his collarbone. "That you're faking."
His eyes closed. "Luv.. Okay, you got me." He was about to roll on top of her again, when someone knocked on the door.
She jerked to a sitting position, the sheet hauled up to her neck. Eyes swung to Spike.
He shrugged and shook his head. He didn't know who'd be knocking either. Deliberately made it sound as if he'd just woken up. "Uh.. Who is it?"
"Spike?" Dawn's voice called to him, slightly worriedly.
Spike fought down a grin. "I was sleepin, Bit. I'd ask you in, but I'm not exactly decent right now." Wagged his eyebrows at the Slayer.
Gave him a look, swatted at him.
"Ha-have you seen Buffy??" Dawn's voice carried to them, and Buffy knew her sister was worrying her lip.
"Funny you'd ask-"
She gave him an outraged look, smacked him. Hard.
He winced, and continued with what he'd been trying to say. "-cause she came by late last night. Wanted to spar. So we did, and now she's.. sleeping. I'll send her down when she wakes up." Shot the Slayer a look, whispered, "What did you think I was going to say?!"
"So, she was with you? She's ok, right? She didn't get banged up or anything??"
"Few bruises. Nothing serious. I think she did worse damage to me, to tell you the truth."
Buffy was turning red, saw evidence of his thumbs by her hipbones, and he had a sucker bite high on one pectoral.
"Ok. Um... Don't tell her I was here, ok? Don't want her to think I worried."
He grinned and chuckled. "Will do, Bit. I'll see you down at the Ohana later."
"Kay!" Her voice trailed off, evidence she was walking away, "Bye."
"Bye!", Spike called, knowing that the Key probably wouldn't hear it, but it was the polite thing to do. He collapsed back onto the pillows. "Bloody hell."
Buffy looked traumatized. "Oh my God."
He chuckled. "You okay, luv?"
"Great... Just about had sex and Dawn was-" Groaned.
He laughed quietly. "Luv. It's okay, really. She doesn't know. And I'll make sure never to mention it to the others." He sighed and closed his eyes. "You'll probably want to be going now."
She pouted. "Not really. I quite liked where I was five minutes ago."
His eyes opened, surprised. "Really?"
Her eyes swept over him, heating. "Really."
He smiled a little. "Somehow... I thought you'd leave, take a long shower, and then never speak to me again."
Her hands followed her eyes, tracing the lines of his abs, let a lazy smile curve her lips. "Well... good shower idea."
He gave a throaty chuckle. Then, "You're serious, aren't you? You don't regret this? You aren't mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad? I came to you. Seduced-" broke off. "Attempted to seduce you."
He smiled at her. "I think you did. I just meant... With what I am... and that you don't love me... and..." He trailed off, making a gesture that said he didn't know how to say what he was feeling.
She ignored the not-loving him part. She wasn't dealing with that now. She was dealing with a nice, good, warmth spreading through her system, with a punch of desire that felt right. "Water is water, is ice, is steam."
He gave a half grin. "So you did understand what I was talkin' about."
"I told you I did. I'm not just a dumb blonde."
"I knew that, luv. I'm just a little surprised, because I wasn't even that sure that I was saying what I thought right." Sighed. "When I get to talking sometimes, things don't exactly come out the way I'd like them to."
She slid her body on top of his, pressed her hips against his. "Then let's see how you do without words."
Growled softly and pressed his lips to her's, arching against her. Whispered, "I think you already know that, luv."
"Mm... I need reminding..."
========================================================================== ===========
A few hours later... quite a few hours later, after Buffy had left to go pack up her stuff in preparation for their departure, Spike was laying on his bed, wearing nothing but a pair of jeans. God. The bed still smelled like her.. Like them. The combined scents were almost intoxicating. He had to do something, though. He got up, reluctantly, and paced around the room, looking for something to do.
Suddenly, he spotted the stuffed cat on his table, and his eyes lit up. He went over and fished his cell phone out of his bag. Dialed quickly. Sure she'd be on the plane now, but they allowed phones, right?
A sleepy, "H'llo?" met his ears.
"Madison," he said, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice. "Guess what happened to me when I got back to the hotel last night!"
She woke up a little bit at his voice, the tone. "Someone dropped a house on her?"
"No. Guess again... Come on..." He flopped back onto the bed, breathing in deeply.
"You bit that obnoxious bell-boy?"
"Maadiiisooonn!"
Gave a sleepy lip smack and sigh. "I don't know, Puppy. Buffy jumped your bones."
"How'd you guess?"
She jerked awake. "Oh my God. No shit?"
"Would I kid you about *this*!?" He bounced on the bed slightly. "I came back, all upset about you leaving and stuff, and she's in my room! I have no clue how she got in here, and she's all dressed up and lots of make up, which I told her she didn't need-" He was talking a mile a minute, now.
"Puppy... Puppy. VERY happy for you! Didn't- oh, my- PUPPY! Did NOT need to know what kind of noise she makes-"
He trailed off into a happy laugh. "Sorry, sorry..." Bounced some more.
"You are not. Have you sniffed the pillows yet?"
"Oh, I'm beyond that. I'm rolling on the bed."
She laughed. "How sad, but still, how cute. And in the morning?"
"In the morning, what?"
"Did she- was she- *nice*??"
He sighed. "Yeah. Nice." Chuckled. "In fact, she only left because she barely had enough time to pack. I only take about five minutes." He laughed a little. "Although she nearly had a heart attack when Dawn came to the door."
A low gasp. "Noo..." He chuckled. "Yeah. I told her.." Pause to chuckle. "Told her that Buffy came over to spar, and then we fell asleep. I have bruises now."
She made an interested noise. "Oh really? Can you tell and keep it 'R'?"
He chuckled. "Dunno. Prolly not. Lets just say that I have only recently regained the ability to walk."
She laughed. "Dog."
"No. Puppy."
"Always my puppy. HA! I TOLD YOU DIDN'T I!?!?!" She ignored irate looks from other passengers. "I TOLD you it'd work!!!! Who is the best, Puppy?"
He grinned. "You are, Madison. You are. And thank you."
Superior sniff. "That's right I am. You're very welcome."
He chuckled, then quieted. "I miss you."
She sighed, petting the stuffed dog in her lap. "I miss you, too."
He reached over and hugged his stuffed cat to his chest. "It'll probably be a month at least before we get back to South Dakota."
Pouted. "Oh."
He winced, feeling his heart jump into his throat again. That's what it had to be, that very uncomfortable lump. "I'll call you every day. And night."
"I'll call you at night. You call me at day, ok?"
"Yeah." Small sniff. He hoped she'd missed it.
"Puppy, don't cry. Get the pen."
He grabbed it. "I'm not crying. And I've got it."
She smiled, wished she could nuzzle him. "Second button."
He pressed it, cuddling the stuffed cat under his chin as he listened to her message. Sniffled again.
"Did you read the back of my picture?"
"Not yet." Half chuckle. "I was rather busy last night."
She laughed, rolled her eyes. "I meant on the WAY home, but I guess not."
"Ah." Picked up the picture, turned it over. "Puppy," it read in her flowing script, "I love you. Don't worry. You'll be seeing me so much, you'll wonder why you ever thought you liked me in the first place. I'll be a big pain in the ass. I promise. Good luck. Always, Madison."
He chuckled. "No you won't. If anything, I'm going to annoy you to death, calling all the time."
She grinned. "Good. It'll be even, then."
He chuckled again, then jumped when there was a knock at his door. "Someone at the door," he said to the phone. "Who is it?!"
Buffy called to him. "Hey. We're leaving!"
"Ok, I'll be down in a minute, luv!", he called to her. Then to Madison. "I've got to go. We're leaving now. Call me when you get home?" His voice cracked a little, and he snarled. "Poofter."
She smiled. "I'm kissing the phone, Puppy. I'll call the minute we land."
He grinned, and hugged his stuffed cat. "I'm hugging my cat. I'll talk to you then. I love you, Madison."
"I love you, too, Puppy. Safe travels."